The RNC is a crime syndicate with billionaire puppet masters—they aren’t going away. Their ability to vomit out propaganda and dissent is unrelenting and too many primitive-minded miscreants are getting their jollies with the riling and ranting. So, no, it isn’t going away AS LONG AS CITIZENS UNITED PROVIDES FINANCIAL FUEL.
Daniel Solomon ; Yes! This festering wound may yet heal! It is truly GREAT to hear tRump attack Rupert Murdoch and his FOX 'news'. They deserve each other!
The fear of Trump most currently on my own mind is Biden's order to Garland's DOJ to support the railroads' side in the case that will decide whether victims of events like the East Palestine derailment or the illnesses and deaths that follow over the years must be litigated in the state where the company has its headquarters. It's a long, expensive way from East Palestine to Atlanta GA, where the 11th Circuit Court protects corporate "persons" against pesky human persons.
It's just SAD that their drones cannot see that "Dear Leader" is ACTIVELY trying to murder them! The vast majority of "trumplicans" are southerners, meaning they are DESTITUTE. Without Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security, they DIE. To bad deprogramming people is so difficult.
Also, this has been a long game, starting before raygun, starting with Roosevelt's enemies. So they've had a few generations of people listening to and swallowing their lies, mostly cultural propaganda to distract them from being stolen from hand over fist. I hate it, but I've got to give the plutocrats credit for the masterful use of fear, bigotry, racism and classicism, misogyny to steer the ship of magadumb to the rocky shores of fascism.
One of the history books I read in my early teenage years was a biography — on the library shelves of my high school — of Goebbels, the Nazi minister of propaganda. At age 14 I reflected: “This guy is a crook, but his rhetoric is amazingly effective.” DeSatan lacks a good stage voice, which is needed for TV and radio. His high-pitched voice will show everyone that he’s a whiner.
Don't give the plutocrats too much credit. We are evolutionarily programmed to respond much more strongly to fear and xenophobia than to good news. Light up that emotional brain, and the rational brain doesn't stand much chance. We need a Dem like Bernie or Warren to point out why the average voter should be terrified of the GOP agenda. Biden isn't angry enough to get through.
Looking back to 1964, it seems weird that my high school should have provided to students a book about goebbels. Now I live in Florida, where biographies of Michelle Obama and Roberto Clemente were removed from the shelves of public schools in Duvall County — for inspection in case of radical ideas. I wonder whether Duvall County provides the Goebbels biography.
Thinking of the 1960’s when youth revolted against strict conformity . . . Death Santis types of measures antagonize and invite dissent. Saying “GAY,” and ordering books from Amazon are easy ways to rebel. . . And there’s plenty of room for indignation when such large groups are marginalized. Death Santis is a foolish tyrant: He has chosen restrictions he really can’t control. He’s playing to an audience.
We are band creatures. We start with our group. We also have the possibility of a range relationships with those outside our peer group. We trade with some and fight with others.
I think it folly to underestimate the GOP …again. As much as I would like to think this will splinter them away, it won’t. Trumps base seems to have become more than ready to pick up arms against their fellow citizens. Even the leadership states a goal of “owning the libs” which ranges from legislation and deregulation to what books and products to ban. Time for the democrats to organize, clarify goals, state accomplishment and govern. Stop running campaigns around mud slinging.but stop protecting them from it either.
We desperately need your energy and presence in Florida, which is now solidly GOP, not by terribly much, but it steadily and consistently elects Republicans.
Even the people moving in down here are zealous Republicans. Retch on this: DeSantis and Gaetz won by near-landslides! If that's not depressing, what is?
Everything changes, and can change, of course, and I could be too gloomy, but I see no light at the end of the Florida tunnel for Democrats. Most Southerners loathe government, just on principle (I lived most of my wretched life in Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. And there's no changing their minds. Thus, we Florida Democrats would be wise to funnel our donations to winnable state elections. Ya gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em.)
Yes, we indeed would need many more Robert Reichs, because we're far to close to where the "if you can keep it" in "A republic, if you can keep it" becomes "we couldn't keep it."
Democracy is a messy business and Socrates, way back when, raised the finger of caution. They argued that the masses lacked education. Flash forward to today - and not just to the MAGA masses, but to society in general - and we see a dramatic dumbing down. The culprit is - hear me out - SOCIAL MEDIA. I know that's not exactly novel, but I truly think that social media is bane, not bone, to society (ironic if you can consider the 'social' in social media).
More than a few people are trying to get the socmed giants to change the current attention/engagement algorithms - it won't happen. Misinformation will continue to spread at lightning speed to the point where it is, in any person's given bubble, just about all they consume, all they see, all they know. The joyous experiments of yore (remember when Facebook was about friends and Farmville - and that was about it?) have become monsters that kill out intellect, gorge on our outrage and and turn us into short-attention span texters and scrollers.
We have all it takes to be the masses Plato, Socrates and Aristotle would have been proud of, would have gladly accepted as worthy of a democracy. But the constant social media onslaught makes it near impossible for the many to come back to their senses.
I'm afraid even a thousand Robert Reichs - at work 24/7 to educate - in every state wouldn't stand a chance against the socmed monsters. Yes, we can walk and chew gum at the same time - so it isn't just one issue we need to focus on. But just about everything gets - if not better - then at least a lot less bad, if the wings of social media giants are severely clipped. It would bring back some semblance of sanity ... with good sense , civility and clarity of thought returning eventually making a return.
Sadly Daniel, I believe some folks purposely choose ignorance. You can't educate people who choose to always accept the status quo, even if that supports a bad outcome for them. I had lived in Florida for 20 years. Moved to Florida from New England in 1985 for the climate in part. However I left before "DeSatan" took over, (as some folks I remain in touch with, choose to call him, who still reside there. ) Moved to Georgia in 2006. There's definitely cultural differences down here in the South. Where I currently reside in rural Georgia, I may be in an area of nicer homes, but literally not far up the road are folks who appear to live in squalor, some in tar paper shotgun shacks, which wouldn't be a misnomer. Many with trump signs & signs of other various state maga republican, trump endorsed candidates. Why they would continue to choose a party/ candidate, a president, that have done little, if anything for them, education, healthcare wise or employment wise, totally perplexes me, other than they enjoy the entertainment value; or are simply used to co- existing with continuous drama in their personal lives. Thus political drama is seen as theater & some are simply used to it. Some folks become comfortable with what they know...& can relate to. Or these maga candidates hold "culturally" familiar notions they embrace, that go beyond the realm of politics & beyond the importance of what might truly enable them to have more choices & opportunity in their lives, if these politicians actually did the real work of governance on behalf of .their constituents. (Sorry..done on the phone..)
