We’re living in a second Gilded Age of extreme inequality. Trump is on the side of the ultra-wealthy who are rigging the system. Harris should make it clearer she’s on the people’s side.
Wow! You articulated my concerns about the direction of her campaign. Her touting Dick Cheney's support is particularly unnerving as it feels like a shift in her focus away from economic populism. I would feel more comfortable if she committed to keeping on Lina Khan and pushing through aspects of the PRO Act.
I don't think we can throw the baby out with the bath water! Not a Cheney fan, but we this is a rough election, and we need more Cheneys to help fight back at the madness of their own party for the good of all! Once we get rid of this new plague, we can go return to more idealistic approaches!!
It’s a common troll assertion that both sides are fascist. That BS is manufactured in Russia. That’s not a disagreement …it’s disinformation and a tool a autocrats and dictators who want to confuse and divide.
The personal tone sounds pretty Trumpish to me!! People never liked politicians of big corporations-that is a fact!! But I think knocking the democrats right now is not the right thing to do! Harris has come a long way! Start a better party for us Elsie-I'm with ya'!
Elsie has nothing but false assertions. Her objective is to get ultra liberal Dems to reject the party because they are imperfect. She should be ignored. She has nothing substantive to offer just her incoherent claims without elaboration.
On the internet you can be anything. I am a 200 lb, 6.6 Nigerian.
The Democratic party has a myriad of faults and problems. I am an ascerbic critic, but there is only one agenda now and that calls for unity, setting aside grievances and druthers and that is keeping Trump away from the levers of power, Nothing else is important, and the last thing we need is division within the opponents of Trump.
Correction: since ronny regean drooled all over the white house, the RIGHT'S default is facism! If you refuse to vote for a Harris/Walz ticket, you ARE voting for a Facist man-baby felon RAPIST.
Could you tell that to your family wiith a straight face WHEN he gets locked up after losing?
Our Democratic nominee wants us to have the most lethal military in the world. Her administration condemned peaceful protesters who were brutalized by police in blue states. Her administration is enabling and defending a genocide/ holocaust. Open your eyes, man. You are blinded by... I don't now what
The clear evidence suggests that the Republicans have embraced fascism and abandonment of the rule of law. The Dems have decried Trumps lack of fitness for office, Project 2025/ Agenda 47, Trumps desire to suspend the constitution, prosecute his political opposition, Trump’s lawlessness…yet you call this “both sides” nonsense.
The Dems agenda includes a “for the people” act and programs to boost the middle class, labor and help make housing affordable and support for the rule of law. That doesn’t sound like fascism. Sounds like preserve our democracy
You are either a paid troll or a complete numbskull or both.
C'mon, John. I know it can be frustrating, but aim high. Insults have no place on this forum. Let's treat others as we'd like to be treated. Judging from the likes you get versus Elsie's, you have won the argument hands down. No need to rub it in.
You're definitely a numbskull who refuses to see what's really happening in the Democratic Party. You still believe what they say without seeing what they do (or do not).
There is no road to heaven but there is a road to hell. Trump’s the road to hell. Harris is the road to stability of the republic. There are no other choices.
Just what in your mind makes fascism the default for the Democratic party.
Elsie, you lost the argument as soon as you called John a numbskull. I have my own criticism of the Democratic Party, or rather specific members of it, but I can articulate it.
At this time of intense danger for the Republic, I speak to my MOCs and give *them* my advice as to how their actions could make the world better. I do not nitpick their a$$hole on Social Media.
The fact that you resort to insults makes you incompetent to debate anything. GTFO. Mute yourself.
I thought it was more important than ever! Trump and Musk together is the worst of our fears! Bizarre and Baloney are not the words that describe what can happen!!
This. The Democrats act like whatever Trump wants to do is inevitable. Like, what are THEY going to do? I've heard nothing they'll do to counter it. Because they have to keep us fearful so we'll ignore all the other stuff and vote for them.
I understand how it can seem that way to many people. The issue is that union strength is one of the biggest downward pressures on wealth inequality. If it weren't for unions pressuring corporate executives, we would be
working 140 hours work weeks and living in company dorms. Working conditions so you probably won't lose a limb or your life on the job? That's due to union pressure. That is not including the pay gap. When an executive makes 500 to 600 times the median worker salary per year, it creates a massive wealth gap in power and influence in our country. Is an executive worth 500 to 600 times the median worker? When an executive makes bad decisions like signing bad lease terms, over expanding, poor debt decisions and runs the company into the ground, executives and the top managers get great severance packages. Sure, they may have to postpone a vacation or two but they aren't going to worry about not being able to make their mortgage payments or not being able to pay for food or lose their healthcare. For the median worker who lost their job because of those decisions will have to be concerned about all of those things. Where is the meritocracy in that?
Both of them would be arguing the opposite. Musk is notoriously anti-union. He has fought tooth and nail to prevent his factories from unionizing. Putin would be much the same. His support comes from the wealthy oligarchs who would also be opposed to workers rights. That's why they are so supportive of the Republicans.
Cheney might hold sway with old school conservatives so why not? At least he’s abandoned the mainstream Republican agenda under Trump.
The PRO act might be too esoteric for the voters she’s trying to sway. Most unions have already endorsed her. As for Lina, we’ll see. I don’t think it matters for the election. Most people would have no idea.
BUT - let's discuss the Pekora Hearings - how did we get the bankers who cause wars, income inequality, and climate change (long list) back under regulations??
Yes, Kamala - please have a lunch with Bernie, Elizabeth, and Katie Porter. Not Jamie Dimon. Before it's too late.
The Pecora Hearings happened following the Great Depression. He grilled the bankers into the ground for causing it which is how we got Glass Seagal Act.
I know about it and Glass Steagall. I’m just wondering why you are bringing it up now. Aside from the point that “banks are evil”..what’s the current relevance?
No doubt that the crash ended the gilded age and Glass Steagall was put in place to keep banks out of the market speculation game.
Tighter banking regs may help but I doubt it will solve income inequality. Piketty’s book “ Capital and Ideology” tracks the inequality of wealth and income. His solutions are progressive taxes on both wealth and income together a stipend to everyone who meets education or public service minimums.
The real problem is that accumulating more wealth is way too easy if you have wealth and income.
I think Harris has made it extremely clear that she is on the side of ‘We the People’ right along - of ALL people - those who voted for her and those who didn’t.
The Magas/trumpers who voted for him will be in for a very rude awakening, when they finally realize the big liar is for his billionaire friends and himself - not for them. Too late!!
Jacki, I am trying to think what Kamala Harris can do to show the people just what Trump stands for and how different it is from her positions. Trump blurts out all kinds of hateful insults, threats, and more, but his Klan does not even listen to him anymore, as long as the up and down cadences of his voice continue. Maybe in addition, they share Trump's hates and fears. They are coming to hate immigrants even though many of them have immigrants as grandparents or great grandparents. How soon they forget, not realizing that the same kind of crap Trump and Vance throw at today's immigrants were thrown at their ancestors. White Americans have spent centuries being terrified of everyone who does not look and act like them. Maybe it's time white America should stand up and say, "enough!" Instead of hate, maybe they should consider understanding, appreciation, and nurturing belonging. They would be happier and so would the rest of the country. As a white woman, I know this is a task for all white people, harder for some than others, though.
