Probably not. it would be worth offering him an amnesty to get at the swine whose corruption has caused the US to be diminished both at home and internationally. I think it is imperative to prosecute those like Musk who have enabled this insane period in US affairs.
Scotus should be disbanded and replaced with lawyers who respect the law and the people. I hope you can give us some guidelines to get rid of Reform and the 5 people who finance them.
Anyone who attacks democracy deserves jail time and lots of it.
I agree, Colin, especially with remarks on SCOTUS, except I think they should be replaced by persons with prior judicial experience in the lower Courts, who honor and revere the Constitution and settled law as it is written not as their personal prejudices wish it were written.
SCOTUS 6 seek a Libertarian Anarch-Syndicalist Theocracy or a L.A.S.T. version of the American Experiment. They are also Groomers, emulating on the feudal Groomers of the Stool. Feudalism is their model and they wipe their owners'/donors' Algorithms of Sycophantic Synopsis aka A.S.S.es clean of any responsibility. GOP's Groomers Qanon was a distraction or projection. They pledge allegiance to the flag of the
Feudal
American
Republic of
Corporate
Eugenics and to the F.A.R.C.E. for which it stands.
GOP killed 20% of the global Covid patients with 4% of the people. 80% were FICA pensioners, aka Entitlement Outlays.
Australia has 26mil and lost 10k to Covid. FL has 22mil and DeSantis killed 87,000, 900% higher kill rate because 80% were entitlement outlays. IA has 3,2mil and killed 10K or 800% higher kill rate.. VT lost 10 per 100k, and SD killed 107 per 100k. 1000% higher kill rate because 81 per 100k couldn't be trained and needed to be put down like a SD puppy.
Go long on the DCI on NYSE, as it always climbs when GOP's eugenics are in play. 9% gain the day after 5 trillion disappeared due to tariffs.
Disseminators on K Street, that's G.O.D. on K St. with A.L.E.C., G.O.D.'s angel of death. A.L.E.C. has a huge stake in the DCI, Death Care Index. RFK Jr is helping reduce entitlement outlays by making the least among us too sick to survive, and $DCI$ profit. Eugenics for Jesus is normal in Sinclair land.
Thanks Colin. Last I heard there are many empty cells at GITMO waiting to be filled with DT and his mob of MAGA traitors. I have been calling for revoking the citizenship of the Murdoch family and their deportation. Now we can add Musk to the list. Does Disney ABC and the Sinclair Broadcasting company REALLY want to be patriots? Then kick Fox Fake Fascist News off their airways. Cheers... GH
Me too like every one of those who participated in the Epstein Scandal charged and prosecuted regardless of their nationality, gender or political affiliation. I think this would bring down the house of cards.
DON'T MISTAKE TRUMP FOR A PERSON -- HE IS A MONSTER, NOT OF THIS WORLD!! HE IS AN ABERRATION IN NATURE! HE CAME FROM A BLACK HOLE IN THE UNIVERSE, AND OUR JOB IS TO STUFF HIM BACK INTO THAT BLACK HOLE! HE IS COMPOSED OF A MALIGN FORM OF ECTOPLASM! HE IS NOT HUMAN!
MARGO: Trump can destroy with abandon, 24 hours a day, and WE are supposed to be docile, "obedient," quiet, raise no fuss . . . I don't think so! Man up and STAND UP! The dumpster needs to be shown the door! Now!!!
MN, I wholeheartedly agree. Eligible voters are a big part of the system and it is estimated that 35% to 40% of them did not bother to vote in Nov 2024. Yes, the system had very much deteriorated.
That's not going to happen, Joe. Anger will have boiled so far over the boiling point by then that the guns will come out. Plenty of people are already ready to get rid of Thomas, Alito and Roberts.
I think one problem, Klare K, is that many of those with the guns will be supportive of the current SCOTUS which was assembled by Trump (and McConnell).
I think McConnell is one of the biggest, most terrible, most profound, most devastating problems this country's ever had when it comes to the ruling class.
Bill Burns put into words what so many of us feel but rarely see acknowledged: that public servants are not the “deep state” but the steady hands holding our democracy together, often at great personal cost. To see them demeaned, discarded, or used as political pawns is not just cruel, it is dangerous for all of us. I am deeply grateful for their service and courage, and I believe history will remember their quiet integrity long after today’s tyrants are gone.