You’re quite right - the levels of willful ignorance are staggering. There I’m reminded of the old Roman ‘bread and games’ mantra - it’s easy to remain willfully ignorant when social media keeps you outrage-entertained. “I’d love to learn, but I ain’t got time - scroll scroll scroll!”
Bonnie, from what I have read...sadly, racism is a big part of why those folks remain and CHOOSE to remain devoted to Republicanism and now, trumpism. Racism gives them someone about whom they can feel they are "better than".
I agree with you with rrspect to some people.. For some folks, they always need some one to blame, so they can play the victim and blame someone for their own personal failures. Or as you say, someone to simply look down upon.
And trump & the maga republicans played that aspect to the hilt, with white folks that felt disenfranchised. That Immigrants, & minorities were the enemy, taking what was owed them The politics of grievance. All targeted as undeserving people attempting to take "their" place in America.
Bonnie ...... I am also a New England transplant. I agree with many of your observations about the south. Trump flags look ridiculous and flag wavers don't have a clue about facts. I actually enjoyed the cold weather in NE but I chose not to expose my Phillipine wife to making the adjustment from FL. Southerners seem to ignore the progress and perks of the democrats even when it benefits them. Some firmly believe their gun ownership is going to protect them from some federal government plot as if the Civil War will be revisited. Long history of confederacy hating Washington dies hard, I guess. So appropriate that Civil War Memorials have been placed in museums. Choices and opportunities are enhanced with better education.....oops another challenged institution as banning books, banning education about Blacks and sex education are forbidden in Florida.
Agreed Robert & what you have going in in Florida is quite concerning, at the moment. I don't understand why it appears so many are tolerating this sending of education in particular, back to the 50's in a bad way. What next?? I hope the ACLU continues to fight these draconian approaches to limiting choices & freedoms. Right? The party of " The Freedom Caucus?" Indeed, that must be a joke being played on all of us..
Don’t forget the (non-reality) reality Tv also. That started the dumbing down years before! Shows like “who wants to be a millionaire” for example, shows like survivor that turns people into animals. Can’t watch any of them!
I was thinking about also mentioning reality TV - most certainly, they most certainly go into the "games" category of "bread and games" - mindless entertainment, the occasional escapism, who doesn't love it? But it has become pervasive and addictive. Still, on a whole, it doesn't have nowhere near the seismic effect of social media, hence chose not to mention it. But you are right.
I've said this for years to others; the bizarre fascination with fake " reality" TV & the posturing & emulation of all the bad & melodramatic behaviors people exhibit on these shows. Obsession with fame for fame's sake.
And that fake b.s. "The Apprentice" show of trump's went a long way in cementing in folk's minds, who'd never really heard of trump to speak of (especially down here in the South & in the heartland) that he was quite the businessman & game changer, given how they presented him. But all smoke & mirrors. Like trump. But you know for some folks , like Fox News, if they see it on tv, must be real; especially if it supports their own fears & conspiracy theories...sadly.
Well I couldn't agree more and I feel much the same although I didn't grow up in the South I have lived in Florida for a very long time and the problem with living here is I can't stand the Republican Monopoly on everything. I'm so tired of people using their personal freedoms as an excuse for not doing better for the actual people involved especially in gun violence.
Well said and you're right, the fight has just begun. We simply cannot afford to be complacent because there is too much at risk and far too much to lose.
I'm with you - when I took the poll the splitting of the GOP was chosen by 50% - I don't think that'll happen. Individuals think, masses don't. Masses are sheep and, for the most part of it, will always congregate (hail to all the black sheep who don't!). It may be that MAGA wins, it may be that big conservative money drowns out or buys out the MAGA voices - either way, the GOP will remain and, for the foreseeable future, unfortunately, a force of destructive power that'll continue, either way, the forward movement of American democracy.
I have two issues that need discussion. Guns - all the anguish and hand wringing but never a suggestion of a solution that could be fought for. I think there are some no brainers. Banish assault weapons (already being talked about) and register weapons - just like your car - national database - incentive is that any weapon that comes to light that is not registered is confiscated. The main issue is to figure out a way to take guns away from people who might misuse them. We are starting in that direction with red flag laws but the program needs to be national and we need to define irresponsible gun behavior. Anyone being irresponsible will have their guns (all of them) removed for life and be entered on a no buy / no own list (nationally). We just have to agree on what constitutes irresponsible behavior - certainly shooting a gun in public, what about threatening (isn't that what the militants do when they bring their assault rifles to a demonstration or rally?), expand the list with actions that even the gun lobby would have to agree are irresponsible. The big part is to have the political will to actually take guns away and do it permanently for anyone demonstrating irresponsibility.
Second I would really like to see the dems develop a "truth" megaphone similar to the Fox "lies" megaphone. The only idea I have is to create a "marketing plan" for dems - done professionally - to provide content to be used everywhere - websites, e-mails, tv ads, talking points for interviews, etc. - the content would tout dems successes and republican failures - it would be available to all dems from dog catcher to presidential candidates - they could each choose what was important for their message. The database would be constantly updated with the latest issues (dems successes or republican failures).
MSNBC does a good job of broadcasting Democratic viewpoints. Rachel Maddow was a godsend. CNN used to do some good work; now, not so much. I imagine that a big money donor would have to finance your political marketing plan, but, yes, it could be done; however, as you say, who has the time, energy, or will to build that pyramid? I don't, but there may well be thousands out there that do. I would donate money.
Guns: yeah; we need to focus on that problem night and day. Even I quickly forgot about Michigan State University's recent gun-massacre: We're acclimated, inured to them, so we move on. Often I forget about 9/11 for weeks or months. All of which sets me up as a future victim.