IMO, the Americans that are admiring Orban and Hungary should move there. If they like it so much, move. If they want a tyrant, move to Russia. If they want a king, move to England or one of the other countries with monarchies. If they can’t stand for our democracy and constitution, get the h@ll out!!
Daniel, and they got citizenship quickly while the people who are actually fleeing danger can't, and they are the ones who value our democracy while the guys you mentioned don't.
Also, Trump's mother, grandfather, and two of his three wives are/were immigrants. His mother and grandfather poisoned this country by inflicting him on us. But what Trump really dislikes are Black and brown people. Black people who support him are not seeing reality.
Agreed. I just heard that Harris is going on Joe Rogan. I think she should make this economic argument for the middle class and taxing the super rich like Musk. Then she should push 3 or 4 more issues:
One, remind JR that the bi-partisan Immigration bill is the best possible solution, and Trump selfishly derailed it for personal and political reasons because he doesnt have any solutions. Trump put politics and party before people which disqualifises himto be President. You don't get to tell the fire department not to respond and then complain that a fire is burning.
Two, the climate crisis is serious and demand action. Her plan is responsible and pro-active. Trump's plan is irresponsible and dereliction of duty. The US demands cliamte action for future generations' National security, sustainable energy policy and a livable planet. The GND creates good jobs while investing in the future to stop a serious climate crisis.
"Look Joe, we now have climate refugees in FL and as far north as North Carolina. We must take action because the scientists and insurance actuaries are certain that climate change is happening and will get worse if we don't diversify our energy with renewable energy and stop buying the worst sources like tar sands. Science matters! We must diversity and promote alternative energy for National Security and future generations. That's how we make America great in the future."
Three, go hard on how short-sighted, cruel and anti-freedon and liberty it is for big government to repeal women's choice. Note Republicans obsession to interfere in private health matters is outrageous and unacceptable in the land of the free. No more big government in the doctors' offices when Republicans have no clue what millions of women and couple face.
Id say, "Joe, how many women are sadly addicted to drugs? Sadly, thousands of addicts are in the US and they can't care for themselves much less a child. Sadly, thousands of women have serious health issues. It's dangerous to women's health, inhumane, wasteful, and insane totalitarian government for politicians to dictate healthcare decisions for woman. We're not going back to wire hangers and other dangerous alternatives to medical abortions by medical experts. Also, Trump's term "after birth abortions" is an unhinged, delusional lie. We're not going back!"
Four: DJT has already tried to abolish the ACA without a better plan. Before the ACA, over 40,000 Americans died EVERY YEAR! The ACA provides consumer protections so insurance companies can't discriminate and ignore the Americans who most need healthcare. Joe, before the ACA, insurance companies denied people who needed care. And when the health pool of people got an illness, they would cancel their policies on grounds of not reporting acne as a teen. That's not healthcare. That's a racket legalized by insurance company lobbyists who created "pre-existing conditions." Do you see how Trump's deregulation would cost American lives and make us like a Third World country? We're not going back to people not getting healthy care and people losing their homes because someone in the family got a diagnosis that needs healthcare. Welith healthcare, Americans are healthier, can work and survive and it saves money by treating issues before the health issue spirals out of control and is unsurvivable. I believe it's important to be pro-life for Americans and families. We're not going back!"
Okay, one more: Trump's own Cabinet members who know him best and say Trump should never get in the WH again. Tillerson, General Milley, his VP and others have taken the extraordinary act to warn Americans about Trump. "Joe, Who are you going to believe, Trump after 32,000 plus lies, or Trump's closest most important appointments who worked with him?"
Mr. Piper: excellent framing; she’s doing some of that, but it’s often buried in other talking points.
Now, got any ideas about the GOTV (Get Out the Vote) effort? I suspect few minds are being changed these days - on both sides. It’s now all about the on-the-ground efforts at getting Dem-inclined voters to actually DO IT!!! Easier said than done.
Fact: The United States has the most expensive healthcare system among advanced Western nations. And our system delivers lower life expectancies and worse outcomes than the socialized European, Scandinavian, and Canadian systems that our leaders pooh-pooh. But the prime objective of our capitalist healthcare system is not to deliver better health outcomes for participants. Rather, it is to make money, and our system does a bang-up job of that. Capitalism is an inferior model for providing healthcare.
While I agree that the disproportionate distribution of wealth, power, and influence that threatens to upend our democratic society is an issue that must be continually raised and pushed, if we’re to win in November, I would submit that Harris’s closing argument chiefly must focus on Donald Trump and the threat he poses to the American republic.
Yes, in a trial--the anlogy here--the closing argument must rest on the evidence presented.
It is abundantly clar that the threat of Trump is not just to the republic but to the lives and livelihood of millions. There are already hundreds of thousands of fatalities from his botched Covid response.
What is promised now in Project 2025 is essentially a "Final Solution" that would end up with far more fatalities, economic disruption, and all-out war in Europe and Asia.
The evidence is there and now it is time for the closing argument.
Doug (if I may), Thank you both for writing and for extending my original post to underscore the broader harms Trump’s return to power would inflict. Seeing your comment largely centers on Project 2025, I would note my dismay that attention to this mandate has substantially diminished as of late.
There is an eerie historical date of January 20, 1942 and a gathering in Wannsee in SW Berlin. At the meeting, it was determined the forcing Jews to emigrate from the Reich was insufficient and other measures were needed to accomplish the goals. The resulting plan was the "Final Solution" calling for extermination of 11 million people.
Sound familar? The path of the proposed "mass deportations" of Project 2025 will likely follow this trajectory.
Dr. Gilbert, here is a take on Leonard Leo, a radical board member of the Opus Dei sect, Federalist Society director, and major proponent of Project 2025, derisively known to be Drumpf's "court whisperer".
Interesting read. Through my undergraduate I was steeped in much of the history of the Catholic Church and the reformation. It is not a pretty history.
It often amazes me that a cycle of the Church attempting to co-opt government has run in a 4-generational pattern since the 1500s, if not even to 325 (much more limited history there). It usually starts with culture warriors rebelling against modernization and progress. The now aging out Boomers are now mostly at home here. The following generation often can be pragmatic but also cynically utilitarian. Leo fits the latter description.
The results of this cycle have given us Inquisitions, World Wars, Holocasts, ethnic cleansing, etc.
Agreed, Barbara that Harris must drum loudly on these two issues of wealth begetting political power, and of Trump's abusive rhetoric and threats, but she really needs to gash him not only for his hatefulness, but for his abysmal record of betraying the public interest. Harris has the advantage here of her prosecutorial skill, which she must use to sink T's shipwreck of lies. Go to work!
Dennis, In my view, Trump’s ambition extends well beyond “betraying the public interest.” I believe he’s intent on unleashing immeasurable agony and anguish on anyone unwilling to bend to his will. Were I Harris, I would invoke, in some detail, Project 2025 to prosecute the case against Trump.
I agree but the media isn't helping by repackaging her message-look at all the talk about Cheney when really she has said great unifying things and introduced policies! The best thing to recommend is to vote for her and get others too!!
Fraser, Setting aside media and supplementing your last sentence, I would underscore that adding to her vote count, in my view, entails that Harris is able increasingly to manifest the belief, particularly for those harboring grievances, many legitimate, that things can change.
Carolyn, While you’re right that the polling indicates that Trump is regarded more favorably than at any time during his presidency, my instinct mostly would be to surgically prosecute Trump’s expressed intentions moving forward.