Similar story at our local Starbucks today. Our group of 25 people meets at our neighborhood Starbucks each week to write postcards to voters and legislators. The staff has always been welcoming, and they support our work.
When we arrived this morning, we learned that the shop was closing with only two days' notice. The baristas had no idea whether they would have jobs at another shop or not. And now we must scramble to find another meeting space.
What disrespect for people who labor for a low wage! Two days' notice that they would have to close? Starbucks must have known long ago that they would be taking this action, and yet it was a surprise to these employees and to my group.
This is what happens when a company thinks first of its profits and last of its people. Sure, I understand that some belt tightening must happen in business. But have the courtesy of letting your people know in advance that the end is coming. My guess is that there will be no golden parachutes for these people... the ones who are the face of the company. I couldn't tell you what the CEO of Starbucks looks like. But I certainly recognize my local baristas.
“COFFEE on American supermarket shelves is becoming increasingly less affordable for the average consumer.
“Ground coffee prices in US supermarkets surged almost 21% year-on-year in August, hitting a record $8.87 a pound, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That marks the steepest rise since the 1990s.
“High tariffs on imports from Brazil and Vietnam – the world’s two biggest suppliers – have collided with weather-related crop shocks and supply-chain disruptions. Consumers are feeling the pinch. “
It all goes back to the occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and the Congress, who readily accepts their pay and benefits, without doing their job.
Donna, I am heartsick and pissed off beyond measure to read this as I was just introduced to your group and Baristas the other day from your wonderful inspiring post. Damn right Starbucks knew this was coming with more than two days notice.
I worked for a major US airline who began closing/consolidating reservation offices 30 yrs ago. We had people up and move their lives transferring from out of state to our offices only to be told within two months of their arrival (if that, can’t quite remember) their new location was also going to close! We were given a full year’s notice in this instance, with opportunities and need to transfer (yet again) to other out of state locations.
Two days notice is ridiculous (did they receive any type of compensation?)just as 1 year’s notice turned out to be not so good giving a lot of false hope although we were given a severance package and other benefits so I shouldn’t grumble too much. It’s just so sad and scary how much one’s life is at the mercy of giant corporations
Best wishes to you and your group and thanks again for ALL you do💙‼️
Thanks, Hollie. One of the other Starbucks managers heard of our plight and invited us to meet at her location about two miles away. It's not as large, and he doesn't seat all of our group, but there is some room to add tables, so maybe they'll bring some over from the closed location. But that's only my hope. In any case, we were grateful for the offer. We are NOT giving up.
Great news‼️ With your will and determination I don’t doubt word will continue to spread and your movement will gain momentum and strength. I’ll be with you in spirit 🥰
Most of my military years were in the US Army Reserves,however I had periodical opportunities to work with some who were very professional and very knowledgeable which helped me immensely.
What I don’t understand is why the Dems aren’t screaming about their plans to rehire and repair our fractured public services. Every time Agent Orange and his minions dismantle another thing that ACTUALLY makes America great, the Democrats should be highlighting exactly what those people and their departments DO for the country and everyday working people. Why do they not even APPEAR to be fighting for these people? Why won’t they scream out every chance they get to defend government? My fear is that the party has become so beholden to anti-government private interests that they cannot do so and have no real plans to replace so many of the vital services being dismantled.
I highly recommend you read Michael Lewis’ two books, “The Fifth Risk” (from Trump 1.0) and “Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service” more recently published. Public Servants are for the most part shy and humble nerds, I know, I was one. I loved the work I did.
Karen, I am so sorry this has happened to you. I get so angry I can feel my blood boil! It should not be this way and yet, it is. I look forward to the day when that orange man and his whole cadre of idiots are gone and we can to rebuild our America. An America the way it should be. I intend to write some letters to the White House tomorrow and I will be thinking of you and all of your friends when I do.
Thanks Ian. The Dems are raising hell about everything DT/MAGA. The problem is the Dems don't own the media and the thieving GOP businessmen do. For each time I see and hear a Dem leader on the news they have been proceeded and followed by the blabbering DT or one of his minions.
