Nov 25, 2023·edited Nov 25, 2023Liked by Robert Reich
As far as people being down on the "economy," I think it's important we acknowledge how much the media and political definitions of how "the economy" is doing differ from how "the people" are doing. Sure, we can look at some cold, outdated measures pertaining to employment or inflation, but the fact is, for those who actually have to watch their paychecks and spending from week to week, which is the vast majority of Americans, the country is demonstrably worse with few signs of returning. That is, every utility bill, every source of entertainment, every basic cost from transportation to lunch is now so much more expensive than it was just a few years ago and paychecks haven't kept up at all.
We have all been scammed by corporations...again...and the party that is supposed to care about the people (the Dems) is once again telling us to accept our smaller pile of crumbs and smile about it. We all know trillions went to corrupt corporations during COVID...we know a major degree of the run up and continuously high costs is just profiteering due to limited competition or by purchasing favorable regulatory environments. And yet all we see is Dems complaining about why we're not happier because the extent to which things are getting harder has lessened slightly according to a chart that serves me no good when the bills come in.
I am increasingly afraid this complete disconnect from how angry voters are about yet another great swindling of America that goes unchecked by Democrats is what will keep them at home and give Trump a real chance for a second win.
Bob and Heather, I have nothing but gratitude for YOU! I have breakfast with you every Saturday and you always get the day off to at least a thoughtful start. You are far and away the smartest people in my dining room, so it is a surprise to me that I know something that you don't (or something that, in the heat of broadcasting, you couldn't pull from your memory banks). Indigenous Peoples' Day is now an official holiday, in many states, replacing Columbus Day (for oh so many obvious reasons).
Bob, your remarks from 1994 about the burgeoning two-tiered society were more than brilliant; they were chilling, and HERE WE ARE! As an aside, I truly love how you snuck those comments past the "censors" who reprimanded you after the fact. You wonderful rebel, you!
Thank you both for what you do, for your very intelligent (if not always upbeat) commentary on today's nutty world, and for having breakfast with me each week. Onward!
I am most grateful for you, Robert Reich. On the days when I feel that I can no longer survive the absurd stupidity that has infested our once pretty great (although always flawed) American society, I read your letter and I read the comments of your Audience. That is when I realize that I am not alone, and that there is always hope!
Grateful for Robert Reich and Heather Lofthouse. I enjoy having my coffee on Saturday mornings with both of you. I am grateful for silver linings. For example, when covid 19 forced us into quarantine, I got to join Professor Reich, on line, at Berkeley, and Substack. In an insane world, Coffee Klatch is a drop of sanity - at least for my sanity. :)
Good morning! Loved this morning's coffee klatch. I thoroughly enjoyed it after a quiet T'day as family was with others. However, my husband is Cherokee so we do not 'celebrate' it; we are thankful & remember those we are without. Mr. Reich - I am grateful for you and all of your teachings. I throughly enjoy Inequality Media on FreeSpeech TV. I feel smarter after each segment. Also - Yay you! for your speech Heather referred to and the honesty of it all. I'd love to read it or see on this platform. I was busy raising my daughter and working so I wasn't as present, as I am now, during the Clinton Admin. I voted that I am grateful for Joe Biden as my personal economic life has not been this good since before Barack's administration. My husband and I lost so very much due to the Great Recession and we are finally out of the ditch due to Biden's policies.
I am so grateful for both of you! And today I think Heather had it exactly correct, people of all ages continue to spend more than they have. It is too easy to do so, take out the credit card and think about it later. Robert you mentioned that Baby Boomers saved. The reason for that is that we had interest to earn if we did save. Quit focusing SOLELY on interest for debt and remember we NEED INCENTIVE to save! We are still at historically low interest rates.
Regarding AI- as always, we see it coming but don’t regulate it or update laws to keep it in check!
Thank you for filling us in on the REAL reason the workers revolted over Sam Altman removal. That makes all the difference in the world. Never heard that on the news-no surprise!
Finally, Robert, I love that during the Clinton admin, you held up the truth over “team player” mode.
I always look forward to the “Coffee Klatch”. It’s a pleasure to listen to Heather as she enunciates so well. You are a great team! Very enjoyable as well as informative. Robert, you have quite a sense of humor and very witty!
( Thank you looking at the “audience” more. Suggest Robert sitting on a raised chair).
As far as people being down on the "economy," I think it's important we acknowledge how much the media and political definitions of how "the economy" is doing differ from how "the people" are doing. Sure, we can look at some cold, outdated measures pertaining to employment or inflation, but the fact is, for those who actually have to watch their paychecks and spending from week to week, which is the vast majority of Americans, the country is demonstrably worse with few signs of returning. That is, every utility bill, every source of entertainment, every basic cost from transportation to lunch is now so much more expensive than it was just a few years ago and paychecks haven't kept up at all.
