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Michael Roseman's avatar

I believe in you, Professor Reich. I believe in all people of good will and compassion. I believe in democracy. I believe we will save ourselves from Trump. I believe in the coming restoration of empathy, kindness and our cherished freedoms. I believe in taking care of all life on Earth. I believe in holding out the helping hand. I believe in children. I believe in sharing learning and understanding with delight and passion. And I still believe in America.

“I believe in you.”

Dee of the Terrace's avatar

Here! Here! and Hear! Hear! I second all that you said Michael! I wanted to suggest a film I watched today...2073. Check it out I think you'll like it. It's a sci-fi documentary. I'm going to watch it again tomorrow. Good night to you...

Michael Roseman's avatar

I’ll check it out. Thanks! Good night and sleep well, Dee.

Donald Hodgins's avatar

Dee--How about Harold and Maude. Especially if Cat Stevens hold any meaning for you.

Lilla Russell's avatar

Yes! Loved Harold and Maude and also Cat Stevens. Yay!

Greg Movsesyan's avatar

I wonder what it is about Cat Stevens' endorsement of killing Salman Rushdie that you like?

Dee of the Terrace's avatar

I liked Harold and Maude and enjoyed Cat Stevens who goes by a different name now. I was in Hawaii during those years of songs. I haven't listened to him for many years.

Apache's avatar

Hello Dee... What did you like about it? ... Curious....

Dee of the Terrace's avatar

Apache, I wrote a long reply about 2073 to Lanette who asked me about that so it should be here from today. It's a long reply but the short version is, it speaks to those who watch, to pay attention and resist right now. Don't get lost in a screen if you can get up and lend your body and your voice to resistance. Do what you can if you can't get up. Sign petitions, make calls, do mailings and go to some meetings...or be involved online if that's what you can do. It's an important film.

Apache's avatar

Hello Dee... Thanks for getting back... It is indeed a Frightening Film... It is indeed NOW the time to RESIST...

Dee of the Terrace's avatar

My long comment was on Robert Hubbell's Substack...last night. It was a full on film review. I hope more people watch it...and yes it's seriously scary. Happy to hear you watched it and shared that with me and honored to be in touch with you, Apache.

Apache's avatar

It is indeed a very Scary Movie... It is a Amalgam of the Centres of Oppression conducted in China, Gaza, and the West Bank applied to Domestic USA... The Common Person is reduced to living like a Homeless Pariah... The Tech Bros don't have a 'Bright Happy Future' planned for Us... Elon Musk, Curtis Yarvin, and Peter Thiel are Very Evil Siths... Dee, it is an Honor to be in Touch With You As Well...

Lori Corbet Mann's avatar

Bravo Michael, I'm 100% with you.

Michael Roseman's avatar

I’m glad to stand together with you, Lori.

Bob Dorson's avatar

Thank you for all your most important words. We can all be teachers and all can be learners. We should all listen to others as well, even those we don’t agree with, no matter how hard that may be. This will give us a better understanding of others as we continue to learn.

Michael Roseman's avatar

So well said, Bob. Thank you as well.

Peggy Freeman's avatar

So very well said, Michael!

Michael Roseman's avatar

Thank you, Peggy. Robert moves and inspires me.

Peggy Freeman's avatar

He does for me, too, Michael!

MaryMcC's avatar

Roberf moves and inspires me too!

Lilla Russell's avatar

I love everything you just wrote Michael and have your exact same beliefs! Thank you.

Michael Roseman's avatar

Thank you so much, Lilla.

Melba Zinke Clark's avatar

Love this! So many beyond good and loving democratic people in our society- we far out number the likes of the ‘Cult of Trump’!

Thank you for your true words!

George Comcast Email's avatar

Thank you, Michael. You summarized my thoughts beautifully.

Michele2's avatar

Beautifully said and moving...

Michael Roseman's avatar

Thank you so much, Michele. Robert nurtures hope in me. He nurtures hope in so many people.

Ewa Mc's avatar

Mr Reich's posts and letters saved me from losing hope. Seeing so many people in the discussions here, was a reassuring proof that decency still existed in US. So thank you Mr. Reich for bringing us together, educating, giving the tools to oppose this nightmare.

Michele2's avatar

And you both have integrity. Integrity and heart are of the utmost importance now...

