Smart and intelligent people often also have a shred of common sense and humility.
You are the kind of man who is a very valuable asset for the people who are made to run , the kind of man that works behind the scenes to bring forth the knowledge and the Truth... The kind of man that has no Vanity but is interested more in the common , universal good of the Human Race!
Now, what you all should be doing is contacting Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt and others who have written brilliant social commentaries or sung the words. I think these giants among songwriters are semi-retired but I think everyone concerned enough to maybe give Head Honcho, (whomever that might be. maybe RR) some insight as to their thoughts. Think:
My point is interview these people, do PSA shorts on their morals, how they feel about immigrants, racism. Maybe you won't always like what is said, but these people are followed by a lot of people who might take notice if name dropping. Who are the rappers that support democracy?
I was thinking that. Thank you for saying it. The people who rise to the top don't seem to care as much about what they can do for others as what they can do for themselves. I believe FDR and Biden are the exceptions. Reich is well known nationally through his books and teaching. One reason to run for public office is to have a platform to teach and to spread the truth. I did that before. I hope Reich runs again.
Gloria, it seems to me like you apparently missed Prof. Reich’s entire message: HE’S NOT RUNNING FOR PUBLIC OFFICE AGAIN. He has a platform. He has advised leaders. He has written books and continues to do so. He speaks to us DAILY. I felt like I was in an alternative reality, reading your comment. Was I missing or misreading something you wrote?
If you find it tough to read between the lines, you should be me. I was born in Canada and identify as being Nova Scotian (through and through, because that is a given trait of Bluenosers). I've settled down a lot since I realize I can't back to Tucson, I'm doing well, but am having lots of trouble understanding "Canadian." The people, of course, are wonderful and I get a kick out of those "down east" accents. No, it's the way things are said in Canada. I've been slogging through "crap" trying to update myself and it ain't easy; I hate all the acronisms Canadians are so fond of. I'm having trouble being a Yank in the land of United Empire Loyalists.
I read it carefully as I read everything he writes. I hope he can be persuaded because we need candidates with his knowledge, experience, and motivation to do the right thing for the people. Maybe I'm being selfish to wish he will change his mind.
Gloria, with all due respect, I need to agree with your self-assessment that you’ve written in your final sentence.
By the way, in Biblical literature, there were the kings, and there were the prophets. The kings were the politicians of their day - and they did all kinds crazy sh-t, just like so many - way too many - of our modern-day politicians do. Then there were the prophets - the people (usually men at that time, just like now, too…) who spoke truth to power, who shined a light on what was really going on behind the scenes, and who clarified patterns. Reich, in my mind, lives in this latter category; he’s more the prophet. We need prophets as much as we need (maybe) kings. The Reichs’ of the world are going to call out the kings’ hubris, hopefully enough to spur the rest of us on to action to do our part to make the world a better, kinder, more loving place.
Bottom line for me is that Prof. Reich is doing his prophet-job more than well enough. He knows who he is. Why do you want or need him to be something he isn’t? You said it: it’s for your own selfish reasons. Reich knows who he is. My question to you is: who are YOU? What’s your gift to the world? Reich has one. You have one. We all have one.
"The main difference between a prophet and an educator is that a prophet speaks from God or a divine source, while an educator speaks from human knowledge and experience. A prophet’s message is usually authoritative, revelatory, and prophetic, while an educator’s message is usually informative, explanatory, and instructive. A prophet’s goal is to communicate God’s will or plan to others, while an educator’s goal is to help others acquire knowledge, skills, or virtues," quote from Bing. I see Professor Reich as an educator; one of best I have witnessed. My philosophy is my own and I won't take the time to expound here, because I need to get back to work on my project that I hope will help people.
I am a very practical Jewish Humanist. I don't read any Biblical text, or any other "spiritual" text as something that's supernatural, which to me doesn't make sense and is insane. I don't pretend to know what "God" is, or even if there is a God. Sorry if I'm pissing any religious people off who may be reading this; I don't intend to offend.
Prophets, btw, were educators. They were educating the people they lived among about what was actually occuring in the society they all found themselves in.
That said, I believe that the Bible is as much a political/social/economic, and yes, spiritual and psychological book, written by people. The language they used back then, 5000+ years ago, attributed all kinds of stuff to "God". But if you read the prophets, e.g., you'll see that they're writing about events on the ground. For example, whoever the king du jour was, if they were busy exploiting the people, and the people were suffering, the prophet would say (write), "this is bad, and society will suffer as a whole because of bad political policies/choices/implimentation". They were advocating for the underpriviledged, the underserved, the vulnerable ordinary folk - orphans, widows, the strangers among them (im/migrants..?). They talked about fair wages. About not withholding pay from day laborers. They were very much activists, and they spoke to power - the kings and the priests. This kind of stuff has been going on for a long time, folks. We aren't inventing any wheels.
I think it's too bad that religion has gotten such a bad rap. I understand why it has. And, from the place where I stand, I can say that Robert Reich speaks with a prophetic voice. It's not supernatural. He isn't "God". That's rubbish (to use one of Reich's own terms). I have great respect for what he says. It resonates with me, it makes sense.
By the way, I myself am a Cantorial Soloist and a Chaplain, so yes, I've studied and continue to study Biblical/liturgical text. It's not some woo-woo thing. It can be applied today - without ever mentioning the "G" word. There's no need to. Unless, of course, you want to. That's your choice.
Gloria, if you like RR, he is too old,; he is tired. here's the choice: travel and be adored and respected by your peers OR run for president with the cutthroat pirate band waiting for you.
I don't blame you at all. I have the same desire that he run, because I know he knows how to make this a much better country. I also think he has a better chance of winning than he gives himself credit for, or at least having a major impact on public thought, perception & policy, especially by using his charts & illustrations to make complex concepts much easier to understand, something (someone) that the Democratic nominee should utilize regardless.
He stated clearly that he is not running again, and why. You have clearly (and willfully) missed the point. Trust that he knows himself well enough after all these years to be able to make the right choices in how he can best share his valuable talents with others. He took the time and effort to break this down for us, which is a form of showing respect to others as well as himself. If you can't trust him or respect him enough to accept this, then maybe this isn't the sub stack that best fits your needs.
Okay, this may seem far out, but I think there is no Robert Reich; I think you're all aliens and I am being hoodwinked. I think there is an AI creature somewhere closeted in a room enjoying all the comments and doing research. An R2D2 kind of guy. I've "wasted" almost a whole day communicating with non-humans. As ex-husband used to say "why be normal?"
One of my many flaws, I tend to be verbose. Those keys just start going "clickety, clack, clickety, clack."
Correct! He isn't a "pathological narcissist" like politicians almost NEED to be to be president. One NEEDS to think they are an amazing person with the ONLY correct ideas. Bunkerboy is THE least mentally fit though, even making DUBBYA' seem like a brilliant scientist!
If you look through the hall of presidents, you would be hard-pressed to find someone humble . . . although I think President Carter may be the closest.
I agree. President Carter's religion and his Mama both played a role in his lifelong humility. Miss Lillian raised him to be a polite southern boy, and his religion taught him to "do unto others...."
I agree, but don't forget we all thought Pres. Jimmy was a country boy, not particularly astute, not particularly a good politician. When I read his bio, being a snob when it comes to intelligence, I stood up straight.
I just have to think of Sen. McCain's funeral and body language of all the living presidents. "They should run coverage of that gathering once in awhile or maybe produce new video on SNL as long as Alec Baldwin available to play the Trumpster.
Who in their right mind would want to wake up each a.m., struggle with thoughts, and then have to attend public funeral knowing the scrutiny you will face. He/she gotten fat, gotten shorter, snubbed so and so, looked at someone with lust in their heart, it just goes on. No way, José.
MurSak : Also, a spotlight on the negative influence of the media. Which runs on money, and is not about the facts and ideas we need to choose our candidates to help us self govern , it is more about distraction. sensationalism, and attacks that favor the big money interests: the 'Bane of our existence!'.
Well, money pays salaries, so it’s gotta be a consideration at one point or another….
TOO MUCH of the media is as you say, but that’s not all media, and it’s not journalism in toto.
And if we don’t know that we can still respect aspects of our journalistic community, that we will doom us, because we will have NO idea what to think about anything. Picking and choosing our “facts” will be either impossible, or done by preference, which ain’t a good idea, neither of ‘em
I come from a journalism family, and we toiled in the trenches for decades NOT getting rich and famous, but trying to inform people so they could cope with their world.
The worse journalistic experience I had, though, was when Fidelity Investments bought up my small newspaper and lots of others in Eastern Massachusetts. THAT was a financial {and maybe influence-gaining — but I think it was primarily intended to be an advertising endeavor to make money, with journalism surrounding it} effort on the part of the investment group. They brought along a seasoned and dedicated journalist to make the transition from little independent papers to corporate owned cogs in a machine. And later they appointed a management specialist with no journalism background, when the deed was done. That person still cared about the journalistic aspect, but focused on how to make newspapers a profit center.
They respected journalism for a while, but over the course of time, the value of editorial shrank and the management of the group as an advertising vehicle rose. But all the people I worked with on the papers STILL had the idea of doing good reporting uppermost in their minds.
I know the media {especially video media} tend to descend on people en masse and shove microphones in their faces, but that’s because there are so many these days, and they’re all struggling to keep their jobs. Especially in streaming media.
A ton of circumstances influence how reporters at all levels work these days, and the ones you see in the public eye worry about advertisers, screen time, access to movers and shakers, and Public Opinion, as much as they worry about Getting It Right.
I worry about journalism, but I don’t think it’s as venal as so many people make it out to be — not in toto. But our culture has demonized the journalist, which I think was done on purpose, to keep our “eyes and ears” from being successful in letting us know what our “leaders” are doing.
Into the bargain, we’ve demonized teaching and education, to put obstacles in the way of creating an informed electorate, too.
YES, the journalism community AND the teaching community have both been a mixed bag, giving fodder to the demonizers to make them look bad. But they are two pillars of a democracy, and they’re desperately needed to keep an informed electorate.
This forum here, and what Mr. Reich does everyday, are every bit as much in the realm of journalism AND education, and he is not venal, driven by big money interests, sensationalist, distracted by the attention …
We speak of both journalism and education these days in absolute terms, as though they are monolithic, and we lose sight of ALL THE MANY MANY MANY individuals who are toiling and striving to continue to provide those absolutely necessary services to our democracy — the dissemination and explanation of important information so we can evaluate our world, make decent decisions, and continue to BE a democracy.
