I have been searching for a way to enforce the demands by Democrats in Congress to fund the Dept. of Homeland Security because JDVance has given ICE absolute immunity and they are ignoring the Constitution and court orders. What if DHS was funded only one month at a time? The next month’s funding would only come if all laws and court orders were followed, ICE camera videos were made available to states and Congress, and detention centers allowed inspections and financial audits.
Audits of all detention facilities and private prisons receiving DHS funds would allow the taxpayers to see who was profiting off of cruelty. We have a right to who is taking our hard earned money.
If you think this is a good idea please contact your members of Congress.
Jonni, I like your idea. It is creative and I don't think has been tried before. It might be problematic due to certain kinds of expenses, but definitely worth trying. It would mean ICE troops would only be paid if the next month's money came through and Congress would have to vote on it each month. I would also like to see FEMA moved from DHS because that agency has never been good enough to support our actual emergency services. Maybe it should become part of Congress.
FEMA should be made an independent agency especially because Noem might be on vacation when a disaster strikes and there will be a delay in funding the response like what happened with the Texas river flood.
Jonni, I agree. FEMA as an independent agency would be the best road, but we have seen what Trump and the toddler pool have done to so many of our independent agencies. As for Noem, she does not know how to care for anyone or anything and should never have been approved for the job she has. I blame Senate Republicans for that and the rest of the mess in the cabinet. They knew what every single one of those jerks is and was, yet voted them in anyway. They are not competent to serve in any office and neither is Noem!
Robert said something prophetic at the end. He said he was blessed with encouraging and loving parents, which is always the building block to an emotionally successful life. I on the other hand had a rotten father who pummeled me because he was troubled and punished I’m told, by an ignorant mother. Usually it’s the male figure but I guess in his case it was his mother. These environmental genes are all passed down from one generation to the next. We are either cursed or blessed. But we preserver as we must. I was watching not one but two homeless cats sitting on my deck last evening. They know I put out food and water as well a minor heating shelter if they wish to stay inside but never do. They will ultimately lead abbreviated lives but they will protect themselves as much as they can by constantly searching food sources and hiding places to weather the cold and storms. It’s the bleak destiny of all live until death. The same as with humans.
You can choose not to pass parental abuse on to the generations that follow you. Vow to not repeat how you were treated and take steps to educate yourself so you can be a more loving human being to those around you. You have to want to have abuse stop with your generation and it takes effort to do so because no one else can do it for you. I was also sorely abused and though not perfect, I think I achieved the goal of not leaving behind painful memories from causing wounded relationships with my own family. Let the abuse stop with you.
Bill, thank you for sharing. ALWAYS, abuse is so terribly sad and totally undeserved. I think many people who were abused strive to break the pattern in their own life choices, and thank goodness they do!
Thank you for your nurturing of cats! I know you told of their behaviors as an example of our natural tendencies to cling to life, but I am always thankful to know that anyone cares and helps cats and other animals survive and have better lives.
FEMA definitely needs to be moved out of DHS. Their missions are totally different. FEMA is for emergencies. Even at its best, DHS is more concerned with intelligence and security.
I think it's a great idea. ICE is blowing off court orders, the courts are so incredibly short of staff to handle all the cases going to court and funding them month to month makes a lot of sense but it would probably make the current budget a nightmare. Face it, Congress hasn't had a balanced budget since Clinton was in office. It's been a series of CR's for the longest time. Why can't someone pass a budget. They have a year to consider and work on it. Yet we get CRs time after time. It looks to me like they don't give serious consideration to budget talks until funding is about to run out and we face government shutdowns. It shouldn't be happening!
I like this idea, Jonni! Keeping ICE on a month to month funding available only if all laws and court orders are adhered to will make them tone it down. Giving any of these run-away departments and agencies a lump sum beforehand is a mistake because they will continue to create chaos and destruction!
Definitely reform is needed, and it is greatly needed within ICE, too.
Within this or last week, I watched Lev Parnas interview two female guests. One of them was Jen Budd, and I think I have her name correct. She is a former ICE agent, and she told of atrocities, not only performed by many or most ICE agents to other people, but also performed in their treatment to female agents which included her, and maybe to more people in their work force. It was hard to listen to the account but is so necessary to know!