Donald Hodgins's avatar

His 100 days in office, is taking one hundred times longer to end the war he said was an easy one-day fix, but who's keeping track. Crippling tariffs affecting every facet of our lives, imposed by a man who most likely flunked out of college where he had no aptitude for his major, "economics." A professor, who had the distinction of holding a class in which Mr. Trump was a part, said this about our President; "Donald Trump is the dumbest Goddam student I ever had."--T. Kelly, and he was referring to our commander and chief? Musk is slowly becoming aware of the fact; the general public has teeth. Vance and Rubio are inapt extensions of our government who aren't qualified to sell cologne in the men's toilet, let alone find a "Just Peace" that Zelensky and his country will benefit from. One that finds Putin pulling back his troops to pre-war positions, then writing a fat check to the people of Ukraine for the damages caused by a dictator who bit off more than he could chew. Our government is currently holding about $300 billion in frozen Russian assets, I feel it would be only fitting if Mr. Trump made a transfer that would find those funds comfortably resting in one of Zelenskyy's banks. Tell Putin to agree to that and the road to peace will lay before him. However, sending non-coms like JD and Marco to do a job they were ill equipped to handle is typical of the man who sent them. Why has the suffering in Gaza been buried as of late? What's up in the Middle East that Trump wants kept quiet? However, on a more positive note, Trump says the price of eggs has dropped off 87%--I would love to know where he shops. 

Penny Pawl's avatar

I have begun to call 47 the Terminator. That is all he has done is terminate departments, people and jobs. I have revived on hearing your words of hope.

Dale Greer -- Dagnar's avatar

Curiously I found cartons of 18 eggs ( 'cage free' ) at my local Fred Meyer (Kroger) for $3.99 the carton. And was thinking that this might (must) have been a 'lost leader' to get customers to come in and shop instead of other markets in the area. And considering how often Freddies rearranges the aisles and products, this would make customers 'hunt' for what they came in for and then impulse buy other items ~ (?? ?)

Peggy Freeman's avatar

Gosh, Professor Reich! Everything you said about teaching touched my heart! I, too, am a retired teacher and I never really wanted to retire. I loved it! For me, it wasn't a job, it was fun! I taught Elementary Education - 1st through 6th grades. I would spend hours planning out lessons that would engage the kids. Oh, we had such fun! When I taught Science, I would dress up as "Dr. Nat (short for nature) with a lab coat and safety glasses. History classes were fun because I could dress up like Pocohontas, Paul Revere or whoever I was talking about. We would have mock battles outside or pretend we were the framers of the Constitution. I loved to teach! I loved seeing that little light come on in a student's eyes when he/she finally "got" it! After I retired, I spent several years substituting because I simply could not let go. Our education system needs to be reworked and public education must take a front seat rather than these private or home-schooled. When we do get our Department of Education back, it is imperative that we reintroduce Civics and a truthful historic account of our past - the good as well as the bad. Civics has to be brought back in order for our young kids to truly understand how our government works! Thank you for sharing about this movie. I can't wait to see it!

Rich Penc's avatar

I'm retiring soon. I've been exploring substitute teaching. Several of my friends in church group do that (we enjoy a pretty open minded church). About 10 years ago I took the 21 credits to transition to teaching, but no one would permanently retire a 50 something as a permanent teacher. But I still have my credits, and I have taught college and university for about 12 years. My focus, as a teacher in the sciences, focused on critical thinking. I wasn't big on rote memorization. To me the ability to think and draw logical conclusions was paramount.

Peggy Freeman's avatar

Rich, you are absolutely correct! Being able to think and draw logical conclusions are so very critical! Students need to learn "how" to learn! Teachers today need to draw their students into spirited debates that help them pull out ideas, thoughts and conclusions. This is what helps shape them to be ready for "adulting". Kudos to you for showing our young people how to think critically!

Dale Greer -- Dagnar's avatar

This is what I call "Critical Thought Reality !" (as counterpoint to the Maga(ts) CRT of Critical Race Theory (IMO garbage and racist et al)

Ever since I subscribed to R.R.'s Substack I've considered him to be one of the best practitioners of CTR and including a practical analysis and, if need be, criticism of all sides of the/any equation, political or otherwise ~ ~

Michael Roseman's avatar

I would have liked to be there for one of your classes, Peggy. They sound like wild, exuberant fun. Thank you for opening up learning and knowledge for so many children.

Peggy Freeman's avatar

It was indeed my honor and privilege to teach, Michael. We did have great times! I remember one year I "looped" with my kids. I went with them after teaching them in second grade and taught the same kids in third grade. They surpassed even my wildest expectations about what they retained both years! It was an absolute joy!

