President Biden Is Getting Little Help From His Friends
How can one Senator hold up military promotions or Department Officials’ conformations? Does this make sense to anyone out there?
Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), by himself, has put a hold on military promotions! And Rand Paul (R-KY), by himself, was blocking the confirmation of more than 60 State Department officials!
Is this some more of Trumps evil agenda?
If as a Democracy, we somehow survive this traitorous takeover, our government needs to address the weaknesses that were found by those who attempted the overthrow of our government! We need to prevent this from ever happening again!
And how about the Deflector and Thief, the FPOTUS, threatening anyone who dares to come after him! “If you go after me, I’m coming after you!”
This UnAmerican has NEVER tried to Unite the Country. He and his loyal army-geddon are after a white nationalist country where he is the ruler. The propaganda he spreads on his Truth Social
is crazy and dangerous!
I agree with Ben Meiselas from the Meidastouch Network podcast that if you had a friend who talked like Trump you would ask for an Involuntary 5150.
Fully agree. We must stop one senator from plugging up the works. You cited the perfect examples. Paul and Tuberville are perfect examples. Then, no way can a governor superimpose his smart aleck ways into international problems and ship immigrants to opposition states. Then of course there's book bannings, etc. Troubling times.
A better example (directly alienating the main demographic--young people--that canvassed, phonebanked, texted, postcarded and drove voters to the polls to get out the vote for a candidate they didn't support in the primaries--and may not do so again after Biden's abandonment of their struggle against fossil fuels and failure to cancel college debt or make a dent in mass shootings): Democrat Joe Manchin.
Exactly. And well-meaning folken just get it wrong. This is still a nation of laws. Don't blame Biden if he is stymied by a corrupt party aided by a corrupt SCOTUS!
Not sure of your messages here. For one thing, what is "89% of licensed therapists refuse to measure as Required by law" ????? Sounds like gibberish to me. I'm a therapist. Why wasn't I told about this? What am I supposed to be measuring? Please explain, Mr. Killing Your Ego.
Dare I ask just what you're going on about? My comment was about the student loan initiative Biden promoted, only to have it stymied by the corrupt SCOTUS.
Please have anyone you know saddled with student debt go on the government site for the SAVE program. They may be surprised by how affordable (or even wiped out) their debt is. :)
THAT is enraging, and we know he knows better, so one wonders if someone was holding his grandchildren hostage when he did that!!!
Of course, I’m not serious about the hostage thing, but WHAT COULD JUSTIFY THAT!!!???
It’s tough to get past it, but he is STILL not the Republican Unitary President Party Nominee…
Think of it this way — There is NO excellent candidate on the horizon for 2024.
A Third Party at this stage has NO CHANCE of taking 270 Electoral Votes, so there’s no way to get another candidate into the mix who can pull us out of this mess.
If we don’t vote for Biden and nobody gets 270 EC votes, it goes to Congress to choose, and likely to a Republican.
If ANY Republican is President in 2025, we will see the Party begin to push again for a Unitary President, the erosion of checks and balances, another assault on the DOJ {who among us does NOT think Bill Barr was an abomination as AG?}, further migration of wealth to Oligarchs … fossil fuel drillling and burning as far as the eye can see…
OK, make your own list, and I’m sure it will be long. Biden needs us to put pressure on him to do better, but he is already miles and miles better than any Republican. The Dems can be a pain in the a$$, but they are miles and miles better than Repubs.
What makes sense in 2024? Which vote has the greatest chance of producing SOMETHING we can work with? Answer that, and you’ll know who you’re going to vote for.
You are clueless to what is actually going on and the corruption of the establishment. The only hope for this once great nation is an outsider. But that will take people setting aside their ideologies and biases, turning off the main stream propaganda masquerading as journalists and returning to common sense. The federal government is FAR TOO LARGE and the establishment (republican and democrat parties) are beholden to their corporate donors (i.e. big pharma, big tech, military industrial complex, etc.) and drunk on their own power. We no longer have a Constitutional Republic that sends representatives to Washington to fight for their constituents. We have career liars and grifters and it's time for them all to go.
Mary, I would hope Democratic young people would see that at least some of the things you are critical of are not Biden's fault: the student loan crisis and guns. Our Supreme Court 6 took care of those. Biden, however has not done what is needed to slow global warming and everyone is suffering for it. The states that are suffering most still think global warming isn't even real. I do believe young people are smarter than to be uninformed about what is really going on. If they have phone-banked, written notes, and attended rallies, they know who is to blame for our problems, and it isn't Democrats, except for a few like Manchin and the folks who ran as Democrats and left the party just as planned. The best thing our precious young people can do for themselves and their future is to vote Democratic down the ballot everywhere. I hope they will, then use their power to stop any new fossil fuel incursions and plastics plants, expand the Supreme Court, make global warming a priority, work to end poverty, and the other things that will make a better future for all of us. Without power, it is hard to get anything done.
Ruth, I have to disagree with you about this: "Biden, however has not done what is needed to slow global warming and everyone is suffering for it."
What is needed is subsidies and tax incentives for development of alternative energy sources. The Inflation Reduction act provides nearly unlimited billions of that money, and already we're seeing new facilities being planned and built. Until alternatives are economically feasible, there'll be no transition.
Keep in mind that leases to drill are nothing more than permission slips. Actual development of a drilling site takes years, and will never happen at all if profitability of fossil fuel profits diminish.
Jerry, you are right it is not just President Biden who is not moving fast enough on global warming, but it really looks bad to people who care about what is happening that he is allowing leases on public lands for more drilling and more pipelines which won't take as long as the drill sites because some of them are already started. We do need more incentives, but the message counts and I am not sure what message the president is trying to send. One can't have it both ways. I know he likes bipartisanship, but this is not our father's Republican party. It is something altogether different and they do not know how to play well with others even though they are acting like toddlers.
I don't have the answer to why Joe Biden isn't perfect. I suspect that he's subject to a myriad of conflicting pressures and constraints. It's not just that he likes bipartisanship. Bipartisanship is the only way anything can get done in our democratic republic when neither party has a decisivie majority.
But I do know two things for sure:
1) President Biden has done more for the environment and the transition to renewable resources in less than 3 years than all other presidents combined.
2) Republicans have publicly pledged to make repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act's environmental protections their highest priority. In fact, the MAGA group in the House was attempting to do exactly that just a couple months ago when they refused to support a bipartisan bill to raise the debt ceiling.
That would be an excellent message to deliver to the young voters.
Ruth, here's where I totally agree with you: "The best thing our precious young people can do for themselves and their future is to vote Democratic down the ballot everywhere." In essence, Biden was almost "miraculous" (OK, a bit of hyperbole) in that he was working with a House which had the slim majority the Republicans now hold (with the difference being Nancy Pelosi instead of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker) plus, in his first two years a 50/50 Senate that included "democrats" Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema. Keeping in mind about a third of America's voters are "in the middle," to me, Biden't first two years were historic. (At some point "we the people" will understand the difference in investment in people from the "bottom up middle out" as opposed to the "Top down.") With solid majorities in the House and Senate he (and democrats) can accomplish much more. The critical issues which are "on the line" will only be "tackled" with massive support from the young voters who are most critically affected by them. (Climate change, women's rights, civil rights, voting rights, education, health care, etc. etc.)
The intensity of young people's lawsuits, campaigns, petitions, their research, writing and thinking, forming new organizations and news sources and staffing older ones, including Congressional offices (and making universities high schools teach real history, and ecology) to get these issues before the public, Congress and the president hasn't been matched in my lifetime, except maybe by the Civil Rights movement in the 60s. They're going to jail for what they believe, some have even died. And they're the ones who did the grunt work to put Joe Biden in power.
I've been teaching young people for 46 years and doing election work for 54, and I've never seen anything like them. They know plenty. They know more about the immediate and mid-term consequences of climate change and warming than anyone in Congress, never mind the president. Whom I too worked hard to elect, with a Democratic majority, and am working hard for that again, but whom I've watched all my life: it's no surprise that a man from PA who represented DE for most of his career would befriend the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries. Or that a lifelong centrist would respond to SCOTUS blocking his (compromised) debt relief plan with a complex bureaucracy for paying loans at somewhat lower rates....
I'm sitting right now in a country where no student pays for a university education, because France understands it's at least as good for the country as for individual students. No student in Europe pays. No student in Tunisia does. The burden we put on our young is obscene. Its consequences are and will be bad for all of us.
Here we go again. With friends like you, Biden doesn’t need enemies. $350 billion on climate change…is that chump change to you. We lefties always do the Republicans job for them as we let the perfect be the enemy of the good. For gods sake, think of the alternative and get the message to the younger voters in your life!
Subsidies and tax incentives for development of alternative energy sources is what's most important. The Inflation Reduction act provides nearly unlimited billions of that money, and already we're seeing new facilities being planned and built. Until alternatives are economically feasible, there'll be no transition.
Leases to drill are nothing more than permission slips. Actual development of a drilling site takes years, and will never happen at all if profitability of fossil fuel profits diminish.