There are several well-thought-out plans for reducing the number of gun-deaths in America. The NYTimes runs essayist Nicholas Kristof's every few months; the most recent was Jan. 24, 2023: "A Smarter Way to Reduce Gun Deaths."
Japan has very strict requirements for gun-ownership. It's working, as is Australia's and New Zealand's. All of which you probably know about. Would they work here? I say yes. Will they be implemented here? No.
So what can be done? For the individual: Be wise what you do and when and where you go. Check your surroundings; be ever-alert. Stay inside at night. Walmart is always risky; in fact, any large venue should be avoided, such as, sporting events, concerts, political rallies, especially political rallies. I saw a young man jogging the other day wearing a bullet-proof vest, which wouldn't protect his head or lower body, of course, but he is showing his awareness: It's not safe out there, and the police, the reactionaries, will arrive only after it's all over. Then heads will shake, and thoughts and prayers will be sent.
A great way to live? No, but it's reality in a nation with more guns than people, many of whom are angry and violent. Because of road rage, I even drive extra-cautiously and politely, because the slightest mistake might trigger someone in a bad mood.
That's OK. Fox seems only to air infomercials prefaced with disclaimers on broadcast TV up this way. I'm guessin' they >know< they'll get whacked by the FCC if they air their happy horse hockey over public air. That puts CNN on the same playing field here. Check out the Fox broadcast station down your way, if you have one, and verify. Let me know what you find.
The trick is how to disseminate that information. He and his partners are getting it out over social media but the audience is limited. If every dem were releasing information over all the various channels they use, the reach would surely be further.
You need billionaires to finance it--that’s how Murdoch got recruited . . . No one will tune into another info war program that “models” talking points for spreading propaganda . It’s too bad national news outlets have gone dropped rigorous journalistic standards. Walter Cronkite is rolling in his grave.
Why not have candidates pay themselves? There are literally hundreds, nay thousands, raising money from the wealthy or us grass roots folks. They spend it now on whatever their PR guy suggests. The real money is spent on publicizing the message - mostly TV expenses. What I am suggesting is to have a professionally done database of content. I am sure we could get some contributed - like Professor Reich's videos. A candidate may still want to pay for TV time - if so, they would already have some professional content to choose from. I think that creating a TV station to compete with Fox is an expense too much for us to arrange.
Ans. They want to get multiples, to a geometric power, in returns. Not just votes...more contributors.
Democrats have PR people who are, in many cases, more proficient than the enemy. But we don't own the medium. You can issue all the position papers, press releases that you want, but only the media can actually publish them. If a tree falls in a forest.....
I can't tell you how many of us have been at this for years...but our voices are not heard. We used to live, work in DC. I know many lobbyists. To maintain a job they have to prove that they justify their existence. i.e. provide a return on investment.
It's all about debt. They become billionaires on OPM --other peoples' money. Most of the big acquisitions and mergers involve shifting categories on financial statements.
BTW Murdoch was initially financed in the US by Saudi Arabia.
First question is how to pay for it. From my own experience, there are lots of people raising money for politics. The money would come from there. We could commission a group of pros to write content in all the various forms (so if you, the candidate, are looking for a bumper sticker you don't have to edit 3 pages of text). Database elements could include, over the year, comments on the good things dems do and bad things that republicans do. If I am a candidate (for anything), I pick from the base things that speak to me - new content on my website, an e-mail to my list, info on any sort of social media. You are only communicating with those who are engaged with you just like Fox viewers see the lies they spread but you are also prepared if you hold a town hall or you are interviewed (TV or newspaper) you basically have a script (if you want to use it).
Sell stock. Raise debt capital by borrowing from lenders and by issuing corporate debt in the form of bonds. IMHO Free Speech TV could displace, say NBC or CBS.
Oh, wow! Jon Stewart humiliated that senator, but I doubt that the senator changed his mind. His supporters and contributors do not want to hear, understand, or implement reasonable solutions to reducing the number of gun-deaths in America. They just want more freedom to own more guns with absolutely no constraints: open-carry in Walmart? Cool! Guns in schools and churches? Ah, security.
IMHO anyone with a conscience would have left the party by now. All who are left are true believers. Anecdotally, I know a lot of professional Republicans who owe their jobs and livelihoods to the party and they will go down with the ship, even if it means selling their souls to the Devil.
DS: If, and when, the Republican ship goes down (perhaps like the Whigs?) what will emerge from the spoils? Without complete overhaul of our 2 party system, voting rights, gerrymandering, Citizens United recalled, banking and defense revolving door lobbying we will quickly return to the current state of affairs. This cancer which is eating away at our democracy must be removed. Step one - eliminate the electoral college, step two- end Citizens United.
Can the base win & hold office? They could dominate the party & its agenda - but how would they hope to exert control directly (i.e. to an extent greater than what they do now)?
Worrying about Republicans is wasted energy. Someone needs to craft a compelling future vision that people from both sides can get behind. Both parties have had the same platform for decades: “vote for me because I’m not as bad as they are!” Lacks strategy and inspiration, then we default to decades old topics: abortion, taxes, guns, morality.
I love it ...... The only lesson Trump will understand is Criminal CONVICTION. Unlike other misfits he only will cease to cause harm when humiliated with defeat of his phony message.
Thank you. And yes, entire 2-party system is broken. Please see @Dennis Kucinich speech from February, posted here on Substack and elsewhere. It is spot on, and a call to action if I ever heard one.
"Someone needs to craft a compelling future vision." You mean like a vision statement? With democracy in its current condition, this is pure fantasy. America has a critical mass of people who believed that "MAGA" was a compelling theme to get behind. And still believe it.
I was reminded of a segment from that old LP by David Frye -- Richard Nixon, Superstar (1971) -- in which narrator Billy Graham (Frye) takes us back to Nixon's high schools days where he was third string quarterback on the HS team. In one game with his team behind, Nixon tells the coach: "Put me in coach. I've got a secret plan to win the game."
"Let me hear your plan." "Sorry, coach, you'll just have to put me in."
Coach: "OK Dick, get in there." .... moments later, to himself, "I wonder what his plan is."
Billy Graham: "And to this very day, that coach still wonders what Dick Nixon's plan was."