I actually haven't timed it out but I would be willing to bet, close to 15 minutes for GOP bullshit to every one minute of Dem solutions for our problems. The right wingers who have been crying their eyes out about the economy, wages, inflation, eggs, etc. probably have lost a job to China or know someone who has.
Currently about 70% of Americas CEOs are Republicans. Guess who sent your job offshore and to a Communist country no less? Greedy GOP businessmen. Why would any working person vote for the very party who disrespects and hates you?
When they get in office the first thing the GOP does is try and destroy our Social Security and ANY type of health care we may have.
Now they are changing the rules set up by the DEMs to keep the BittCoin bullshit under control. They are going to let the thieves on Wall Street and banks get in on the action with very few rules or safeguards.
Their next move will be to convince the totally stupid GOP Congress to allow them to flip the $2.7 trillion SS trust fund into BittCoin. What could possibly go wrong? These guys will use their computers and now Ai to disappear our money right into their accounts.
This BittCoin scam should be shut down NOW and whoever started it should put in prison. Starting with our Scam Artist in Chief.
I am an early career scientist and over the years I've developed a passion for learning more about neurodegenerative diseases and how to detect and treat them. I've put in years of schooling after serving in the USAF and worked my way up the ladder in academia to my dream job. I love what I do, I know our research could have far reaching impacts... but our funding was canceled, and I was laid off this week. I don't even know what to do. This assault on our public institutions will have ramifications for years after Trump leaves office. This feels like a dark time indeed.
Dear Erin - I write this as a retired physician and former NIH investigator. You will likely never find a place like the former NIH, but a university medical school or an intelligently lead pharmaceutical company will gobble you up. Since you are young, I’ll give you advice that my elders gave me and it served me well. In bad times (like this), keep your head down and do what you know how to do. When this godawful era ends, you’ll be in prime position to come back to Bethesda and help build the new NIH, and you will be appreciated for all that you have done. Best wishes.
Do what I do -- call the DOJ every single day and message A.G. Bondi that she needs to grow a pair and arrest Trump for gross malfeasance and corruption!
We are losing our civilization. Less government isn't going to make our lives better, except for the vultures. They're glad we're going down (of course that's up to them).
I put in 46 years with Social Security. Originally I planned to work until I was 72 but those plans were derailed when I read Project 2025 last year. Based on reading that plus dealing with callers and claimants who absolutely HATED Joe Biden and Kamala I retired on June 30th 2024. I knew that Trump was going to get in and take a meat ax to the agency.
Sadly I was proved correct as he gave Sleazy E and his Peter Pan Posse a blank check to come in and wreck havoc. Sadly thousands of people in "probationary status" were let go. 6 of 10 Regional offices were closed and the agency lost a major chunk of its institutional memory. A number of employees were downgraded, offices were closed and the telephone service was severely impacted. Trump installed a stooge who partners with "big balls" who are going ahead implementing AI with the goal of firing even more workers.
This is right out of Project 2025's goal to end Social Security and let the bunco artists running the Wall Street Casino get their hands on the trust funds as the system is totally privatized. If you want an idea where it will wind up just google "Chilean Privatized Social Security" and see how people got ripped off there.
God, I so wish someone would assassinate Trump, sending a STRONG MESSAGE AND SUBSEQUENT WARNING TO THE REST OF THE GOONS INVOLVED IN HIS "CABINET," "ADMIN," AND PROJECT 2025!!!
Sounds like it can't go back to where it was. Our country can't be as good as it was, and it's not going to be great if ran by a shyster. What did Biden ever do to them? Can we wait 3 years?
According to the callers and folks I dealt with a lot of them insist Biden stole the 2020 election from God's Anointed King Trump. And a lot of them wanted him arrested for treason.
What a fabulous letter. Thank you for sharing! Daughter and wife of former federal employees--I chose to work for the state of North Carolina. Three cheers to all of us former and current federal and state employees, public servants one and all.
My husband worked as a civilian for the Navy for 51 years under both right and left presidents. He served with integrity and purpose and rarely took sick or vacation leave. He was among the many civil servants who love this country and served well and he obtained many awards for his service.