Howie, Biden doesn't have many friends better than me. I work year round volunteering and organizing for Democratic grassroots organizations to get out the vote in swing states--midterms, presidential elections, special elections, off-year state elections. I travel to other states to canvass (my own state is safely blue), I phone bank, write letters to the editor, letters to Congress, postcards to infrequent voters, go without sleep, donate my disposable income through organizations like The Movement Voter Project, which raises awareness and gets out the vote in rural areas and at local and state levels where elections are safeguarded or defrauded, and rights like abortion are now decided. I fight attempts to suppress the Native Americans' vote on reservations and Black folks' votes in Texas and Georgia. That I don't like Biden's choice to buddy up to fossil fuel extraction, or the too-little-too-late-too-complicated SAVE program doesn't mean I'm not his friend. He needs this advice: he can't win if he keeps alienating the ground troops, the young people who did the work on the ground to get out the vote for him!
You clearly are doing your part. I especially like your focus on indigenous folk, as part of my family is Ojibwe, two granddaughters, 6 great grandchildren and my son are all White Earth Anishinaabe Enrolees and we live in the reservation. Thank you.
I, too spend much time campaigning, raising money, writing editorials. And, “buddying up to the fossil fuel industry is simply over the top and not true. There are plenty of Republicans to tear him down. Look at the reality of what he’s up against and all that his administration has gotten done, and all you can say after a $360 billion investment in green energy is he’s buddying up to the fossil fuel industry, no “I don’t support his action on the drilling but think of how he has changed the trajectory of the future on energy?” I’m not saying do t be critical. I’m saying the media narrative “he’s too old, senile etc” doesn’t need more criticism on public stages like this one unless it is balanced with what he’s doing that you support.
Hi Howie, and I thank you for your thanks. And for your dedication.
I wouldn't make such a criticism in a neutral place, but readers of Prof. Reich are progressives and Democrats. I thought it was a safe space, and my intentions were good: he must, he really must, face up to the importance of the young people's disappointment. For the good of his campaign and the good of us all. See you on the ramparts!
There’s a larger issue than only student debt. It’s the finance industry. Predatory lenders today are worse than the loan sharks of yesterday. The average interest rate for credit cards is 20+% with a variable rate.
This seriously needs to be addressed.
Nobody forced people to sign onto the loans. They did so of their own choosing. Rather than cancelling student debt the terms of the loans should be renegotiated by the government to get things under control. This should be done for the student loans and credit cards. Bring the interest rates back to a reasonable rate.
That's true. But many intelligent people suggested ways around it and he hasn't taken them. He has executive powers but doesn't see student debt as an emergency.
That's 1 thing that is frustrating to me about Democrats, both President & legislators: they will stand on the correct side of an issue, but once stymied by the right on a vote or a court decision, they fail to pursue it further, even though there are alternative strategies that may be non-traditional or take more effort, but have the possibility of succeeding.
Mr. Raico, I'm too busy year round, every year, in midterms and presidential elections, special elections and off-year state elections like Virginia's, getting out the vote for the Democrats in swing states to watch FOX News.
Lucky for me, all the labor and all the sleepless nights haven't fried my brain, so I'm still capable of working to get a man elected who is not perfect and who has done many good things and some bad things. I can live with ambivalence, because I'm an adult.
Well Teofilo actually I am, and have to be, because I'm a college professor and these are my students whose lives we're talking about. In my line of work we have to help them try to plan their lives around this morphing labyrinth, and now to understand what their options (if any) are, and when, under SAVE, and whether given those they can afford to stay in college or not. I see the blood and the tears up close.
In our time it started with the hateful Gingrich in the House, and now McConnell has enabled the destruction of the Senate in furtherance of the repubs self serving and exclusionary goals. The Founders knew this could happen, but the greedy few have re-written the rules by money whipping their colleagues and caving to the deep pocketed lobbies. Legally (because they...ahem...write the rules).
And the sellout of our political system was put on steroids by the most openly corrupt extreme court in my lifetime. Corporations are people my friends, and their money is speech bc they have no mouth.
Well they have no assh*le either but I wish they’d get a colonoscopy and prove their humanity.
What is a party leader for? I know McConnell is I’ll, I saw the vid of his mental time out. The alarming bit was that all his pals/ sharks around him seemed unperturbed for quite a while, as if this happens all the time.
Still, the Senste minority leader ought to have some small amount of influence. And I think he does, and is exercising it. It’s part of the rethugnican playbook now to damage the country in the name of Power.
Obama a “one term president. Im pretty sure the old turtle wants the same for Biden. Damn the country and its suffering millions.
I find Schumer somewhat compromised & less than effective as a majority leader. I've never liked the corporatist & wish they'd get him out of the leadership position. The centrists Democrats have had in the congressional leadership for decades now have been disappointing & a large reason there has been little effective resistance to the corporatization of America, increasing economic injustice, lack of action on climate & the environment, & continued failure to get universal healthcare long after all other developed countries have adopted it at half the price we pay.
I don’t see Schumer enabling “democrats “ to pull this kind of crap. Yeah, we don’t like Manchin and Sinema was a joke, but he managed to get a lot of Biden’s agenda passed.
McConnell supports the fool Gooberville, and of course the Ol’ South continues to send idiots like him and John Kennedy and Rand Paul. And we do have him to thank for the continuing trauma of drumpf.
Ineffective or complicit corporatist Democrats like Schumer are part of the reason we can't get progressive legislation passed like universal healthcare, strong climate & environmental policy, full voting rights & abortion rights.
A further comparison Keith, and Elspeth is the 118th do nothing Congress. Under the guidance??? of Kevin McCarthy they haven't managed to pass a single piece of legislation, the s#%& the send to the Senate dies on arrival. The MAGA party (the DesPOTs) have no responsible platform. It has two planks, Keep us in power, and Stop the Democrats from passing any citizen oriented legislation.
If Tuberville and Paul continue with their "disorderly behavior" (mentioned in the Constitution) then the Senate should censure them! If they persist, then threaten them with expulsion and be prepared to carry out the threat! Many Senate Republicans are just as pissed off by their behavior as the Senate Democrats.
I agree Keith. The trumpers have VERY loud mouths and the Democratic Party can't seem to get over Biden's age. Unless more Democrats speak up LOUDLY...we will be left with brainless larynxes. Wisdom comes with age, and just because reagan was senile doesn't mean Biden is. I know lots of people his age that are much wiser than their children.
It’s not about his age, it’s about his physical and mental capacity to do the job coherently. We’e all seen the video clips, brother. Whether voters choose to stick their proverbial heads in the sand and ignore reality is a debate that should be honestly had. Regardless, it’s time for a new generation of leadership in both of the parties.
Young leadership is always needed and new generations of leaders are the lifeblood of progress. I can name a number of young Democrats that I would love to see fill the role of 'head of the Democratic Party'. But there is a time and a place for a new generation to take the lead, and I for one to not see this precarious time to be that time or place. So until one emerges I will accept the fact that Biden may not show well in the 'dog and pony show' of modern day videography, and place my bet that he defeats the monster who the republicans claim to be our messiah. While he continues to fool those who counted him out as an old codger.
Sure we need to change the system but are you talking about Trump's hand shaking both of them while he's holding glass of water and not being able to walk down a ramp without someone holding on to him, someone who tried to get five black boys killed in a political pissing match in New York City? I think you're talking about the wrong candidate because Biden is a very sharp attorney and then damn good physical shape just because he trips once in a while means nothing so maybe you want to reevaluate what you posted because I really think you meant the former guy
Keith, yep, you have put your finger on some of the weaknesses that could cause serious trouble in the future if not fixed. Democrats could block Tupperville and Paul, but somehow, just can't manage. No single senators should be able to stop appointments. Somehow, Republican first-termers do get a lot of power. Ted Cruz tried to shut down the whole government in his first term and did it. Democrats under Schumer need to vote to block the insanity and make the promotions and appointments within the first week back. McConnell really looks bad, letting minor players screw with his power that way. And, Republicans claim to be so patriotic. How do we get that knee-jerk tie broken. Republicans are so far from patriotic, the best they can do is force people to fly the flag, which in reality means nothing since we have flags flying all over the place already. Working for the American people and to make the world at least somewhat safer is patriotism along with securing everyone's rights. Republicans can't manage any of that, but how do we get the word out. Dems need some really good messaging.
Jaime : It renders everything meaningless, from those who endured the Death camps to those who faced the anger of the slaveholders' 'loss' of 'their ' 'property'; The facts are lost along with the truth and respect for victims of both horrific crimes against humanity.: and our present fight to keep tfg out of office and keep him out! He must be stopped from causing more harm to the human beings here and everywhere in the world
Jaime Ramirez : It shows the total confusion of tfg's zombie 'army'. His alternative facts political campaign is a deadly weapon. First amendment has NOTHING to do with his lies and deliberate misinformation hate machine!
Nancy was indirectly attacked by tRump when her husband Paul was attacked by one of his zombies. She was effectively "taken out' by tfg.That is why he should be behind bars. And yet another reason that Biden is the best man for the Presidency. Because tfg is beneath the pit of even being a decent human being , never- mind the leader of the free world.