The American oligarchs are nothing but bullies who, for the most part, got rich by taking advantage of the working class! Working class Americans will continue to suffer unless they unionize. That is the only way they will have the power to prevent an authoritarian government from taking control of our country! Kamala Harris and Tim Walz care about all American citizens and will never forget all those who fought and died to protect our Democracy. Trump and Vance only care about the people who will be loyal to them and to Hell with everyone who disagrees with them. Take the time to read Project 2025 because that will be our next constitution if Trump wins!
Yes Keith, but we know that. Problem is why the rot has gotten so far, why big money got so powerfull, without countervailing power from both political parties? Was it the polarising style of Newt Gingrich? The lack of spirit in the DOJ?
Tom, I have repeatedly asked this question. I have yet to read Reich address this. My guess is the loss of an honest, forthright 4th estate, News. The loss of the former Fairness Doctrine has smothered, neigh almost extinguished mutual understanding. And, we missed the locomotive. This means re-regulating ALL MEDIA is critical and not even mentioned.
Tom Van Doormaal : AsAlways, follow the money. Kamala Harris cannot bite the hand that feeds her campaign. Nor would it be great for her to denigrate those Conservatives who have "come around" after seeing 'just' how bad tRUMP IS! Many of these Repuicans have had to spend money just defending themselves and their families from death threats and attacks.
Ruth, glad you have! The Republicans can’t throw out our votes. I voted in person, they brought my ballot to my car, for early voting in VA. I voted for our entire Democratic ticket, too!
Virginia--The orange guy will no doubt show his displeasure with the people's choice. Lucifer must have felt the same way when he was directed to his new home.
And why have we done nothing to make sure this never happens again? Why are we allowing Trump to run, Musk, Putin Netanyahu to even exist? Why are we allowing mentally ill men to control our lives????
Betty Moyers: When tRUMP was in power, he salted his 'fiends' everywhere he could in government : state governments, certainly the courts especially the too powerful Supreme Court, which he stacked, and bragged about it openly. The pardon power allowed him to let his co-criminals off the hook. Which I was taught would not be allowed to do with pardons, in a Civics class long ago. Money talks and bullshit walks. Our government is dangerously corrupted from top to bottom, and it was not the Democrats alone. Ronald Reagan allowed Rupert murdoch into our country, at the same time that the Fairness Doctrine disappeared. Murdoch was fast tracked , less than a year. I read. It was a powerful, evil move, and no accident. It has been downhill all the way for working and middle class, even the poor. Newt Gingrich and a couple more "Presidents" who did not win the popular vote, then Citizens United, and here we are. Taking a brave, intelligent candidate to task for not being perfect enough!
It’s a great post for intellectual people who will understand it. I had a hard time with it, but basically got its message. Yes, the ultra rich, like Musk, realizing it or not, is destroying our economy and our country. How he is backing a past PRESIDENT, who insights an insurrection, just for selfish reasons, not caring at all for the average worker, is just ludicrous if not insane. I hope that many will understand this post and elect Harris. However, I fear the worst. It makes me so angry that Trump is allowed to run for office. Our forefathers added amendment 14, section 3 to protect us from the very situation we are in today. Colorado was the only state to recognize it, but our corrupt Supreme Court shut them down. God help us all.
“‘Enormously wealthy and economically powerful men, whose chief object is to hold and increase their power’ could destroy U.S. democracy.”
Theodore Roosevelt called them “malefactors of great wealth.” A catchy, catch-all term for them is needed more than ever, and Theodore’s turn of phrase is probably still the best.
Professor Reich: i agree with you, of course. but i do have a few questions. first, might alexandria ocasio-cortez be a way forward for america? she's been rather quiet lately (although it was her 35th birthday yesterday, if i recall correctly) and her quietness has made me a bit concerned about how she's doing.
i'm also curious -- VERY curious -- as to your thoughts about the nobel prize winners in economics. presumably, they won because of their studies of why some nations are so wealthy whilst others are not. i've not yet read more deeply about their ideas, but am curious what you think? (i ask because jared diamond made a lengthy and detailed argument -- racist argument, as it turns out -- as to why some nations are so wealthy, so i'd be interested to know what you think?)
I in turn am curious what you are referring to when you say "jared diamond made a lengthy and detailed argument -- racist argument, as it turns out -- as to why some nations are so wealthy". Are you talking about Guns, Germs and Steel? I read that a few years ago, and I don't recall anything remotely racist about the arguments in that book. If anything, the contrary was true, as he was essentially saying that the fact that Europeans ended up dominating the world was _not_ because of any superiority on their part, but because of a number of chance advantages relating to geography.
I agree. Jared Diamond has been accused of racism before, but I have not seen such a bias in any of his books or ideas. It seems very fashionable today to stick labels on people; racist, sexist, misogynist, socialist, communist, etc. rather than enter into proper debate about the merits or otherwise of important contributions to knowledge and science. Intellectual laziness.
William, I may not be the brightest bulb in the pack, but I cannot understand that if these richy rich want unregulated capitalism, won't they still need workers for their corporations? Workers being those of us that need to work in order to put food on the table. I can't help but think that because of their greed, wouldn't there be more of us establishing small mom and pop businesses, co-ops, farmer's markets and the like instead of having a dependence on these greedy corporations? As they continue their march toward unregulated capitalism, wouldn't we in turn start finding ways to exists without depending on these corporations? As their dollars dry up from workers and middle class and poor, wouldn't they just go under? I don't know, I probably sound like an idiot. I just feel there are so many more of us than there are of them, we should be able to figure out our existence without them. The corporations are like Marie-Antoinette when she was told her peasants were starving and she said, "Let them eat cake." That is their attitude and I would like to take that cake and cram it down their throats! Just me wondering about things.
Well said. Speaking of Sanders and economic populism, I followed 538 closely in 2016, and in hypothetical matchups between Sanders and Trump, it was roughly Sanders 70 to Trump 30, with almost nobody undecided. Hillary vs Trump was about 35/35 with about 30% undecided. So, I knew in the Spring of 2016, before the DNC dumped Sanders, that Sanders would sweep a landslide and Hillary would be a disaster. After the dumping, I watched in horror as the slow motion trainwreck unspooled.
Every time I see her aggrieved, entitled, expressions on TV I feel like throwing up.
Viscerally don't like her, eh? She has facial features which when she uses certain muscles in her face - she appears smug. She's not smug - she's smart. She's a woman <that is what puts voters off. A woman can't be President - it's a man's job. Look thru American History - or other nation's histories - women who wield power & diplomacy aren't featured much. Queen Elizabeth I (daddy, brother and sister died); Tsarina Catherine the Great (husband died). Modernly, Angela Merkel (German Chancellor), Jacinda Arden (popular & smart NZ PM), E.Johnson-Surleaf, and others in our times.
I'm not arguing against male leaders - I'm arguing for a wiser world order - not one of swagger & weapons & unstable leaders.
Instability drives us to retreat to past safe times. Look back at the cyclic nature of times.
Two steps forward, one step back <
this is my impression of US Politics & we, the people suffer for this step shuffle in our social interactions & progress.
We've technology to kill and to save. But we're oblivious of our citizens who are hungry, poor. houseless.
Tent cities come to our attention only when they grow, especially when they get close to our front doors, not before, why?
Our Healthcare system is unbalanced, why?
There are many experts. But are their voices heard and acted on.
There's cacophony and few moves to action & progress, why?
Oh please. This has nothing to do with gender (speaking for myself). I have great respect for the powerful powerful women leaders you mention (although where is Margaret Thatcher?).