Thanks Robert, for sharing this heartfelt letter from a truly professional man. And what a difference a few weeks make. In late August, he was able to write: "For all its flaws and imperfections, our system still allows disciplined dissent—and it’s better for it." I'm not sure that is still true today.
What a lovely letter. It is so important to honor what has been experienced and shared, even while we all worry deeply that the future will be scarred by the events of the present moment. I'm sure this letter has meant alot to a great many people.
Thank you, Professor Reich, for sharing this man's intelligent and heart-felt words. I, too, worry whether we will find a way to thwart this criminal, unqualified, inept president and his lackeys! We can only hope and speak out!
Wait until people try to access the services that were administered by the government. Surprise! He didn't have to cut Social Security. By cutting the staff by over one-third, no one with sny issues will be able to reach a 'bureaucrat' to get their Social Security, Veterans' benefits, amnesty, workers' compensation, food stamps, Medicaid, Medicare. You can cut the government . . . and you can also cut your own throat.
This is the playbook Republicans are doing to destroy Social Security and force private accounts on everyone. You can't get the service you need and thus lose confidence in the program. Then they will tell you that they are "empowering" you to take control of your retirement as Wall Street screws you over with your "investment" account.
Which is what Milton Friedman's Chicago Boys allowed to happen when Pinochet privatized Chile's Social Security system--which was designed by Milton and his Chicago Boys!
Well said and something that should be printed in every major newspaper. Sadly, it won't be because the major media is now an extension of the billionaire class and in thrall to the traitorous dogs in the White House. I salute those anonymous bureaucrats who have given the country their devotion and effort. I curse people like Musk, Miller, Vought, Thiel, and the cretin who masquerades as a president, for what they have done and are doing to the country. I hope I live long enough to see them get the Karma they so richly deserve.
So, Trump not only is making America stupid again by destroying current and future education at all levels, but he is also throwing the education of the past decades into the garbage. All this experience and institutional knowledge thrown away... gone. And this includes medical knowledge. A visual image of this would be to knock down all the buildings and monuments in Washington, D.C. or to go through galleries and destroy all the art. This man is beyond stupid. He excels in destruction. He makes America vulnerable at every level. The word that could describe him has yet to be created.
I would love to think we could see criminal tribunals like Nuremberg. Including SCOTUS who unbelievably gave him immunity from criminal acts. No one did that for Hitler.
Will trump ever go on trial for his crimes?
Probably not. it would be worth offering him an amnesty to get at the swine whose corruption has caused the US to be diminished both at home and internationally. I think it is imperative to prosecute those like Musk who have enabled this insane period in US affairs.
Scotus should be disbanded and replaced with lawyers who respect the law and the people. I hope you can give us some guidelines to get rid of Reform and the 5 people who finance them.
Anyone who attacks democracy deserves jail time and lots of it.
Even with amnesty, how could anyone believe his testimony after all of the verbal diarrhea?
I agree, Colin, especially with remarks on SCOTUS, except I think they should be replaced by persons with prior judicial experience in the lower Courts, who honor and revere the Constitution and settled law as it is written not as their personal prejudices wish it were written.
SCOTUS 6 seek a Libertarian Anarch-Syndicalist Theocracy or a L.A.S.T. version of the American Experiment. They are also Groomers, emulating on the feudal Groomers of the Stool. Feudalism is their model and they wipe their owners'/donors' Algorithms of Sycophantic Synopsis aka A.S.S.es clean of any responsibility. GOP's Groomers Qanon was a distraction or projection. They pledge allegiance to the flag of the
Feudal
American
Republic of
Corporate
Eugenics and to the F.A.R.C.E. for which it stands.
GOP killed 20% of the global Covid patients with 4% of the people. 80% were FICA pensioners, aka Entitlement Outlays.
Australia has 26mil and lost 10k to Covid. FL has 22mil and DeSantis killed 87,000, 900% higher kill rate because 80% were entitlement outlays. IA has 3,2mil and killed 10K or 800% higher kill rate.. VT lost 10 per 100k, and SD killed 107 per 100k. 1000% higher kill rate because 81 per 100k couldn't be trained and needed to be put down like a SD puppy.