Pat Goudey OBrien : "Well, money pays salaries, so it’s gotta be a consideration at one point or another…" ; No kidding, but beyond reasonable profit and being able to pay the help and expenses, the extreme profit driven media , like Fox 'News' is an example of the 4th estate gone wrong and not serving the public interest. CNN's recent foray into tRump's 'town hall' experiment was most likely a dud, as far as making money goes. At least I hope so.
Yes, I completely agree. There's a lot of really popular dross spreading around out there. Not to mention outright propaganda and lies. And once dependable sources of information may no longer be …
But are you saying we have no trustworthy popular sources of information any more?
When television was required to schedule a certain level of “public service” programming to earn the right to license public airwaves, we got a few minutes of “straight” news every night {fifteen minutes?}, and it was fairly straightforward and simple, factual. And then the stations made the news segment a profit center, it was designed to catch and hold people’s attention, and the raison d’être for putting news and current events on the air changed …But we still had a least a modicum of trustable news coming through, with people gathering and reporting who had a mission.
So, there was that.
Newspapers have a more mixed and nuanced history of public service and financial/power motivation. But some press outlets did manage to keep a wall between the news division and the ad division. Opinion pages were another thing … There was no perfect time of the media …
I think we’ve skewed our news gathering AND delivery too far toward the profit motive now. I don’t argue that. But people seem to think there is no responsible media anymore, and that’s not true, either.
Also, a few not-for-profit outfits are trying to find new ways to fund and do the news, in a rapidly changing era. For better or worse, they are trying.
And, of course, there’s this … the type of forum we are in, right here …. How to vet these, though, and get the ACTUAL facts ahead of and through all the noise …
We’re in a new time. Media is even more critically important now, maybe, than ever, given the ability to wipe out the whole world, if too many people get things wrong.
Do you think you can find reliable, sincere and trustworthy media in our world? If you do, where? If you don’t, what do we do about that? This really matters, and if we let impressions lead our thinking, instead of seeing our world and our sources of information for what they actually are, how can we function and survive on our planet?
Not so much a rant as a necessary corollary argument. We are presently enduring a hurricane of chaotic compromised journalism and politics within which individuals with strenght of character and vision, such as Reich, cannot stand
I believe any discussion needs context, and there’s a ton of context in the issue of where our media has been, is, and is going.
I disagree, though, that individuals of strength and character can’t prevail [that is how I read your comment “cannot stand”]. I believe integrity, decency, and strength of character are some of the armor that we need people to have — whether we agree with their politics or not, we need people to value integrity with each other — to get through and prevail. We can argue in good faith with people we disagree with. It’s the Dirty Tricks gang we need to recognize, expose, and bring down …
That is tough. Exhausting. Demoralizing. REALLY tough. But, along with integrity, we need stamina. I hope we have it.
It seems that one is born with class, integrity, thoughtfulness; I don't think such traits are realized through education. I just don't know. I've been thinking about personal morals a lot; lying, cheating, one-upmanship, sarcasm, and meanness. Not everyone, big surprise, lives by The Golden Rule or the Prayer of St. Francis of Assissi. If, after much contemplation I feel I have done wrong, I will hunt you down and try for forgiveness. Silly.
Thanks for taking the time to write this thoughtful and passionate reply. I agree with you really. Just so very tired out at the moment and so jaded. I have tried my best to maintain integrity in my actions in this life attendant with all the complex and often conflicting emotional and material demands, need for endurance and foregiveness of failure. Why anyone would choose to do otherwise is an eternal dark mystery .
They claimed they were purchasing papers that were somewhat troubled, but I was there when it all came about, and they wanted to ring the city of Boston with small papers and provide a single-buy option for advertisers — including majors and nationals that rarely if ever bought ads in community papers {especially weeklies} — thereby establishing a viable way for advertisers to reach the suburban and ex-urban markets easily {and to target those markets more precisely and less expensively} than they could through buying into the huge dailies in Boston that also served the suburbs. They bought up individual papers and groups of papers, and they were definitely not all “troubled.” It was a plan to ring the city and provide a one-stop shopping opportunity. That kind of ad-buy was definitely appealing to major advertisers who would not buy from each paper one-at-a-time. They created a group that they eventually sold to one of the big Boston papers. [Was it the Herald?] But I was long gone by then.
WHY they bought the papers is less to my point than how they managed them once they bought them, and how it affected the journalism being done in the trenches.
Having worked in journalism for almost 20 years myself, Pat, I agree wholeheartedly with everything you say here. Once the suits take charge, it's all over. Profit becomes all-important, and each day's efforts at a publication or TV station become skewed toward making money. The best attempts at real journalism are thwarted if they don't bring in the ad dollars. Actual news stories are jettisoned or overshadowed by puff pieces designed to attract undiscerning readers/viewers. Damn shame.
AND STILL, those who thought to get into it for the value of the enterprise have soldiered on, though I do dislike what has become of so much of the field.
But we NEED it!! In some iteration, we NEED it.
Right here, Mr. Reich does his best, as do so many others. But the fragmenting of audiences means it’s that much harder to broadly disseminate truly important “news.”
Back in the Chronkite and Chet Brinkley days, it was the news and you could trust the news (I thought). All of a sudden we've got these programs in the a.m., owned by Disney, flaunting Disney products; stupid commentaries. The few who still watch these programs are easily influenced, even though old, and maybe the old-timers are the more prejudiced.
I kind of respect Wolf Blitzer but he has too much of an excitable pitch. I like Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper, Lester Holt, but now that I have access to CTV and Global in Canada by way of BellFib, I'm as happy as a lark. Next down-time re depression, getting through will be much easier thanks to new tv coverage. Doesn't take much to make me happy, my tv dial has never stopped at Fox, never, never, even in Tucson.
My hero, Franklin Delano Roosevelt...he came out of that family always thinking of their fellow man. The Kennedys were like the Roosevelts; they believed in the credo "to whom much is given, much will be required." The Kennedys have had a rocky past and so much tragedy; however, but look at Caroline Kennedy's life of exceptional behavior and public service. November 22, 1963 seems like yesterday to me, as I'm sure many of you of certain age will agree. I liked Queen Elizabeth's attitutude (still can't believe she's gone). Service to the people, people who expect you to always do the right thing. I think King Charles is going to change the Crown, I think he's a remarkable human being; he has managed to rise above all, esp. his childhood. Getting back to Mr. Reich, reading a bit of all the info available in the public domain for him, humanity comes to mind. I have to confess, although a Democrat, I didn't know much about Mr. Reich. I certainly knew his name; I wasn't a fan of the Clintons, but hey compared to the Trumps? OMG. My mentor Adele Glusac and husband Michael were invited to Clinton's inauguration. I remember being so impressed; i hadn't realized much about Adele's political affiliations.
A fond memory: headed back home to CA after a visit to Windsor (my brother Roger needed help getting Mom settled in nursing home). I always rented a car at Detroit Metro and I was on my way there, but stopped to see Adele and Michael around 8 a.m., he was getting ready for work (at Chrysler). Snowing hard (it was January); I followed Michael and he pointed out I-75 exit. [The Glusacs are exceptional in every way. Luckiest day in my life meeting Adele while both of us were temping at a law firm in Detroit). After many lunches at The Colonnade, Adele told me I didn't have to be unhappy and I had to tell my very nice husband Martin that I was leaving for California (on a jet plane for sure).
I find it so interesting that the qualities that make one good at running for office are often not the qualities that make one good at governing. Bill Clinton was a really good campaigner, but it seems to me he would have been a far better president if he hadn't been so eager to please everyone and get them to like him, even the rabid Republicans. He helped push us into welfare and prison hell and forgot that very little a president does remains unknown. I do not want someone governing who doesn't care what people think, though. I appreciate that Biden seems to acknowledge the people he is with, but does not demand they fawn over him as Trump does. Then there is the enigma of Ron DeSantis. He does not seem to care what anyone thinks, treats people like we are all ignorant and only he "knows" things" (. I wonder, do Harvard and Yale cultivate that or do people like that get drawn to those schools). DeSantis clings to the word "woke," undefined and spews it out as often as possible to try to force the masses to buy his generalized understanding of the word, if they hear it often enough, then stir his listeners to attack in some way the people DeSantis targets for them. He clearly learned that from someone. He is not very good at it, but for some vulnerable people, he doesn't have to be to get their support. Targeted hate is pretty powerful. Because I was so into politics when I was a kid, my friends used to call me "Madam President (that was more than a half-century ago). I found I, too, hated running for office, and I was just running for student government in high school and college. I learned that I'd rather support others who have the qualities I am looking for in a leader. Unfortunately, not a single Republican running now has any of those qualities, not that I'd vote for a Republican for president.
Phil Rodgers, DeSantis' maternal grandpa, taught political science at Youngstown University. He was chair of the Mahoning County Republican Party at a time when Youngstown was Murdertown USA and was in the throes of race riots, high crime and Mafia control. Led the nation in per capita murder and suicide. DeSantis' "philosophy" and political acumen can be traced to grandpa. Think Father Coughlin. He had this acumen before college.
It looks like he acquired Machiavellian tactics to reach his goals.
The abolition of these departments would favor only the rich.
School standards would go even lower.
As the rich are able to pay for their own R &D they would stifle .. new comers to business who would not receive help from the Commerce Dept. And the most obvious...who would monitor the tax returns of the wealthy ?
The tax returns of the wealthy? No such thing; just a clever CPA and/or estate attorney. RU serious, "we" should never elect someone advocating for abolishment of any existing department. "We" need to pass more laws; in other words change the fucking Constitution, revise it whatever you want to call it.
Daniel, OMG, DeSantis really is a jerk! I guess he doesn't want anyone to be as well educated as he is because they might see just what a fraud he is. He proves that a "good" education is not enough to make a person worthy of public service of any kind. Cutting out some really important departments? That's just nuts, but it seems DeSantis wants ignorant minions he can push around. Sounds pretty fascist to me. Maybe his ideas should be labelled as fascist so his potential supporters can know a little better what they are really supporting, a well-educated ass who cares nothing for them or anything but power and maybe money, not this nation.
I think we will see the fiery crash and burn of this loathsome character quite soon, even as he chatters on about dismantling the government. People will only take so much of this stuff.
The “controllers” of large corps and the Uber rich who sustain themselves from those entities seem to want the general public to be literally pregnant and barefoot, or just plan barefoot and as ignorant as possible. They’re playing the long game and their idea of a great country is one that serves them without question and pays for everything they want.