Wisely, Jen Budd explained her plan for reforming ICE, and I believe it would work! I wish I could find it in my messages. If I could retrieve it, I would share it here. A search for “Lev Parnas , Jen Budd” might pull it up for anyone who is interested. When she suggested reform instead of abolishment, I thought the idea would not work; however, her explanation changed my mind. Her plan would spare the good agents, and it would prosecute or fire, I forget which, any agent who failed to report wrongdoing of any other agent. In the scenario she described as reform, there would be a few good agents where needed, working properly with good intentions, and it would open a path for complete reform to create a group we could trust in the future. I was dubious at first, but now I wish that plan could be set into action immediately. The treatment she and other females have experienced is horrifically inexcusable, as is the treatment of so many people who are not ICE agents, so I was almost in disbelief when she suggested that the agency contains anyone who is not cruel.
Mike, I have no doubt before all of this is done and dusted that both Krispy and Homan will get what is coming to them. Just rewards? Not likely! Hahahahahahahahaha!
I think ICE should be cut back to what it was in the Obama presidency, where it functioned properly. His administration deported something like 3 million undocumented immigrants, apparently in line with the law. I was around then and was not even aware that it was happening - Karen Cooper
I think this (funding DHS one month at a time) is a really great idea. It could work if there are even a few Republicans who are not part of the whole authoritarian cabal. There must still be a few! And determining if all laws and court orders were followed will be key. The administration would fight this tooth and nail of course.
M Van Buren, you have summed it up beautifully in one sentence. For many individuals, American democracy became a spectator sport and not an opportunity for dynamic participation. among our voting population, 1/3 did not even bother to vote and another one third “drank the Kool-Aid.“ For all those in the above categories, you are getting an education as to how non-participation and lack of critical thinking, lands us with a demented sociopath as president.
Professor Reich, you are by far the best teacher I have ever had the honor to be educated by. For your 1.1 million subscribers, you have given us a great opportunity to air our hopes, dreams, and directions. Yes, we will get through this together and truly “Build back better.“ you have set an example of how those in our generation can teach an inspire younger members of our society who will become the leaders of our future.
Donald Trump thinks it time to move on and to put the Epstein files behind us. I think that's a decision the victims who suffered horrific abuse at the hands of a "tribe" of sick individuals should make. Not one of the men they entrusted their safety to who abused far more than their trust.
I read one particular email in the files where the sender's name was redacted... It gave the date of course and was addressed to Epstein. The sender declared that he had a wonderful time and the littlest one was a little naughty. Why was the sender's name redacted? It makes no sense. Yet many of the files did nothing to protect the survivor and in one instance a driver's license was fully exposed. It seems there should be something Congress can do, or the survivors themselves. What's to stop the survivors from testifying before Congress and naming names?
I have read that survivors whose names have been revealed have been harassed and received death threats. There are violent extremists who will do anything to cover up for the perpetrators.
If trump can sue for releasing his taxes, have these women sue everyone involved in releasing their names, addresses and more. The death threats and harassment are sufficient to prove detriment to their character and safety.
Sadly, I'm not surprised by that. But if they (and many of them) spoke on a public format, like before Congress, couldn't safety be arranged for them? And if they began to 'disappear'... Obviously not a good solution for people whose lives have already been the subject of so much turmoil. I think I'm still naive enough to think they could be assured of safety if they did it in great numbers.
Actually, I find the Epstein files more and more interesting. The latest release has caused a few more guys to resign. Looks like Putin did not fall. I
Agree---but we all need to take our Democracy and our freedoms as our responsibility, or we will be in this same hell of a mess again--- and I do not want this for future generations, they will have their own set of problems to deal with. Just pray it is not fighting another insurrection.
Professor Reich , I so look forward to Reading your Thoughts every morning and enjoy watching the Saturday Coffee Klatch. You keep me optimistic for the future of our country. Your goodness is contagious and inspiring. Together we will conquer the darkness that has taken place here in America. I just hope that these people who are in charge presently will be held accountable for their crimes against humanity.
I am with you Keith and Gloria. First thing I look for each morning. You inspire us, make us think, encourage us and unite us. I am very grateful to you Prof. Reich! Thank you!
Conquering the darkness that has taken place here in America and holding the people who are in charge accountable for their crimes against humanity... I'm with you.
Truly said, Keith. Thank you, Professor, for answering our questions with levity and grace. You inspire us daily as you debunk the endless fallacies of this illicit regime. We would enjoy hearing more about your reading list. The E. Jean Carroll book is a revelation. And to expel 'drumpster' from all of our dreams is the big thing, before his permanent conviction.
Sir, As an Afghan veteran, I want to express my respect and pride in you for standing with your people and defending them.
As an Afghan ally who was abandoned by the United States government, I respectfully ask you to raise the voice of Afghan allies to the current U.S. administration. The United States left us halfway and exposed us to a ruthless and merciless enemy.