Go long on the DCI on NYSE, as it always climbs when GOP's eugenics are in play. 9% gain the day after 5 trillion disappeared due to tariffs.
2nd stanza: One nation under
Geppetto's
Oligarchic
Disseminators on K Street, that's G.O.D. on K St. with A.L.E.C., G.O.D.'s angel of death. A.L.E.C. has a huge stake in the DCI, Death Care Index. RFK Jr is helping reduce entitlement outlays by making the least among us too sick to survive, and $DCI$ profit. Eugenics for Jesus is normal in Sinclair land.
3rd stanza: Forever and ever a
Sycophantic
Cthonic
American
Micturition aka Trickle Down S.C.A.M.
Thanks Colin. Last I heard there are many empty cells at GITMO waiting to be filled with DT and his mob of MAGA traitors. I have been calling for revoking the citizenship of the Murdoch family and their deportation. Now we can add Musk to the list. Does Disney ABC and the Sinclair Broadcasting company REALLY want to be patriots? Then kick Fox Fake Fascist News off their airways. Cheers... GH
I would love to see him on trial in Hague on charges of murder on international waters along side his buddy Duarte.
I personally would like a more expedient conclusion to this entire situation.
Something public! Something humiliating!
Me too like every one of those who participated in the Epstein Scandal charged and prosecuted regardless of their nationality, gender or political affiliation. I think this would bring down the house of cards.
I vote for putting Trump etal in the the stocks! Right on Capitol Hill. Public humiliation.
How about adding to that the guillotine, firing squad, gallows, another Bin Salman chop job???
Clare, the stocks will be sufficient...not cruel, simply public humiliation.
I cannot support taking a person's life.. would not want that on my consience.
PAM, MY NAME IS NOT "CLARE," IT IS KLARE!!!
DON'T MISTAKE TRUMP FOR A PERSON -- HE IS A MONSTER, NOT OF THIS WORLD!! HE IS AN ABERRATION IN NATURE! HE CAME FROM A BLACK HOLE IN THE UNIVERSE, AND OUR JOB IS TO STUFF HIM BACK INTO THAT BLACK HOLE! HE IS COMPOSED OF A MALIGN FORM OF ECTOPLASM! HE IS NOT HUMAN!
Terrible thing to write. We are upholding some sense of Robert Reich's measured thinking about this country's problems.
MARGO: Trump can destroy with abandon, 24 hours a day, and WE are supposed to be docile, "obedient," quiet, raise no fuss . . . I don't think so! Man up and STAND UP! The dumpster needs to be shown the door! Now!!!
Diana, me too, but the name is Duterte, I do believe. (Thousands upon thousands of extrajudicial killings.)
Thank you for correcting my spelling error.
It’s not about Trump, it’s about a system that had deteriorated to the point that a person like him could take advantage of it.
MN, I wholeheartedly agree. Eligible voters are a big part of the system and it is estimated that 35% to 40% of them did not bother to vote in Nov 2024. Yes, the system had very much deteriorated.
Bullshit
Bullshit
It's both, no?
No. He will get away with it. I will not be surprised when the corrupted Supreme Court green lights him to run for another term in 2028.
God forbid
That's not going to happen, Joe. Anger will have boiled so far over the boiling point by then that the guns will come out. Plenty of people are already ready to get rid of Thomas, Alito and Roberts.
But none of them can shoot straight, though.
I think one problem, Klare K, is that many of those with the guns will be supportive of the current SCOTUS which was assembled by Trump (and McConnell).
I think McConnell is one of the biggest, most terrible, most profound, most devastating problems this country's ever had when it comes to the ruling class.
I agree. The 6 are his harem, and will obey him.
We can only hope, Farhad.
Why on earth would anyone even ASK a question like that? What are you looking for?
I hope so. But right now I simply wish he and all his misbegotten flock of syncophants would just go away.
He’s come through all the shaking miff up joke “lawfare”, and shown that “convicted felon” in the US has lost all seriousness.
Investigations into the real crimes committed by Commey, Fay Wray, Yog-Soros, etc., are just beginning.
Plus Antifa, about 90% of whom are pig-ignorant abhuman spiteful mutants who don’t belong anywhere near any “educational” establishment.