How did we get to this stage? Can we really blame Trump for all? Short term answer is a resounding Yes, BUT there is more to this, planet-wise than we know.
Standard Republican talking point to get votes from fools. Never will happen. Not even Republicans are stupid enough to eliminate these agencies that provide VITAL services for the American people and their government!
The fact that DeSantis would even name those departments says a lot about his inability to see the big picture of government. He just sees power that he wants and figures eliminating departments that could curb his power a bit, departments that most Americans don't understand would make good talking points for him. He may be intelligent, but he has chosen to direct it away from the positive, only feeding his narcissism, his giant ego. I know one needs some of that narcissism to run for office, but when it swallows up the person who has it, it is bad for our nation. We are already seeing some of its effects on Florida and the other Confederate states that are going along with the DeSantis BS. It's not good.
At least he remembers what departments he wants to eliminate! Rick Perry "forgot" what government departments he wanted to eliminate during a presidential debate, showing everyone how phony this issue is.
It's sad that so many Americans have little idea what their government does for them. A lot of what our government agencies do receives no publicity from the news media.
But people don’t want a lecture {they get angry if you try to fill them in on stuff they don’t know — and the fascist Right Wing is doing a good job of demonizing the “elite” who they say “think they are smarter than everybody else,” which is an intellectual vaccination against people being educated about the state of our world.
Yeah, the media does need to provide background and context and the reason for government and rules and oversight and all the rest.
We used to call that “civics” in school. Wonder what became of that.
But Ruth he DOES see the big picture of government and he - along with his Republican colleagues - wants to do away with any form of government that supports public services -- especially education, medical care and housing. And any regulations having to do with commerce and energy. That's their entire modus operandi.
During my working life I was on a task force to eliminate unnecessary rules and regulations in US Navy nuclear work. We thought there would be many. The devil is in the details! We found that most were absolutely needed. I think that if the Republicans start to believe their BS and try to eliminate government functions, they will quickly discover eliminating them will screw things up so much that they will be tossed out of office. Staying in power is their PRINCIPAL objective, so they would actually not eliminate anything.
They see that “big picture” as interference, not government.
If we still lived in caves, and there were still only a few hundred thousand of us roaming the planet, we might be able to make it with the kind of laissez-faire, what’s-mine-is-mine-and-none-of-your-business attitudes. But the world is small, and we have overrun it. Every person born comes to it the same — bringing nothing with them except maybe a full bladder or colon. It’s only after we’re born that some of us decide we are more entitled, by virtue of parentage or whatever, to a bigger piece of the world pie, or even a livable piece.
Without government by and for all of us … Well, I remember reading about kings and marauding hordes and serfs and Gilded Ages, and all that.
I guess DeSantis expects to be one of the gilded ones. We know Trump already is …
Sounds too much like libertarian utopianism, if you get close and compare…
Reading above about the crucible in which DeSantis was raised, one can see that he does NOT necessarily see past the confines of that environment. Sometimes people evaluate the whole world forever based on some seminal period or event in their lives, and they never re-contextualize their thinking.
If we don’t stop a minute and think … Where are we and how did we get here, and what do we keep and what do we try to fix, and WHY? —
I’m not a believer {though I have great respect for thoughtful and compassionate believers}, and sometimes I forget to include that piece. Sadly, “God” can be used by just about any charismatic person to “support” just about any intention — witness believing The Donald is a flawed man used by God to enact his purposes in our country today … and that’s just today.
The Spanish Inquisition was supposed to be doing God’s work, too.
Daniel, thanks for the info about DeSantis. I felt there was something not quite right about him. I have no idea what he looks like, but he sounds to me as though he has little affect and no sense of his audience, even though they do clap for him. He has the word "woke" popping out of his mouth at every turn, blaming people like himself for all the ills of the world. I find that ironic, but it seems he is unaware of just how ridiculous that is. It's just nuts (or maybe he is).
True. He was forced in a courtroom to give the definition of Woke and he full on knew it was a good thing, but continues to demonize anyone he associates with it.
Like you, I was always interested in politics and supported candidates who said they were going to promote policies I believed in. A trait I noticed about successful candidates and supervisors in the workplace is that they exude confidence, even when they don't know what the hell they are talking about. They never seem to know when they are clueless. They believe in themselves, and others follow them, even when they are proven wrong. I'm sure those in power support them to do their bidding because of that quality. Being the leader is more important than what is right. I think I just repeated in a different way some of what you and Reich already said.
Gloria, there certainly are a lot of folks in public office who are not what they portrayed themselves to be when running for office. They don't all lie and create entire personas like Santos did or lie about many aspects of their lives, but they do mislead and once in office, can be bought as Kirsten Sinema was. We have Supreme Court justices who accept bribes (OK, not called that, but we know the truth), and a bunch of state and federal legislators who regularly permit their racism, misogyny, homo/transphobia, xenophobia, pseudo-christianity to influence their votes, often deliberately harming their own constituents. Is it possible to know when someone is a good, worthy leader? I suspect the only way to know is to look at past and current performance. If a candidate has no positive ideas for this nation and our people and spends most of his/her time insulting and tearing down opponents and others, it is a pretty good bet that person has no business being in charge of or responsible for anything.
I don’t trust political “climbers” — candidates who want to win public office in order to enrich themselves. Ditto for social climbers; but then everyone who runs for a high office is a climber. Those candidates need the slim ego of Jimmy Carter.
Beautifully and intelligently stated. I find Obama's imperviousness to the kind of crap thrown at him every moment of his campaigns and administrations to be superhuman. Very Jackie Robinson-like, no? Obama had that certain "something" that made him electable, a quality of leadership - charisma - that is essential in most races. Those who lack it most often lose, e.g., Martha Coakley vs. Charlie Baker in Democratic Mass. You can be incredibly smart and dedicated to public service, but perhaps your best role is as a counselor, administrator, or policy wonk. There's a life lesson, there. We need to find our best roles in life and embrace them, without regret that we don't win popularity contests.
Which points out the failing of the political system, the wrong people get the votes. The people that can govern well are rarely the ones that can campaign well. Which is a conundrum. How do you pick the people for the job?
Career politicians get a bad rap. If you came up through the various levels of government and you stand out for your accomplishments it should show and you should get elected. Well it does not often happen that way. The conman or conwoman often is the one that wins the election.
My comments referred to electability, not presidential success. Biden is the most deeply unpopular president since Jimmy Carter. His impressive record has gained him very little popular support, and I sincerely doubt his chances for re-election against a vibrant GOP candidate not named Trump. He was elected as a backlash to Trump, who was elected partly as a backlash to Obama.
Unfortunately I believe you’re right. Our only chance may be a re-visit of 2000 - round 2. Hopefully news of Biden’s accomplishments will overshadow Trump’s ravings 🤞
If you were to run for president and become our 47th you would have the expertise to reduce all of our American Waste, and I’m not talking about the garbage disposal.
Starting with the Pentagon and defense contractors who are responsible for the biggest chunk of the Federal budget. In 2020, the Pentagon paid Boeing over $200,000 for 4 trash cans. In December of 2022 the Pentagon flunked its fifth consecutive audit, unable to account for more than 60% of its $3.5 trillion in total assets.
We all should demand that Congress create a committee dedicated to cleaning up the corruption in our country!
Tax The Rich (Share the Wealth)
The 20 richest Americans possess more wealth than the bottom half of the population. That’s 152 million people. And the wealth gap is growing. The so called American dream is a joke for the poverty stricken!
Take the time to watch Robert Reich’s videos on “Wealth and Poverty” to see how we got here. There are 14 videos of very interesting examples and facts.
Instead of taking money away from the elderly, (social security and Medicare), and the less fortunate, (Medicaid, SNAP, etc…), and allowing the wealthy and powerful to pay next to nothing in taxes, how about cleaning up the country’s corruption! If our elected officials want the respect of the American people they need to work for it!
They could find plenty of money to help the less fortunate find their American Dream. If they really want to reduce crime, their goal should be to make the American Dream more accessible for everyone. They have the power to be like Oprah, “you get a house and you get a house and you get a house”.
It’s obvious that members of Congress won’t raise taxes on their donors or corporations that contribute to them. It’s also obvious that they are bought and paid for, and the American people who are paying attention know it!
I can see your dilemma, why would an intelligent well-grounded individual purposely take a leisurely stroll through a swamp filled with quicksand? Surely it wouldn't be to meet interesting people and make lasting friends. Some use the experience to gain wealth and power like Trump. Others make an actual effort to improve the quality of life for the people of this country. All in all it's a thankless job that takes great personal sacrifice to fulfill. No matter how hard you try to succeed in the endeavor people will despise you for the effort. In the end, history will be your final judge, it's a love-hate relationship that few can survive. What's needed is basic common sense and a true love of this country, for few have walked the path and kept their feet dry. Robert, historians would have looked favorably upon your administration, look at it this way, you would have found a good use for your chair.
Keith, get a grip. RR is simply not electable and he knows that. I'm sorry to ask, but how big is this group? how many? some of you don't seem very politically savvy. Bottom line, RR is too short literally. That's America for you.
That’s a trend, but not an absolute —- Trump should have been a blip in the trajectory of candidates, too, but he pushed through and sat in the White House.
Robert COULD win, but he’d have to campaign, and do it HARD. And he has no stomach for it. I wish he did, but we’ll just have to keep pushing for some other way to bring the Republican Machine down …
I’m a candidate in Massachusetts right now, so I read this with great interest. I loved the point about having a higher ambition for the greater good, which you clearly have as you continue to campaign, not for office but to persuade. I hope you know how good you are at that, and that it isn’t narcissistic to think that. You def need a thick skin to run for office, because no matter how much support you have you may have to deal with an opponent who lies about you. As for extroversion, Bill Clinton has to be the ultimate example. I’m an ambivert myself, extroverted at times but then needing to go inward to replenish and get back out there. But it’s like anything else. The more you do it, the better you get at it. Robert, you’re running. You’re just not running for office. You’re running to persuade, and it clearly energizes you a great deal. I love your work, and thank you for continuing to campaign. Like all the best candidates, you’re running on behalf of our country, and not for yourself.
Thank you! I'm running to be the first public defender on the Governor's Council, which confirms our judges, Parole Board members, and commutations and pardons. For more info, go to MaraDolan.com or write me at Mara@MaraDolan.com. Thank you very much!
Mr.Reich has said he doesn't want to run. Why is everyone putting pressure on him to run?