I also call on our American sisters and brothers to help carry our silenced voices to their government and stand up for those who once stood beside them.
Afghan veteran, thank you for your service in fighting for Freedom. Yes our country’s role in supporting the Taliban is unconscionable; we left you and the other Afghan veterans in a terrible situation when the United States pulled out of Afghanistan.
Thank you so much brother, Exactly now, the Trump administration is giving millions of dollars to the terrorist Taliban. Unfortunately, this is a great betrayal against us.
America’s desertion of individuals in less developed countries is the most sickening aspect of our Imperialism. People who believed in our aspirations and hoped to instil them in their societies, have been betrayed . That is vile. I hope we can validate your trust one day.
Afghan vets must seek support from other vets, and all of us must speak for them and you. A society that rejects responsibility and holds commitment in contempt is a dying society. We have a common destiny.
Our island is 600 miles, or so, due east of North Carolina.
Bermuda has close ties with the USA.
I watched American TV in the 50’s - I Love Lucy, Lassie, Phil Silvers etc
I visited Washington DC in 1960 as the Nixon / Kennedy election race was heating up.
1962 - As an 11 year old I was scared - Cuban Missile Crisis.
1963 - As a 12 year old I was shocked and saddened by the assassination of JFK.
In 1964 - My Dad took me to NY for the world’s fair. I saw the film A Hard Days Night on Broadway.
On Friday August 28th he took me to see The Beatles at Forest Hills - I bought a guitar!
As a teenager I followed the Civil Rights struggles. I witnessed on TV the assassinations of Malcolm X, RFK and MLK.
In 1973 I went to college in Ithaca NY. Cornell Hotel School.
I protested the Vietnam War. No ICE to throw me out of America.
Since those days, I have followed American politics closely. Presidents of various backgrounds - a peanut farmer to a Hollywood actor. The Bush family. Clinton and Obama (the 1st black president) & Biden - we still await the first female president!
Then came the Orange Man from Queens. This reprobate turned American politics upside down.
When a guy can become a President after his horrendous history of “Gaming the System” or “Grabbing ‘em by the pussy”, something went terribly askew in America.
Robert - your daily posts and those of all the other good podcasters who are not afraid of the orange bully (Don Lemon), are making an important difference.
From where I sit, good Americans will take their country back this November - it is a fight you must all win.
Your daily posts are so important to help counteract the extraordinary daily lies perpetuated by Trump and his sycophants.
Tony, I am an Americanized Bermudian as well. I lived on the south shore, just a short way “down dee road” from the Bermudian Infantry base as a child.
It is nice to know that a fellow Bermudian also is following one of our best and most informative Americans. Professor Reich’s truths keep me going each day, and his vitality and perseverance inspire me to keep an open mind, and a grateful heart.
I wish for all of us to continue this fight for our children, and their children, and as professor Reich stresses, we will see our way out of this dark period of our American history. We are a resilient people, and with that splash of Bermudian, we remain vigilant and determined to see the bright light once again.
Stunning to me how so many were caught up in the Epstein web.
The ugliest thing I witnessed last year was the King Charles banquet at Windsor Castle.
The King rightfully defrocks his brother Andrew, formerly known as Prince, whilst he dines with Epstein’s pal. That is the height of immoral hypocrisy.
It was particularly offensive to me to use Catherine by seating her next to Trump and see him move her chair closer to his in an obvious intent at brushing up against her at every opportunity. They poorly used her to dupe the most vile and offensive creep in the world. It was very shameful and should never have ever been remotely considered in the first place. I think Charles and William should have refused to invite that child molester to ever step foot there! Shame!
Tony, what a beautiful song! Faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love. That song brought tears but not sad tears. Happy tears that so many of us continue to have that hope. From Alexander Pope's poem, "An Essay on Man" where he states "Hope springs eternal in every human breast". That is all of us. We possess an enduring sense of hope even when the orange stain is hell bent on destroying us. We find reasons for hope even when the challenges we face seem overwhelming! Thank you, Tony, for another beautiful song to play at the next No Kings Rally!
Thank you Tony for your kind words and analysis of this country. A majority of Americans are fighting against trump and his regime as hard as we can. Even people in other countries are joining our fight. The next No Kings Protest is March 28th, maybe you can spread the word and gather some people to join us on that day. We pray that this will be the biggest peaceful protest ever. 💙💙💙🇺🇸
Who knows... Perhaps you were born ten days after Trump for a reason - to be a huge thorn in his side and a wise and generous prophet for the rest of us... Gratitude abounds...