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/bill-dagostino/2025/09/25/corporate-medias-inexcusably-cozy-relationship-antifa
https://www.steynonline.com/8242/bray-new-world
Maybe some Washington bureaucrats could turn King’s Evidence ….
Bill Burns put into words what so many of us feel but rarely see acknowledged: that public servants are not the “deep state” but the steady hands holding our democracy together, often at great personal cost. To see them demeaned, discarded, or used as political pawns is not just cruel, it is dangerous for all of us. I am deeply grateful for their service and courage, and I believe history will remember their quiet integrity long after today’s tyrants are gone.
Similar story at our local Starbucks today. Our group of 25 people meets at our neighborhood Starbucks each week to write postcards to voters and legislators. The staff has always been welcoming, and they support our work.
When we arrived this morning, we learned that the shop was closing with only two days' notice. The baristas had no idea whether they would have jobs at another shop or not. And now we must scramble to find another meeting space.
What disrespect for people who labor for a low wage! Two days' notice that they would have to close? Starbucks must have known long ago that they would be taking this action, and yet it was a surprise to these employees and to my group.
This is what happens when a company thinks first of its profits and last of its people. Sure, I understand that some belt tightening must happen in business. But have the courtesy of letting your people know in advance that the end is coming. My guess is that there will be no golden parachutes for these people... the ones who are the face of the company. I couldn't tell you what the CEO of Starbucks looks like. But I certainly recognize my local baristas.
DM, I read the following from Coffee Intelligence:
https://intelligence.coffee/2025/09/us-supermarket-coffee-keeps-increasing/
“COFFEE on American supermarket shelves is becoming increasingly less affordable for the average consumer.
“Ground coffee prices in US supermarkets surged almost 21% year-on-year in August, hitting a record $8.87 a pound, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That marks the steepest rise since the 1990s.
“High tariffs on imports from Brazil and Vietnam – the world’s two biggest suppliers – have collided with weather-related crop shocks and supply-chain disruptions. Consumers are feeling the pinch. “
It all goes back to the occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and the Congress, who readily accepts their pay and benefits, without doing their job.
I don’t know where you can get coffee for $8.87 a pound, which is $12.75 a can. The other day I paid $21 for a can on sale. the regular price was $23.
Donna, I am heartsick and pissed off beyond measure to read this as I was just introduced to your group and Baristas the other day from your wonderful inspiring post. Damn right Starbucks knew this was coming with more than two days notice.
I worked for a major US airline who began closing/consolidating reservation offices 30 yrs ago. We had people up and move their lives transferring from out of state to our offices only to be told within two months of their arrival (if that, can’t quite remember) their new location was also going to close! We were given a full year’s notice in this instance, with opportunities and need to transfer (yet again) to other out of state locations.
Two days notice is ridiculous (did they receive any type of compensation?)just as 1 year’s notice turned out to be not so good giving a lot of false hope although we were given a severance package and other benefits so I shouldn’t grumble too much. It’s just so sad and scary how much one’s life is at the mercy of giant corporations
Best wishes to you and your group and thanks again for ALL you do💙‼️
Thanks, Hollie. One of the other Starbucks managers heard of our plight and invited us to meet at her location about two miles away. It's not as large, and he doesn't seat all of our group, but there is some room to add tables, so maybe they'll bring some over from the closed location. But that's only my hope. In any case, we were grateful for the offer. We are NOT giving up.
Great news‼️ With your will and determination I don’t doubt word will continue to spread and your movement will gain momentum and strength. I’ll be with you in spirit 🥰
The CEO of Starbucks is an evil, anti union A whole.
Don’t care about history. My beloved niece, fired from USAID: her life and work has been destroyed by the psychopath. NOW. And millions are dying.
The psychopath and his reign of terror are murderers.
Christy,
I could not agree with you more!
Most of my military years were in the US Army Reserves,however I had periodical opportunities to work with some who were very professional and very knowledgeable which helped me immensely.
What I don’t understand is why the Dems aren’t screaming about their plans to rehire and repair our fractured public services. Every time Agent Orange and his minions dismantle another thing that ACTUALLY makes America great, the Democrats should be highlighting exactly what those people and their departments DO for the country and everyday working people. Why do they not even APPEAR to be fighting for these people? Why won’t they scream out every chance they get to defend government? My fear is that the party has become so beholden to anti-government private interests that they cannot do so and have no real plans to replace so many of the vital services being dismantled.