Dale Greer -- Dagnar's avatar

Peggy, Even having suffered 'a cascade of mini-strokes' (Dr described) 4 + years ago, I still remember most of my grade school teachers (2nd through 6th) an especially Mrs. Thelma Raye (4th grade and a red head like me and my whole family). I still have my 3rd grad class photo (I'm 73 now). and remember incidents involving them and later teachers that have stayed with me my whole life. Hurrahs for teachers and the public educational system we've had ~ ~ ~

Peggy Freeman's avatar

Mrs. Raye made a very big impact on you for you to still remember her and the grade she taught! Retired teachers feel such a sense of pride when a student reaches out and gets in touch with them after so many years. When that happens we feel that somehow we made a connection with one of our students that truly made a difference for them! Thank you, Dale, for sharing that memory and thank you for letting teachers know we were part of a great educational system. We need that back - now, more than ever!

Lori Corbet Mann's avatar

My son has just completed his high school education, and boy do I wish he'd had teachers like you Peggy!

Peggy Freeman's avatar

Congratulations on your son's graduation, Lori! I gave both of my kids upon graduation the book by Dr. Seuss, "Oh the Places You Will Go". My kids grew up with Dr. Seuss and I felt that book would help them as they looked to adulthood! Best wishes for your son as he ventures out!

Lori Corbet Mann's avatar

Thank you Peggy. Funny, high school graduation is not really a thing in the UK. There's prize giving each year, and the Head Boy and Girl make a Valedictory address, and then there's a Leaver's Ball, but 'graduation' as such is only recognised on completing tertiary education. It's such a shame, because unless a real effort is made to celebrate everyone's contribution and successes, it defaults to setting kids up to believe that they don't have real talent unless it's academic.

Peggy Freeman's avatar

So true, Lori! Every year, I was in charge of the Presentation Ceremony where our fifth graders were moving into middle school and leaving elementary. It wasn't a graduation as such. We handed out awards for things like perfect attendance, academic achievement in different areas and our PE Coach always gave out various sports awards. The class would receive their promotion certificates from the principal. It was a nice way to say good-bye and good luck to our fifth graders! Our high school graduations are quite a big thing, especially in small town America! With small towns, everyone watches these kids grow up and feel such pride when they receive their diplomas. For many of these kids, they will move into their family's business. For others, they will go off to various universities. It's like a good-bye to childhood and hello to their futures as adults.

Lori Corbet Mann's avatar

That sounds like a tradition worth cherishing Peggy. ❤️

Peggy Freeman's avatar

There are so many beautiful moments throughout my teaching career that I cherish as I age! Teaching was totally worth it!

Dee of the Terrace's avatar

You could teach teachers how to teach. School is too uninteresting these days and my grandson is going to just do his GED because he dislikes school so much. It's sad.

Peggy Freeman's avatar

That is truly sad to hear, Dee! I would love to see our teachers get back to actually teaching and finding ways to reach every learning modality! It seems they spend too much time filling out paperwork at their desks! It is hard to be a teacher today because of so many demands coming from the state, the district and overbearing parents. Sometimes it seems no matter what they do, they come under fire from somebody! I hope your grandson will never stop learning and discovering. A GED is just as important as a diploma. Encourage him to learn about how our government operates so that as an adult he can understand what qualities candidates should possess in order to lead. Good luck to your grandson!

Joyce Cresswell's avatar

Every great teacher is at heart a thespian. Thank you for your service.

Peggy Freeman's avatar

Thank you, Joyce! That was a truly nice thing to say!

Lilla Russell's avatar

I'm sure you were an amazing teacher whose students will always remember Peggy. I so agree with you about the importance of teaching civics. It must be brought back. I have so many ideas about a sorely needed revamped educational system. I wish I were younger and could help in creating and participating in it. Maybe next lifetime! I can't wait to see Robert's film either! I'm glad you're here on Robert's substack as I enjoy your comments.

Frau Katze's avatar

You must have been a great teacher!

Peggy Freeman's avatar

I don't know about that, Frau, but I do know I gave it 100% every day!

Keith Olson's avatar

The Trump regime wants to eliminate education which will allow his MAGATS to have total control of everything we do. Without PUBLIC EDUCATION we are doomed. Thank goodness for people like Robert Reich who know exactly what is happening.