Usually a divided ticket at election time is a curse for either party. If Biden can keep democrats on a positive message it could be a huge advantage. Difficult to imagine that republicans denying an election,( now admitted on FOX), refusing gun legislation, protecting wealthy from paying taxes, denying abortion rights, making cuts to medicare and social security that everybody wants or needs, or impeaching Biden will win enough hearts and minds in 2024. Perhaps the fentanyl pill popping crowd in the rust belt will rally for the Trump crowd. I am frightened that so many non-issues are given focus by the incompetent menagerie comprised of DeSantis, Jordan, McCarthy, Greene, Hawley, Cruz, and Rubio. Nikki Haley, Pence and Tim Scott are "articulate" but future harmful association with Trump remains an unknown. Endorsing hate and silly issues deprives all republicans from anything resembling an inspiring message. As long as Joe Biden is at the top of his game I am praying for his leadership to prevail in 2024. .
Without Murdoch, Trump will slowly wither away as a political threat. That's why Trump is screaming.
Trump is ever so slowly becoming yesterday's news. However, as despicable as he is, he is absolutely the most interesting person in America if not the world. As such, he means profits for the news outlets willing to give him air time. The media will continue to milk his celebrity while tiptoeing around his utter depravity crying all the way to the bank. Trump cost the Republicans the Senate so this will add to the party's unwillingness to support him. This is an amazing dynamic. The Republicans can't work with him or against him. Remember Rick Wilson's comment about Trump, "everything he touches dies." That's what the Republicans have to look forward to. Trump will not stop until he's destroyed everything around him.
Robert and Heather, would you please include next week not only the unemployment rate but the number of people that are not working that are not included in the unemployment rate. And the number of people that are employed. I think that gives a good idea of what's happening.
I look forward to your email about the coffee clutch each week and of course I look forward to listening. I drink my coffee right along to it. Interesting stuff this week but also scary things going on Within the Republican Party. I'm still trying to be optimistic although it is hard at times.
MAGA is a force to recon with and I am not sure how long it if it will die off. It is a threat that keeps on giving. I did not care about the murder trial and glad East Palestine is mad. The Dems need to play hard ball and go on fox to rebut them and quote the emails. Also show how red states (read NC) want Medicaid and to cut it is irresponsible
The GOP has already come apart. For Democrats the important questions are: 1) whether or not the Democrats too will come apart? 2) whether DeSantis or anyone else can pull Republicans together sufficiently to win a national election? 3) whether the Electoral College (state by state politics) will once again deliver the presidency to a minority-backed candidate? 4) Who to back as the Democrat in the 2024 Presidential race who will prevent the above?
Didn't you always give us a version we could read instead of listen to? I can understand if that's too much work at your age since I myself, at 80 years old, have much less energy than I once did. But it would be so much easier and less time-consuming just to read it.
Incidentally, I have several of your books. And your recent work has promoted you to my favorite economist, eclipsing my previous favorites of Stiglitz and Krugman. And I continue to recount to others, as one of my favorite witticisms, your remark in your first speech as Secretary of Labor that you have known you were 'on Bill Clinton's short list'!
Hi RedElisa. I believe that a simple election defeat will not discourage Trump. Conviction in a court of law is necessary to discredit his constant lies and misinformation. His niece wrote in her book, Trump did not learn discipline as a child or by serving in the military. His wealth was acquired, not earned. He has a penchant for law suits for personal gain instead of building trust. As a teacher I have witnessed many children in need of structure and discipline find success. When discipline of a devious child fails repeatedly, in extreme cases, the courts inevitably must discipline criminal behavior. Existing laws identify Donald Trump as a criminal who deserves to be prosecuted. Donald Trump has been enabled by corrupt FOX News and a Republican Party damaged by vacant leadership expressing criticism of the facts in the January 6th Hearings. How much longer must Americans endure this insult to our image as a democracy by ignoring the rule of our Constitutional Law?
Your comments on the end of work (AI will take over all jobs) takes me to an ongoing argument I, a retiree, have with my children who are still working. They agree with the scenario that there will be not jobs. I disagree. I worked in a laboratory and before the end of my career, helped automate just about every job: robotics, rules, algorithms, testing, etc. My experience was that we did not need fewer workers; we needed workers trained differently. Rather than traditional task-specific skills, they needed to be trained to evaluate outcomes and design reworks. And they needed to be able to keep those robotic instruments performing as intended.
The RNC is a crime syndicate with billionaire puppet masters—they aren’t going away. Their ability to vomit out propaganda and dissent is unrelenting and too many primitive-minded miscreants are getting their jollies with the riling and ranting. So, no, it isn’t going away AS LONG AS CITIZENS UNITED PROVIDES FINANCIAL FUEL.
IMHO those puppet masters include Putin, a foreign power. Saudi Arabia.
Chaos. Anarchy. Yesterday Trump went after Fox.
Here's hoping DOJ, Georgia, NY and criminal and civil litigation will kill the propaganda, hoe weeds and defang the wolves.
Yea TEAM!!!
Daniel Solomon ; Yes! This festering wound may yet heal! It is truly GREAT to hear tRump attack Rupert Murdoch and his FOX 'news'. They deserve each other!
Huh?
You don't follow this?
https://www.newsweek.com/impeach-aileen-cannon-calls-grow-trump-judge-eviscerated-court-1764116
The fear of Trump most currently on my own mind is Biden's order to Garland's DOJ to support the railroads' side in the case that will decide whether victims of events like the East Palestine derailment or the illnesses and deaths that follow over the years must be litigated in the state where the company has its headquarters. It's a long, expensive way from East Palestine to Atlanta GA, where the 11th Circuit Court protects corporate "persons" against pesky human persons.
JerryM : I think Cannon was 'discharged'. Dismissed, for sure!
It's just SAD that their drones cannot see that "Dear Leader" is ACTIVELY trying to murder them! The vast majority of "trumplicans" are southerners, meaning they are DESTITUTE. Without Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security, they DIE. To bad deprogramming people is so difficult.
God willing,with ALL the actions against him and the FOX fiasco(worse),it'll loosen the cobwebs.They can't live in Oz forever.