I highly recommend you read Michael Lewis’ two books, “The Fifth Risk” (from Trump 1.0) and “Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service” more recently published. Public Servants are for the most part shy and humble nerds, I know, I was one. I loved the work I did.
Thank you, Karen. I can imagine how badly you feel for these public servants.
Yes… they were my colleagues and friends. And what happened to them, happened to me too. It’s difficult to find a job in my field now.
Karen, I am so sorry this has happened to you. I get so angry I can feel my blood boil! It should not be this way and yet, it is. I look forward to the day when that orange man and his whole cadre of idiots are gone and we can to rebuild our America. An America the way it should be. I intend to write some letters to the White House tomorrow and I will be thinking of you and all of your friends when I do.
Thank you Peggy. I am hoping to someday return to my position so I am reluctant to make my issues public now. I do use an alias here.
I can say my skills are critical and rare. My remaining colleagues are extremely stressed with work.
Understood, Karen.
Thanks Ian. The Dems are raising hell about everything DT/MAGA. The problem is the Dems don't own the media and the thieving GOP businessmen do. For each time I see and hear a Dem leader on the news they have been proceeded and followed by the blabbering DT or one of his minions.
I actually haven't timed it out but I would be willing to bet, close to 15 minutes for GOP bullshit to every one minute of Dem solutions for our problems. The right wingers who have been crying their eyes out about the economy, wages, inflation, eggs, etc. probably have lost a job to China or know someone who has.
Currently about 70% of Americas CEOs are Republicans. Guess who sent your job offshore and to a Communist country no less? Greedy GOP businessmen. Why would any working person vote for the very party who disrespects and hates you?
When they get in office the first thing the GOP does is try and destroy our Social Security and ANY type of health care we may have.
Now they are changing the rules set up by the DEMs to keep the BittCoin bullshit under control. They are going to let the thieves on Wall Street and banks get in on the action with very few rules or safeguards.
Their next move will be to convince the totally stupid GOP Congress to allow them to flip the $2.7 trillion SS trust fund into BittCoin. What could possibly go wrong? These guys will use their computers and now Ai to disappear our money right into their accounts.
This BittCoin scam should be shut down NOW and whoever started it should put in prison. Starting with our Scam Artist in Chief.
Good luck. Vote Blue... GH
Excellent
Thank you.
America also deserves better.
I am an early career scientist and over the years I've developed a passion for learning more about neurodegenerative diseases and how to detect and treat them. I've put in years of schooling after serving in the USAF and worked my way up the ladder in academia to my dream job. I love what I do, I know our research could have far reaching impacts... but our funding was canceled, and I was laid off this week. I don't even know what to do. This assault on our public institutions will have ramifications for years after Trump leaves office. This feels like a dark time indeed.
Dear Erin - I write this as a retired physician and former NIH investigator. You will likely never find a place like the former NIH, but a university medical school or an intelligently lead pharmaceutical company will gobble you up. Since you are young, I’ll give you advice that my elders gave me and it served me well. In bad times (like this), keep your head down and do what you know how to do. When this godawful era ends, you’ll be in prime position to come back to Bethesda and help build the new NIH, and you will be appreciated for all that you have done. Best wishes.
Do what I do -- call the DOJ every single day and message A.G. Bondi that she needs to grow a pair and arrest Trump for gross malfeasance and corruption!
Are you really wasting all your calls to your lawyers that way?
We are losing our civilization. Less government isn't going to make our lives better, except for the vultures. They're glad we're going down (of course that's up to them).
I put in 46 years with Social Security. Originally I planned to work until I was 72 but those plans were derailed when I read Project 2025 last year. Based on reading that plus dealing with callers and claimants who absolutely HATED Joe Biden and Kamala I retired on June 30th 2024. I knew that Trump was going to get in and take a meat ax to the agency.
