Hi, Bob and all! Just seeing this lovely post and your generous comments. To echo others, all is forgiven; what matters is you getting home safely. I'll keep my topic list for next week (though maybe brew a fresh cup of coffee!?). I'm off to do the NYT Spelling Bee. A good year to all celebrating! Thank you for listening to the klatch (and reading it, given that we're now able to autogenerate transcripts at long last!)! All best, Heather
This a good segue to a discussion about our infrastructure. Several years ago, Thomas Friedman wrote an opinion piece about the difference of traveling from Peking to Hong Kong and his flight to JFK in NYC. He described it as going “from the Jetsons to the Flintstones.” I remember this because I loved both cartoons, LOL. Fast forward to today and we’ve finally taken a first step toward modernizing our infrastructure when 50 Democrats and 19 of 50 Republicans voted to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). Perhaps some day we’ll join George and Jane Jetson so, Robert, you’ll be ahead of schedule for your Coffee Klatch!
I second that! Because u didn’t even get to sleep in as most people do that miss their appointments! Frustrations over having to hang around the airport waiting on another flight is reason enough to take a nap, forget about our world problems, & enjoy a restful Saturday doing whatever u want to! Blessings for a better year ahead & maybe u could spend some time explaining to us what Rosh Hashanah is all about & why u celebrate it as a holiday?
Sep 16, 2023Liked by Robert Reich, Heather Lofthouse
Thousands of us, including me, appreciate all that you are doing, Bob, and while I'll miss getting to listen to your Saturday coffee klatch with Heather today, I'm looking forward to hearing you both next Saturday!
Sep 16, 2023Liked by Robert Reich, Heather Lofthouse
Poor guy! Your cartoon looks like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders! Take some time to go for a walk (running between planes doesn’t count.)! Enjoy the world around you. It is truly beautiful!
Aren't we all carrying that weight....plus the international loss of democracies and growling coalition among fascist and far right countries, politicians and people!!!
The good work you are doing supersedes any worries you may have about this minor lapse. Your contribution to our understanding of current events is a bright light in a dark time. Thank you!
Sep 16, 2023Liked by Robert Reich, Heather Lofthouse
I bet you've made that resolution before. You can't read Robert Reich every day and not take a personal interest in the man. You are pretty much an open book. I read a few comments today and they all say the same thing. . .SLOW DOWN! Your value to your readers is more philosophical than economic or political. Wisdom is the gift we all need. I gain more from your Friday posts than the rest of the weeks total. We need to get out of the "trump's a liar and into why we produced a trump." Our culture has produced millions of trumps, why? That's what I find in your Friday lectures, WISDOM. We lack policies to fix our problems, but we first need WISDOM. You are a WISE man, share it.
Sep 16, 2023·edited Sep 16, 2023Liked by Heather Lofthouse
While I missed you and Heather so much, I took this rare opportunity to take myself out to coffee at my local brew house and with my packet of stationary wrote to our good Congress people urging them to support HR 3935 to exapand the Airport Improvement Program. And also, in particular, thanking Schiff for introducing HR5048 Protecting our Democracy Act. Now back home to post cards to those 18 congressional districts that Biden won in 2020 but shifted to Repubs in 2022 reminding them of all the good Biden has done. Thank you to my colleagues in Indivisible that help make this a collegial and supportive activity. That's it. Shana Tovah to all who celebrate.
I participate in a Saturday morning Zoom call with a Rabbi and a Sunday morning Zoom worship service with a UCC minister. They both encourage us not to beat ourselves up for the things we can't help. This is a welcome relief from the guilt and fear-based religion in which I grew up. Know that you have a huge and loving family who look forward to your next coffee klatch.
Since there's no discussion topic today, I'd like to share two related items worth spending time with that - coincidentally - I just came across this morning:
There are so many extremely disturbing aspects to the plot against Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the subsequent trials. This has gotten far too little media attention but is very much related to the whole saga of recent years that is trump, MAGA, and the contemporary versions of long-standing militia 'movements' and the sociopolitical (and geopolitical) hatred and attempted subjugation of women.
The sadistic woman-hating stratum in American society is ugly and dangerous. trump is an vile exemplar of that, but there are so many, and that surely is part of the bizarre "worship" of him. The reports of the whole plot against Whitmer are just chilling. Imagine if/when trump and the MAGATS achieve their dream of dismantling the entire DOJ and the FBI, thus freeing the troglodytes to do whatever they want across the country and then how a plot like this might have turned out. It is sickening. The courage of Whitmer, Benson and Nessel - not to mention the astounding courage of, for example, Fani Willis, Judge Chutkan, Letitia James, Jack Smith, and so many others. (And this raises a recurring question that arises in my family: with all of the constant reports of "death threats" made against so many folks who are doing the right thing, why are there no reports of arrests of those making the threats?? Telephone, email, texts and however else, are surely traceable by law enforcement; why are the mob of bullies, violent barbarians, allowed to threaten public officials and get away with it??!!)
