America has a critical place to play in the end of extreme poverty.

Live Below the Line raises real money to help the world's poorest people, but it is also a symbolic demonstration aimed at highlighting - not replicating - the plight of the world's poor.

When I was 13, I did become a Christian. And so it was when I was 13, that I thought... I just... I really saw a good example in Jesus and how he was just so... such a tremendous radical love and service of the poor. I just thought, 'Man, why can't we all do the same?'

History shows that all protest movements rely on symbols - boycotts, strikes, sit-ins, flags, songs. Symbolic action on whatever scale - from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to wearing a simple wristband - is designed to disrupt our everyday complacency and force people to think.

I think members of the legislature, people who have to run for office, know the connection between money and influence on what laws get passed.

If someone has money, they can put their child in a private school, paying tens of thousands of dollars for tuition. But their child's needs are met. What is lacking is options for that single mom with three kids, or just that intact family but lower income.

Character is power; it makes friends, draws patronage and support and opens the way to wealth, honor and happiness.

The Cash Money sound pretty much changed the era. It kind of put the business into rap. It was like, 'Get your money, dude. This is a billion dollar business.'