Also, this has been a long game, starting before raygun, starting with Roosevelt's enemies. So they've had a few generations of people listening to and swallowing their lies, mostly cultural propaganda to distract them from being stolen from hand over fist. I hate it, but I've got to give the plutocrats credit for the masterful use of fear, bigotry, racism and classicism, misogyny to steer the ship of magadumb to the rocky shores of fascism.
One of the history books I read in my early teenage years was a biography — on the library shelves of my high school — of Goebbels, the Nazi minister of propaganda. At age 14 I reflected: “This guy is a crook, but his rhetoric is amazingly effective.” DeSatan lacks a good stage voice, which is needed for TV and radio. His high-pitched voice will show everyone that he’s a whiner.
Don't give the plutocrats too much credit. We are evolutionarily programmed to respond much more strongly to fear and xenophobia than to good news. Light up that emotional brain, and the rational brain doesn't stand much chance. We need a Dem like Bernie or Warren to point out why the average voter should be terrified of the GOP agenda. Biden isn't angry enough to get through.
Looking back to 1964, it seems weird that my high school should have provided to students a book about goebbels. Now I live in Florida, where biographies of Michelle Obama and Roberto Clemente were removed from the shelves of public schools in Duvall County — for inspection in case of radical ideas. I wonder whether Duvall County provides the Goebbels biography.
Thinking of the 1960’s when youth revolted against strict conformity . . . Death Santis types of measures antagonize and invite dissent. Saying “GAY,” and ordering books from Amazon are easy ways to rebel. . . And there’s plenty of room for indignation when such large groups are marginalized. Death Santis is a foolish tyrant: He has chosen restrictions he really can’t control. He’s playing to an audience.
We are band creatures. We start with our group. We also have the possibility of a range relationships with those outside our peer group. We trade with some and fight with others.
Oh, and scapegoating is a strong strategy.
Well said.
I think it folly to underestimate the GOP …again. As much as I would like to think this will splinter them away, it won’t. Trumps base seems to have become more than ready to pick up arms against their fellow citizens. Even the leadership states a goal of “owning the libs” which ranges from legislation and deregulation to what books and products to ban. Time for the democrats to organize, clarify goals, state accomplishment and govern. Stop running campaigns around mud slinging.but stop protecting them from it either.
We desperately need your energy and presence in Florida, which is now solidly GOP, not by terribly much, but it steadily and consistently elects Republicans.
Even the people moving in down here are zealous Republicans. Retch on this: DeSantis and Gaetz won by near-landslides! If that's not depressing, what is?
Everything changes, and can change, of course, and I could be too gloomy, but I see no light at the end of the Florida tunnel for Democrats. Most Southerners loathe government, just on principle (I lived most of my wretched life in Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. And there's no changing their minds. Thus, we Florida Democrats would be wise to funnel our donations to winnable state elections. Ya gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em.)
Yes, we indeed would need many more Robert Reichs, because we're far to close to where the "if you can keep it" in "A republic, if you can keep it" becomes "we couldn't keep it."
Democracy is a messy business and Socrates, way back when, raised the finger of caution. They argued that the masses lacked education. Flash forward to today - and not just to the MAGA masses, but to society in general - and we see a dramatic dumbing down. The culprit is - hear me out - SOCIAL MEDIA. I know that's not exactly novel, but I truly think that social media is bane, not bone, to society (ironic if you can consider the 'social' in social media).
More than a few people are trying to get the socmed giants to change the current attention/engagement algorithms - it won't happen. Misinformation will continue to spread at lightning speed to the point where it is, in any person's given bubble, just about all they consume, all they see, all they know. The joyous experiments of yore (remember when Facebook was about friends and Farmville - and that was about it?) have become monsters that kill out intellect, gorge on our outrage and and turn us into short-attention span texters and scrollers.
We have all it takes to be the masses Plato, Socrates and Aristotle would have been proud of, would have gladly accepted as worthy of a democracy. But the constant social media onslaught makes it near impossible for the many to come back to their senses.
I'm afraid even a thousand Robert Reichs - at work 24/7 to educate - in every state wouldn't stand a chance against the socmed monsters. Yes, we can walk and chew gum at the same time - so it isn't just one issue we need to focus on. But just about everything gets - if not better - then at least a lot less bad, if the wings of social media giants are severely clipped. It would bring back some semblance of sanity ... with good sense , civility and clarity of thought returning eventually making a return.
Sadly Daniel, I believe some folks purposely choose ignorance. You can't educate people who choose to always accept the status quo, even if that supports a bad outcome for them. I had lived in Florida for 20 years. Moved to Florida from New England in 1985 for the climate in part. However I left before "DeSatan" took over, (as some folks I remain in touch with, choose to call him, who still reside there. ) Moved to Georgia in 2006. There's definitely cultural differences down here in the South. Where I currently reside in rural Georgia, I may be in an area of nicer homes, but literally not far up the road are folks who appear to live in squalor, some in tar paper shotgun shacks, which wouldn't be a misnomer. Many with trump signs & signs of other various state maga republican, trump endorsed candidates. Why they would continue to choose a party/ candidate, a president, that have done little, if anything for them, education, healthcare wise or employment wise, totally perplexes me, other than they enjoy the entertainment value; or are simply used to co- existing with continuous drama in their personal lives. Thus political drama is seen as theater & some are simply used to it. Some folks become comfortable with what they know...& can relate to. Or these maga candidates hold "culturally" familiar notions they embrace, that go beyond the realm of politics & beyond the importance of what might truly enable them to have more choices & opportunity in their lives, if these politicians actually did the real work of governance on behalf of .their constituents. (Sorry..done on the phone..)
You’re quite right - the levels of willful ignorance are staggering. There I’m reminded of the old Roman ‘bread and games’ mantra - it’s easy to remain willfully ignorant when social media keeps you outrage-entertained. “I’d love to learn, but I ain’t got time - scroll scroll scroll!”
Bonnie, from what I have read...sadly, racism is a big part of why those folks remain and CHOOSE to remain devoted to Republicanism and now, trumpism. Racism gives them someone about whom they can feel they are "better than".