They have stolen the American flag and made it there simple now I'm almost ashamed to fly an American flag because I don't want to be considered one of those idiots
Chicken Little, played by the current Republican party, is relentlessly discounting the achievements put forth by the Biden administration in an attempt to distract voters from seeing the truth. The election of 2024 isn't that far away and the Trump camp has nothing to offer in the way of accomplishments so they invent negative scenarios thrown like poisonous darts at President Biden and the Democratic party. They say the "IQ" level of the average American is between 85 and 115 points. For Trumpers to fall for the falsehoods the far right is concocting would lead you to believe those people's "IQ" levels are far below the norm. As long as Chicken Little gets all the attention President Biden will continue to get negative results in the polls. When all is said and done Trump and his cronies will be the ones with yolk on their faces and crap on their cowboy boots. Because if they follow Trump what they scrape from the bottom of their shoes is a substance they should get used to. For the rest of us, we just have to sift through all the BS to find the truth.
Agreed. Can you even comprehend the reaction from the Republicans if a Democratic Senator held up the Appointments? I'm shocked the Dems aren't taking full advantage of this (yet again) disgusting behavior.
I say we, AMERICANS, propose a law that, if ANY politician foments an insurrection, they get PUT TO DEATH.
I know that may SEEM harsh, but with what has happened and how many have been murdered, I think it is FULLY justified to prevent another wannabe dictator.
5150 refers to the section in California law allowing for the police to hold a person for up to 72 hours while ascertaining whether they really are bonkers or not. They (the police) have to meet certain conditions, as does the detainee to be held without arrest.
Keith 🎯 I keep saying it is so damn easy to bring in Fascism. Hardly a peep from the other side…politicians and DOJ, police etc
We have a 14th Amendment-not applied to trump and his trumpanzees. We have laws against terroristic threats-not applied., we have consequences for threatening officials-not applied.
Republicans have broken constitutional law and trump has been twice impeached, found guilty of sexual assault, is responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands thru Covid denial etc- no consequences to the Orange monster. THAT MUST NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN!
These holdups on nominations are part of the dysfunctional customs of the Senate that have no constitutional basis & must be eliminated to get the Senate functioning properly. Manchin & Sinema are helping Republicans to prevent that. A somewhat positive note: neither are likely to remain in the Senate beyond 2024, although Manchin is sure to be replaced by a Republican. Democrat Gallego has a good chance of defeating Sinema, even in a 3 way race. On the other hand, the Senate race overall is stacked against Democrats with about twice as many Democrats as Republicans having to defend their seats.
Jaime Ramirez : tumorville has a plan to replace people in military positions with MAGA sympathizers, just in case we can stop the present 'republican' demagogue. Part of their long (or short) term tactics.We know what they could do with a complicit military. Martial law. (As in MTG's 'Marshall law'). This must be stopped!
I agree, Laurie, & it's very worrisome, & I love your nickname for Tuberville. It makes me laugh each time I see it (not that what he's trying to do to our military is a laughing matter).
Keith you said a mouthful with all you stated especially; “If as a Democracy, we somehow survive this traitorous takeover, our government needs to address the weaknesses that were found by those who attempted the overthrow of our government! We need to prevent this from ever happening again!” May I add we need to prevent this from continuing to happen, statewide and federally. Tennessee has spoken loudly in their recent reelection of the Justin’s and Ohio is hopefully going to speak loudly today about what they feel about this subversive attempt to change their Constitution. If only we could take care of the constant air being sucked out of us by MSM giving Trump so much free airtime. And am hopeful the judicial system will prevail to move quickly to trial for MR Trump, like they would for any other citizen accused of these same crimes. So much more to say, so little time. But thanks Keith for your awesome post.
Keith, thoughtful comment, leads me to think about--just change-the-channel for the MAGA ignorant. A hacker that would upset Fox would help (since Fox is strictly guided by shrill tabloid fodder, money-spinner, when cable pays Fox more than anyone, a negotiated pay to view, though most payers don’t watch Fox).
I don’t think MAGAs really care about substance of their faux outrage, they just enjoy it, they enjoy getting together and feeling righteous. I have a friend that suffers from a high-functioning form of, join anything and grumble along, as if you know what you’re talking about, and as if you mean it. She is older now so off her meds, they make her feel too calm and controlled. The Human Motivators, “membership, purposefulness, autonomy, mastery,” are all answered by joining the shrill alarmist influencers on social media. Somehow stop the flow, as it is necessary. So They awaken, as from a trance.
I'm surprised that people are not outraged and saying so against FOX, against Republicans, against outright terrible behavior of MTG, Gaetz. Gosar, Boebert, Jordan, Scott, Johnson, Scalise, Abbot... They all are off the wall and shouldn't be allowed to be Congresspeople. It's hard to believe that people are so misguided and led to follow Donald and risk losing the very programs that would make their lives better. Biden continues to methodically show his love for our Country and our people. He's doing a great job! I hope people see this and acknowledge it sooner than later. He deserves a lot of credit.
I think most sane, reasonable Americans are outraged & speaking up. Unfortunately our mass media outlets can’t get enough of the ridiculous drama the GOP creates on a daily basis, & so the realities of what’s happening in this country get pushed aside in favor of sensationalism. We’re generally pretty unappreciative in the US but I see & hear praise for Biden all the time & while ik he’s got plenty of rabid opposition, no one’s ever asked my opinion- so I just don’t put much stock in polls
Kim, I like your stance. You are right about our media and needing the drama. Trump has been the first or second story nearly every day since June of 2015 just before Trump announced running for president. If he is off for a few days, he will do or say something the media just MUST cover even if it is something he has blurted out hundreds of times before, rarely even calling a lie a lie. Their best new thing is to say "there is no evidence to support that." They just can't seem to say the word "lie." Trump's comments now are becoming more and more unhinged and his Republican presidential wannabees are following suit: DeSantis with his cutting people's throats and Pence now whining that Trump really was a bad man (what he doesn't say is that he himself was too much of a coward to say something sooner). Trump now issues regular threats to everyone who is not him and who does not give him total loyalty even though he is loyal to no one. Amazing, and our media loves it and plays it day after day. Biden may get a mention if he is traveling or gave a speech that the media can connect with, or if he happens to mention Trump. Outrageous!
Thanks Ruth, I couldn’t agree more. I can’t stomach the sound of Cheetolini’s lies for more than 20 seconds, so I haven’t watched the news on tv in a really long time. Print journalists are a little better imo, they get caught up in the juicier stories too but tend to be little more circumspect & factual about it at least. At the end of the day, the GOP’s been hard at work corporatizing America for decades, & supporting a corrupt, bigoted, incompetent, childish “businessman” with no regard for the law or anything else into the White House was their crowning betrayal
Great comments, all. But it’s not just the fact that corporate “mainstream” media just wants to sell copy (clicks), or that Americans are reeling in the aftermath of Covid (Americans have lost their ability to see nuance and apply critical thought), or that a few notorious Republican politicians are acting as roadblocks to important confirmations and legislation (there are Dems too, like Manchin, that are drunk on their power). It seems to me that this country has ossified into its present state by a couple of spoiled, privileged, white dominated generations unwilling to relinquish control. Look at the state of many of our top political figures (McConnell, Feinstein, and yes, Trump AND Biden). The parties are controlled by them. Corporations are dominated by them (Murdoch, Gates, the Kochs, for example) and a rigid, entitled block of elderly, relatively affluent white voters still pack a wallop politically and insist on living in the past. Only time and fresh blood will cure this, if we are fortunate enough to survive these times. It gives me no great pleasure to make these observations; I’m of Western European descent (white as snow) and will turn 80 this month.
Yes, the comment I am linked to here (LeMoine) is much closer to my own thoughts. All the other comments I saw were just agreeing with the same stuff Reich is saying. I am glad to see this and I need to point out that, if this is a democracy, other persons have a right to express their views as well. Our country is turning into a mess. I was astonished at the way Robert Reich opened, failing to see any problems in the Biden administration. I am so fed up with Biden... But does my side have the right to speak? If other persons are fully absorbed in their own views, overlooking all the facts that do not agree with those views, then I am sure they will eventually just shut down all the critics. All "for the good of the nation" of course. I think we are seeing how easy it is, with lack of proper social and cultural support, for persons to become completely locked into ideology. How could anyone possibly fail to see that Biden really loves the inside deals and backroom dealing sort of politics. Corruption is just a big barrel of laughs for him. His some is some kind of expert on natural gas, so he was paid to "advise" a Ukrainian company about such things? No one notices that, though. Biden is corrupt. He LIKES being corrupt. That is why nobody can stop him in his "inevitable" rise to the presidency. He is buyable. He won't stop the corporations from polluting the earth with plastics, which are accumulating in huge pools or islands in the oceans. If nobody stops this, eventually the whole earth will be destroyed, or almost. Humans will then need to be eliminated, to save the planet. They will be. That is how our ideological obsessions will end, with the death of the human race. So okay I will stop here and hope I did more good than bad.