You seem to forget it is not Mr. Reich alone, but also his family would be running. The family probably has no wish to be on display for all of the hateful Trump and DeSantis followers. Mr. Reich is in his 70's and the rigors of a campaign are not for the feint hearted.
Funnily enough, that introversion and that lack of narcissism, plus the overall mastery of progressive policy, was why I wrote Robert in for the last two California gubernatorial primaries.
"Trump is not a typical extrovert. He doesn’t get energized from just any contacts. He gets energized when he dominates and others are submissive."
This reminds me of a lesser episode of the original "Star Trek" series titled "Day of the Dove," in which an alien entity surreptitiously traps the Enterprise crew and a group of Klingons together in order to make them fight endlessly, because it physically feeds off hatred.
The cycle of endless warfare (the entity having the power to immediately heal the wounds the combatants inflict on each other) is broken only when Captain Kirk and Mr Spock determine that positive emotions will weaken the entity; they persuade the Klingons that it's humiliating and very un-Klingon-like not to fight their exploiters rather than the Federation, and the two sides join -- grudgingly -- in laughing at the alien till it's so weakened that it flees.
Laughter won't do it when it comes to Trump, of course; his is the face that's launched a thousand-thousand quips and counting, but still he infects our society like an antibiotic-resistant pathogen.
What can weaken Trump, then? Not his support, but HIM? WE know by now that he cannot be humbled or humiliated. He is without shame, scruples, regret, remorse or compassion. In the face of his lawyers' advice that to pursue the path he was on will likely lead to prison time and the inevitable loss of his tangible assets, he ignored them and plowed ahead, which more than suggests that he is even impervious to fear.
But what if that imperviousness is a product of his having an apparently limitless capacity to rationalize his predicament and assume that his is such a charmed life that things will, must, inevitable resolve themselves in his favor? The world saw it with Hitler who, almost up to the moment he bit down on a cyanide capsule as Russian troops had advance to within a few hundred meters of the Führerbunker during the last days of World War II, believed that German engineers (engineers -- the Nazis had about as much faith in science as modern Republicans) would provide him with one or more wunderwaffen -- wonder weapons -- that would magically turn the tide of the war in Germany's favor.
Had Hitler been even the slightest bit analytical as to his and Germany's plight, he would have seen that, to a large extent, it was the consequence of the Nazis' single-mindedly pouring of money, resources and manpower into their system of concentration camps and campaign of exterminating Jews that was of absolutely no military value -- resources they desperately needed to fight a war that was turning against them more badly with every passing day.
While I think that there's a lesson to be learned here, there seems to be no immediate, magical answer that will reveal Trump's fatal weakness, though Republicans' reliance on social wedge issues to lire voters may be somewhat analogous to the Nazis' Final Solution. In the end, it's still the economy, stupid.
Secondly, I do have to dispute Secretary Reich's use of the term "method actor" (he uses it five times). Besides its being upper-case Method Actor; though not officially copyrighted or trademarked, refers to a technique taught in its earliest days by Sanford Meisner, Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg and is actually relevant to political topics in that the Method teaches its students to internalize their characters, i.e. make themselves believe what they characters are supposed to believe, as opposed to earlier and other schools of acting that an actor must merely give the appearance and illusion of what's demanded of the character -- they needn't feel it at all.
It's very relevant because the names that Secretary Reich attaches to the worlds "method acting" are the antithesis of the Method: they do NOT internalize, they do not believe. The words from Republicans' mouths and the posturing in which they engage are, simply, an ACT designed to elicit a certain response from the segments of the voting public to which they pander. In fact, when it comes to single issue voters, those fixated on anti-abortion being a prime example -- it's a terrible shame that those voters cannot hear how Republican politicians speak about them behind closed doors. Like Mitt Romney's infamous comments about the "47 percent," the Republicans have nothing but contempt for any voters who can give them ONLY votes (however much they need them) because such voters send them relatively little campaign money, and none after they retire. Their only true allegiance and subservience is to the billionaires and corporations who send them millions for their campaigns and, after they retire, shower them with rewards -- lobbying jobs, consultancies, seats on corporate boards and deals with conservative publishers to write books no one will ever read -- for looking after their welfare.
Republicans DO have a lower-case method, but its only to their madness, because it's a long-game madness designed to make them rich. They automatically fight every Democratic policy tooth and nail specifically because they see them as impediments to their getting rich.
inconsequential. Shatner is quite the guy. He's a Canadian hero...living in Hfx. in 1965 or so, i usually walked home from Hollis Street to Philip St. but would take bus night Star Trek on.
I'm sure Mr. Reich knows he is above reproach but good to hear.. Me too, but some of us hold ourselves to a personal higher standard--a killer in the political arena!
"They automatically fight every Democratic policy tooth and nail specifically because they see them as impediments to their getting rich". Perhaps even worse in their eyes, they see these policies benefiting everyone else. It the crabs in the bucket mentality.
Robert, as always your insight is so authentic and brutally honest! I always wondered about what kind of personality could withstand the extreme scrutiny in politics! I consider myself an extrovert but I require lots of down time too. I’m in specialty retail sales and often some people drive me nuts! I’m far too sensitive to handle lots of criticism on a regular basis! I admire the decent politicians although they’re very rare! Thanks for educating us naive citizens and helping us try to comprehend what’s happening behind the scenes! CT
Wow! Thank you for this honest, informative and entertaining account of a candidate’s experience. Wish it weren’t true. America’s system means we lose a lot of good people.
I wonder what would happen if 'election reform' could happen that allows candidates to get their message out without having to raise millions of dollars? With a 'press' or media that focuses on the facts, and doesn't try to make the whole thing a comedy or horse race or tabloid scandal/fight? Citizens United guarantees that our country is for sale to the obscenely wealthiest!
Well said Robert! Being honest and knowing one's comfort zone is crucial. Thank you for your take on the "human condition" and how this plays in leadership!
As vertically challenged myself, I applaud you, Dr. Reich, with or without self-deprecating jokes. In fact, it should be someone who doesn't have any of the traits that you mention that should be the President or be in the position to contribute to the society. Public office used to be a service one performs for the greater good and goes back home when the duties are done, and as such, career politician should never be an accepted term.
I have to disagree. I was asked to take the MMPI by the superintendent of the district as a member of the elected school board. The other board members went along but I declined. The school board selects the superintendent and can decline to renew the negotiated contract. The board approves the teacher's contracts. It was inappropriate for board members to take a psychological test that assesses personality traits and psychopathology for the superintendent's information. As for a lie detector test, from watching true crime shows we know that an individual's "hot buttons" will show up on the test as a lie when they are telling the truth. For instance, if you ask a parent if they killed their child that recently died by accident, the test may indicate they are lying because it measures the autonomic nervous system's response. I have hot buttons.
So-called “lie detector tests” are notoriously invalid. Sociopaths or anyone sufficiently trained can defeat them, which is why they are not admissible in court. And while I’m sure the MMPI has it’s adherents, I’ve never been very impressed by it at least in the context of psychotherapy. I’m no expert in testing. But long ago I worked with a population in a federal penitentiary and had MMPI reports on every prisoner. I never learned anything from those reports that I didn’t know after one or two therapy sessions.
Dear Mr. Reich
Smart and intelligent people often also have a shred of common sense and humility.
You are the kind of man who is a very valuable asset for the people who are made to run , the kind of man that works behind the scenes to bring forth the knowledge and the Truth... The kind of man that has no Vanity but is interested more in the common , universal good of the Human Race!
And for that, I bow to you 🙏❤️
Please keep up the good work!
Could not have stated it better myself. As modest as you are, Robert, you refrained from saying the obvious: you're just too damned good for politics.
Now that I can buy into.
So well said, thank you. Ditto
Me too!
Now, what you all should be doing is contacting Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt and others who have written brilliant social commentaries or sung the words. I think these giants among songwriters are semi-retired but I think everyone concerned enough to maybe give Head Honcho, (whomever that might be. maybe RR) some insight as to their thoughts. Think:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAXV4JmuNrs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIzbk4qVBNU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNmn7jdbQwA
https://variety.com/2020/film/news/clint-eastwood-mike-bloomberg-2020-election-1203511657/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_CBXHOGHCw
https://pagesix.com/2023/06/15/chris-cuomo-calls-sylvester-stallone-cartoonish-fool/
https://m.imdb.com/news/ni60577790/
My point is interview these people, do PSA shorts on their morals, how they feel about immigrants, racism. Maybe you won't always like what is said, but these people are followed by a lot of people who might take notice if name dropping. Who are the rappers that support democracy?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlJeNTZwa_w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEwSwQtSmDQyou
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45kx83e3Trw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmsowXZBoSM
I so agree.
I was thinking that. Thank you for saying it. The people who rise to the top don't seem to care as much about what they can do for others as what they can do for themselves. I believe FDR and Biden are the exceptions. Reich is well known nationally through his books and teaching. One reason to run for public office is to have a platform to teach and to spread the truth. I did that before. I hope Reich runs again.
Gloria, it seems to me like you apparently missed Prof. Reich’s entire message: HE’S NOT RUNNING FOR PUBLIC OFFICE AGAIN. He has a platform. He has advised leaders. He has written books and continues to do so. He speaks to us DAILY. I felt like I was in an alternative reality, reading your comment. Was I missing or misreading something you wrote?
If you find it tough to read between the lines, you should be me. I was born in Canada and identify as being Nova Scotian (through and through, because that is a given trait of Bluenosers). I've settled down a lot since I realize I can't back to Tucson, I'm doing well, but am having lots of trouble understanding "Canadian." The people, of course, are wonderful and I get a kick out of those "down east" accents. No, it's the way things are said in Canada. I've been slogging through "crap" trying to update myself and it ain't easy; I hate all the acronisms Canadians are so fond of. I'm having trouble being a Yank in the land of United Empire Loyalists.
A diamond in the rough? A "Teddy Roosevelt" kind of guy? i would say more like the elegant Jimmy Carter.
I read it carefully as I read everything he writes. I hope he can be persuaded because we need candidates with his knowledge, experience, and motivation to do the right thing for the people. Maybe I'm being selfish to wish he will change his mind.
Gloria, with all due respect, I need to agree with your self-assessment that you’ve written in your final sentence.