I agree with you with rrspect to some people.. For some folks, they always need some one to blame, so they can play the victim and blame someone for their own personal failures. Or as you say, someone to simply look down upon.
And trump & the maga republicans played that aspect to the hilt, with white folks that felt disenfranchised. That Immigrants, & minorities were the enemy, taking what was owed them The politics of grievance. All targeted as undeserving people attempting to take "their" place in America.
Bonnie ...... I am also a New England transplant. I agree with many of your observations about the south. Trump flags look ridiculous and flag wavers don't have a clue about facts. I actually enjoyed the cold weather in NE but I chose not to expose my Phillipine wife to making the adjustment from FL. Southerners seem to ignore the progress and perks of the democrats even when it benefits them. Some firmly believe their gun ownership is going to protect them from some federal government plot as if the Civil War will be revisited. Long history of confederacy hating Washington dies hard, I guess. So appropriate that Civil War Memorials have been placed in museums. Choices and opportunities are enhanced with better education.....oops another challenged institution as banning books, banning education about Blacks and sex education are forbidden in Florida.
Agreed Robert & what you have going in in Florida is quite concerning, at the moment. I don't understand why it appears so many are tolerating this sending of education in particular, back to the 50's in a bad way. What next?? I hope the ACLU continues to fight these draconian approaches to limiting choices & freedoms. Right? The party of " The Freedom Caucus?" Indeed, that must be a joke being played on all of us..
Don’t forget the (non-reality) reality Tv also. That started the dumbing down years before! Shows like “who wants to be a millionaire” for example, shows like survivor that turns people into animals. Can’t watch any of them!
I was thinking about also mentioning reality TV - most certainly, they most certainly go into the "games" category of "bread and games" - mindless entertainment, the occasional escapism, who doesn't love it? But it has become pervasive and addictive. Still, on a whole, it doesn't have nowhere near the seismic effect of social media, hence chose not to mention it. But you are right.
Yes Cindy, the networks are only good for local news & weather! The rest only gives U a reason to go to bed or pick up ur book.
I've said this for years to others; the bizarre fascination with fake " reality" TV & the posturing & emulation of all the bad & melodramatic behaviors people exhibit on these shows. Obsession with fame for fame's sake.
And that fake b.s. "The Apprentice" show of trump's went a long way in cementing in folk's minds, who'd never really heard of trump to speak of (especially down here in the South & in the heartland) that he was quite the businessman & game changer, given how they presented him. But all smoke & mirrors. Like trump. But you know for some folks , like Fox News, if they see it on tv, must be real; especially if it supports their own fears & conspiracy theories...sadly.
Meister Eckhart — you are right.
Well I couldn't agree more and I feel much the same although I didn't grow up in the South I have lived in Florida for a very long time and the problem with living here is I can't stand the Republican Monopoly on everything. I'm so tired of people using their personal freedoms as an excuse for not doing better for the actual people involved especially in gun violence.
Well said and you're right, the fight has just begun. We simply cannot afford to be complacent because there is too much at risk and far too much to lose.
I'm with you - when I took the poll the splitting of the GOP was chosen by 50% - I don't think that'll happen. Individuals think, masses don't. Masses are sheep and, for the most part of it, will always congregate (hail to all the black sheep who don't!). It may be that MAGA wins, it may be that big conservative money drowns out or buys out the MAGA voices - either way, the GOP will remain and, for the foreseeable future, unfortunately, a force of destructive power that'll continue, either way, the forward movement of American democracy.
I have two issues that need discussion. Guns - all the anguish and hand wringing but never a suggestion of a solution that could be fought for. I think there are some no brainers. Banish assault weapons (already being talked about) and register weapons - just like your car - national database - incentive is that any weapon that comes to light that is not registered is confiscated. The main issue is to figure out a way to take guns away from people who might misuse them. We are starting in that direction with red flag laws but the program needs to be national and we need to define irresponsible gun behavior. Anyone being irresponsible will have their guns (all of them) removed for life and be entered on a no buy / no own list (nationally). We just have to agree on what constitutes irresponsible behavior - certainly shooting a gun in public, what about threatening (isn't that what the militants do when they bring their assault rifles to a demonstration or rally?), expand the list with actions that even the gun lobby would have to agree are irresponsible. The big part is to have the political will to actually take guns away and do it permanently for anyone demonstrating irresponsibility.
Second I would really like to see the dems develop a "truth" megaphone similar to the Fox "lies" megaphone. The only idea I have is to create a "marketing plan" for dems - done professionally - to provide content to be used everywhere - websites, e-mails, tv ads, talking points for interviews, etc. - the content would tout dems successes and republican failures - it would be available to all dems from dog catcher to presidential candidates - they could each choose what was important for their message. The database would be constantly updated with the latest issues (dems successes or republican failures).
Good and timely post.
MSNBC does a good job of broadcasting Democratic viewpoints. Rachel Maddow was a godsend. CNN used to do some good work; now, not so much. I imagine that a big money donor would have to finance your political marketing plan, but, yes, it could be done; however, as you say, who has the time, energy, or will to build that pyramid? I don't, but there may well be thousands out there that do. I would donate money.
Guns: yeah; we need to focus on that problem night and day. Even I quickly forgot about Michigan State University's recent gun-massacre: We're acclimated, inured to them, so we move on. Often I forget about 9/11 for weeks or months. All of which sets me up as a future victim.
There are several well-thought-out plans for reducing the number of gun-deaths in America. The NYTimes runs essayist Nicholas Kristof's every few months; the most recent was Jan. 24, 2023: "A Smarter Way to Reduce Gun Deaths."
Japan has very strict requirements for gun-ownership. It's working, as is Australia's and New Zealand's. All of which you probably know about. Would they work here? I say yes. Will they be implemented here? No.
So what can be done? For the individual: Be wise what you do and when and where you go. Check your surroundings; be ever-alert. Stay inside at night. Walmart is always risky; in fact, any large venue should be avoided, such as, sporting events, concerts, political rallies, especially political rallies. I saw a young man jogging the other day wearing a bullet-proof vest, which wouldn't protect his head or lower body, of course, but he is showing his awareness: It's not safe out there, and the police, the reactionaries, will arrive only after it's all over. Then heads will shake, and thoughts and prayers will be sent.