Well, Jacob, I will say that any politician of any stripe is suspect in my mind. But I don't take as dim a view of Biden or his son as you apparently do. In fact, I have to say that Joe Biden is many orders of magnitude better than Donald Trump was and aspires to be again. And the Republican extreme right in the House is a joke that can't possibly be compared to any entrenched group of Democrats in either house of Congress, although they too are politicians and generally feed out of the same corporate trough as their Republican brethren. Again, only a new generation will resolve this. I would love to see the 2024 presidential election be between Florida's Ron DeSantis and California's Gavin Newsome and be about policy positions and not lies and smear tactics. Sadly, the only things that seem capable of shaking things up and affecting fundamental change are catastrophes like the Great Depression or WW2 (of course we DO have climate change....).
You can speak all you want but here's the problem you're just regurgitating Murdoch and I never saw Biden hump a flag and I never saw biden's handshake when he drank a glass of water and I never saw him look up at an eclipse and I never saw him where he's Superman shirt or overthrow a government so speak away whether or not people listen well that just throws you into the realm of Megyn Kelly who was annihilated by Trump hoping that USA soccer team lost and Ted Cruz who was willing to take, I don't even want to use the language, let's just say that he didn't protect his wife and he ran when they were problems so speak away because we have the right to ignore you as well.
Thanks Lucy, I guess bad news always makes more noise than good news. Biden will likely experience the same lack of appreciation in his own lifetime that a lot of good people who do important things end up suffering. But I really don’t think he’ll mind all that much, as long as people & the country get the help they need
Kim, like you I haven’t been asked in polls. That’s because like so many others, I have a lot of restrictions on my phone as to what calls I receive. Also, I don’t listen to broadcast news I read the outlets I pick and choose who seem to give mostly honest and as unbiased as I can find reporting on my various devices.
I don’t have a lot of confidence in polls and even the mailed polls always want personal info I’m not willing to give and most definitely money. But I do vote and I do know that Pres. Biden has done a lot of good so far, in spite of the fierce opposition and antics of the paid-for so-called representatives in the political arena, now.
Am I in the minority? Perhaps, but I think there’s a lot of people like me out there that just don’t have the time or inclination to be bombarded by the media or hang out in a lot of social media. This is my non-guilty pleasure, lol.
I don’t think you’re in the minority at all, & I do spend a fair amount of time on social media most days! For all his bluster & bs, Donnie didn’t win the popular vote in 2016 & then lost bigly in 2020- like many of the midterm crackpots & clowns he backed last year. And I seriously doubt his antics since have won him many new supporters, so any poll that has him even with Biden just strikes me as unreliable- though I’ll never underestimate the depth of American ignorance & pettiness again :(
I am outraged that media like WSJ, CNBC, and other financial "experts" aren't reporting that Saudi/OPEC/Russia have in effect raised oil prices, which is like a tax on all of us and that the Fed is still brainwashed by trickle down theory.
From what I understand, Fox et al took DNC and other Democratic ad campaign money in 2020 Abd 2022. The defamation case exposed tat they were a defacto agent for Trump and they screwed them. Why haven't they sued? This should be headlines.
And why haven't FOX and other Media been held accountable for their part in Ja, 6?
What I am outraged about is the Saudi takeover of farmland and water rights out West and the media--ABC evening news week of July 31-Aug. 5--sorry don't remember the exact date the story ran--only recently giving a one-minute story about it. Every American should be loudly protesting the using of our water and land to feed Saudi cows and people.
Because he has a legitimate investment fund and all the money is sourced. I assume you're bringing this up because Joe and Hunter took bribes from foreign enemies? Not even close to the same thing.
“ The grift from this family is breathtaking,” Christie said, going straight at the Trump family's shameless swindling. “Jared Kushner and Ivanka Kushner walk out of the White House and months later get $2 billion from the Saudis?”
What for? It's a payoff, Christie suggested.
"You think it’s because he’s some kind of investing genius?" Christie posited. "Or do you think it’s because he was sitting next to the president of the United States for 4 years doing favors for the Saudis?"
“Voters should be pissed off, he added.
"That’s your money," Christie said. "That’s your money he stole, and gave it to his family."
Daniel...the 1st amendment is hallowed ground these days. Whatever happened to 'You can't yell fire in a crowded theater'? Seems yelling anything is acceptable now regardless of damage or harm.
Actually, that adage was not rational when written.
Many exceptions to the 1st Amendment, perjury , defamation, threats, "fighting words."
I would hold them to another standard. Aid. Abetting. Comfort. 18 U.S. Code § 2383 - Rebellion or insurrection
Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.
Daniel, you have expanded my point admirably. Why aren't these outlandish false statements being prosecuted, or at least challenged in the public square?
Lucy, good points. I have been reading about why people vote against their own self-interests. It is pretty complicated, but the main part is that for some crazy reason, people don't want to see people they don't like getting anything, even if it is less than what they themselves have. They think Medicaid is for poor people and someone hints that most of the people who will get it are Black or immigrants, they will fight it even though they themselves are getting it and having it has kept them alive. Many people who tend to be Republican do not believe Social Security is run by our government, and somehow think they deserve it more than THOSE people. The hard part for me to reconcile is that so many of those folks who don't want THOSE people to have something they feel they don't deserve, claim to be christian and want to force their brand of christianity on everyone else with their white christian nationalism. I don't think these folks can be saved, except through direct contact with dear friends or family members who can patiently show them a different way. We need to be aware of them, but not spend too much time trying to court them. They revel in their misery and who are we to deny them the pleasure!
Perhaps the evil within these ghastly people speaks to something within those fanatics who support them blindly. Maybe they would do the same given half a chance.
Susan, you have a point there. It took a whole lot of "ordinary" German people to run the vast network of death camps, forced labor installations, "security" units that ferited out and reported Jews and other unworthies, served in the military, and drove the rest of the Nazi operation. Some were forced, but a whole lot did it because they were believers and had decided they liked having power over people, even in their little corner of the conquered nations, causing as much pain and sorrow as possible. There clearly are a bunch of Trump, Greene, Boebert, Gates, Jordan, Little Kevvy, McConnell wannabees as proven by the way ignorant "parents" have attacked school boards and other community assets. Thanks for the insight.
I often wonder where we would all stand in that situation. I HOPE I know, but when it may involve your family we can never be sure. I have an elderly German neighbour whose father hid people in his barn. That took guts. But to look at neighbours and family NOW and think they might ACTIVELY JOIN IN, rather than passively stand on the sidelines out of fear, which is likely what many would do, it is sickening.
Susan, what a remarkable thing to have a relative who was willing to risk his and his family's lives to save others. That is probably the greatest gift one person can give another. I have seen some of that kind of giving when in disasters, people have worked hard, even died trying to save people they don't even know, caught in a flood, landslide, wildfire, or other terror. That is truly courageous and needs to be celebrated more. Maybe if it were, more people would see caring for a stranger, ore even someone you don't think is like you, as a good beyond value. I know there are those who would stand against this because division works so well for them. We don't have to go along with their divisiveness. We could choose a different path and show the benefits of that choice in PSAs, news reports, kids' programming, and in school curricula. We could make a difference here and learn how to overcome any need to harm others because they don't think, act, or look like us.
Lucy Socha: I agree that Biden deserves a lot of credit. The representatives in government who voted not to accept President Biden's win should be removed from office! They support tfg's attempted coup (which, by the way, is still ongoing!). They work against Democracy and the Common Good!
I hope people wake up and smell the roses before the roses die. It shows you how easily people in this country can be misguided by an expert con-man. They have a great president who is on their side and they have no idea!
We are far ahead of other countries. But corporations are the problem —the private sector—and they are basically conservative. Corporate greed has never been worse. Auto financing just went up 2 points since June. So a $348 payment is now $461. No one is addressing this. If inflation is improving, why did the Fed just punish everyone again with higher rates? The average citizen is struggling with bills. I just moved into a luxury apartment building in the northeast suburbs of Chicago. One month after the move-in, we got acquired by a different real estate management group. Rents have now skyrocketed through the ceiling. Instead of the $100 typical annual increase, they now want $500, $600, $700 per month increases to fast track their multi-million dollar acquisition cost. So most of the building is moving out. Corporations detest Biden because they are conservative. The public sector and its greed, is what is killing America 🇺🇸 right now. The high profits are not easily given up, and there is a reluctance to lower prices. If fascism is hitting this country, it is coming through the private sector. Not the government. Corporate greed is the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life. It doesn’t care whether you can afford it or not.
PS The Fed is a problem imho too, but it's doing what it's supposed to do: you should add banks to your list! What it's supposed to do reveals just what's wrong with advanced capitalism: “Core inflation is stubbornly high and progress has been slow. The strength in the labor market and resilience of the overall economy are why the Fed is still raising interest rates" (Greg McBride CFA, Bankrate). A strong labor market (btw enabling more unionizing and successful strikes than we seen in decades!) and a resilient economy are *problems* to the finance world. I'd like Prof. Reich to explain why Biden kept conservative Republican Powell running the Fed.