Sadly I was proved correct as he gave Sleazy E and his Peter Pan Posse a blank check to come in and wreck havoc. Sadly thousands of people in "probationary status" were let go. 6 of 10 Regional offices were closed and the agency lost a major chunk of its institutional memory. A number of employees were downgraded, offices were closed and the telephone service was severely impacted. Trump installed a stooge who partners with "big balls" who are going ahead implementing AI with the goal of firing even more workers.
This is right out of Project 2025's goal to end Social Security and let the bunco artists running the Wall Street Casino get their hands on the trust funds as the system is totally privatized. If you want an idea where it will wind up just google "Chilean Privatized Social Security" and see how people got ripped off there.
God, I so wish someone would assassinate Trump, sending a STRONG MESSAGE AND SUBSEQUENT WARNING TO THE REST OF THE GOONS INVOLVED IN HIS "CABINET," "ADMIN," AND PROJECT 2025!!!
Sounds like it can't go back to where it was. Our country can't be as good as it was, and it's not going to be great if ran by a shyster. What did Biden ever do to them? Can we wait 3 years?
According to the callers and folks I dealt with a lot of them insist Biden stole the 2020 election from God's Anointed King Trump. And a lot of them wanted him arrested for treason.
All on Trump's word - they just needed a little proof! Poor Joe.
What a fabulous letter. Thank you for sharing! Daughter and wife of former federal employees--I chose to work for the state of North Carolina. Three cheers to all of us former and current federal and state employees, public servants one and all.
My husband worked as a civilian for the Navy for 51 years under both right and left presidents. He served with integrity and purpose and rarely took sick or vacation leave. He was among the many civil servants who love this country and served well and he obtained many awards for his service.
I certainly intend to share this commentary with everyone I know and believe should read it. Thanks Robert.
Thanks Robert, for sharing this heartfelt letter from a truly professional man. And what a difference a few weeks make. In late August, he was able to write: "For all its flaws and imperfections, our system still allows disciplined dissent—and it’s better for it." I'm not sure that is still true today.
What a lovely letter. It is so important to honor what has been experienced and shared, even while we all worry deeply that the future will be scarred by the events of the present moment. I'm sure this letter has meant alot to a great many people.
Thank you, Professor Reich, for sharing this man's intelligent and heart-felt words. I, too, worry whether we will find a way to thwart this criminal, unqualified, inept president and his lackeys! We can only hope and speak out!
Wait until people try to access the services that were administered by the government. Surprise! He didn't have to cut Social Security. By cutting the staff by over one-third, no one with sny issues will be able to reach a 'bureaucrat' to get their Social Security, Veterans' benefits, amnesty, workers' compensation, food stamps, Medicaid, Medicare. You can cut the government . . . and you can also cut your own throat.
This is the playbook Republicans are doing to destroy Social Security and force private accounts on everyone. You can't get the service you need and thus lose confidence in the program. Then they will tell you that they are "empowering" you to take control of your retirement as Wall Street screws you over with your "investment" account.
Then they'll drain your accounts with bogus fees and charges.
Which is what Milton Friedman's Chicago Boys allowed to happen when Pinochet privatized Chile's Social Security system--which was designed by Milton and his Chicago Boys!
Alan, I wish to God someone would CUT TRUMP'S THROAT!!!
Well said and something that should be printed in every major newspaper. Sadly, it won't be because the major media is now an extension of the billionaire class and in thrall to the traitorous dogs in the White House. I salute those anonymous bureaucrats who have given the country their devotion and effort. I curse people like Musk, Miller, Vought, Thiel, and the cretin who masquerades as a president, for what they have done and are doing to the country. I hope I live long enough to see them get the Karma they so richly deserve.
So, Trump not only is making America stupid again by destroying current and future education at all levels, but he is also throwing the education of the past decades into the garbage. All this experience and institutional knowledge thrown away... gone. And this includes medical knowledge. A visual image of this would be to knock down all the buildings and monuments in Washington, D.C. or to go through galleries and destroy all the art. This man is beyond stupid. He excels in destruction. He makes America vulnerable at every level. The word that could describe him has yet to be created.
Trump has the morals of Caligula and the ruthlessness of Nero.
I would love to think we could see criminal tribunals like Nuremberg. Including SCOTUS who unbelievably gave him immunity from criminal acts. No one did that for Hitler.