A great way to live? No, but it's reality in a nation with more guns than people, many of whom are angry and violent. Because of road rage, I even drive extra-cautiously and politely, because the slightest mistake might trigger someone in a bad mood.
I'm sorry but MSNBC is not a broadcast network. Has limited penetration. In most places not part of basic cable.
I also think it sucks discussing issues compared to Meidas Touch and Thom Hartmann.
That's OK. Fox seems only to air infomercials prefaced with disclaimers on broadcast TV up this way. I'm guessin' they >know< they'll get whacked by the FCC if they air their happy horse hockey over public air. That puts CNN on the same playing field here. Check out the Fox broadcast station down your way, if you have one, and verify. Let me know what you find.
Good advice about public venues.
Yes, but you know what they say about advice: The wise don't need it; fools won't heed it.
:-/
I like your idea about the Dems developing a truth megaphone similar to the Fox lies make a phone. My question is how can we get this done X?
The media is the message. Buy a major network.
a People's Revolution
Needs a People's
TeeVee* station
.
*unionized!
Where’s Walter Cronkite when we need him?
Amy freakin' Goodman
https://mailchi.mp/democracynow/20180813-744019?e=7d6fa19aca
I believe Prof. Reich has already started the "truth megaphone", with Inequality Media.
The trick is how to disseminate that information. He and his partners are getting it out over social media but the audience is limited. If every dem were releasing information over all the various channels they use, the reach would surely be further.
You need billionaires to finance it--that’s how Murdoch got recruited . . . No one will tune into another info war program that “models” talking points for spreading propaganda . It’s too bad national news outlets have gone dropped rigorous journalistic standards. Walter Cronkite is rolling in his grave.
Why not have candidates pay themselves? There are literally hundreds, nay thousands, raising money from the wealthy or us grass roots folks. They spend it now on whatever their PR guy suggests. The real money is spent on publicizing the message - mostly TV expenses. What I am suggesting is to have a professionally done database of content. I am sure we could get some contributed - like Professor Reich's videos. A candidate may still want to pay for TV time - if so, they would already have some professional content to choose from. I think that creating a TV station to compete with Fox is an expense too much for us to arrange.
Why do they pay for advertising and PR?
Ans. They want to get multiples, to a geometric power, in returns. Not just votes...more contributors.
Democrats have PR people who are, in many cases, more proficient than the enemy. But we don't own the medium. You can issue all the position papers, press releases that you want, but only the media can actually publish them. If a tree falls in a forest.....
I can't tell you how many of us have been at this for years...but our voices are not heard. We used to live, work in DC. I know many lobbyists. To maintain a job they have to prove that they justify their existence. i.e. provide a return on investment.
They teach this stuff. I have a niece who works an executive for an major international PR firm. During the last go around, I laid some of this out. The Number 1 Democratic "influencer" the past couple of elections was ...Taylor Swift. IMHO put Robert together with Taylor Swift like characters and who needs to pay for PR? https://blog.hootsuite.com/top-influencers/#:~:text=Who%20is%20the%20top%20Instagram,him%20the%20top%20Instagram%20influencer.
On the other hand TV ads work, but not as well as news items that appear authentic.
Trump is the master. His marks are the cult that continues to contribute.
It's all about debt. They become billionaires on OPM --other peoples' money. Most of the big acquisitions and mergers involve shifting categories on financial statements.
BTW Murdoch was initially financed in the US by Saudi Arabia.
First question is how to pay for it. From my own experience, there are lots of people raising money for politics. The money would come from there. We could commission a group of pros to write content in all the various forms (so if you, the candidate, are looking for a bumper sticker you don't have to edit 3 pages of text). Database elements could include, over the year, comments on the good things dems do and bad things that republicans do. If I am a candidate (for anything), I pick from the base things that speak to me - new content on my website, an e-mail to my list, info on any sort of social media. You are only communicating with those who are engaged with you just like Fox viewers see the lies they spread but you are also prepared if you hold a town hall or you are interviewed (TV or newspaper) you basically have a script (if you want to use it).
Take over the media.
Sell stock. Raise debt capital by borrowing from lenders and by issuing corporate debt in the form of bonds. IMHO Free Speech TV could displace, say NBC or CBS.
https://freespeech.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA9YugBhCZARIsAACXxeIIMbeIUBLsrWhouuQWGBOklsvhmJ6D0OyOZhIVG5jmS5ULy1qtx6UaApkREALw_wcB
did you see the jon stewart interview with an oklahoma state senator. on utube
Oh, wow! Jon Stewart humiliated that senator, but I doubt that the senator changed his mind. His supporters and contributors do not want to hear, understand, or implement reasonable solutions to reducing the number of gun-deaths in America. They just want more freedom to own more guns with absolutely no constraints: open-carry in Walmart? Cool! Guns in schools and churches? Ah, security.
I will hunt it down. Always fun to see Jon pick apart one of the nut jobs.
I vote MAGAts win because they have the base.
IMHO anyone with a conscience would have left the party by now. All who are left are true believers. Anecdotally, I know a lot of professional Republicans who owe their jobs and livelihoods to the party and they will go down with the ship, even if it means selling their souls to the Devil.
DS: If, and when, the Republican ship goes down (perhaps like the Whigs?) what will emerge from the spoils? Without complete overhaul of our 2 party system, voting rights, gerrymandering, Citizens United recalled, banking and defense revolving door lobbying we will quickly return to the current state of affairs. This cancer which is eating away at our democracy must be removed. Step one - eliminate the electoral college, step two- end Citizens United.
WH: Step three- open primaries, ranked-choice voting.
Can the base win & hold office? They could dominate the party & its agenda - but how would they hope to exert control directly (i.e. to an extent greater than what they do now)?
I hope not.
Worrying about Republicans is wasted energy. Someone needs to craft a compelling future vision that people from both sides can get behind. Both parties have had the same platform for decades: “vote for me because I’m not as bad as they are!” Lacks strategy and inspiration, then we default to decades old topics: abortion, taxes, guns, morality.
The vision is the Democratic Party platform. https://democrats.org/where-we-stand/party-platform/
In politics, classic Greek purgation works. So does ridicule, satire and object lessons like jail time and loss of all worldly possessions.