Bless you and yours forevermore!!! My Grandmother taught Indianola Mississippi how to play the piano. Her family disowned her for marrying my Grandfather, who was dark skinned. My Grandfather graduated from Tougaloo College in 1905. My mother forced me into college, saying, “College is a driving license for an inquiring mind!”
"Things" are almost always the product of a marriage of sorts. Describing a human, it's been said we are just skin and bones. A banana, you have the peel and the mesocarp. A company has management and labor. Our reality is composed of what we do during the day as compared to what we do at night. The psyche of a human is defined as the interaction between nature and nurture. Some people develop independently from social pressures while others become slaves of the elements which have consumed them. Take Donald Trump for example. This man has intertwined the essence of two individuals, who were not that dissimilar, to form a third. These vestiges from the past lived in basically the same time period. Adolf Hitler 1889-1945(?) and Alphonse Capone 1899-1947. I don't see Trump as being another Hitler, although his admiration for what Adolf accomplished during his lifetime definitely captured his attention. The driving temperament that defines Trump comes from the personality of Al Capone. Trump is a street thug, and that's being kind. The man doesn't have a single redeeming quality you would expect to find in a President. He's rude, abrasive, and as Professor Kelly once stated; "He's the dumbest goddamn student I ever had." Trump has openly praised Capone on more than one occasion. He may follow Adolf's playbook but our Mr. Trump is the embodiment of Alphonse Capone, our own American gangster. Elliott--- phone home!
Robert Reich answers reader questions: writes in mornings, loves it, fights neofascism daily, still teaches, reads fiction for escape, stays optimistic—history’s pendulum will swing back.
US employers announced 108,435 layoffs for the month, up 118% from the same period a year ago and 205% from Dec 2025. The total marked the highest for any Jan since 2009, while the economy was in the final months of its steepest downturn since the Great Depression. At the same time, companies announced just 5,306 new hires, also the lowest January since 2009. Planned hiring dropped 13% from January 2025 and was off 49% from December.”
Professor Reich, I must tell you when I first started on Substack you were the first person I followed. Ever since then, you have been the person I seek out for reliable information and ways to resist. I admit there are other good writers on this forum, but you were my first source of reliable and dependable current events. I follow you still and contact my representatives from your other posts. I want to thank you personally for being such a good patriot. If everyone loved their country like you do, with insight, and intelligence…well, we would not be where we are today. So a sincere thank you 🙏🏻 👏👏🫡
You can tell Robert Reich treats democracy like a daily responsibility, not a branding opportunity.
I have been searching for a way to enforce the demands by Democrats in Congress to fund the Dept. of Homeland Security because JDVance has given ICE absolute immunity and they are ignoring the Constitution and court orders. What if DHS was funded only one month at a time? The next month’s funding would only come if all laws and court orders were followed, ICE camera videos were made available to states and Congress, and detention centers allowed inspections and financial audits.
Audits of all detention facilities and private prisons receiving DHS funds would allow the taxpayers to see who was profiting off of cruelty. We have a right to who is taking our hard earned money.
If you think this is a good idea please contact your members of Congress.
Jonni, I like your idea. It is creative and I don't think has been tried before. It might be problematic due to certain kinds of expenses, but definitely worth trying. It would mean ICE troops would only be paid if the next month's money came through and Congress would have to vote on it each month. I would also like to see FEMA moved from DHS because that agency has never been good enough to support our actual emergency services. Maybe it should become part of Congress.
FEMA should be made an independent agency especially because Noem might be on vacation when a disaster strikes and there will be a delay in funding the response like what happened with the Texas river flood.
Jonni, I agree. FEMA as an independent agency would be the best road, but we have seen what Trump and the toddler pool have done to so many of our independent agencies. As for Noem, she does not know how to care for anyone or anything and should never have been approved for the job she has. I blame Senate Republicans for that and the rest of the mess in the cabinet. They knew what every single one of those jerks is and was, yet voted them in anyway. They are not competent to serve in any office and neither is Noem!
You don't need geniuses to destroy the federal government.
ɪ ᴜꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴡᴇʀᴇɴ'ᴛ ᴘᴏɪꜱᴏɴɪɴɢ ᴏᴜʀ ꜰᴏᴏᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴜꜱ ꜱɪᴄᴋ..."ʙᴜᴛ" ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ....
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗱𝗼𝗸.𝗰𝗼𝗺
Not a bad idea. It deserves to be as much of an agency as FCC.
FEMA is incompatible with the libertarian ideology of the plutocracy.