The last of that whole group of criminals planning to kidnap and kill Whitmer was acquitted in Antrim County, the same county that is so pro-trump and was involved in the whole trump plot to corrupt voting, machines and the election.
Michigan's three top government executives are very, very brave women, all so smart, experienced and dedicated public servants - Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (another hero!) and Attorney General Dana Nessel - all just superb - and all hated thorns in the sides of the backwoods neanderthals who cannot bear to have a woman primarily, nor any authority figure, tell them that they should get a vaccine or wear a mask or close schools or hold honest elections, etc. etc. Media attention was always very slight on the attack on Whitmer but maybe that was a safety and security decision, I don't know.
What I do know is that there are big billboards, front yard signs, banners and flags all over Michigan declaring bilge like: "love and gratitude" to trump and his whole crime syndicate, "we love you, 'president trump' for all you did for America" or "trump 2024" or "trump won", etc. etc.; signs saying "our governor (Whitmer) is an idiot," signs showing cartoon figures urinating on images of Nancy Pelosi; signs extolling politicians who have been indicted/convicted!! and so on and so on. These are the "citizens" for whom genuine public servants, brave law enforcement, teachers, et al. include in their efforts to hold the country together and rebuild some semblance of a better democracy, uphold the rule of law. They may not deserve the efforts but they get them anyway and for that, they "up" their attacks.
The Antrim Counties of the country may be trying to tear everything down out of their love for a traitor and con-man and hatred for America, but the good Americans who are fighting for the country keep trying to get them to wake up and stop the insane turn towards fascism.
Hi, Bob and all! Just seeing this lovely post and your generous comments. To echo others, all is forgiven; what matters is you getting home safely. I'll keep my topic list for next week (though maybe brew a fresh cup of coffee!?). I'm off to do the NYT Spelling Bee. A good year to all celebrating! Thank you for listening to the klatch (and reading it, given that we're now able to autogenerate transcripts at long last!)! All best, Heather
This a good segue to a discussion about our infrastructure. Several years ago, Thomas Friedman wrote an opinion piece about the difference of traveling from Peking to Hong Kong and his flight to JFK in NYC. He described it as going “from the Jetsons to the Flintstones.” I remember this because I loved both cartoons, LOL. Fast forward to today and we’ve finally taken a first step toward modernizing our infrastructure when 50 Democrats and 19 of 50 Republicans voted to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). Perhaps some day we’ll join George and Jane Jetson so, Robert, you’ll be ahead of schedule for your Coffee Klatch!
It’s ok to cut class Professor- you’re retired. You go home late, you need rest to rejuvenate your body- please go take a nap!
I second that! Because u didn’t even get to sleep in as most people do that miss their appointments! Frustrations over having to hang around the airport waiting on another flight is reason enough to take a nap, forget about our world problems, & enjoy a restful Saturday doing whatever u want to! Blessings for a better year ahead & maybe u could spend some time explaining to us what Rosh Hashanah is all about & why u celebrate it as a holiday?
Thousands of us, including me, appreciate all that you are doing, Bob, and while I'll miss getting to listen to your Saturday coffee klatch with Heather today, I'm looking forward to hearing you both next Saturday!
Poor guy! Your cartoon looks like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders! Take some time to go for a walk (running between planes doesn’t count.)! Enjoy the world around you. It is truly beautiful!
Aren't we all carrying that weight....plus the international loss of democracies and growling coalition among fascist and far right countries, politicians and people!!!
Donald Hodgins
Writes Donald’s Substack
just now
How could you miss your plane? They're so big.
Its OK Robert, I always considered my bed to be a landing strip. Taxi to an out building and take a load off. You deserve a break today.
Oh really?!! A likely story! Ha ha ha ...( that’s the Shakespearean LOL)
Rachel--If you only knew.
Yes, we are! Some days, it could cause a panic attack when I listen to the lies and our congress members failure to act!
The good work you are doing supersedes any worries you may have about this minor lapse. Your contribution to our understanding of current events is a bright light in a dark time. Thank you!
Shana Tova dear friend 💖 Stuff happens, it's OK we'll be here next week 😊☮️
I bet you've made that resolution before. You can't read Robert Reich every day and not take a personal interest in the man. You are pretty much an open book. I read a few comments today and they all say the same thing. . .SLOW DOWN! Your value to your readers is more philosophical than economic or political. Wisdom is the gift we all need. I gain more from your Friday posts than the rest of the weeks total. We need to get out of the "trump's a liar and into why we produced a trump." Our culture has produced millions of trumps, why? That's what I find in your Friday lectures, WISDOM. We lack policies to fix our problems, but we first need WISDOM. You are a WISE man, share it.