Hillary lost not because she's a woman but because she's Hillary Clinton. She's no Catherine the Great, she's no Thatcher. I don't agree with the oft-expressed opinion that she's smart. As Christopher Hitchens asked: Name me one great thing that she has said or done that would qualify her for POTUS.
It's kind of incredible that in less than 2 years, the United States will celebrate it's 250th birthday, and nobody's talking about it -- as if the guest of honor might not show up.
We've got militia groups going after FEMA workers.
Meteorologists receiving death threats. As one dispirited meteorologist wrote on X this week, “Murdering meteorologists won’t stop hurricanes.” She followed with: “I can’t believe I just had to type that.”
Many people only get info from Fox and Facebook. Please, consider posting on social media. Feel free to post the following or make it better and post it:
Do billionaires really need a tax break? Warren Buffet said his secretary paid a higher tax rate than he did. Bill Gates said he should of had to pay much more in taxes than he had to.
When Republicans get in power, they usually cut taxes for the wealthy, this creates a bigger gap between top earners and the rest, drives up the national debt and usually the overall economy suffers greatly. Many billionaires see recessions as buying opportunities and for having cheaper labor.
Trump says he will cut taxes more for billionaires. Harris says she will get the wealthy to pay more of their fair share of taxes. She won’t raise tax rates on individuals making less than $400,000 and she wants a $6,000 child tax credit for the first year of birth. Biden and Harris have kept tariffs on China and now have increased those tariffs.
With the wealth already greatly going to the top, billionaires don’t need another tax break. Harris will be much better for the economy and better for the national debt. But the strongest reason to vote for Harris is to save our democracy from a want-to-be dictator with the backing of big money, media and the courts. Feel free to re post.
Dems are “drinking at the trough “ for campaign funds because they have to.
That’s the only way to win since Citizens United. It’s the reason there is no time for reform or governing, only time for raising money and campaigning. It’ll start the day after a winner is declared this cycle.
It’s the reason winners can’t tax the robber barons. They are untouchable.
Think of the homes we could build, mouths we could feed, kids we could educate, workers we could retrain with the BILLIONS we spend on campaigning. We must shorten the campaign season and start running the country.
'Owning a home' being the core of that American dream, urban sprawl is not the path into a healthy future for planet Earth. In the re-thinking of land conservation, condos and multi-stories should be the new-norm. Protected flora as our saguaros are, don't care for the re-planting, as their acreage continues to be razed for the 1/3 acre property home "dream".
Shelia--This election needs to be simplified. In essence it comes down to a choice between an egotistical, uneducated moron who is in love with what Hitler began and a good woman who stands for the positive concerns of the American people. Why is there a choice? God gave women the right to begin life, let's give Kamala the right to continue ours.
When something is so blatantly obvious, I wonder why more people don't SEE it? The enormous gap between the richy rich and all of the rest of us is more like a chasm! It has grown and grown over the last 30+ years. After the war our country was doing good things. Unions were strong, the middle class grew and there was "a chicken for every pot". My childhood was fantastic! I am so very glad to have those wonderful memories now as I age. We were living in "Camelot". I remember actually taking notice of politics when President John F. Kennedy took the oath of office. I also remember the day he was assassinated and the whole country in mourning! Then in the 60s I became quite loud about civil rights and the Vietnam war. I truly don't think that many of us paid that much attention to the fact that the richy rich were beginning to become the uber rich! It took a while but eventually the guardrails that had been put into place to keep corporations and millionaires in their place were removed and today you see the result. Our unions are down and not as effective as they once were, corporations have grown into greedy, power-hungry monopolies that want to control everything and fascism has crept in and threatens to destroy the Democracy that we hold dear. I truly do not know if we became complacent or ignorant of all of this happening! We all were so busy with our own lives that we stopped paying so much attention to politics just voting when it was time to vote. Now, we are on the brink of life-altering events that could tear our country apart and many are running around like chickens with their heads chopped off screaming "What do we do? What do we do?" I know that I will keep working so very hard to ensure Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the winners in November. Once they are in the White House, I intend to spend what remaining time I have left on this earth to tackle those areas I feel strongly about: climate change, popular vote, ending citizens united and petitioning to get those guardrails put back in place. I trust Lina Kahn will continue to do the fantastic work she has already started. Vote blue, America, up and down the ballot!
Wow! You articulated my concerns about the direction of her campaign. Her touting Dick Cheney's support is particularly unnerving as it feels like a shift in her focus away from economic populism. I would feel more comfortable if she committed to keeping on Lina Khan and pushing through aspects of the PRO Act.
Quit whining and get to work. The default is fascism.
Yes, the default for both parties is fascism. Why aren't we doing something about our own party?
Troll.
not everyone who disagrees is a troll.
This guy is a lawyer who put bankers in jail - Bill Black
Pekora Hearings - he also put bankers in jail from the great depression.
What people are asking is for the Dems to step it up and not just win but win for middle class.
I don't think we can throw the baby out with the bath water! Not a Cheney fan, but we this is a rough election, and we need more Cheneys to help fight back at the madness of their own party for the good of all! Once we get rid of this new plague, we can go return to more idealistic approaches!!
Lizzy voted with Trump all the way to the end. She just had a come to jesus moment and wasn't ready to go to the pearly gates yet.
Do NOT put republicans in the cabinet. I mean it. If I vote for a Dem, I want all Dems. I've never seen a republican want to be "fair" and "balanced".
It’s a common troll assertion that both sides are fascist. That BS is manufactured in Russia. That’s not a disagreement …it’s disinformation and a tool a autocrats and dictators who want to confuse and divide.
Janet, and win for everyone who earns a pay check.
I'm a lifelong Democrat who woke up to a lot of things in the last year. You should wake up, too. I'm woke in a way you're not.
The personal tone sounds pretty Trumpish to me!! People never liked politicians of big corporations-that is a fact!! But I think knocking the democrats right now is not the right thing to do! Harris has come a long way! Start a better party for us Elsie-I'm with ya'!
Elsie has nothing but false assertions. Her objective is to get ultra liberal Dems to reject the party because they are imperfect. She should be ignored. She has nothing substantive to offer just her incoherent claims without elaboration.
On the internet you can be anything. I am a 200 lb, 6.6 Nigerian.
The Democratic party has a myriad of faults and problems. I am an ascerbic critic, but there is only one agenda now and that calls for unity, setting aside grievances and druthers and that is keeping Trump away from the levers of power, Nothing else is important, and the last thing we need is division within the opponents of Trump.
no, you're not woke. If you disagree on here, they also go low for the name calling.
It's mostly corporate dems who have their lovely retirement and can sit here all day and comment.
They should all watch TheCon.tv
that said - I'll vote for Harris - but I'm not happy - it doesn't mean I'll be supporting the Dems and no way to I support the radical republicans.
Correction: since ronny regean drooled all over the white house, the RIGHT'S default is facism! If you refuse to vote for a Harris/Walz ticket, you ARE voting for a Facist man-baby felon RAPIST.
Could you tell that to your family wiith a straight face WHEN he gets locked up after losing?
Well, right now Elsie, I think we need to concentrate on saving the country!
If you equate Republicans and Democrats we have lost you already!!
Elsie’s a troll. Ignore.
You fear Trump because he threatens YOU but you care nothing about what the current administration is already doing to others.