Maybe so. I tend to think he's a nice but ambitious man without an ideology--but not having one means drifting right as our "center" has drifted right for 50 years under the influence of neoliberalism. Elizabeth Warren is a big fan of capitalism too, but she gets what's wrong with neoliberalism (as well she might, given her academic specialty).
Mr. Solomon, I don't miss that. I'm a Democrat activist, albeit from the left. I work every day phonebanking, writing letters, organizing, spreading good news about the Biden administration. I've worked hard for Biden and to get a Democratic Senate, and work for that every single day. And I have advice for him that comes from talking to 1000s of people over the last 3 years, and teaching the young ones for a living, and that advice is to throw them a bone when it comes to drilling and pipeline permits (which will go far to help save his grandchildren, as well as the rest of us), and to use his executive power to come up with something more than the SAVE labyrinth. Young people manned the GOTV effort in 2020 and they haven't seen any of their particular goals met: I worry they won't help GOTV again. So far, it's all us old folks.
Amy Larson; The Fed did not just punish everyone: Those wealthy enough to live on interest rates got a windfall from those higher interest rates. They just punished the majority of us
They go hand in hand -- from congress to SCOTUS. Corporations are being allowed to rape and pillage working people be use the Republican congress and SCOTUS are changing laws that allow them to do so. And in return, they and their campaigns are receiving money and gifts in kind to the tune of millions. If the dark money stopped, so would the war on the middle class.
Maria you just hit the nail on the head. John Robert's Citizens United is really one of the worst things that happened to this country. Everyone who wanted something from the government, namely the Republicons, started doling out black money everywhere they could, and, that's why we are where we are today. Not the only reason of course, but one of the main reasons. If we can get rid of citizens united which means getting rid of scotus we have a chance of surviving in this country. If not, our lunches will just be eaten by more demagogues more con artists more criminals in our public systems of government.
"Instead of the $100 typical annual increase, they now want $500, $600, $700 per month increases to fast track their multi-million dollar acquisition cost. So most of the building is moving out." This is very surprising to me, especially in the Chicago area. I've never lived in a city where increases like this on existing tenants were lawful.
Look it up. These are the 55+ communities owned by Greystar (downtown Chicago). They bought up all the communities so no one can go anywhere else. I’m looking into Champaign, IL. So many people in my building have indicated that they will never EVER rent from a Greystar building again. The management is terrible too. Have cut services in the building; half the Maintenance staff has left; classes cut; activities cut.
Wow, appalling The people of Chicago should look into laws controlling that kind of egregious injustice in other big cities, and rise up--I know they're good at rising up! It must be just sickening to be chased out by these thugs... My theory of What's Wrong With the World (because it's wrong in every country) centers on the real estate industry/developers. They control the land--not the government, certainly not the people--in most places. And what they do with it is destroy it for habitation, by people, birds, pollinating insects, wild horses, the whole web of life.
Amy, you are right that corporations are conservative. They find their nich and want to stay in it as long as they can bring in the profits at a strong rate. When profits are not what they think they should be getting, they raise prices far beyond what is necessary to keep and equilibrium. Then there's Powell and the Fed. Powell is a Republican pure and simple. He has bought the KoolAde just hasn't drunk enough of it yet to totally blurt out what he really is planning. He is wanting a recession, one big enough that Republicans will gain all three branches of government and can do whatever harm they choose as long as it makes them more wealthy and far more powerful. Doing harm to everyone who is not rich, white, "straight," pseudo-christian, and male will be a bonus for them. Powell wants a place in that insanity and is working hard to get it. He has completely ignored price gouging and blames inflation on working people. Everyone should be able to see through that, but there are a lot of scared white people who want to believe it is all THOSE people (not white) who are causing inflation with their demanding better wages and working conditions. We need to address this soon or we will be in a recession and Powell and his clan will go happily on since it won't impact them in the least.
I own a small company and you hit the nail on the head. I had to raise my prices because everybody that I got my supplies from went up it’s kind of a Sh.t rolls down hill effect. That’s the real question. How do you stop that price gouging because I know my suppliers are probably raising their prices because their overheads are going up
That’s the million dollar question. Because if government gets too involved, it’s called socialism. Yet we need boundaries because companies know they can get away with this! First things first -review every benefit Trump gave them during his term in office and modify it, or remove it. The tax break was way too excessive and unnecessary. Companies already have capital expenditures they can write-off. Trump took it way, way down from something like 30% to 18%. Wall Street rallied. But the average worker got next to nothing. I’ve written Biden because I have his White House cell # indicating that big corporate needs to pay. Close loopholes for the wealthy as well.
I'm so glad you caught that -- I was going to correct it! Love this group because I'm reading and listening to real "Aces", professionals and advanced educators. It's such an advantage and one can learn A LOT~! Thank you for that, Harry. It's the private sector I'm worried about. And don't get me started on the 'two sets of books' on Wall Street. Back door stocks (now you see them, now you don't) is all a part of the magical game of GUESS. I actually saw (this is no kidding) my Schwab portfolio go up THE EXACT AMOUNT in total portfolio stock price to 'almost' the exact amount go down a day or two later. This see-saw effect started occurring with so much regularity that I realized the average investor was/is being 'played'. Companies now own a 2nd set of books with artificial stock prices. Why? Because they have patents to pay down; R&D expenses in product development; additional costs and expenditures, acquisition costs and of course, they have to pay their CEO. Now that we know Wall Street is 'conservative', invest wisely. These greedy corporations are not in a position to give you ANY of their money and will find ways to divert the earnings. So invest cautiously, carefully. Read and research as much as you can. And the Lottery? Don't even get me started.
When did the Fed increase rates again, I must have missed that?
Our form of government does not allow the president to force corporations to lower their charges. That can only happen with the GOP first passing a bill and the senate also passing the same bill, then the president signs the bill.
I believe the 1/4% was just a week ago or so. Very recent. Consumer auto loans went from 5.25% (in June) to 7.25% for 60 months. 5.75% (in June) to 7.75% today.
I also blame the media. We are inundated with idiots 24/7. How about talking about the good Biden is doing instead of the bad trump is? I’m sick of looking at that orange goon! Please focus on Biden and see what happens. It would be nice for a change.
Major newspapers don't, mostly, employ idiots. I switched to papers from TV a few decades ago as TV news with its shallow reporting and sensationalism, began to get really bad in the 80s. The "papers" are available online, as is NPR. The Guardian, the Boston Globe (I live in the Boston area) and the Washington Post email me their linkable headlines every morning, and the latter two add important breaking news later. They need our support, and they repay it.
Go to Statesnewsrooms . They have affiliates in about 34 states to report on state, legislative proceedings and other events happening in the state .subscribe and share with other people you know https://statesnewsroom.com/
Yes, I love that site. Or anyway I love the site called News from the States, which is similar if not the same thing. The person who collates the news stories gathered there, usually Kate Queram, is wonderfully funny as well as doing an important job to educate us.
Oh dear, so confusing. I just tried your link but I'm in France, where it won't open (?). Will keep an eye out when I get back! Meanwhile, I will revel in Kate Queram's invaluable "Evening Wrap" daily newsletter of stories from News From the States.
Strange. The link works for me. The good thing about state news rooms is how to allow someone to focus on what’s happening in your state. I live in Missouri and frankly I’m not always wanting to know what the GOP legislature is doing for damage.
I'm in France--the link says it can't be opened where I am. The EU has strict privacy rules and not every US website gets through, though you'd think this one would.
This conversation is confusing me: State News Room seems identical to News From the States, and they even share Kate Queram--?
Admittedly, I am less confident that the 60% living precariously from paycheck to paycheck, wherein a decent family income is only sustained by more people working longer hours while still weighted down by mortgage debt, credit card debt, and the like necessarily feel, or will feel in the foreseeable future, the impact of the current Administration’s accomplishments. Accordingly, I believe, aside from underscoring its achievements despite narrow margins in both federal chambers, this Administration must amplify what the country can expect if we can defend and increase Democratic margins. The list would include extending the child tax credit and providing affordable, quality childcare, universal Pre-K, paid sick and family leave, a $15 minimum hourly wage, investments in housing, in eldercare, in climate, and the like. The point, excluding Manchin and the recently minted Independent Sinema, is that Democrats, overall, have an extraordinary narrative if only they would deliver it.
Gloria, While I don’t disagree, I methodically listed policies supported by 49 Democratic Senators. Accordingly, in 2024, when Democratic Senators up for re-election confront an extremely unfriendly map, I will consider it a win if we can defend every seat and add one more.
I too think Prof. Wolfe’s ideas are probably the best direction for our country. HOWEVER, unfortunately I don’t know how realistic it is to think those ideas can “win over” a majority of Americans any time soon. Hopefully we can incorporate some of Prof. Reich’s “fixes” to keep the country in one piece until real change is doable.
Today’s young people give me reason to hope, but so did the young people I grew up with in the 60’s & 70’s. Let’s try to help them learn from our mistakes.