Gretchen Holt's avatar

Please don’t stop teaching. Ever. In my opinion, every teacher should try to teach like you. You make learning fun and interesting and relative and approachable. 🧡

Teresa Ess's avatar

He continues to teach us every day.

A Glass-1/8th-Full Perspective's avatar

As much as I appreciate you for being a massively insightful political figure, it’s hard to fathom how much you’ve added so directly to so many people over the years in the large halls of Berkeley.

All of us who follow you on Substack know how well you dig deep on a subject. A tip of the hat to the fortunate thousands who’ve gotten to soak up all that granular insight laced with snarky humor,

presented with a methodical approach that makes every nuance tangible.

Now I’m going to watch the movie and see just how right I am…

GrrlScientist's avatar

Professor Reich: this is exciting! thank you! i'm so grateful to Heather Lofthouse and Elliot Kirschner for their work (they possess so many skills! i'm envious). i hope that those of us who currently reside overseas can view this film? please?

Elliot Kirschner's avatar

Thank you.

Rich Sprecher's avatar

Robert, I knew there was a deeper connection between us than politics. I just couldn't quite understand the nature of it. Now I understand. I began my career(s) as a chemistry student. I went on to teach chemistry full time for a bit more than ten years. Later I taught part time for another twelve years. I abhor the idea of retiring. I have tried it three times and am working toward the fourth try. I am a total failure when it comes to retiring. I wish you success in your "retirement." Rich S Octogenarian, Contrarian and still plugging along

RICHARD  DE BRUNO's avatar

And see how those that do not want us to be taught awakened enlightened have done everything in their power to make us stupid. I am so grateful to you for all that you have done to reverse that decline...and still are out there teachings us to wake up ! Thank you Robert from a boy here in the UK who was told I was a failure and never went to university. But was intelligent enough to seek out learning wherever I could all my life. Which included reading your books and hundreds more!. Thank you all ! May people rise up and embrace their true feelings and inner intelligence! That's what tyranny hates!

Lokhi BANERJI's avatar

Thank you Robert -- all you taught in your course, I fully subscribe to. The goal of Education for me is to prompt people to think how to bring about a Just Society -- a society where a Michael Faraday, a bookseller's son, can aspire to be a scientist, where the poorest children in the slums of Calcutta can aspire to be positive participants in society....

Pat Rahikainen's avatar

I'm so glad that you are dedicated to teaching. We need people like you in classrooms teaching children truth and reality and fighting to stop those determined to destroy our country. Thank you for being willing to keep fighting when you could be retired and relaxing.

John T. Cullen's avatar

We are all your students, Robert. I've been to Berkeley (beautiful campus) but did not take classes there. My top degree is an MS in Business Admin (Boston University, earned while serving overseas in the US Army during the Cold War). That gave me a smattering of Economics and related info (Accounting, Auditing, Computer Management) that helps me understand a tiny bit of your great knowledge. So, we're not letting you "retire," sir. You are too important to us and to the Free World. You are a great teacher and a great leader in an age when we are much in need of those two qualities. Thank you for all that you do, and please keep leading and teaching. Best Wishes, more to come!

John T. Cullen JTC Sheep Heil!

johntcullen.substack.com

https://www.johntcullen.com

Susan Benton's avatar

The other day I mentioned to a friend that when I read something like an essay, article, or a lengthy document

I can learn something from, it’s

frustrating that it’s not on paper. It’s

frustrating because I can’t mark

important points with a pen or pencil.

I’m a visual learner. That’s why I love when you draw things while lecturing.

Your drawings anchor the point you’re

making in my mind, and the humor

cements it there.

Lori Corbet Mann's avatar

Oh me too Susan!!! That's probably why I read on my laptop, then I copy/paste/highlight. When I watch something I want to learn from, I have to set aside a whole afternoon to stop/start so I can take notes. And I have a problem with 'conversation overload' (not sure what else to call it) so I do struggle with all the video out there.

Thank you for helping me make better sense of myself.

Susan Crane's avatar

You deserve all the accolades you already get and the super many more to come!

Bonnie Boyce's avatar

Thank you so much for your academic rigor and your commitment to the wellbeing of others, Dr. Reich

Thomas Alexander's avatar

Thank you for all the laughs, tears and wisdom you have given me over the years since your time in the Clinton Admin. I can think of nothing more to say at this time and though I know you'll miss the classroom, those of us who have not been able to see you there feel pretty sure you will continue sharing yourself on line....Doers gotta DO!