Robert said something prophetic at the end. He said he was blessed with encouraging and loving parents, which is always the building block to an emotionally successful life. I on the other hand had a rotten father who pummeled me because he was troubled and punished I’m told, by an ignorant mother. Usually it’s the male figure but I guess in his case it was his mother. These environmental genes are all passed down from one generation to the next. We are either cursed or blessed. But we preserver as we must. I was watching not one but two homeless cats sitting on my deck last evening. They know I put out food and water as well a minor heating shelter if they wish to stay inside but never do. They will ultimately lead abbreviated lives but they will protect themselves as much as they can by constantly searching food sources and hiding places to weather the cold and storms. It’s the bleak destiny of all live until death. The same as with humans.
You can choose not to pass parental abuse on to the generations that follow you. Vow to not repeat how you were treated and take steps to educate yourself so you can be a more loving human being to those around you. You have to want to have abuse stop with your generation and it takes effort to do so because no one else can do it for you. I was also sorely abused and though not perfect, I think I achieved the goal of not leaving behind painful memories from causing wounded relationships with my own family. Let the abuse stop with you.
Bill, thank you for sharing. ALWAYS, abuse is so terribly sad and totally undeserved. I think many people who were abused strive to break the pattern in their own life choices, and thank goodness they do!
Thank you for your nurturing of cats! I know you told of their behaviors as an example of our natural tendencies to cling to life, but I am always thankful to know that anyone cares and helps cats and other animals survive and have better lives.
Oh, Bill, how sad.
Bill, your unfortunate destiny shows once more the inadequacy of the nuclear family.
FEMA definitely needs to be moved out of DHS. Their missions are totally different. FEMA is for emergencies. Even at its best, DHS is more concerned with intelligence and security.
I think it's a great idea. ICE is blowing off court orders, the courts are so incredibly short of staff to handle all the cases going to court and funding them month to month makes a lot of sense but it would probably make the current budget a nightmare. Face it, Congress hasn't had a balanced budget since Clinton was in office. It's been a series of CR's for the longest time. Why can't someone pass a budget. They have a year to consider and work on it. Yet we get CRs time after time. It looks to me like they don't give serious consideration to budget talks until funding is about to run out and we face government shutdowns. It shouldn't be happening!
A month? That will not work because their calendar won't permit it.
I like this idea, Jonni! Keeping ICE on a month to month funding available only if all laws and court orders are adhered to will make them tone it down. Giving any of these run-away departments and agencies a lump sum beforehand is a mistake because they will continue to create chaos and destruction!
Definitely reform is needed, and it is greatly needed within ICE, too.
Within this or last week, I watched Lev Parnas interview two female guests. One of them was Jen Budd, and I think I have her name correct. She is a former ICE agent, and she told of atrocities, not only performed by many or most ICE agents to other people, but also performed in their treatment to female agents which included her, and maybe to more people in their work force. It was hard to listen to the account but is so necessary to know!
Wisely, Jen Budd explained her plan for reforming ICE, and I believe it would work! I wish I could find it in my messages. If I could retrieve it, I would share it here. A search for “Lev Parnas , Jen Budd” might pull it up for anyone who is interested. When she suggested reform instead of abolishment, I thought the idea would not work; however, her explanation changed my mind. Her plan would spare the good agents, and it would prosecute or fire, I forget which, any agent who failed to report wrongdoing of any other agent. In the scenario she described as reform, there would be a few good agents where needed, working properly with good intentions, and it would open a path for complete reform to create a group we could trust in the future. I was dubious at first, but now I wish that plan could be set into action immediately. The treatment she and other females have experienced is horrifically inexcusable, as is the treatment of so many people who are not ICE agents, so I was almost in disbelief when she suggested that the agency contains anyone who is not cruel.
But Peggy, how would Krispy and Homan get their just rewards?
Mike, I have no doubt before all of this is done and dusted that both Krispy and Homan will get what is coming to them. Just rewards? Not likely! Hahahahahahahahaha!
What a great idea! The American Gestapo would have ZERO money to build more Concentration Camps by March.
I think ICE should be cut back to what it was in the Obama presidency, where it functioned properly. His administration deported something like 3 million undocumented immigrants, apparently in line with the law. I was around then and was not even aware that it was happening - Karen Cooper
Its a good idea to get rid of DHS altogether and come up with another way. No guns! Use the law and not the thugs!
I think this (funding DHS one month at a time) is a really great idea. It could work if there are even a few Republicans who are not part of the whole authoritarian cabal. There must still be a few! And determining if all laws and court orders were followed will be key. The administration would fight this tooth and nail of course.