I love it ...... The only lesson Trump will understand is Criminal CONVICTION. Unlike other misfits he only will cease to cause harm when humiliated with defeat of his phony message.
BIG TIME HUMILIATION
Thank you. And yes, entire 2-party system is broken. Please see @Dennis Kucinich speech from February, posted here on Substack and elsewhere. It is spot on, and a call to action if I ever heard one.
"Someone needs to craft a compelling future vision." You mean like a vision statement? With democracy in its current condition, this is pure fantasy. America has a critical mass of people who believed that "MAGA" was a compelling theme to get behind. And still believe it.
I was reminded of a segment from that old LP by David Frye -- Richard Nixon, Superstar (1971) -- in which narrator Billy Graham (Frye) takes us back to Nixon's high schools days where he was third string quarterback on the HS team. In one game with his team behind, Nixon tells the coach: "Put me in coach. I've got a secret plan to win the game."
"Let me hear your plan." "Sorry, coach, you'll just have to put me in."
Coach: "OK Dick, get in there." .... moments later, to himself, "I wonder what his plan is."
Billy Graham: "And to this very day, that coach still wonders what Dick Nixon's plan was."
Usually a divided ticket at election time is a curse for either party. If Biden can keep democrats on a positive message it could be a huge advantage. Difficult to imagine that republicans denying an election,( now admitted on FOX), refusing gun legislation, protecting wealthy from paying taxes, denying abortion rights, making cuts to medicare and social security that everybody wants or needs, or impeaching Biden will win enough hearts and minds in 2024. Perhaps the fentanyl pill popping crowd in the rust belt will rally for the Trump crowd. I am frightened that so many non-issues are given focus by the incompetent menagerie comprised of DeSantis, Jordan, McCarthy, Greene, Hawley, Cruz, and Rubio. Nikki Haley, Pence and Tim Scott are "articulate" but future harmful association with Trump remains an unknown. Endorsing hate and silly issues deprives all republicans from anything resembling an inspiring message. As long as Joe Biden is at the top of his game I am praying for his leadership to prevail in 2024. .
Without Murdoch, Trump will slowly wither away as a political threat. That's why Trump is screaming.
Trump is ever so slowly becoming yesterday's news. However, as despicable as he is, he is absolutely the most interesting person in America if not the world. As such, he means profits for the news outlets willing to give him air time. The media will continue to milk his celebrity while tiptoeing around his utter depravity crying all the way to the bank. Trump cost the Republicans the Senate so this will add to the party's unwillingness to support him. This is an amazing dynamic. The Republicans can't work with him or against him. Remember Rick Wilson's comment about Trump, "everything he touches dies." That's what the Republicans have to look forward to. Trump will not stop until he's destroyed everything around him.
Reminds me of Dave von Ronk:
"They say it will kill me...but they didn't say when."
Robert and Heather, would you please include next week not only the unemployment rate but the number of people that are not working that are not included in the unemployment rate. And the number of people that are employed. I think that gives a good idea of what's happening.
loutishness
noun [ U ]
US /ˈlaʊ.t̬ɪʃ.nəs/ UK /ˈlaʊ.tɪʃ.nəs/
From the Cambridge English Dictionary:
behavior that is rude and offensive, and sometimes violent :
I look forward to your email about the coffee clutch each week and of course I look forward to listening. I drink my coffee right along to it. Interesting stuff this week but also scary things going on Within the Republican Party. I'm still trying to be optimistic although it is hard at times.
MAGA is a force to recon with and I am not sure how long it if it will die off. It is a threat that keeps on giving. I did not care about the murder trial and glad East Palestine is mad. The Dems need to play hard ball and go on fox to rebut them and quote the emails. Also show how red states (read NC) want Medicaid and to cut it is irresponsible
The GOP has already come apart. For Democrats the important questions are: 1) whether or not the Democrats too will come apart? 2) whether DeSantis or anyone else can pull Republicans together sufficiently to win a national election? 3) whether the Electoral College (state by state politics) will once again deliver the presidency to a minority-backed candidate? 4) Who to back as the Democrat in the 2024 Presidential race who will prevent the above?
DeSantis waits for a Trump indictment and uses cultural wars topics to lure cult members away without directly challenging Trump. Won’t work.
Didn't you always give us a version we could read instead of listen to? I can understand if that's too much work at your age since I myself, at 80 years old, have much less energy than I once did. But it would be so much easier and less time-consuming just to read it.
Incidentally, I have several of your books. And your recent work has promoted you to my favorite economist, eclipsing my previous favorites of Stiglitz and Krugman. And I continue to recount to others, as one of my favorite witticisms, your remark in your first speech as Secretary of Labor that you have known you were 'on Bill Clinton's short list'!
Hi RedElisa. I believe that a simple election defeat will not discourage Trump. Conviction in a court of law is necessary to discredit his constant lies and misinformation. His niece wrote in her book, Trump did not learn discipline as a child or by serving in the military. His wealth was acquired, not earned. He has a penchant for law suits for personal gain instead of building trust. As a teacher I have witnessed many children in need of structure and discipline find success. When discipline of a devious child fails repeatedly, in extreme cases, the courts inevitably must discipline criminal behavior. Existing laws identify Donald Trump as a criminal who deserves to be prosecuted. Donald Trump has been enabled by corrupt FOX News and a Republican Party damaged by vacant leadership expressing criticism of the facts in the January 6th Hearings. How much longer must Americans endure this insult to our image as a democracy by ignoring the rule of our Constitutional Law?
I still think he'll relocate to UAE before he stands criminal trial.
Who's going to come up the the biggest windfall? Putin or the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia?
Your comments on the end of work (AI will take over all jobs) takes me to an ongoing argument I, a retiree, have with my children who are still working. They agree with the scenario that there will be not jobs. I disagree. I worked in a laboratory and before the end of my career, helped automate just about every job: robotics, rules, algorithms, testing, etc. My experience was that we did not need fewer workers; we needed workers trained differently. Rather than traditional task-specific skills, they needed to be trained to evaluate outcomes and design reworks. And they needed to be able to keep those robotic instruments performing as intended.