Our Democratic nominee wants us to have the most lethal military in the world. Her administration condemned peaceful protesters who were brutalized by police in blue states. Her administration is enabling and defending a genocide/ holocaust. Open your eyes, man. You are blinded by... I don't now what
The clear evidence suggests that the Republicans have embraced fascism and abandonment of the rule of law. The Dems have decried Trumps lack of fitness for office, Project 2025/ Agenda 47, Trumps desire to suspend the constitution, prosecute his political opposition, Trump’s lawlessness…yet you call this “both sides” nonsense.
The Dems agenda includes a “for the people” act and programs to boost the middle class, labor and help make housing affordable and support for the rule of law. That doesn’t sound like fascism. Sounds like preserve our democracy
You are either a paid troll or a complete numbskull or both.
C'mon, John. I know it can be frustrating, but aim high. Insults have no place on this forum. Let's treat others as we'd like to be treated. Judging from the likes you get versus Elsie's, you have won the argument hands down. No need to rub it in.
You’re right but when I see a troll I simply try to provoke to see what they have. And in Elsie’s case it’s nothin but assertions…no substance.
You're definitely a numbskull who refuses to see what's really happening in the Democratic Party. You still believe what they say without seeing what they do (or do not).
There is no road to heaven but there is a road to hell. Trump’s the road to hell. Harris is the road to stability of the republic. There are no other choices.
Just what in your mind makes fascism the default for the Democratic party.
Elsie, you lost the argument as soon as you called John a numbskull. I have my own criticism of the Democratic Party, or rather specific members of it, but I can articulate it.
At this time of intense danger for the Republic, I speak to my MOCs and give *them* my advice as to how their actions could make the world better. I do not nitpick their a$$hole on Social Media.
The fact that you resort to insults makes you incompetent to debate anything. GTFO. Mute yourself.
Agreed. There is no need to point out the trump bizarre behavior and Musk's baloney on this blog.
We need to Dems to step it up!! Before its too late.
References:
Pekora Hearings - saved us from the Great Depression
White Trash (about class) Nancy Inesberg
The Best Way to Rob a Bank is to Own One - William Bill Black, PhD, lawyer, and former bank regulator. TheCon.tv
Before it's too late -
I thought it was more important than ever! Trump and Musk together is the worst of our fears! Bizarre and Baloney are not the words that describe what can happen!!
This. The Democrats act like whatever Trump wants to do is inevitable. Like, what are THEY going to do? I've heard nothing they'll do to counter it. Because they have to keep us fearful so we'll ignore all the other stuff and vote for them.
DNC Anytime Training signup link (call on your schedule!) Share the link with your own message in an email or text: https://events.democrats.org/event/551644/
To share on any platform, just click on the link and share from there!
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/reel/8700220780030813
BlueSky
https://bsky.app/profile/call-crew-dems.bsky.social/post/3l6i7ek7ar422
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@call_crew_dems/video/7425650523291897134?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7424214167135847966
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBG_lriP8g0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Threads
https://www.threads.net/@call.crew.dems/post/DBG_rxuPmXf?xmt=AQGzH2vwgsu0KMyELxy40VA_BGr_rfvPhmMhy7wZvrz0aQ
YouTube
https://youtube.com/shorts/md3j9XPeOeA?feature=shared
I understand how it can seem that way to many people. The issue is that union strength is one of the biggest downward pressures on wealth inequality. If it weren't for unions pressuring corporate executives, we would be
working 140 hours work weeks and living in company dorms. Working conditions so you probably won't lose a limb or your life on the job? That's due to union pressure. That is not including the pay gap. When an executive makes 500 to 600 times the median worker salary per year, it creates a massive wealth gap in power and influence in our country. Is an executive worth 500 to 600 times the median worker? When an executive makes bad decisions like signing bad lease terms, over expanding, poor debt decisions and runs the company into the ground, executives and the top managers get great severance packages. Sure, they may have to postpone a vacation or two but they aren't going to worry about not being able to make their mortgage payments or not being able to pay for food or lose their healthcare. For the median worker who lost their job because of those decisions will have to be concerned about all of those things. Where is the meritocracy in that?
CK. Is Putin paying you? Musk?
Both of them would be arguing the opposite. Musk is notoriously anti-union. He has fought tooth and nail to prevent his factories from unionizing. Putin would be much the same. His support comes from the wealthy oligarchs who would also be opposed to workers rights. That's why they are so supportive of the Republicans.
It's for the candidate, not the voters to change.🙄
Trump will kill people but none of the donors to the Harris campaign because they're also donors to the trump campaign 🤦🏿🤦♂️
Not the fworst right-wingers!
Cheney might hold sway with old school conservatives so why not? At least he’s abandoned the mainstream Republican agenda under Trump.
The PRO act might be too esoteric for the voters she’s trying to sway. Most unions have already endorsed her. As for Lina, we’ll see. I don’t think it matters for the election. Most people would have no idea.
Corporate democrats always try for those sweet, sweet undecided republican voters and will actively attack anyone to the left of Joe mansion.
Both parties share d'owners 🤑💰🤑
Those are the Republicans the dnc want 🙄 🤦♂️🤦🏿
Publicly funded election campaigns ONLY.
Yes, we know what trump it...
BUT - let's discuss the Pekora Hearings - how did we get the bankers who cause wars, income inequality, and climate change (long list) back under regulations??
Yes, Kamala - please have a lunch with Bernie, Elizabeth, and Katie Porter. Not Jamie Dimon. Before it's too late.
What the focus on Pecora hearings?
The Pecora Hearings happened following the Great Depression. He grilled the bankers into the ground for causing it which is how we got Glass Seagal Act.
This is a general summary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pecora_Commission
For more information please reference -
The Best Way to Rob a Bank is to Own One - William Bill Black, Phd. lawyer
TheCon.tv
Bill has been interviewed by Bill Moyers and lectures at law schools across the country.
Thank you, Janet for buttressing what you say with actual sources. On social media, we get too many opinions and not enough facts.
I knew about the Glass Steagall Act but I was fuzzy on the Pecora hearings.
I know about it and Glass Steagall. I’m just wondering why you are bringing it up now. Aside from the point that “banks are evil”..what’s the current relevance?
Because getting rid of it causes the income inequality now just like it did before the great recession.
We want to fix income inequality , right?
Well, we need to have a little history lesson...
No doubt that the crash ended the gilded age and Glass Steagall was put in place to keep banks out of the market speculation game.
Tighter banking regs may help but I doubt it will solve income inequality. Piketty’s book “ Capital and Ideology” tracks the inequality of wealth and income. His solutions are progressive taxes on both wealth and income together a stipend to everyone who meets education or public service minimums.
The real problem is that accumulating more wealth is way too easy if you have wealth and income.
War also causes climate change (the republicans love a good war)
why?
One of the biggest threats to climate change is construction not cow farts.
I think Harris has made it extremely clear that she is on the side of ‘We the People’ right along - of ALL people - those who voted for her and those who didn’t.
The Magas/trumpers who voted for him will be in for a very rude awakening, when they finally realize the big liar is for his billionaire friends and himself - not for them. Too late!!