We have all been scammed by corporations...again...and the party that is supposed to care about the people (the Dems) is once again telling us to accept our smaller pile of crumbs and smile about it. We all know trillions went to corrupt corporations during COVID...we know a major degree of the run up and continuously high costs is just profiteering due to limited competition or by purchasing favorable regulatory environments. And yet all we see is Dems complaining about why we're not happier because the extent to which things are getting harder has lessened slightly according to a chart that serves me no good when the bills come in.
I am increasingly afraid this complete disconnect from how angry voters are about yet another great swindling of America that goes unchecked by Democrats is what will keep them at home and give Trump a real chance for a second win.
I am most grateful for the beautiful, fragile planet. Oh, how I love it, and fear for it. The greatest joy in the world is in restoring the earth.
I am grateful for the Saturday morning Coffee Klatch. I think this morning’s Klatch is one of the best ever. It started my day off with a smile.:)
I am excited about the new, Friday class! How Democracy can work with Capitalism. Or not.
Joe Biden, for being a decent person and not taking the bait.
Bob and Heather, I have nothing but gratitude for YOU! I have breakfast with you every Saturday and you always get the day off to at least a thoughtful start. You are far and away the smartest people in my dining room, so it is a surprise to me that I know something that you don't (or something that, in the heat of broadcasting, you couldn't pull from your memory banks). Indigenous Peoples' Day is now an official holiday, in many states, replacing Columbus Day (for oh so many obvious reasons).
Bob, your remarks from 1994 about the burgeoning two-tiered society were more than brilliant; they were chilling, and HERE WE ARE! As an aside, I truly love how you snuck those comments past the "censors" who reprimanded you after the fact. You wonderful rebel, you!
Thank you both for what you do, for your very intelligent (if not always upbeat) commentary on today's nutty world, and for having breakfast with me each week. Onward!
I am most grateful for you, Robert Reich. On the days when I feel that I can no longer survive the absurd stupidity that has infested our once pretty great (although always flawed) American society, I read your letter and I read the comments of your Audience. That is when I realize that I am not alone, and that there is always hope!
Grateful for Robert Reich and Heather Lofthouse. I enjoy having my coffee on Saturday mornings with both of you. I am grateful for silver linings. For example, when covid 19 forced us into quarantine, I got to join Professor Reich, on line, at Berkeley, and Substack. In an insane world, Coffee Klatch is a drop of sanity - at least for my sanity. :)
Grateful for Heather!!
Good morning! Loved this morning's coffee klatch. I thoroughly enjoyed it after a quiet T'day as family was with others. However, my husband is Cherokee so we do not 'celebrate' it; we are thankful & remember those we are without. Mr. Reich - I am grateful for you and all of your teachings. I throughly enjoy Inequality Media on FreeSpeech TV. I feel smarter after each segment. Also - Yay you! for your speech Heather referred to and the honesty of it all. I'd love to read it or see on this platform. I was busy raising my daughter and working so I wasn't as present, as I am now, during the Clinton Admin. I voted that I am grateful for Joe Biden as my personal economic life has not been this good since before Barack's administration. My husband and I lost so very much due to the Great Recession and we are finally out of the ditch due to Biden's policies.
I am so grateful for both of you! And today I think Heather had it exactly correct, people of all ages continue to spend more than they have. It is too easy to do so, take out the credit card and think about it later. Robert you mentioned that Baby Boomers saved. The reason for that is that we had interest to earn if we did save. Quit focusing SOLELY on interest for debt and remember we NEED INCENTIVE to save! We are still at historically low interest rates.
Regarding AI- as always, we see it coming but don’t regulate it or update laws to keep it in check!
Thank you for filling us in on the REAL reason the workers revolted over Sam Altman removal. That makes all the difference in the world. Never heard that on the news-no surprise!
Finally, Robert, I love that during the Clinton admin, you held up the truth over “team player” mode.
I am most grateful for everything! ... and Heather Lofthouse! And her mother, Penny. And, yes, Robert! ❤️
The fighting spirt working against inequality, vested interests, austerity, and fascism.
Also, Oxford commas.
Heather should have gotten a bigger slice of the pie..
I definitely am grateful for Heather Lofthouse. Saturday mornings are my best time of the week. Maybe partly because of my morning Affogato.
I always look forward to the “Coffee Klatch”. It’s a pleasure to listen to Heather as she enunciates so well. You are a great team! Very enjoyable as well as informative. Robert, you have quite a sense of humor and very witty!
( Thank you looking at the “audience” more. Suggest Robert sitting on a raised chair).