My senators are Democrats but my representative does what Daddy saya.
M Van Buren, you have summed it up beautifully in one sentence. For many individuals, American democracy became a spectator sport and not an opportunity for dynamic participation. among our voting population, 1/3 did not even bother to vote and another one third “drank the Kool-Aid.“ For all those in the above categories, you are getting an education as to how non-participation and lack of critical thinking, lands us with a demented sociopath as president.
Professor Reich, you are by far the best teacher I have ever had the honor to be educated by. For your 1.1 million subscribers, you have given us a great opportunity to air our hopes, dreams, and directions. Yes, we will get through this together and truly “Build back better.“ you have set an example of how those in our generation can teach an inspire younger members of our society who will become the leaders of our future.
Donald Trump thinks it time to move on and to put the Epstein files behind us. I think that's a decision the victims who suffered horrific abuse at the hands of a "tribe" of sick individuals should make. Not one of the men they entrusted their safety to who abused far more than their trust.
I read one particular email in the files where the sender's name was redacted... It gave the date of course and was addressed to Epstein. The sender declared that he had a wonderful time and the littlest one was a little naughty. Why was the sender's name redacted? It makes no sense. Yet many of the files did nothing to protect the survivor and in one instance a driver's license was fully exposed. It seems there should be something Congress can do, or the survivors themselves. What's to stop the survivors from testifying before Congress and naming names?
I have read that survivors whose names have been revealed have been harassed and received death threats. There are violent extremists who will do anything to cover up for the perpetrators.
If trump can sue for releasing his taxes, have these women sue everyone involved in releasing their names, addresses and more. The death threats and harassment are sufficient to prove detriment to their character and safety.
Sadly, I'm not surprised by that. But if they (and many of them) spoke on a public format, like before Congress, couldn't safety be arranged for them? And if they began to 'disappear'... Obviously not a good solution for people whose lives have already been the subject of so much turmoil. I think I'm still naive enough to think they could be assured of safety if they did it in great numbers.
Actually, I find the Epstein files more and more interesting. The latest release has caused a few more guys to resign. Looks like Putin did not fall. I
agree and we all should be aware that
Agree---but we all need to take our Democracy and our freedoms as our responsibility, or we will be in this same hell of a mess again--- and I do not want this for future generations, they will have their own set of problems to deal with. Just pray it is not fighting another insurrection.
Absolutely! 100% agree!
Well said, M., democracy involves daily commitment. So, too, does civilization itself.
So well said. I am so happy that I finally came to that understanding. Perhaps late but better late than never.
Hmmmm.... Wonder how you feel about "Democracy Now?"
Yep, he knows it's a way of life, not a possession.
Professor Reich , I so look forward to Reading your Thoughts every morning and enjoy watching the Saturday Coffee Klatch. You keep me optimistic for the future of our country. Your goodness is contagious and inspiring. Together we will conquer the darkness that has taken place here in America. I just hope that these people who are in charge presently will be held accountable for their crimes against humanity.
I am with you Keith and Gloria. First thing I look for each morning. You inspire us, make us think, encourage us and unite us. I am very grateful to you Prof. Reich! Thank you!
Conquering the darkness that has taken place here in America and holding the people who are in charge accountable for their crimes against humanity... I'm with you.
It's part of my day, too.
Truly said, Keith. Thank you, Professor, for answering our questions with levity and grace. You inspire us daily as you debunk the endless fallacies of this illicit regime. We would enjoy hearing more about your reading list. The E. Jean Carroll book is a revelation. And to expel 'drumpster' from all of our dreams is the big thing, before his permanent conviction.
Nice compliment "You keep me optimistic for the future of our country"
Sir, As an Afghan veteran, I want to express my respect and pride in you for standing with your people and defending them.
As an Afghan ally who was abandoned by the United States government, I respectfully ask you to raise the voice of Afghan allies to the current U.S. administration. The United States left us halfway and exposed us to a ruthless and merciless enemy.
I also call on our American sisters and brothers to help carry our silenced voices to their government and stand up for those who once stood beside them.
I wish you good health and a long life.🙏
Afghan veteran, thank you for your service in fighting for Freedom. Yes our country’s role in supporting the Taliban is unconscionable; we left you and the other Afghan veterans in a terrible situation when the United States pulled out of Afghanistan.
Thank you so much brother, Exactly now, the Trump administration is giving millions of dollars to the terrorist Taliban. Unfortunately, this is a great betrayal against us.