By the way, in Biblical literature, there were the kings, and there were the prophets. The kings were the politicians of their day - and they did all kinds crazy sh-t, just like so many - way too many - of our modern-day politicians do. Then there were the prophets - the people (usually men at that time, just like now, too…) who spoke truth to power, who shined a light on what was really going on behind the scenes, and who clarified patterns. Reich, in my mind, lives in this latter category; he’s more the prophet. We need prophets as much as we need (maybe) kings. The Reichs’ of the world are going to call out the kings’ hubris, hopefully enough to spur the rest of us on to action to do our part to make the world a better, kinder, more loving place.
Bottom line for me is that Prof. Reich is doing his prophet-job more than well enough. He knows who he is. Why do you want or need him to be something he isn’t? You said it: it’s for your own selfish reasons. Reich knows who he is. My question to you is: who are YOU? What’s your gift to the world? Reich has one. You have one. We all have one.
"The main difference between a prophet and an educator is that a prophet speaks from God or a divine source, while an educator speaks from human knowledge and experience. A prophet’s message is usually authoritative, revelatory, and prophetic, while an educator’s message is usually informative, explanatory, and instructive. A prophet’s goal is to communicate God’s will or plan to others, while an educator’s goal is to help others acquire knowledge, skills, or virtues," quote from Bing. I see Professor Reich as an educator; one of best I have witnessed. My philosophy is my own and I won't take the time to expound here, because I need to get back to work on my project that I hope will help people.
I am a very practical Jewish Humanist. I don't read any Biblical text, or any other "spiritual" text as something that's supernatural, which to me doesn't make sense and is insane. I don't pretend to know what "God" is, or even if there is a God. Sorry if I'm pissing any religious people off who may be reading this; I don't intend to offend.
Prophets, btw, were educators. They were educating the people they lived among about what was actually occuring in the society they all found themselves in.
That said, I believe that the Bible is as much a political/social/economic, and yes, spiritual and psychological book, written by people. The language they used back then, 5000+ years ago, attributed all kinds of stuff to "God". But if you read the prophets, e.g., you'll see that they're writing about events on the ground. For example, whoever the king du jour was, if they were busy exploiting the people, and the people were suffering, the prophet would say (write), "this is bad, and society will suffer as a whole because of bad political policies/choices/implimentation". They were advocating for the underpriviledged, the underserved, the vulnerable ordinary folk - orphans, widows, the strangers among them (im/migrants..?). They talked about fair wages. About not withholding pay from day laborers. They were very much activists, and they spoke to power - the kings and the priests. This kind of stuff has been going on for a long time, folks. We aren't inventing any wheels.
I think it's too bad that religion has gotten such a bad rap. I understand why it has. And, from the place where I stand, I can say that Robert Reich speaks with a prophetic voice. It's not supernatural. He isn't "God". That's rubbish (to use one of Reich's own terms). I have great respect for what he says. It resonates with me, it makes sense.
By the way, I myself am a Cantorial Soloist and a Chaplain, so yes, I've studied and continue to study Biblical/liturgical text. It's not some woo-woo thing. It can be applied today - without ever mentioning the "G" word. There's no need to. Unless, of course, you want to. That's your choice.
An educator like no other
Gloria, if you like RR, he is too old,; he is tired. here's the choice: travel and be adored and respected by your peers OR run for president with the cutthroat pirate band waiting for you.
I don't blame you at all. I have the same desire that he run, because I know he knows how to make this a much better country. I also think he has a better chance of winning than he gives himself credit for, or at least having a major impact on public thought, perception & policy, especially by using his charts & illustrations to make complex concepts much easier to understand, something (someone) that the Democratic nominee should utilize regardless.
He stated clearly that he is not running again, and why. You have clearly (and willfully) missed the point. Trust that he knows himself well enough after all these years to be able to make the right choices in how he can best share his valuable talents with others. He took the time and effort to break this down for us, which is a form of showing respect to others as well as himself. If you can't trust him or respect him enough to accept this, then maybe this isn't the sub stack that best fits your needs.
https://globalnews.ca/news/9799832/atlantic-canada-carbon-pricing-rebate-payments-debate/
Okay, this may seem far out, but I think there is no Robert Reich; I think you're all aliens and I am being hoodwinked. I think there is an AI creature somewhere closeted in a room enjoying all the comments and doing research. An R2D2 kind of guy. I've "wasted" almost a whole day communicating with non-humans. As ex-husband used to say "why be normal?"
One of my many flaws, I tend to be verbose. Those keys just start going "clickety, clack, clickety, clack."
Correct! He isn't a "pathological narcissist" like politicians almost NEED to be to be president. One NEEDS to think they are an amazing person with the ONLY correct ideas. Bunkerboy is THE least mentally fit though, even making DUBBYA' seem like a brilliant scientist!
If you look through the hall of presidents, you would be hard-pressed to find someone humble . . . although I think President Carter may be the closest.
Absolutely Carter wins the most humble and sincere President in modern times! His devotion to giving back through Habitat for Humanity speaks volumes!
I agree. President Carter's religion and his Mama both played a role in his lifelong humility. Miss Lillian raised him to be a polite southern boy, and his religion taught him to "do unto others...."
I agree, but don't forget we all thought Pres. Jimmy was a country boy, not particularly astute, not particularly a good politician. When I read his bio, being a snob when it comes to intelligence, I stood up straight.
https://www.military.com/history/how-jimmy-carter-saved-canadian-nuclear-reactor-after-meltdown.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2023/02/20/jimmy-carter-nuclear-reactor-navy/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCTDfkVZxSw
belly laugh re George W.
I just have to think of Sen. McCain's funeral and body language of all the living presidents. "They should run coverage of that gathering once in awhile or maybe produce new video on SNL as long as Alec Baldwin available to play the Trumpster.
Who in their right mind would want to wake up each a.m., struggle with thoughts, and then have to attend public funeral knowing the scrutiny you will face. He/she gotten fat, gotten shorter, snubbed so and so, looked at someone with lust in their heart, it just goes on. No way, José.
I feel the same way you do about Prof. Reich.
He is a diamond in the rough. He’s one of us, the already retired and just enjoying life as it happens.
I concur whole-heartedly, Roxana Chitu.
I absolutely agree with you Roxana. I couldn't have said it better :)
This is a wonderfully insightful piece about human behavior and observations about society.
As my ol' pappy would say, "getting kicked in the ass gives insight." It's important to learn where the pressure points are to protect them.
MurSak : Also, a spotlight on the negative influence of the media. Which runs on money, and is not about the facts and ideas we need to choose our candidates to help us self govern , it is more about distraction. sensationalism, and attacks that favor the big money interests: the 'Bane of our existence!'.
Well, money pays salaries, so it’s gotta be a consideration at one point or another….
TOO MUCH of the media is as you say, but that’s not all media, and it’s not journalism in toto.
And if we don’t know that we can still respect aspects of our journalistic community, that we will doom us, because we will have NO idea what to think about anything. Picking and choosing our “facts” will be either impossible, or done by preference, which ain’t a good idea, neither of ‘em
I come from a journalism family, and we toiled in the trenches for decades NOT getting rich and famous, but trying to inform people so they could cope with their world.
The worse journalistic experience I had, though, was when Fidelity Investments bought up my small newspaper and lots of others in Eastern Massachusetts. THAT was a financial {and maybe influence-gaining — but I think it was primarily intended to be an advertising endeavor to make money, with journalism surrounding it} effort on the part of the investment group. They brought along a seasoned and dedicated journalist to make the transition from little independent papers to corporate owned cogs in a machine. And later they appointed a management specialist with no journalism background, when the deed was done. That person still cared about the journalistic aspect, but focused on how to make newspapers a profit center.
They respected journalism for a while, but over the course of time, the value of editorial shrank and the management of the group as an advertising vehicle rose. But all the people I worked with on the papers STILL had the idea of doing good reporting uppermost in their minds.
I know the media {especially video media} tend to descend on people en masse and shove microphones in their faces, but that’s because there are so many these days, and they’re all struggling to keep their jobs. Especially in streaming media.
A ton of circumstances influence how reporters at all levels work these days, and the ones you see in the public eye worry about advertisers, screen time, access to movers and shakers, and Public Opinion, as much as they worry about Getting It Right.
I worry about journalism, but I don’t think it’s as venal as so many people make it out to be — not in toto. But our culture has demonized the journalist, which I think was done on purpose, to keep our “eyes and ears” from being successful in letting us know what our “leaders” are doing.
Into the bargain, we’ve demonized teaching and education, to put obstacles in the way of creating an informed electorate, too.
YES, the journalism community AND the teaching community have both been a mixed bag, giving fodder to the demonizers to make them look bad. But they are two pillars of a democracy, and they’re desperately needed to keep an informed electorate.
This forum here, and what Mr. Reich does everyday, are every bit as much in the realm of journalism AND education, and he is not venal, driven by big money interests, sensationalist, distracted by the attention …
We speak of both journalism and education these days in absolute terms, as though they are monolithic, and we lose sight of ALL THE MANY MANY MANY individuals who are toiling and striving to continue to provide those absolutely necessary services to our democracy — the dissemination and explanation of important information so we can evaluate our world, make decent decisions, and continue to BE a democracy.
End of rant.
Pat Goudey OBrien : "Well, money pays salaries, so it’s gotta be a consideration at one point or another…" ; No kidding, but beyond reasonable profit and being able to pay the help and expenses, the extreme profit driven media , like Fox 'News' is an example of the 4th estate gone wrong and not serving the public interest. CNN's recent foray into tRump's 'town hall' experiment was most likely a dud, as far as making money goes. At least I hope so.
Yes, I completely agree. There's a lot of really popular dross spreading around out there. Not to mention outright propaganda and lies. And once dependable sources of information may no longer be …
But are you saying we have no trustworthy popular sources of information any more?
When television was required to schedule a certain level of “public service” programming to earn the right to license public airwaves, we got a few minutes of “straight” news every night {fifteen minutes?}, and it was fairly straightforward and simple, factual. And then the stations made the news segment a profit center, it was designed to catch and hold people’s attention, and the raison d’être for putting news and current events on the air changed …But we still had a least a modicum of trustable news coming through, with people gathering and reporting who had a mission.
So, there was that.
Newspapers have a more mixed and nuanced history of public service and financial/power motivation. But some press outlets did manage to keep a wall between the news division and the ad division. Opinion pages were another thing … There was no perfect time of the media …
I think we’ve skewed our news gathering AND delivery too far toward the profit motive now. I don’t argue that. But people seem to think there is no responsible media anymore, and that’s not true, either.
Also, a few not-for-profit outfits are trying to find new ways to fund and do the news, in a rapidly changing era. For better or worse, they are trying.