Jacki, I am trying to think what Kamala Harris can do to show the people just what Trump stands for and how different it is from her positions. Trump blurts out all kinds of hateful insults, threats, and more, but his Klan does not even listen to him anymore, as long as the up and down cadences of his voice continue. Maybe in addition, they share Trump's hates and fears. They are coming to hate immigrants even though many of them have immigrants as grandparents or great grandparents. How soon they forget, not realizing that the same kind of crap Trump and Vance throw at today's immigrants were thrown at their ancestors. White Americans have spent centuries being terrified of everyone who does not look and act like them. Maybe it's time white America should stand up and say, "enough!" Instead of hate, maybe they should consider understanding, appreciation, and nurturing belonging. They would be happier and so would the rest of the country. As a white woman, I know this is a task for all white people, harder for some than others, though.
White people are all immigrants - we’re all immigrants - only native Americans are the original people of this land called USA
IMO, the Americans that are admiring Orban and Hungary should move there. If they like it so much, move. If they want a tyrant, move to Russia. If they want a king, move to England or one of the other countries with monarchies. If they can’t stand for our democracy and constitution, get the h@ll out!!
yes
Look what the oil barrons did the native americans for their oil
Hate immigrants? Musk, Thiel and Murdock!
Daniel, and they got citizenship quickly while the people who are actually fleeing danger can't, and they are the ones who value our democracy while the guys you mentioned don't.
Irony.
Also sarcasm.
Did they even take the citizenship test?
Also, Trump's mother, grandfather, and two of his three wives are/were immigrants. His mother and grandfather poisoned this country by inflicting him on us. But what Trump really dislikes are Black and brown people. Black people who support him are not seeing reality.
And trump’s wife, Melania, brought her parents to America too!
...melania
Agreed. I just heard that Harris is going on Joe Rogan. I think she should make this economic argument for the middle class and taxing the super rich like Musk. Then she should push 3 or 4 more issues:
One, remind JR that the bi-partisan Immigration bill is the best possible solution, and Trump selfishly derailed it for personal and political reasons because he doesnt have any solutions. Trump put politics and party before people which disqualifises himto be President. You don't get to tell the fire department not to respond and then complain that a fire is burning.
Two, the climate crisis is serious and demand action. Her plan is responsible and pro-active. Trump's plan is irresponsible and dereliction of duty. The US demands cliamte action for future generations' National security, sustainable energy policy and a livable planet. The GND creates good jobs while investing in the future to stop a serious climate crisis.
"Look Joe, we now have climate refugees in FL and as far north as North Carolina. We must take action because the scientists and insurance actuaries are certain that climate change is happening and will get worse if we don't diversify our energy with renewable energy and stop buying the worst sources like tar sands. Science matters! We must diversity and promote alternative energy for National Security and future generations. That's how we make America great in the future."
Three, go hard on how short-sighted, cruel and anti-freedon and liberty it is for big government to repeal women's choice. Note Republicans obsession to interfere in private health matters is outrageous and unacceptable in the land of the free. No more big government in the doctors' offices when Republicans have no clue what millions of women and couple face.
Id say, "Joe, how many women are sadly addicted to drugs? Sadly, thousands of addicts are in the US and they can't care for themselves much less a child. Sadly, thousands of women have serious health issues. It's dangerous to women's health, inhumane, wasteful, and insane totalitarian government for politicians to dictate healthcare decisions for woman. We're not going back to wire hangers and other dangerous alternatives to medical abortions by medical experts. Also, Trump's term "after birth abortions" is an unhinged, delusional lie. We're not going back!"
Four: DJT has already tried to abolish the ACA without a better plan. Before the ACA, over 40,000 Americans died EVERY YEAR! The ACA provides consumer protections so insurance companies can't discriminate and ignore the Americans who most need healthcare. Joe, before the ACA, insurance companies denied people who needed care. And when the health pool of people got an illness, they would cancel their policies on grounds of not reporting acne as a teen. That's not healthcare. That's a racket legalized by insurance company lobbyists who created "pre-existing conditions." Do you see how Trump's deregulation would cost American lives and make us like a Third World country? We're not going back to people not getting healthy care and people losing their homes because someone in the family got a diagnosis that needs healthcare. Welith healthcare, Americans are healthier, can work and survive and it saves money by treating issues before the health issue spirals out of control and is unsurvivable. I believe it's important to be pro-life for Americans and families. We're not going back!"
Okay, one more: Trump's own Cabinet members who know him best and say Trump should never get in the WH again. Tillerson, General Milley, his VP and others have taken the extraordinary act to warn Americans about Trump. "Joe, Who are you going to believe, Trump after 32,000 plus lies, or Trump's closest most important appointments who worked with him?"
Mr. Piper: excellent framing; she’s doing some of that, but it’s often buried in other talking points.
Now, got any ideas about the GOTV (Get Out the Vote) effort? I suspect few minds are being changed these days - on both sides. It’s now all about the on-the-ground efforts at getting Dem-inclined voters to actually DO IT!!! Easier said than done.
Fact: The United States has the most expensive healthcare system among advanced Western nations. And our system delivers lower life expectancies and worse outcomes than the socialized European, Scandinavian, and Canadian systems that our leaders pooh-pooh. But the prime objective of our capitalist healthcare system is not to deliver better health outcomes for participants. Rather, it is to make money, and our system does a bang-up job of that. Capitalism is an inferior model for providing healthcare.
Dear Lord,please keep “THE USA SAFE FROM PREDATORS”!
In Jesus Name, Amen 🙏🏼
Yes, she has, Jacki!
While I agree that the disproportionate distribution of wealth, power, and influence that threatens to upend our democratic society is an issue that must be continually raised and pushed, if we’re to win in November, I would submit that Harris’s closing argument chiefly must focus on Donald Trump and the threat he poses to the American republic.
Yes, in a trial--the anlogy here--the closing argument must rest on the evidence presented.
It is abundantly clar that the threat of Trump is not just to the republic but to the lives and livelihood of millions. There are already hundreds of thousands of fatalities from his botched Covid response.
What is promised now in Project 2025 is essentially a "Final Solution" that would end up with far more fatalities, economic disruption, and all-out war in Europe and Asia.
The evidence is there and now it is time for the closing argument.
Doug (if I may), Thank you both for writing and for extending my original post to underscore the broader harms Trump’s return to power would inflict. Seeing your comment largely centers on Project 2025, I would note my dismay that attention to this mandate has substantially diminished as of late.
There is an eerie historical date of January 20, 1942 and a gathering in Wannsee in SW Berlin. At the meeting, it was determined the forcing Jews to emigrate from the Reich was insufficient and other measures were needed to accomplish the goals. The resulting plan was the "Final Solution" calling for extermination of 11 million people.
Sound familar? The path of the proposed "mass deportations" of Project 2025 will likely follow this trajectory.
People need to wake the heck up!
Dr. Gilbert, here is a take on Leonard Leo, a radical board member of the Opus Dei sect, Federalist Society director, and major proponent of Project 2025, derisively known to be Drumpf's "court whisperer".
https://www.propublica.org/article/we-dont-talk-about-leonard-leo-supreme-court-supermajority
Interesting read. Through my undergraduate I was steeped in much of the history of the Catholic Church and the reformation. It is not a pretty history.
It often amazes me that a cycle of the Church attempting to co-opt government has run in a 4-generational pattern since the 1500s, if not even to 325 (much more limited history there). It usually starts with culture warriors rebelling against modernization and progress. The now aging out Boomers are now mostly at home here. The following generation often can be pragmatic but also cynically utilitarian. Leo fits the latter description.
The results of this cycle have given us Inquisitions, World Wars, Holocasts, ethnic cleansing, etc.