America’s desertion of individuals in less developed countries is the most sickening aspect of our Imperialism. People who believed in our aspirations and hoped to instil them in their societies, have been betrayed . That is vile. I hope we can validate your trust one day.
Yes, Robert, sickening is the right word.
Afghan vets must seek support from other vets, and all of us must speak for them and you. A society that rejects responsibility and holds commitment in contempt is a dying society. We have a common destiny.
Robert
I am an “Americanized” Bermudian.
Our island is 600 miles, or so, due east of North Carolina.
Bermuda has close ties with the USA.
I watched American TV in the 50’s - I Love Lucy, Lassie, Phil Silvers etc
I visited Washington DC in 1960 as the Nixon / Kennedy election race was heating up.
1962 - As an 11 year old I was scared - Cuban Missile Crisis.
1963 - As a 12 year old I was shocked and saddened by the assassination of JFK.
In 1964 - My Dad took me to NY for the world’s fair. I saw the film A Hard Days Night on Broadway.
On Friday August 28th he took me to see The Beatles at Forest Hills - I bought a guitar!
As a teenager I followed the Civil Rights struggles. I witnessed on TV the assassinations of Malcolm X, RFK and MLK.
In 1973 I went to college in Ithaca NY. Cornell Hotel School.
I protested the Vietnam War. No ICE to throw me out of America.
Since those days, I have followed American politics closely. Presidents of various backgrounds - a peanut farmer to a Hollywood actor. The Bush family. Clinton and Obama (the 1st black president) & Biden - we still await the first female president!
Then came the Orange Man from Queens. This reprobate turned American politics upside down.
When a guy can become a President after his horrendous history of “Gaming the System” or “Grabbing ‘em by the pussy”, something went terribly askew in America.
Robert - your daily posts and those of all the other good podcasters who are not afraid of the orange bully (Don Lemon), are making an important difference.
From where I sit, good Americans will take their country back this November - it is a fight you must all win.
Your daily posts are so important to help counteract the extraordinary daily lies perpetuated by Trump and his sycophants.
Thanks again Robert Reich !
Tony, I am an Americanized Bermudian as well. I lived on the south shore, just a short way “down dee road” from the Bermudian Infantry base as a child.
It is nice to know that a fellow Bermudian also is following one of our best and most informative Americans. Professor Reich’s truths keep me going each day, and his vitality and perseverance inspire me to keep an open mind, and a grateful heart.
I wish for all of us to continue this fight for our children, and their children, and as professor Reich stresses, we will see our way out of this dark period of our American history. We are a resilient people, and with that splash of Bermudian, we remain vigilant and determined to see the bright light once again.
Stunning to me how so many were caught up in the Epstein web.
The ugliest thing I witnessed last year was the King Charles banquet at Windsor Castle.
The King rightfully defrocks his brother Andrew, formerly known as Prince, whilst he dines with Epstein’s pal. That is the height of immoral hypocrisy.
#ReleaseTheEpsteinFiles
It was particularly offensive to me to use Catherine by seating her next to Trump and see him move her chair closer to his in an obvious intent at brushing up against her at every opportunity. They poorly used her to dupe the most vile and offensive creep in the world. It was very shameful and should never have ever been remotely considered in the first place. I think Charles and William should have refused to invite that child molester to ever step foot there! Shame!
Thanks Lisa - ace gurl !
Never in my life would I have thought that a narcissistic sociopath would be the most powerful person in the world.
I fear darker days are ahead before we see the light of good ethical moral leadership.
The “noise” in America distracts from the ugly war in the Ukraine perpetrated by The Killer in the Kremlin.
Then there is GAZA and Netanyahu’s plans.
Iran could be next.
I wrote a song during Covid.
It is called HOPE - it applies just as much to the current dark days we are living through.
https://youtu.be/jIhf8hA5grQ?si=oZF1DTCeB__SnWeu
I could not open your song without getting a whole bunch of YouTube extras…any other way I could receive it Tony?
If not, no worries, and thanks much for your responses!
Tony, what a beautiful song! Faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love. That song brought tears but not sad tears. Happy tears that so many of us continue to have that hope. From Alexander Pope's poem, "An Essay on Man" where he states "Hope springs eternal in every human breast". That is all of us. We possess an enduring sense of hope even when the orange stain is hell bent on destroying us. We find reasons for hope even when the challenges we face seem overwhelming! Thank you, Tony, for another beautiful song to play at the next No Kings Rally!