And, of course, there’s this … the type of forum we are in, right here …. How to vet these, though, and get the ACTUAL facts ahead of and through all the noise …
We’re in a new time. Media is even more critically important now, maybe, than ever, given the ability to wipe out the whole world, if too many people get things wrong.
Do you think you can find reliable, sincere and trustworthy media in our world? If you do, where? If you don’t, what do we do about that? This really matters, and if we let impressions lead our thinking, instead of seeing our world and our sources of information for what they actually are, how can we function and survive on our planet?
We soldier on …
We are far overdue bringing fairness doctrine back, and applying it to streaming as well as over the air.
Not so much a rant as a necessary corollary argument. We are presently enduring a hurricane of chaotic compromised journalism and politics within which individuals with strenght of character and vision, such as Reich, cannot stand
I believe any discussion needs context, and there’s a ton of context in the issue of where our media has been, is, and is going.
I disagree, though, that individuals of strength and character can’t prevail [that is how I read your comment “cannot stand”]. I believe integrity, decency, and strength of character are some of the armor that we need people to have — whether we agree with their politics or not, we need people to value integrity with each other — to get through and prevail. We can argue in good faith with people we disagree with. It’s the Dirty Tricks gang we need to recognize, expose, and bring down …
That is tough. Exhausting. Demoralizing. REALLY tough. But, along with integrity, we need stamina. I hope we have it.
It seems that one is born with class, integrity, thoughtfulness; I don't think such traits are realized through education. I just don't know. I've been thinking about personal morals a lot; lying, cheating, one-upmanship, sarcasm, and meanness. Not everyone, big surprise, lives by The Golden Rule or the Prayer of St. Francis of Assissi. If, after much contemplation I feel I have done wrong, I will hunt you down and try for forgiveness. Silly.
Thanks for taking the time to write this thoughtful and passionate reply. I agree with you really. Just so very tired out at the moment and so jaded. I have tried my best to maintain integrity in my actions in this life attendant with all the complex and often conflicting emotional and material demands, need for endurance and foregiveness of failure. Why anyone would choose to do otherwise is an eternal dark mystery .
Yes, I’m in solidarity with you, there.
QUESTION — Do we think it is important for us to be on threads like this? Talking about it? Hashing it out?
Why?
Where do we go from here? How does it resonate in our culture? Or does it? Is it our form of entertainment, and we’re kidding ourselves?
Well-said, Pat Goudey OBrien!
Thank you …
I believe I recall that the purchase was made to keep those papers from going under. It was not a Mudochian or Muskovian move into journalism.
They claimed they were purchasing papers that were somewhat troubled, but I was there when it all came about, and they wanted to ring the city of Boston with small papers and provide a single-buy option for advertisers — including majors and nationals that rarely if ever bought ads in community papers {especially weeklies} — thereby establishing a viable way for advertisers to reach the suburban and ex-urban markets easily {and to target those markets more precisely and less expensively} than they could through buying into the huge dailies in Boston that also served the suburbs. They bought up individual papers and groups of papers, and they were definitely not all “troubled.” It was a plan to ring the city and provide a one-stop shopping opportunity. That kind of ad-buy was definitely appealing to major advertisers who would not buy from each paper one-at-a-time. They created a group that they eventually sold to one of the big Boston papers. [Was it the Herald?] But I was long gone by then.
WHY they bought the papers is less to my point than how they managed them once they bought them, and how it affected the journalism being done in the trenches.
Having worked in journalism for almost 20 years myself, Pat, I agree wholeheartedly with everything you say here. Once the suits take charge, it's all over. Profit becomes all-important, and each day's efforts at a publication or TV station become skewed toward making money. The best attempts at real journalism are thwarted if they don't bring in the ad dollars. Actual news stories are jettisoned or overshadowed by puff pieces designed to attract undiscerning readers/viewers. Damn shame.
AND STILL, those who thought to get into it for the value of the enterprise have soldiered on, though I do dislike what has become of so much of the field.
But we NEED it!! In some iteration, we NEED it.
Right here, Mr. Reich does his best, as do so many others. But the fragmenting of audiences means it’s that much harder to broadly disseminate truly important “news.”
Rats. It worries me. But we do solider on …
Back in the Chronkite and Chet Brinkley days, it was the news and you could trust the news (I thought). All of a sudden we've got these programs in the a.m., owned by Disney, flaunting Disney products; stupid commentaries. The few who still watch these programs are easily influenced, even though old, and maybe the old-timers are the more prejudiced.
I kind of respect Wolf Blitzer but he has too much of an excitable pitch. I like Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper, Lester Holt, but now that I have access to CTV and Global in Canada by way of BellFib, I'm as happy as a lark. Next down-time re depression, getting through will be much easier thanks to new tv coverage. Doesn't take much to make me happy, my tv dial has never stopped at Fox, never, never, even in Tucson.
The man is a wordsmith.
My hero, Franklin Delano Roosevelt...he came out of that family always thinking of their fellow man. The Kennedys were like the Roosevelts; they believed in the credo "to whom much is given, much will be required." The Kennedys have had a rocky past and so much tragedy; however, but look at Caroline Kennedy's life of exceptional behavior and public service. November 22, 1963 seems like yesterday to me, as I'm sure many of you of certain age will agree. I liked Queen Elizabeth's attitutude (still can't believe she's gone). Service to the people, people who expect you to always do the right thing. I think King Charles is going to change the Crown, I think he's a remarkable human being; he has managed to rise above all, esp. his childhood. Getting back to Mr. Reich, reading a bit of all the info available in the public domain for him, humanity comes to mind. I have to confess, although a Democrat, I didn't know much about Mr. Reich. I certainly knew his name; I wasn't a fan of the Clintons, but hey compared to the Trumps? OMG. My mentor Adele Glusac and husband Michael were invited to Clinton's inauguration. I remember being so impressed; i hadn't realized much about Adele's political affiliations.
A fond memory: headed back home to CA after a visit to Windsor (my brother Roger needed help getting Mom settled in nursing home). I always rented a car at Detroit Metro and I was on my way there, but stopped to see Adele and Michael around 8 a.m., he was getting ready for work (at Chrysler). Snowing hard (it was January); I followed Michael and he pointed out I-75 exit. [The Glusacs are exceptional in every way. Luckiest day in my life meeting Adele while both of us were temping at a law firm in Detroit). After many lunches at The Colonnade, Adele told me I didn't have to be unhappy and I had to tell my very nice husband Martin that I was leaving for California (on a jet plane for sure).
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/438538082438361936/
https://law.utk.edu/2016/05/10/to-whom-much-is-given-much-will-be-required/https://www.jfklibrary.org/about-us/jfk-library-foundation/board-of-directors/caroline-kennedy-honorary-president
thank you.
I find it so interesting that the qualities that make one good at running for office are often not the qualities that make one good at governing. Bill Clinton was a really good campaigner, but it seems to me he would have been a far better president if he hadn't been so eager to please everyone and get them to like him, even the rabid Republicans. He helped push us into welfare and prison hell and forgot that very little a president does remains unknown. I do not want someone governing who doesn't care what people think, though. I appreciate that Biden seems to acknowledge the people he is with, but does not demand they fawn over him as Trump does. Then there is the enigma of Ron DeSantis. He does not seem to care what anyone thinks, treats people like we are all ignorant and only he "knows" things" (. I wonder, do Harvard and Yale cultivate that or do people like that get drawn to those schools). DeSantis clings to the word "woke," undefined and spews it out as often as possible to try to force the masses to buy his generalized understanding of the word, if they hear it often enough, then stir his listeners to attack in some way the people DeSantis targets for them. He clearly learned that from someone. He is not very good at it, but for some vulnerable people, he doesn't have to be to get their support. Targeted hate is pretty powerful. Because I was so into politics when I was a kid, my friends used to call me "Madam President (that was more than a half-century ago). I found I, too, hated running for office, and I was just running for student government in high school and college. I learned that I'd rather support others who have the qualities I am looking for in a leader. Unfortunately, not a single Republican running now has any of those qualities, not that I'd vote for a Republican for president.
Phil Rodgers, DeSantis' maternal grandpa, taught political science at Youngstown University. He was chair of the Mahoning County Republican Party at a time when Youngstown was Murdertown USA and was in the throes of race riots, high crime and Mafia control. Led the nation in per capita murder and suicide. DeSantis' "philosophy" and political acumen can be traced to grandpa. Think Father Coughlin. He had this acumen before college.
It looks like he acquired Machiavellian tactics to reach his goals.
Fox News’ Martha MacCallum: “Are you in favor of eliminating any agencies?”
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL): “We would do Education, we would do Commerce, we'd do Energy, and we would do IRS.”
What!? That is terrifying!
Daniel, that IS terrifying!
The abolition of these departments would favor only the rich.
School standards would go even lower.
As the rich are able to pay for their own R &D they would stifle .. new comers to business who would not receive help from the Commerce Dept. And the most obvious...who would monitor the tax returns of the wealthy ?
The tax returns of the wealthy? No such thing; just a clever CPA and/or estate attorney. RU serious, "we" should never elect someone advocating for abolishment of any existing department. "We" need to pass more laws; in other words change the fucking Constitution, revise it whatever you want to call it.
Pamela: What tax returns? Without the IRS?
You make a good point, Harry. So the Federal Government will run on good wishes and air!
Daniel, OMG, DeSantis really is a jerk! I guess he doesn't want anyone to be as well educated as he is because they might see just what a fraud he is. He proves that a "good" education is not enough to make a person worthy of public service of any kind. Cutting out some really important departments? That's just nuts, but it seems DeSantis wants ignorant minions he can push around. Sounds pretty fascist to me. Maybe his ideas should be labelled as fascist so his potential supporters can know a little better what they are really supporting, a well-educated ass who cares nothing for them or anything but power and maybe money, not this nation.
I think we will see the fiery crash and burn of this loathsome character quite soon, even as he chatters on about dismantling the government. People will only take so much of this stuff.
Boy, I don't think so, Dana. Just the opposite. Like Trump, he enjoys the publicity and adoration of everyone in all those little coffee shops.
He is another Trump.
The “controllers” of large corps and the Uber rich who sustain themselves from those entities seem to want the general public to be literally pregnant and barefoot, or just plan barefoot and as ignorant as possible. They’re playing the long game and their idea of a great country is one that serves them without question and pays for everything they want.
This "Republican" organization is simply aiming to dismantle democracy and install a Theocracy. DeSantis talks and walks like a rapid racist cleric.