Agreed, Barbara that Harris must drum loudly on these two issues of wealth begetting political power, and of Trump's abusive rhetoric and threats, but she really needs to gash him not only for his hatefulness, but for his abysmal record of betraying the public interest. Harris has the advantage here of her prosecutorial skill, which she must use to sink T's shipwreck of lies. Go to work!
Prof. Reich, thank you for your resounding critique of the soulless power grabbers who undermine society's interests.
Dennis, In my view, Trump’s ambition extends well beyond “betraying the public interest.” I believe he’s intent on unleashing immeasurable agony and anguish on anyone unwilling to bend to his will. Were I Harris, I would invoke, in some detail, Project 2025 to prosecute the case against Trump.
I agree but the media isn't helping by repackaging her message-look at all the talk about Cheney when really she has said great unifying things and introduced policies! The best thing to recommend is to vote for her and get others too!!
Fraser, Setting aside media and supplementing your last sentence, I would underscore that adding to her vote count, in my view, entails that Harris is able increasingly to manifest the belief, particularly for those harboring grievances, many legitimate, that things can change.
And sharply criticize the terrible job he did as president. Most voters polled seem to have forgotten.
Carolyn, While you’re right that the polling indicates that Trump is regarded more favorably than at any time during his presidency, my instinct mostly would be to surgically prosecute Trump’s expressed intentions moving forward.
The American oligarchs are nothing but bullies who, for the most part, got rich by taking advantage of the working class! Working class Americans will continue to suffer unless they unionize. That is the only way they will have the power to prevent an authoritarian government from taking control of our country! Kamala Harris and Tim Walz care about all American citizens and will never forget all those who fought and died to protect our Democracy. Trump and Vance only care about the people who will be loyal to them and to Hell with everyone who disagrees with them. Take the time to read Project 2025 because that will be our next constitution if Trump wins!
Much of the wealth was generated for these oligarchs by governmental support, protections, or concessions:
• Amazon: Not paying sales taxes for decades. Allowing siting of warehouses in low tax states.
• Tesla: Tax subsidies for EVs.
• SpaceX: Generous government contracts directed by certain persons in the Trump administration.
• Social media: No legal responsiblity for product liability (Section 230).
• Weapons: Liability shields.
The Federal government has created the wealth of these individuals through a decades-long picking of winners and losers.
Yes Keith, but we know that. Problem is why the rot has gotten so far, why big money got so powerfull, without countervailing power from both political parties? Was it the polarising style of Newt Gingrich? The lack of spirit in the DOJ?
Tom, I have repeatedly asked this question. I have yet to read Reich address this. My guess is the loss of an honest, forthright 4th estate, News. The loss of the former Fairness Doctrine has smothered, neigh almost extinguished mutual understanding. And, we missed the locomotive. This means re-regulating ALL MEDIA is critical and not even mentioned.
In the Netherlands we have a hybrid financing of the mass media, so they can play a role to further mutual understanding.
Still, why is it impossible when you are paid by advertising? Is it corruption?
Tom Van Doormaal : AsAlways, follow the money. Kamala Harris cannot bite the hand that feeds her campaign. Nor would it be great for her to denigrate those Conservatives who have "come around" after seeing 'just' how bad tRUMP IS! Many of these Repuicans have had to spend money just defending themselves and their families from death threats and attacks.
Is that not a shame?
She already has made it clear that she is on our side! That is the reason that I voted for her on 9/24/2024!
virginia--As did I.
Donald, so happy that you did! We are going to win this thing!
Virginia, I, too have already voted for Harris-Walz, and the whole Democratic ticket in PA. My vote was mailed yesterday!
Ruth, glad you have! The Republicans can’t throw out our votes. I voted in person, they brought my ballot to my car, for early voting in VA. I voted for our entire Democratic ticket, too!
Virginia--The orange guy will no doubt show his displeasure with the people's choice. Lucifer must have felt the same way when he was directed to his new home.
As did I. #NotGoingBack
And why have we done nothing to make sure this never happens again? Why are we allowing Trump to run, Musk, Putin Netanyahu to even exist? Why are we allowing mentally ill men to control our lives????
Betty Moyers: When tRUMP was in power, he salted his 'fiends' everywhere he could in government : state governments, certainly the courts especially the too powerful Supreme Court, which he stacked, and bragged about it openly. The pardon power allowed him to let his co-criminals off the hook. Which I was taught would not be allowed to do with pardons, in a Civics class long ago. Money talks and bullshit walks. Our government is dangerously corrupted from top to bottom, and it was not the Democrats alone. Ronald Reagan allowed Rupert murdoch into our country, at the same time that the Fairness Doctrine disappeared. Murdoch was fast tracked , less than a year. I read. It was a powerful, evil move, and no accident. It has been downhill all the way for working and middle class, even the poor. Newt Gingrich and a couple more "Presidents" who did not win the popular vote, then Citizens United, and here we are. Taking a brave, intelligent candidate to task for not being perfect enough!
It’s a great post for intellectual people who will understand it. I had a hard time with it, but basically got its message. Yes, the ultra rich, like Musk, realizing it or not, is destroying our economy and our country. How he is backing a past PRESIDENT, who insights an insurrection, just for selfish reasons, not caring at all for the average worker, is just ludicrous if not insane. I hope that many will understand this post and elect Harris. However, I fear the worst. It makes me so angry that Trump is allowed to run for office. Our forefathers added amendment 14, section 3 to protect us from the very situation we are in today. Colorado was the only state to recognize it, but our corrupt Supreme Court shut them down. God help us all.
Kamala is the people while Trump is over.
Trump won't be over until someone drives a wooden stake through the place where his heart is supposed to be.
The dark, swirling vortex of hell.
perhaps drive metal stakes through all Teslas ?
Humorous, but it touches something important: the lacking love and humanity of Trump...
“‘Enormously wealthy and economically powerful men, whose chief object is to hold and increase their power’ could destroy U.S. democracy.”
Theodore Roosevelt called them “malefactors of great wealth.” A catchy, catch-all term for them is needed more than ever, and Theodore’s turn of phrase is probably still the best.
tax-evading-me-only people ?
Donald, I like your title from TR. Maybe in addition, something like "Thieves of Democracy" could work too.
Professor Reich: i agree with you, of course. but i do have a few questions. first, might alexandria ocasio-cortez be a way forward for america? she's been rather quiet lately (although it was her 35th birthday yesterday, if i recall correctly) and her quietness has made me a bit concerned about how she's doing.
i'm also curious -- VERY curious -- as to your thoughts about the nobel prize winners in economics. presumably, they won because of their studies of why some nations are so wealthy whilst others are not. i've not yet read more deeply about their ideas, but am curious what you think? (i ask because jared diamond made a lengthy and detailed argument -- racist argument, as it turns out -- as to why some nations are so wealthy, so i'd be interested to know what you think?)
I in turn am curious what you are referring to when you say "jared diamond made a lengthy and detailed argument -- racist argument, as it turns out -- as to why some nations are so wealthy". Are you talking about Guns, Germs and Steel? I read that a few years ago, and I don't recall anything remotely racist about the arguments in that book. If anything, the contrary was true, as he was essentially saying that the fact that Europeans ended up dominating the world was _not_ because of any superiority on their part, but because of a number of chance advantages relating to geography.
I agree. Jared Diamond has been accused of racism before, but I have not seen such a bias in any of his books or ideas. It seems very fashionable today to stick labels on people; racist, sexist, misogynist, socialist, communist, etc. rather than enter into proper debate about the merits or otherwise of important contributions to knowledge and science. Intellectual laziness.