Barbara Jo, you are so right about being able to deliver the message. Those people who are struggling now were struggling even more before Biden took office and we were dealing with a pandemic Trump had no clue how to manage and really didn't care about. He can't even admit how sick he actually was with COVID. One thing that could really help struggling people would be a rent freeze for the next 5 years or so where rents have been raised more than 10% in the past 2 years. I know peoople whose rents ahve increased so much and there is so little housing they are stranded in a dump of a hotel which they really can't afford either. It is appalling. In addition, no hedge funds should ever be able to purchase housing. They have their fingers in so many pies, they need to be regulated before all of us are directly impacted.
Hedgefunds have no purpose than to get themselves rich. There should not be any corporations of any kind for whom that is their purpose. It can be a side effect, but not the purpose. We truly do need corporate regulation that actually works. Then, there's the food and other monopolies that can jack up prices to whatever level they choose because who's going to stop them. We could do better and there are some mechanisms, if we choose to employ them.
Ruth, I write both to thank you for your provocative reply and to comment specifically on your thoughts regarding excessive corporate gouging. I would note, barring an occasional word from the President or the occasional Congressional hearing, I am troubled that Democrats, overall, have declined to enact a united, laser-focused effort to expose how corporate profits account for over half of the increased prices people are paying. While some might defend a party’s reluctance to bite the hand that feeds it, I believe the benefits of pinning corporate pricing as among the biggest drivers of disproportionate wealth, power, and influence would outweigh the costs. In a word, we need Democratic leadership to be focused and disciplined and not to allow Republican deceptions and distortions related to the state of the economy to go unanswered.
Barbara JO, that was an amazing argument for Democrats getting a backbone on the issue of corporate price-gouging and the other bad behavior corporations have been permitted to foster and participate in. Which Dems can we get to move the ball on this one. Elizabeth Warren and Katie Porter are really good, but they seem too focused on their campaigns as are most of the activist Dems. Maybe Booker of NJ, Fetterman of PA, and Whitehouse of RI could form a trio and bring in others who also want something positive done. How do we get them on board? I am a writer, not an active activist.
Ruth. Thank you for your reply. I would note, given I started pressing House and Senate Democratic leadership several weeks before the 22 midterm election to call out record corporate profits (a 52% increase) as the biggest driver of inflation, unless you are connected in ways I’m not, I wouldn’t know how to proceed, though I very much appreciate your 3 prospects. Still, since Reich has had the greatest impact on how I think about the way powerful corporations are driving inflation, I do wonder whether he could help open some doors.
Barbara Jo, I keep hearing Fed members interviewed about the economy and inflation and have not heard one of them acknowledge the role of price-gouging, corporate cheating, rich people's tax evasion, or any of the outrageous profit realities. Now, why would that be! I still think Powell is pushing for a recession, hoping for one and doing his best to create one. I can't help but wonder who besides our government is paying him and what he hopes to gain. He knows Republicans have nothing to offer anyone but themselves, that is the already-rich selves. Until this is addressed, very little positive is going to change no matter how hard Biden and the Dems work.
Ruth, While I have been equally frustrated by the media coverage, I have asked a different question: Why has the Fourth Estate, which is charged with exposing deception, not repeatedly exposed how corporate profits account for over half of the increased prices people are paying? I expect, unless we can find a champion who is not several degrees of separation from those who hold the real power, that working families throughout the country, many of whom are prepared to vote Republican, the Party that has been silent on this issue, will cast a vote, in 24, that runs counter to their interests and concerns.
Yeah Barbara Jo but we heard what we could expect from the present administration when they campaigned 2020. All you kindly enumerated for us. So?? Why should it be any different 2024, except that we're even more petrified than we were then, so of course we'll hold our noses and vote the dems in again.
Wow. How about the pandemic to start and us delivering a house whose sole agenda isn’t thwarting Biden’s agenda. If we can deliver a super majority that list is what we get in return.
I wonder how they get away with allowing a phony like Santos to remain in Office? Just because the speaker needs his votes,? How many other fakes helped them 'win'?
@dnkarr, As I wrote to Gloria, who is part of this thread, the policies I noted currently have the support of 49 Democratic Senators. Accordingly, in 2024, if we can defend every Democratic Senator up for re-election plus add one more, that would be a huge victory, considering Democratic Senators face an exceedingly unfriendly map.
As is often the case, I wake in the middle of night, turn on my computer and you suck me in. While this is interesting, I am not sure it is good for me.
I think Biden is not getting credit because in the words on one of our fellow Substacker
"things feel unsettled these days, partly because of chop in the prosecutorial waters surrounding the actions of former president Trump, partly because of changes in the U.S. economy, partly because of turmoil brought by climate change, and partly because of what appears to be the instability of a global realignment. This realignment has been forced by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the global effort to stand against that aggression." And because the cost of housing is so high for many people.
As always thank you for your work on behalf of part of my chosen family.
I sure wish he hadn't sacrificed 10 points with the mismanaged Afghanistan exit. Having said that I do agree that it takes time for the effects of good policy to soak into the experience of the electorate. As for me? I have houses with probably Democratic young people living in them near me. I plan to take voter registration forms over to them on the possibility that there is someone over there who needs to either register or update their registration. It might be something positive that we all can do.
Biden could easily come out and support union activity at Starbucks, Amazon, Trader Joes, and others via social media, by getting democrats to campaign supporting unions, and trump supporters could switch.
Other than that, I don't understand why despite 3% inflation being down from 9%, everything is still so expensive. OK, corporate greed must be the sole reason why I'm spending more on food, basic necessities like toilet paper. what else can it be?
There's a happy medium somewhere in there regarding the fights for pay levels & rights, and the unions obviously are on one extreme side & all companies trying to survive are on the other. It's a balancing act. For every nasty company that is deliberately screwing it's workers there are a lot who are barely hanging on to survival because of the myriad rules they have to comply with in the first place. I have 2 sons who run a small company & they do battle daily with regulations governing every aspect of the business, and while they pay their (less than 10 most days) employees well, they get really fed up with all the regs that govern every aspect of what they do. After I have listened sympathetically to their screams of pain, I tell them 'that is why I would never want to run my own company' ! It is NOT fun ! You basically need a 'Compliance Officer' to make sure any company is following all the rules laid down for the business at hand - because there are a LOT of those rules !
Well, a nearly 10% increase in annual rate of prices has a lasting effect, & even though it's much lower now, it's still increasing. Statistically it looks great because it's way down from what it was & is much better than most other countries in the world, but it still has a negative impact that can only (for now, anyway) be alleviated but not shaken. And corporate price gouging is a major factor, but by no means the only one (& most can be traced to actions by Trump &/or Putin).
It's not the surveys and opinion polls that you should worry about now. What you should worry about is the message and the media. And all the negativity and relation to what's going on today. The elites are what you should be concerned about as well as the problem of social and economic inequality in this country.
I'm not as optimistic as Mr. Reich...In 1992, James Carville famously coined "It's the economy stupid". George H.W. Bush was wooden and stuck to his mantra that the "pieces were all falling into place" for recovery. Bush got beat. These days, while flaking for Biden, Carville is sounding like Bush.
I'm worried. I keep hearing the pieces are falling into place...But, we have a President that can't communicate good news, a VP that can't carry the White House's message, and all I see 43/43 polls. For all of Trump's insanity, he's neck-and-neck.
Joe Biden is remaking the American economy and I we hear nary a peep from him. FDR clued America into the story, every step of the way. Donald Trump told us daily that his was, "The best economy, ever". Joe Biden is silent. Biden spent campaign 2020 in his basement. It may be that his campaign trail muscle memory has atrophied.
Sometimes you pour a good foundation...for the next President. I fear that may be Biden's fate... His numbers haven't budged. He can't put together two good weeks. The bounce Clinton and Obama got after their mid-term shellackings, has eluded Biden after his 2022 break-even. After, my fifty years of doing politics, you get a feel...I don't like what I see.
It's not that Biden is silent, as he often touts his own achievements. It's more that the media simply does not share the news...instead it's focused on trump in the Biden arena and pro Trump in the Trump arena whi have their own media outlets.
The main difference is media which is no longer on conventional avenues but rather paid stations and people stay with those paid stations.
How can any president or vice president Cary a message to the masses when mainstream media refuses not only to help deliver it or deliver it fairly -- they actively promote the crazy. Need we see more than that ridiculous trump CNN Town Hall?! It’s up to us. We have to deliver the message--even if it’s one by one. We have to deliver the message that Biden has done all those things Mr. Reich mentioned in this article and then some (including a work around for student loan forgiveness through the education department that has already forgiven billions for 804,000). And one last point-- I think it’s important to keep in mind that poll numbers can also be partisan and skew results-- remember there was no red wave.
I agree the president and democrats need help with messaging. Though I believe we also can help with posting on social media the truth about the economy.
But Biden has to stop chumming up with war criminal Israel and stop putting up illegal barriers to immigrants, for starters. He also has to stop fist-bumping that murderer MBS in Saudi Arabia. And he can stop meddling very hurtfully in other countries’ affairs. And he has to end the embargo against Cuba. These are policies he’s inherited from previous Presidents, but he doesn’t have to follow ‘em.