How did we get to this stage? Can we really blame Trump for all? Short term answer is a resounding Yes, BUT there is more to this, planet-wise than we know.
Working isn't it?
Standard Republican talking point to get votes from fools. Never will happen. Not even Republicans are stupid enough to eliminate these agencies that provide VITAL services for the American people and their government!
The fact that DeSantis would even name those departments says a lot about his inability to see the big picture of government. He just sees power that he wants and figures eliminating departments that could curb his power a bit, departments that most Americans don't understand would make good talking points for him. He may be intelligent, but he has chosen to direct it away from the positive, only feeding his narcissism, his giant ego. I know one needs some of that narcissism to run for office, but when it swallows up the person who has it, it is bad for our nation. We are already seeing some of its effects on Florida and the other Confederate states that are going along with the DeSantis BS. It's not good.
At least he remembers what departments he wants to eliminate! Rick Perry "forgot" what government departments he wanted to eliminate during a presidential debate, showing everyone how phony this issue is.
It's sad that so many Americans have little idea what their government does for them. A lot of what our government agencies do receives no publicity from the news media.
Preeeee-cisely!
But people don’t want a lecture {they get angry if you try to fill them in on stuff they don’t know — and the fascist Right Wing is doing a good job of demonizing the “elite” who they say “think they are smarter than everybody else,” which is an intellectual vaccination against people being educated about the state of our world.
Yeah, the media does need to provide background and context and the reason for government and rules and oversight and all the rest.
We used to call that “civics” in school. Wonder what became of that.
But Ruth he DOES see the big picture of government and he - along with his Republican colleagues - wants to do away with any form of government that supports public services -- especially education, medical care and housing. And any regulations having to do with commerce and energy. That's their entire modus operandi.
During my working life I was on a task force to eliminate unnecessary rules and regulations in US Navy nuclear work. We thought there would be many. The devil is in the details! We found that most were absolutely needed. I think that if the Republicans start to believe their BS and try to eliminate government functions, they will quickly discover eliminating them will screw things up so much that they will be tossed out of office. Staying in power is their PRINCIPAL objective, so they would actually not eliminate anything.
They see that “big picture” as interference, not government.
If we still lived in caves, and there were still only a few hundred thousand of us roaming the planet, we might be able to make it with the kind of laissez-faire, what’s-mine-is-mine-and-none-of-your-business attitudes. But the world is small, and we have overrun it. Every person born comes to it the same — bringing nothing with them except maybe a full bladder or colon. It’s only after we’re born that some of us decide we are more entitled, by virtue of parentage or whatever, to a bigger piece of the world pie, or even a livable piece.
Without government by and for all of us … Well, I remember reading about kings and marauding hordes and serfs and Gilded Ages, and all that.
I guess DeSantis expects to be one of the gilded ones. We know Trump already is …
Sounds too much like libertarian utopianism, if you get close and compare…
Reading above about the crucible in which DeSantis was raised, one can see that he does NOT necessarily see past the confines of that environment. Sometimes people evaluate the whole world forever based on some seminal period or event in their lives, and they never re-contextualize their thinking.
If we don’t stop a minute and think … Where are we and how did we get here, and what do we keep and what do we try to fix, and WHY? —
Egad. I’m scaring myself.
Actually there is a religious aspect to it. "Natural law." Before the Construction, God.
Oh, man, yeah. That, too.
I’m not a believer {though I have great respect for thoughtful and compassionate believers}, and sometimes I forget to include that piece. Sadly, “God” can be used by just about any charismatic person to “support” just about any intention — witness believing The Donald is a flawed man used by God to enact his purposes in our country today … and that’s just today.
The Spanish Inquisition was supposed to be doing God’s work, too.
Egad.
The Inquisition never rests.
DeSantis has an aunt and uncle, nun and priest, respectively, children of grandpa, who I'm sure are still part of it.
Ron, we'd all like "to do" you. Maybe in the night by attendance at Paull Revere ride.or the like. i imagine you would like KKK company.
That idiot isn’t going to have an opportunity to do away with s__!
Scary!
Daniel, thanks for the info about DeSantis. I felt there was something not quite right about him. I have no idea what he looks like, but he sounds to me as though he has little affect and no sense of his audience, even though they do clap for him. He has the word "woke" popping out of his mouth at every turn, blaming people like himself for all the ills of the world. I find that ironic, but it seems he is unaware of just how ridiculous that is. It's just nuts (or maybe he is).
DeSantis says "woke" inappropriately more than tRump says "communist" inappropriately and totally out of context to what he's ranting about.
True. He was forced in a courtroom to give the definition of Woke and he full on knew it was a good thing, but continues to demonize anyone he associates with it.
Wow, Father Coughlan-- you don't hear much about hlm these days.
Isn't that sort of "religious" background made for princes,?
Like you, I was always interested in politics and supported candidates who said they were going to promote policies I believed in. A trait I noticed about successful candidates and supervisors in the workplace is that they exude confidence, even when they don't know what the hell they are talking about. They never seem to know when they are clueless. They believe in themselves, and others follow them, even when they are proven wrong. I'm sure those in power support them to do their bidding because of that quality. Being the leader is more important than what is right. I think I just repeated in a different way some of what you and Reich already said.
Gloria, there certainly are a lot of folks in public office who are not what they portrayed themselves to be when running for office. They don't all lie and create entire personas like Santos did or lie about many aspects of their lives, but they do mislead and once in office, can be bought as Kirsten Sinema was. We have Supreme Court justices who accept bribes (OK, not called that, but we know the truth), and a bunch of state and federal legislators who regularly permit their racism, misogyny, homo/transphobia, xenophobia, pseudo-christianity to influence their votes, often deliberately harming their own constituents. Is it possible to know when someone is a good, worthy leader? I suspect the only way to know is to look at past and current performance. If a candidate has no positive ideas for this nation and our people and spends most of his/her time insulting and tearing down opponents and others, it is a pretty good bet that person has no business being in charge of or responsible for anything.
Of course you're right.
It seems to be inbred in all the top ivy-league schools and their graduates.
Looks like this “Robert-Reich” is a troll.
Ruth : "Then there is the enigma of Ron DeSantis " Just where IS he? Really!?
I don’t trust political “climbers” — candidates who want to win public office in order to enrich themselves. Ditto for social climbers; but then everyone who runs for a high office is a climber. Those candidates need the slim ego of Jimmy Carter.
Beautifully and intelligently stated. I find Obama's imperviousness to the kind of crap thrown at him every moment of his campaigns and administrations to be superhuman. Very Jackie Robinson-like, no? Obama had that certain "something" that made him electable, a quality of leadership - charisma - that is essential in most races. Those who lack it most often lose, e.g., Martha Coakley vs. Charlie Baker in Democratic Mass. You can be incredibly smart and dedicated to public service, but perhaps your best role is as a counselor, administrator, or policy wonk. There's a life lesson, there. We need to find our best roles in life and embrace them, without regret that we don't win popularity contests.
I've been disappointed by practically every politician -- including Obama -- but so far Biden has been the most successful president since FDR.
I don't think Biden is charismatic at all. I think Aesop was right.: slow and steady wins the race.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfbSIdwL0FE
Agreed!
On actual policy accomplishments, President Biden is superb.
I agree Biden has done a lot. More people need to know this, though.
They ain't listening.
Which points out the failing of the political system, the wrong people get the votes. The people that can govern well are rarely the ones that can campaign well. Which is a conundrum. How do you pick the people for the job?
Career politicians get a bad rap. If you came up through the various levels of government and you stand out for your accomplishments it should show and you should get elected. Well it does not often happen that way. The conman or conwoman often is the one that wins the election.
I hope everyone has seen All the King's Men, but maybe not. Broderick Crawford was brilliant.
http://www.hollywoodsgoldenage.com/movies/all_the_kings_men.html
I don't care if a politician for whom I cast my vote is charismatic, I care if they are competent, compassionate, and honorable.
Well, Mr. B. you should care about charisma. Trump has it, Biden doesn't. Competency, compassion and honor bear no weight in an election.
My comments referred to electability, not presidential success. Biden is the most deeply unpopular president since Jimmy Carter. His impressive record has gained him very little popular support, and I sincerely doubt his chances for re-election against a vibrant GOP candidate not named Trump. He was elected as a backlash to Trump, who was elected partly as a backlash to Obama.
Unfortunately I believe you’re right. Our only chance may be a re-visit of 2000 - round 2. Hopefully news of Biden’s accomplishments will overshadow Trump’s ravings 🤞
Because Joe acts like a goofball sometimes; it's obvious his age is a factor and Stephen Colbert keeps imitating him to a "t."
Mr. Reich,
If you were to run for president and become our 47th you would have the expertise to reduce all of our American Waste, and I’m not talking about the garbage disposal.
Starting with the Pentagon and defense contractors who are responsible for the biggest chunk of the Federal budget. In 2020, the Pentagon paid Boeing over $200,000 for 4 trash cans. In December of 2022 the Pentagon flunked its fifth consecutive audit, unable to account for more than 60% of its $3.5 trillion in total assets.
We all should demand that Congress create a committee dedicated to cleaning up the corruption in our country!
Tax The Rich (Share the Wealth)
The 20 richest Americans possess more wealth than the bottom half of the population. That’s 152 million people. And the wealth gap is growing. The so called American dream is a joke for the poverty stricken!
Take the time to watch Robert Reich’s videos on “Wealth and Poverty” to see how we got here. There are 14 videos of very interesting examples and facts.
Instead of taking money away from the elderly, (social security and Medicare), and the less fortunate, (Medicaid, SNAP, etc…), and allowing the wealthy and powerful to pay next to nothing in taxes, how about cleaning up the country’s corruption! If our elected officials want the respect of the American people they need to work for it!
They could find plenty of money to help the less fortunate find their American Dream. If they really want to reduce crime, their goal should be to make the American Dream more accessible for everyone. They have the power to be like Oprah, “you get a house and you get a house and you get a house”.
It’s obvious that members of Congress won’t raise taxes on their donors or corporations that contribute to them. It’s also obvious that they are bought and paid for, and the American people who are paying attention know it!
I can see your dilemma, why would an intelligent well-grounded individual purposely take a leisurely stroll through a swamp filled with quicksand? Surely it wouldn't be to meet interesting people and make lasting friends. Some use the experience to gain wealth and power like Trump. Others make an actual effort to improve the quality of life for the people of this country. All in all it's a thankless job that takes great personal sacrifice to fulfill. No matter how hard you try to succeed in the endeavor people will despise you for the effort. In the end, history will be your final judge, it's a love-hate relationship that few can survive. What's needed is basic common sense and a true love of this country, for few have walked the path and kept their feet dry. Robert, historians would have looked favorably upon your administration, look at it this way, you would have found a good use for your chair.