Best cartoon self portrait! Get some extra rest Shalom!
Shana Tova Dr. Reich. Hope you got home safely.
May the Jewish New Year bring you many joyful events to complain about.
While I missed you and Heather so much, I took this rare opportunity to take myself out to coffee at my local brew house and with my packet of stationary wrote to our good Congress people urging them to support HR 3935 to exapand the Airport Improvement Program. And also, in particular, thanking Schiff for introducing HR5048 Protecting our Democracy Act. Now back home to post cards to those 18 congressional districts that Biden won in 2020 but shifted to Repubs in 2022 reminding them of all the good Biden has done. Thank you to my colleagues in Indivisible that help make this a collegial and supportive activity. That's it. Shana Tovah to all who celebrate.
Proof this stuff happens to everyone. Time to relax. See you next Saturday.
I'm grateful you got home safely. Have a good week!
Thank you for letting me know. I am glad your home and safe. I look forward to next Saturday's coffee klatch with you and Heather.
I participate in a Saturday morning Zoom call with a Rabbi and a Sunday morning Zoom worship service with a UCC minister. They both encourage us not to beat ourselves up for the things we can't help. This is a welcome relief from the guilt and fear-based religion in which I grew up. Know that you have a huge and loving family who look forward to your next coffee klatch.
Shana Tova Dr. Reich.
Since there's no discussion topic today, I'd like to share two related items worth spending time with that - coincidentally - I just came across this morning:
- WHY CONSERVATIVES FALL FOR FAKE NEWS?:
https://youtu.be/ISYL1WsuR78?si=UgVqJ3IG0MI9GdAM
- DON'T TRUST ME. I'M AN INFLUENCER! :
https://youtu.be/NCWuQIjNHak?si=XfW4FcB59JkSmlxG
Yes! Of course they both reflect my views. What can I say ‽ 🙄
Later comment: I find this a disturbing possible bellwether: https://youtu.be/MwntW9UrZd8?si=l7RjXvzfD8C4HsMQ
There are so many extremely disturbing aspects to the plot against Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the subsequent trials. This has gotten far too little media attention but is very much related to the whole saga of recent years that is trump, MAGA, and the contemporary versions of long-standing militia 'movements' and the sociopolitical (and geopolitical) hatred and attempted subjugation of women.
The sadistic woman-hating stratum in American society is ugly and dangerous. trump is an vile exemplar of that, but there are so many, and that surely is part of the bizarre "worship" of him. The reports of the whole plot against Whitmer are just chilling. Imagine if/when trump and the MAGATS achieve their dream of dismantling the entire DOJ and the FBI, thus freeing the troglodytes to do whatever they want across the country and then how a plot like this might have turned out. It is sickening. The courage of Whitmer, Benson and Nessel - not to mention the astounding courage of, for example, Fani Willis, Judge Chutkan, Letitia James, Jack Smith, and so many others. (And this raises a recurring question that arises in my family: with all of the constant reports of "death threats" made against so many folks who are doing the right thing, why are there no reports of arrests of those making the threats?? Telephone, email, texts and however else, are surely traceable by law enforcement; why are the mob of bullies, violent barbarians, allowed to threaten public officials and get away with it??!!)
The last of that whole group of criminals planning to kidnap and kill Whitmer was acquitted in Antrim County, the same county that is so pro-trump and was involved in the whole trump plot to corrupt voting, machines and the election.
Michigan's three top government executives are very, very brave women, all so smart, experienced and dedicated public servants - Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (another hero!) and Attorney General Dana Nessel - all just superb - and all hated thorns in the sides of the backwoods neanderthals who cannot bear to have a woman primarily, nor any authority figure, tell them that they should get a vaccine or wear a mask or close schools or hold honest elections, etc. etc. Media attention was always very slight on the attack on Whitmer but maybe that was a safety and security decision, I don't know.
What I do know is that there are big billboards, front yard signs, banners and flags all over Michigan declaring bilge like: "love and gratitude" to trump and his whole crime syndicate, "we love you, 'president trump' for all you did for America" or "trump 2024" or "trump won", etc. etc.; signs saying "our governor (Whitmer) is an idiot," signs showing cartoon figures urinating on images of Nancy Pelosi; signs extolling politicians who have been indicted/convicted!! and so on and so on. These are the "citizens" for whom genuine public servants, brave law enforcement, teachers, et al. include in their efforts to hold the country together and rebuild some semblance of a better democracy, uphold the rule of law. They may not deserve the efforts but they get them anyway and for that, they "up" their attacks.
The Antrim Counties of the country may be trying to tear everything down out of their love for a traitor and con-man and hatred for America, but the good Americans who are fighting for the country keep trying to get them to wake up and stop the insane turn towards fascism.
Good response. That's why I posted the link. And to my mind, it's extremely important.