I'm totally with you on Israel. We should be withdrawing our support and even sanctioning them until they allow the Palestinians their home and basic human rights, get out of Gaza/the West Bank, and stop terrorizing them. That we continue to support them is unconscionable.
I agree. Biden would likely poll a lot better if he stopped trying to appeal to moderate & right leaning voters. It’s the political hypocrisy that most Americans are truly tired of from our leaders
Except he personally is NOT an extreme Leftie, so of course he wants to appeal to the middle. I'm not an extreme Leftie either having grown up in UK where I remember very well the myriad of fights of the highly unionized groups who caused multiple mayhem there during my early years (I'm 83 now living in the US many years). I developed a distinct dislike for crazed people screaming about their rights, and that was during a time when we had a wonderful National Health Service which was totally free to everybody. I have seen everything getting eroded since that era & way too much Corporate power now in the US ! That offends my wish for fairness & decency, but I have not lost my recognition that given too much power on EITHER side they will get out of hand !
While I agree, there is still some fear. To twist a well-known phrase, "It is not just the economy stupid." This worked for Clinton, but it is not working now. There are other issues (climate, Ukraine, human rights, environmental and ecosystem instability) that are interconnected, dangerous and pending. The other shoe dropping is a worry held wisely by many. Biden is not talking enough, and when he does talk people recognize that he is old, he does hesitate, and though he may be as bright and experienced as anyone, he is of the generation that caused our present condition (just like the orange fruit cake, but he is not worthy to run. Biden is.) Our age revels in appearances, which is the success of Barbie, and Biden does not have the right look or sound, even if he has better content. Will Biden be blamed if New Orleans drowns on his watch? No matter how good he is with the economy, he is still approving fossil fuels projects and that is alienating the young.
Professor Reich: i admit i'm quite outraged about biden's support for the oil and gas industry, which are hell-bent on destroying the planet (AND US!!) to suck the last dollar out of the earth ... and for what?
GrrlScientist : I wonder what people in the colder North would do to heat their apartments/homes? Electric for heat is very expensive, and ask how it can work for millions of people currently. Is there technology that can be made available quickly to replace gas and oil? Hydrogen fuel has promise, but the infrastructure is not there, yet at least not for the entire areas needing it presently.
in norway, where i currently live, all of the electricity is provided either by wind or hydropower (99%). (periodically, it is extremely windy in norway, if you weren't aware.) iceland's electricity comes from hydroelectric (70%) or geothermal (30%). finland relies on nuclear power, renewable energy, cogeneration and electricity import from neighboring countries, like norway and sweden. sweden seems to be the champion of low-carbon-emitting sustainable energy, using hydroelectric (43%), nuclear (31%) power, and wind (9%).
personally, nuclear power makes me extremely uncomfortable (actually, i do not like it!), but so far, it seems to be working for scandinavian countries SO FAR because it appears they have competent people and a well-constructed infrastructure, and all without poisoning their wildlife, soils or indigenous people with either meltdowns or waste disposal issues. (but see the film, chernobyl, or the days, about the fukushima disaster, to get a better idea of why nuclear power scares the bejesus out of me.)
so to answer your question, at least some northern countries are doing well for sustainable energy.
NOTE: edited to include the correct name of the fukushima film.
I love the Nordic countries & I constantly bring them up as examples of how the US should be. As advanced countries, substantially superior to the US (I'm American by the way).
I lived in Norway too. They have very high governmental standards on their power infrastructure. It is also publicly owned and not for profit. The same can be said with regards to education and healthcare. Those factors alone explain much of their success and our failure. When our power, education and healthcare were nonprofit endeavors, Americans had cheap power, and world class education and healthcare. The changeover to for-profit in those 3 major areas started with Reagan in the 80’s. 40+ years of Republican dominance have brought us to where we are today.
WELLLLL ... norway enfuriates me with their blatant murder of whales (they've increased this year's "harvest" to 1,000!! and with no veterinary monitors to ensure this indefensible murder is even a teensy bit less cruel! then they stuff body bits from these magnificent creatures into cans and sell them as DOG FOOD). the "authorities" also have declared war on ANY wildlife that meet, befriend and interact the people here (freya ... ). They also have declared war on the environment with deep sea mining to scrape (and poison) the seabed empty of all life, and their rampant drilling for oil and gas so they can act as the crack dealer .. um, oil and gas dealer .. for a world of addicts!
oh, i almost forgot ... norwegians' greed & inexcusable cruelty also extends to the most needy of humans: it's illegal to feed homeless people here in norway.
but yeah, norway is SUCH a great example of what the USA should strive to be ...
My goodness. I lived in Norway 20 years ago. It’s difficult for me to believe so much could have changed so rapidly. During my years there I did not experience the cruelty and depredation you describe. You sound very passionate and very angry. The Norway I experienced was environmentally proactive, socially proactive, had an amazing educational system, and kind and responsible people. I hope your Norway can rejoin with the one I experienced.
My (now) ex-husband was transferred there for a few years. Unlike grrlscientist, above, I was impressed by how their country was run. I was very sad to be sent back to the US. I saw a country that was striving to protect their environment, clean seas, small communities, and the health and well-being of their citizens. I would have loved to stay there.
For me, Norway sounds like a dream place to live. They're so far ahead of us in all the important ways. All the Nordic countries sound wonderful to me.
President Biden Is Getting Little Help From His Friends
How can one Senator hold up military promotions or Department Officials’ conformations? Does this make sense to anyone out there?
Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), by himself, has put a hold on military promotions! And Rand Paul (R-KY), by himself, was blocking the confirmation of more than 60 State Department officials!
Is this some more of Trumps evil agenda?
If as a Democracy, we somehow survive this traitorous takeover, our government needs to address the weaknesses that were found by those who attempted the overthrow of our government! We need to prevent this from ever happening again!
And how about the Deflector and Thief, the FPOTUS, threatening anyone who dares to come after him! “If you go after me, I’m coming after you!”
This UnAmerican has NEVER tried to Unite the Country. He and his loyal army-geddon are after a white nationalist country where he is the ruler. The propaganda he spreads on his Truth Social
is crazy and dangerous!
I agree with Ben Meiselas from the Meidastouch Network podcast that if you had a friend who talked like Trump you would ask for an Involuntary 5150.
Fully agree. We must stop one senator from plugging up the works. You cited the perfect examples. Paul and Tuberville are perfect examples. Then, no way can a governor superimpose his smart aleck ways into international problems and ship immigrants to opposition states. Then of course there's book bannings, etc. Troubling times.
A better example (directly alienating the main demographic--young people--that canvassed, phonebanked, texted, postcarded and drove voters to the polls to get out the vote for a candidate they didn't support in the primaries--and may not do so again after Biden's abandonment of their struggle against fossil fuels and failure to cancel college debt or make a dent in mass shootings): Democrat Joe Manchin.
Biden did not fail the student loan process. It was SCOTUS that stopped it. He recently signed executive order to have the student loan become law.
Biden also did not abandon the fossil fuel policy, that was the Republican house and senate.
Exactly. And well-meaning folken just get it wrong. This is still a nation of laws. Don't blame Biden if he is stymied by a corrupt party aided by a corrupt SCOTUS!
Not sure of your messages here. For one thing, what is "89% of licensed therapists refuse to measure as Required by law" ????? Sounds like gibberish to me. I'm a therapist. Why wasn't I told about this? What am I supposed to be measuring? Please explain, Mr. Killing Your Ego.
Dare I ask just what you're going on about? My comment was about the student loan initiative Biden promoted, only to have it stymied by the corrupt SCOTUS.
You have replied to the wrong comment perhaps?
Please have anyone you know saddled with student debt go on the government site for the SAVE program. They may be surprised by how affordable (or even wiped out) their debt is. :)
Thank you
Wrong. The 100s of drilling permits he's handed out have been his own direct jurisdiction.
THAT is enraging, and we know he knows better, so one wonders if someone was holding his grandchildren hostage when he did that!!!
Of course, I’m not serious about the hostage thing, but WHAT COULD JUSTIFY THAT!!!???
It’s tough to get past it, but he is STILL not the Republican Unitary President Party Nominee…
Think of it this way — There is NO excellent candidate on the horizon for 2024.
A Third Party at this stage has NO CHANCE of taking 270 Electoral Votes, so there’s no way to get another candidate into the mix who can pull us out of this mess.
If we don’t vote for Biden and nobody gets 270 EC votes, it goes to Congress to choose, and likely to a Republican.
If ANY Republican is President in 2025, we will see the Party begin to push again for a Unitary President, the erosion of checks and balances, another assault on the DOJ {who among us does NOT think Bill Barr was an abomination as AG?}, further migration of wealth to Oligarchs … fossil fuel drillling and burning as far as the eye can see…
OK, make your own list, and I’m sure it will be long. Biden needs us to put pressure on him to do better, but he is already miles and miles better than any Republican. The Dems can be a pain in the a$$, but they are miles and miles better than Repubs.
What makes sense in 2024? Which vote has the greatest chance of producing SOMETHING we can work with? Answer that, and you’ll know who you’re going to vote for.