I think Joe is No. 48, so next president will be #49.
https://abc7news.com/why-are-there-49-vice-presidents-and-46-vps-kamala-harris-joe-biden/9849226/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/
Keith, get a grip. RR is simply not electable and he knows that. I'm sorry to ask, but how big is this group? how many? some of you don't seem very politically savvy. Bottom line, RR is too short literally. That's America for you.
That’s a trend, but not an absolute —- Trump should have been a blip in the trajectory of candidates, too, but he pushed through and sat in the White House.
Robert COULD win, but he’d have to campaign, and do it HARD. And he has no stomach for it. I wish he did, but we’ll just have to keep pushing for some other way to bring the Republican Machine down …
I’m a candidate in Massachusetts right now, so I read this with great interest. I loved the point about having a higher ambition for the greater good, which you clearly have as you continue to campaign, not for office but to persuade. I hope you know how good you are at that, and that it isn’t narcissistic to think that. You def need a thick skin to run for office, because no matter how much support you have you may have to deal with an opponent who lies about you. As for extroversion, Bill Clinton has to be the ultimate example. I’m an ambivert myself, extroverted at times but then needing to go inward to replenish and get back out there. But it’s like anything else. The more you do it, the better you get at it. Robert, you’re running. You’re just not running for office. You’re running to persuade, and it clearly energizes you a great deal. I love your work, and thank you for continuing to campaign. Like all the best candidates, you’re running on behalf of our country, and not for yourself.
I'm in Mass. What are you running for?
My daughter is also named Mara, so I'm automatically well inclined...
Thank you! I'm running to be the first public defender on the Governor's Council, which confirms our judges, Parole Board members, and commutations and pardons. For more info, go to MaraDolan.com or write me at Mara@MaraDolan.com. Thank you very much!
Mr.Reich has said he doesn't want to run. Why is everyone putting pressure on him to run?
You seem to forget it is not Mr. Reich alone, but also his family would be running. The family probably has no wish to be on display for all of the hateful Trump and DeSantis followers. Mr. Reich is in his 70's and the rigors of a campaign are not for the feint hearted.
Funnily enough, that introversion and that lack of narcissism, plus the overall mastery of progressive policy, was why I wrote Robert in for the last two California gubernatorial primaries.
RR must be getting a kick out of all these compliments. The 2024 convention is a little more than a year away.
https://democrats.org/news/dnc-announces-chicago-to-host-2024-democratic-national-convention/
https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/strategy-confrontation-chicago-and-democratic-national-convention
Actually, I’m voting for Cornel West, mostly for my conscience, but also because I’m not in a swing state
"Trump is not a typical extrovert. He doesn’t get energized from just any contacts. He gets energized when he dominates and others are submissive."
This reminds me of a lesser episode of the original "Star Trek" series titled "Day of the Dove," in which an alien entity surreptitiously traps the Enterprise crew and a group of Klingons together in order to make them fight endlessly, because it physically feeds off hatred.
The cycle of endless warfare (the entity having the power to immediately heal the wounds the combatants inflict on each other) is broken only when Captain Kirk and Mr Spock determine that positive emotions will weaken the entity; they persuade the Klingons that it's humiliating and very un-Klingon-like not to fight their exploiters rather than the Federation, and the two sides join -- grudgingly -- in laughing at the alien till it's so weakened that it flees.
Laughter won't do it when it comes to Trump, of course; his is the face that's launched a thousand-thousand quips and counting, but still he infects our society like an antibiotic-resistant pathogen.
What can weaken Trump, then? Not his support, but HIM? WE know by now that he cannot be humbled or humiliated. He is without shame, scruples, regret, remorse or compassion. In the face of his lawyers' advice that to pursue the path he was on will likely lead to prison time and the inevitable loss of his tangible assets, he ignored them and plowed ahead, which more than suggests that he is even impervious to fear.
But what if that imperviousness is a product of his having an apparently limitless capacity to rationalize his predicament and assume that his is such a charmed life that things will, must, inevitable resolve themselves in his favor? The world saw it with Hitler who, almost up to the moment he bit down on a cyanide capsule as Russian troops had advance to within a few hundred meters of the Führerbunker during the last days of World War II, believed that German engineers (engineers -- the Nazis had about as much faith in science as modern Republicans) would provide him with one or more wunderwaffen -- wonder weapons -- that would magically turn the tide of the war in Germany's favor.
Had Hitler been even the slightest bit analytical as to his and Germany's plight, he would have seen that, to a large extent, it was the consequence of the Nazis' single-mindedly pouring of money, resources and manpower into their system of concentration camps and campaign of exterminating Jews that was of absolutely no military value -- resources they desperately needed to fight a war that was turning against them more badly with every passing day.
While I think that there's a lesson to be learned here, there seems to be no immediate, magical answer that will reveal Trump's fatal weakness, though Republicans' reliance on social wedge issues to lire voters may be somewhat analogous to the Nazis' Final Solution. In the end, it's still the economy, stupid.
Secondly, I do have to dispute Secretary Reich's use of the term "method actor" (he uses it five times). Besides its being upper-case Method Actor; though not officially copyrighted or trademarked, refers to a technique taught in its earliest days by Sanford Meisner, Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg and is actually relevant to political topics in that the Method teaches its students to internalize their characters, i.e. make themselves believe what they characters are supposed to believe, as opposed to earlier and other schools of acting that an actor must merely give the appearance and illusion of what's demanded of the character -- they needn't feel it at all.
It's very relevant because the names that Secretary Reich attaches to the worlds "method acting" are the antithesis of the Method: they do NOT internalize, they do not believe. The words from Republicans' mouths and the posturing in which they engage are, simply, an ACT designed to elicit a certain response from the segments of the voting public to which they pander. In fact, when it comes to single issue voters, those fixated on anti-abortion being a prime example -- it's a terrible shame that those voters cannot hear how Republican politicians speak about them behind closed doors. Like Mitt Romney's infamous comments about the "47 percent," the Republicans have nothing but contempt for any voters who can give them ONLY votes (however much they need them) because such voters send them relatively little campaign money, and none after they retire. Their only true allegiance and subservience is to the billionaires and corporations who send them millions for their campaigns and, after they retire, shower them with rewards -- lobbying jobs, consultancies, seats on corporate boards and deals with conservative publishers to write books no one will ever read -- for looking after their welfare.
Republicans DO have a lower-case method, but its only to their madness, because it's a long-game madness designed to make them rich. They automatically fight every Democratic policy tooth and nail specifically because they see them as impediments to their getting rich.
you're funny, you made me laugh. Wm. Shatner -- can you believe the life he has led?
Shatner is more likely immortal than his fictional Kirk; he’s going to outlive us all.
inconsequential. Shatner is quite the guy. He's a Canadian hero...living in Hfx. in 1965 or so, i usually walked home from Hollis Street to Philip St. but would take bus night Star Trek on.
I created a folder a couple of weeks ago of insightful comments with the name and date. Yours is the third entry.
I’m honored, thanks. Does Amazon sell time capsules?
yes to time capsules. Me, I am kicking back and drinking.
Love your extended discourse and analysis of Method Acting as it relates to politics and the practitioners or non-practitioners thereof.
I'm sure Mr. Reich knows he is above reproach but good to hear.. Me too, but some of us hold ourselves to a personal higher standard--a killer in the political arena!
"They automatically fight every Democratic policy tooth and nail specifically because they see them as impediments to their getting rich". Perhaps even worse in their eyes, they see these policies benefiting everyone else. It the crabs in the bucket mentality.
Robert, as always your insight is so authentic and brutally honest! I always wondered about what kind of personality could withstand the extreme scrutiny in politics! I consider myself an extrovert but I require lots of down time too. I’m in specialty retail sales and often some people drive me nuts! I’m far too sensitive to handle lots of criticism on a regular basis! I admire the decent politicians although they’re very rare! Thanks for educating us naive citizens and helping us try to comprehend what’s happening behind the scenes! CT
A breath of fresh air just blew all the papers off my desk! Thank you for sharing.
I agree!! I loved this. Thank you Robert!
Wow! Thank you for this honest, informative and entertaining account of a candidate’s experience. Wish it weren’t true. America’s system means we lose a lot of good people.
Very useful analysis of what it takes to be a politician - or not!
I would have voted for you!
I wonder what would happen if 'election reform' could happen that allows candidates to get their message out without having to raise millions of dollars? With a 'press' or media that focuses on the facts, and doesn't try to make the whole thing a comedy or horse race or tabloid scandal/fight? Citizens United guarantees that our country is for sale to the obscenely wealthiest!
Well said Robert! Being honest and knowing one's comfort zone is crucial. Thank you for your take on the "human condition" and how this plays in leadership!
As vertically challenged myself, I applaud you, Dr. Reich, with or without self-deprecating jokes. In fact, it should be someone who doesn't have any of the traits that you mention that should be the President or be in the position to contribute to the society. Public office used to be a service one performs for the greater good and goes back home when the duties are done, and as such, career politician should never be an accepted term.
That's why I want a candidate who is willing to take a lie detector test and the MMPI.
I have to disagree. I was asked to take the MMPI by the superintendent of the district as a member of the elected school board. The other board members went along but I declined. The school board selects the superintendent and can decline to renew the negotiated contract. The board approves the teacher's contracts. It was inappropriate for board members to take a psychological test that assesses personality traits and psychopathology for the superintendent's information. As for a lie detector test, from watching true crime shows we know that an individual's "hot buttons" will show up on the test as a lie when they are telling the truth. For instance, if you ask a parent if they killed their child that recently died by accident, the test may indicate they are lying because it measures the autonomic nervous system's response. I have hot buttons.
So-called “lie detector tests” are notoriously invalid. Sociopaths or anyone sufficiently trained can defeat them, which is why they are not admissible in court. And while I’m sure the MMPI has it’s adherents, I’ve never been very impressed by it at least in the context of psychotherapy. I’m no expert in testing. But long ago I worked with a population in a federal penitentiary and had MMPI reports on every prisoner. I never learned anything from those reports that I didn’t know after one or two therapy sessions.
The MMPI identifies the people who try to beat the lie detector. K scale.
The MMPI is also has several valid built in fail safe scales.
Me too.
In some settings, employees who refuse to be tested can be disciplined.