The super-rich tech turdds dream of unregulated capitalism
The 'super rich tech turds' ARE LIVING unregulated ,cut throat US capitalism turned Oligarchy.
William, I may not be the brightest bulb in the pack, but I cannot understand that if these richy rich want unregulated capitalism, won't they still need workers for their corporations? Workers being those of us that need to work in order to put food on the table. I can't help but think that because of their greed, wouldn't there be more of us establishing small mom and pop businesses, co-ops, farmer's markets and the like instead of having a dependence on these greedy corporations? As they continue their march toward unregulated capitalism, wouldn't we in turn start finding ways to exists without depending on these corporations? As their dollars dry up from workers and middle class and poor, wouldn't they just go under? I don't know, I probably sound like an idiot. I just feel there are so many more of us than there are of them, we should be able to figure out our existence without them. The corporations are like Marie-Antoinette when she was told her peasants were starving and she said, "Let them eat cake." That is their attitude and I would like to take that cake and cram it down their throats! Just me wondering about things.
They dream of sweatshop America.
Well said. Speaking of Sanders and economic populism, I followed 538 closely in 2016, and in hypothetical matchups between Sanders and Trump, it was roughly Sanders 70 to Trump 30, with almost nobody undecided. Hillary vs Trump was about 35/35 with about 30% undecided. So, I knew in the Spring of 2016, before the DNC dumped Sanders, that Sanders would sweep a landslide and Hillary would be a disaster. After the dumping, I watched in horror as the slow motion trainwreck unspooled.
Every time I see her aggrieved, entitled, expressions on TV I feel like throwing up.
Viscerally don't like her, eh? She has facial features which when she uses certain muscles in her face - she appears smug. She's not smug - she's smart. She's a woman <that is what puts voters off. A woman can't be President - it's a man's job. Look thru American History - or other nation's histories - women who wield power & diplomacy aren't featured much. Queen Elizabeth I (daddy, brother and sister died); Tsarina Catherine the Great (husband died). Modernly, Angela Merkel (German Chancellor), Jacinda Arden (popular & smart NZ PM), E.Johnson-Surleaf, and others in our times.
I'm not arguing against male leaders - I'm arguing for a wiser world order - not one of swagger & weapons & unstable leaders.
Instability drives us to retreat to past safe times. Look back at the cyclic nature of times.
Two steps forward, one step back <
this is my impression of US Politics & we, the people suffer for this step shuffle in our social interactions & progress.
We've technology to kill and to save. But we're oblivious of our citizens who are hungry, poor. houseless.
Tent cities come to our attention only when they grow, especially when they get close to our front doors, not before, why?
Our Healthcare system is unbalanced, why?
There are many experts. But are their voices heard and acted on.
There's cacophony and few moves to action & progress, why?
Oh please. This has nothing to do with gender (speaking for myself). I have great respect for the powerful powerful women leaders you mention (although where is Margaret Thatcher?).
Hillary lost not because she's a woman but because she's Hillary Clinton. She's no Catherine the Great, she's no Thatcher. I don't agree with the oft-expressed opinion that she's smart. As Christopher Hitchens asked: Name me one great thing that she has said or done that would qualify her for POTUS.
Anne, Because the entire US set up was based on stealing land/ all value by white men and the country set up for white land rich (stolen) men.
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo -- Mexico
It's kind of incredible that in less than 2 years, the United States will celebrate it's 250th birthday, and nobody's talking about it -- as if the guest of honor might not show up.
We've got militia groups going after FEMA workers.
Meteorologists receiving death threats. As one dispirited meteorologist wrote on X this week, “Murdering meteorologists won’t stop hurricanes.” She followed with: “I can’t believe I just had to type that.”
Many people only get info from Fox and Facebook. Please, consider posting on social media. Feel free to post the following or make it better and post it:
Do billionaires really need a tax break? Warren Buffet said his secretary paid a higher tax rate than he did. Bill Gates said he should of had to pay much more in taxes than he had to.
When Republicans get in power, they usually cut taxes for the wealthy, this creates a bigger gap between top earners and the rest, drives up the national debt and usually the overall economy suffers greatly. Many billionaires see recessions as buying opportunities and for having cheaper labor.
Trump says he will cut taxes more for billionaires. Harris says she will get the wealthy to pay more of their fair share of taxes. She won’t raise tax rates on individuals making less than $400,000 and she wants a $6,000 child tax credit for the first year of birth. Biden and Harris have kept tariffs on China and now have increased those tariffs.
With the wealth already greatly going to the top, billionaires don’t need another tax break. Harris will be much better for the economy and better for the national debt. But the strongest reason to vote for Harris is to save our democracy from a want-to-be dictator with the backing of big money, media and the courts. Feel free to re post.
Dems are “drinking at the trough “ for campaign funds because they have to.
That’s the only way to win since Citizens United. It’s the reason there is no time for reform or governing, only time for raising money and campaigning. It’ll start the day after a winner is declared this cycle.
It’s the reason winners can’t tax the robber barons. They are untouchable.
Think of the homes we could build, mouths we could feed, kids we could educate, workers we could retrain with the BILLIONS we spend on campaigning. We must shorten the campaign season and start running the country.
'Owning a home' being the core of that American dream, urban sprawl is not the path into a healthy future for planet Earth. In the re-thinking of land conservation, condos and multi-stories should be the new-norm. Protected flora as our saguaros are, don't care for the re-planting, as their acreage continues to be razed for the 1/3 acre property home "dream".
Shelia--This election needs to be simplified. In essence it comes down to a choice between an egotistical, uneducated moron who is in love with what Hitler began and a good woman who stands for the positive concerns of the American people. Why is there a choice? God gave women the right to begin life, let's give Kamala the right to continue ours.
When something is so blatantly obvious, I wonder why more people don't SEE it? The enormous gap between the richy rich and all of the rest of us is more like a chasm! It has grown and grown over the last 30+ years. After the war our country was doing good things. Unions were strong, the middle class grew and there was "a chicken for every pot". My childhood was fantastic! I am so very glad to have those wonderful memories now as I age. We were living in "Camelot". I remember actually taking notice of politics when President John F. Kennedy took the oath of office. I also remember the day he was assassinated and the whole country in mourning! Then in the 60s I became quite loud about civil rights and the Vietnam war. I truly don't think that many of us paid that much attention to the fact that the richy rich were beginning to become the uber rich! It took a while but eventually the guardrails that had been put into place to keep corporations and millionaires in their place were removed and today you see the result. Our unions are down and not as effective as they once were, corporations have grown into greedy, power-hungry monopolies that want to control everything and fascism has crept in and threatens to destroy the Democracy that we hold dear. I truly do not know if we became complacent or ignorant of all of this happening! We all were so busy with our own lives that we stopped paying so much attention to politics just voting when it was time to vote. Now, we are on the brink of life-altering events that could tear our country apart and many are running around like chickens with their heads chopped off screaming "What do we do? What do we do?" I know that I will keep working so very hard to ensure Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the winners in November. Once they are in the White House, I intend to spend what remaining time I have left on this earth to tackle those areas I feel strongly about: climate change, popular vote, ending citizens united and petitioning to get those guardrails put back in place. I trust Lina Kahn will continue to do the fantastic work she has already started. Vote blue, America, up and down the ballot!