Here is another link to HOPE along with some cool testimonials
https://bermuda-entertainment.com/hopebyperfectstrangers/index.html
Thank you, Tony! This was so inspirational! Uplifting!
We are going to edit the video to feature current events - the original was created and inspired by the Covid days
Stay tuned
It's a fantastic recording! Looking very much forward to that update because it is an incredibly encouraging song!
Hey
Nils Lofgren is on Mary Trump today
Nils is Bruce Springsteens lead guitarist!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18FCSp2aSv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
"Something went terribly askew in America," sums it up neatly, I think. We should be asking each other "Why?"
So beautifully said, Tony!
HOPE
https://vimeo.com/514033136
Thank you Tony for your kind words and analysis of this country. A majority of Americans are fighting against trump and his regime as hard as we can. Even people in other countries are joining our fight. The next No Kings Protest is March 28th, maybe you can spread the word and gather some people to join us on that day. We pray that this will be the biggest peaceful protest ever. 💙💙💙🇺🇸
I’ve followed you for years. Lucid, cogent, informative, and a lovely sense of humor. Wish I could have taken one of your classes.
Who knows... Perhaps you were born ten days after Trump for a reason - to be a huge thorn in his side and a wise and generous prophet for the rest of us... Gratitude abounds...
Michele et al: Yes, This fact alone could make even ME believe there IS a God!! God knows, Trump needed/needs a counterweight!!!
Bless you and yours forevermore!!! My Grandmother taught Indianola Mississippi how to play the piano. Her family disowned her for marrying my Grandfather, who was dark skinned. My Grandfather graduated from Tougaloo College in 1905. My mother forced me into college, saying, “College is a driving license for an inquiring mind!”
I like “Collefe is a driving license for an inquiring mind.”
College
Thank you for this column, Mr. Reich. I'm 81, and I feel the same way about the future based on historical fact. The pendulum always swings.
But probably not in our lifetimes, another 81-yr-old.
You are right, Carol! Probably not in our lifetime, but in our grandchildrens and future generations. Knowing that gives me reason to fight on!
Hang in there Carol!
I needed this! I’m guessing most of us needed this. Thank you a million times over. Oh yes, I’m short too. 4’10”
Composition--
"Things" are almost always the product of a marriage of sorts. Describing a human, it's been said we are just skin and bones. A banana, you have the peel and the mesocarp. A company has management and labor. Our reality is composed of what we do during the day as compared to what we do at night. The psyche of a human is defined as the interaction between nature and nurture. Some people develop independently from social pressures while others become slaves of the elements which have consumed them. Take Donald Trump for example. This man has intertwined the essence of two individuals, who were not that dissimilar, to form a third. These vestiges from the past lived in basically the same time period. Adolf Hitler 1889-1945(?) and Alphonse Capone 1899-1947. I don't see Trump as being another Hitler, although his admiration for what Adolf accomplished during his lifetime definitely captured his attention. The driving temperament that defines Trump comes from the personality of Al Capone. Trump is a street thug, and that's being kind. The man doesn't have a single redeeming quality you would expect to find in a President. He's rude, abrasive, and as Professor Kelly once stated; "He's the dumbest goddamn student I ever had." Trump has openly praised Capone on more than one occasion. He may follow Adolf's playbook but our Mr. Trump is the embodiment of Alphonse Capone, our own American gangster. Elliott--- phone home!
Robert Reich answers reader questions: writes in mornings, loves it, fights neofascism daily, still teaches, reads fiction for escape, stays optimistic—history’s pendulum will swing back.
You have a blessed life. May you live long and prosper 🖖
I’ve said this before but, thank you for all that you do!
God bless you Professor Reich❣️⚡️🦋❤️🩹
Let’s take a look at Trump’s America.
US employers announced 108,435 layoffs for the month, up 118% from the same period a year ago and 205% from Dec 2025. The total marked the highest for any Jan since 2009, while the economy was in the final months of its steepest downturn since the Great Depression. At the same time, companies announced just 5,306 new hires, also the lowest January since 2009. Planned hiring dropped 13% from January 2025 and was off 49% from December.”
Prepare for a Wall Street correction, because this is unsustainable.
Professor Reich, I must tell you when I first started on Substack you were the first person I followed. Ever since then, you have been the person I seek out for reliable information and ways to resist. I admit there are other good writers on this forum, but you were my first source of reliable and dependable current events. I follow you still and contact my representatives from your other posts. I want to thank you personally for being such a good patriot. If everyone loved their country like you do, with insight, and intelligence…well, we would not be where we are today. So a sincere thank you 🙏🏻 👏👏🫡