You are clueless to what is actually going on and the corruption of the establishment. The only hope for this once great nation is an outsider. But that will take people setting aside their ideologies and biases, turning off the main stream propaganda masquerading as journalists and returning to common sense. The federal government is FAR TOO LARGE and the establishment (republican and democrat parties) are beholden to their corporate donors (i.e. big pharma, big tech, military industrial complex, etc.) and drunk on their own power. We no longer have a Constitutional Republic that sends representatives to Washington to fight for their constituents. We have career liars and grifters and it's time for them all to go.
I just read about the drilling permits his first two years. You are correct. I did not know.
So what knowledge do you have that allows you to second guess the president?
Did Biden not give licenses for oil exploration in Alaska?
Joe Manchin may claim to be a Democrat. However, he always sounds, votes and acts like a Repub.
Mary, I would hope Democratic young people would see that at least some of the things you are critical of are not Biden's fault: the student loan crisis and guns. Our Supreme Court 6 took care of those. Biden, however has not done what is needed to slow global warming and everyone is suffering for it. The states that are suffering most still think global warming isn't even real. I do believe young people are smarter than to be uninformed about what is really going on. If they have phone-banked, written notes, and attended rallies, they know who is to blame for our problems, and it isn't Democrats, except for a few like Manchin and the folks who ran as Democrats and left the party just as planned. The best thing our precious young people can do for themselves and their future is to vote Democratic down the ballot everywhere. I hope they will, then use their power to stop any new fossil fuel incursions and plastics plants, expand the Supreme Court, make global warming a priority, work to end poverty, and the other things that will make a better future for all of us. Without power, it is hard to get anything done.
Ruth, I have to disagree with you about this: "Biden, however has not done what is needed to slow global warming and everyone is suffering for it."
What is needed is subsidies and tax incentives for development of alternative energy sources. The Inflation Reduction act provides nearly unlimited billions of that money, and already we're seeing new facilities being planned and built. Until alternatives are economically feasible, there'll be no transition.
Keep in mind that leases to drill are nothing more than permission slips. Actual development of a drilling site takes years, and will never happen at all if profitability of fossil fuel profits diminish.
.
Jerry, you are right it is not just President Biden who is not moving fast enough on global warming, but it really looks bad to people who care about what is happening that he is allowing leases on public lands for more drilling and more pipelines which won't take as long as the drill sites because some of them are already started. We do need more incentives, but the message counts and I am not sure what message the president is trying to send. One can't have it both ways. I know he likes bipartisanship, but this is not our father's Republican party. It is something altogether different and they do not know how to play well with others even though they are acting like toddlers.
I don't have the answer to why Joe Biden isn't perfect. I suspect that he's subject to a myriad of conflicting pressures and constraints. It's not just that he likes bipartisanship. Bipartisanship is the only way anything can get done in our democratic republic when neither party has a decisivie majority.
But I do know two things for sure:
1) President Biden has done more for the environment and the transition to renewable resources in less than 3 years than all other presidents combined.
2) Republicans have publicly pledged to make repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act's environmental protections their highest priority. In fact, the MAGA group in the House was attempting to do exactly that just a couple months ago when they refused to support a bipartisan bill to raise the debt ceiling.
That would be an excellent message to deliver to the young voters.
.
“Leases are nothing more than permission slips”....THANK YOU! Once fossil fuels are not profitable, drilling will cease!
So simple to see the HEADLINES in the forest with the tress! Takes examining consequences and sleepy Joe is a hero!
Ruth, here's where I totally agree with you: "The best thing our precious young people can do for themselves and their future is to vote Democratic down the ballot everywhere." In essence, Biden was almost "miraculous" (OK, a bit of hyperbole) in that he was working with a House which had the slim majority the Republicans now hold (with the difference being Nancy Pelosi instead of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker) plus, in his first two years a 50/50 Senate that included "democrats" Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema. Keeping in mind about a third of America's voters are "in the middle," to me, Biden't first two years were historic. (At some point "we the people" will understand the difference in investment in people from the "bottom up middle out" as opposed to the "Top down.") With solid majorities in the House and Senate he (and democrats) can accomplish much more. The critical issues which are "on the line" will only be "tackled" with massive support from the young voters who are most critically affected by them. (Climate change, women's rights, civil rights, voting rights, education, health care, etc. etc.)
The intensity of young people's lawsuits, campaigns, petitions, their research, writing and thinking, forming new organizations and news sources and staffing older ones, including Congressional offices (and making universities high schools teach real history, and ecology) to get these issues before the public, Congress and the president hasn't been matched in my lifetime, except maybe by the Civil Rights movement in the 60s. They're going to jail for what they believe, some have even died. And they're the ones who did the grunt work to put Joe Biden in power.
I've been teaching young people for 46 years and doing election work for 54, and I've never seen anything like them. They know plenty. They know more about the immediate and mid-term consequences of climate change and warming than anyone in Congress, never mind the president. Whom I too worked hard to elect, with a Democratic majority, and am working hard for that again, but whom I've watched all my life: it's no surprise that a man from PA who represented DE for most of his career would befriend the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries. Or that a lifelong centrist would respond to SCOTUS blocking his (compromised) debt relief plan with a complex bureaucracy for paying loans at somewhat lower rates....
I'm sitting right now in a country where no student pays for a university education, because France understands it's at least as good for the country as for individual students. No student in Europe pays. No student in Tunisia does. The burden we put on our young is obscene. Its consequences are and will be bad for all of us.
🎯🎯🎯
Here we go again. With friends like you, Biden doesn’t need enemies. $350 billion on climate change…is that chump change to you. We lefties always do the Republicans job for them as we let the perfect be the enemy of the good. For gods sake, think of the alternative and get the message to the younger voters in your life!
Absolutely right, Howie!
Subsidies and tax incentives for development of alternative energy sources is what's most important. The Inflation Reduction act provides nearly unlimited billions of that money, and already we're seeing new facilities being planned and built. Until alternatives are economically feasible, there'll be no transition.
Leases to drill are nothing more than permission slips. Actual development of a drilling site takes years, and will never happen at all if profitability of fossil fuel profits diminish.
.
Howie, Biden doesn't have many friends better than me. I work year round volunteering and organizing for Democratic grassroots organizations to get out the vote in swing states--midterms, presidential elections, special elections, off-year state elections. I travel to other states to canvass (my own state is safely blue), I phone bank, write letters to the editor, letters to Congress, postcards to infrequent voters, go without sleep, donate my disposable income through organizations like The Movement Voter Project, which raises awareness and gets out the vote in rural areas and at local and state levels where elections are safeguarded or defrauded, and rights like abortion are now decided. I fight attempts to suppress the Native Americans' vote on reservations and Black folks' votes in Texas and Georgia. That I don't like Biden's choice to buddy up to fossil fuel extraction, or the too-little-too-late-too-complicated SAVE program doesn't mean I'm not his friend. He needs this advice: he can't win if he keeps alienating the ground troops, the young people who did the work on the ground to get out the vote for him!
You clearly are doing your part. I especially like your focus on indigenous folk, as part of my family is Ojibwe, two granddaughters, 6 great grandchildren and my son are all White Earth Anishinaabe Enrolees and we live in the reservation. Thank you.
I, too spend much time campaigning, raising money, writing editorials. And, “buddying up to the fossil fuel industry is simply over the top and not true. There are plenty of Republicans to tear him down. Look at the reality of what he’s up against and all that his administration has gotten done, and all you can say after a $360 billion investment in green energy is he’s buddying up to the fossil fuel industry, no “I don’t support his action on the drilling but think of how he has changed the trajectory of the future on energy?” I’m not saying do t be critical. I’m saying the media narrative “he’s too old, senile etc” doesn’t need more criticism on public stages like this one unless it is balanced with what he’s doing that you support.
Hi Howie, and I thank you for your thanks. And for your dedication.
I wouldn't make such a criticism in a neutral place, but readers of Prof. Reich are progressives and Democrats. I thought it was a safe space, and my intentions were good: he must, he really must, face up to the importance of the young people's disappointment. For the good of his campaign and the good of us all. See you on the ramparts!
He tried to cancel student debt but got stopped by SCOTUS. My criticisms of Bush are in another comment.
There’s a larger issue than only student debt. It’s the finance industry. Predatory lenders today are worse than the loan sharks of yesterday. The average interest rate for credit cards is 20+% with a variable rate.
This seriously needs to be addressed.
Nobody forced people to sign onto the loans. They did so of their own choosing. Rather than cancelling student debt the terms of the loans should be renegotiated by the government to get things under control. This should be done for the student loans and credit cards. Bring the interest rates back to a reasonable rate.
I looked for your other comment Carol but couldn't find it.
That's true. But many intelligent people suggested ways around it and he hasn't taken them. He has executive powers but doesn't see student debt as an emergency.
BS.
Explain why that's BS? I take well to correction! And as an educator this issue matters a lot to me so new information or angles are welcome.
That's 1 thing that is frustrating to me about Democrats, both President & legislators: they will stand on the correct side of an issue, but once stymied by the right on a vote or a court decision, they fail to pursue it further, even though there are alternative strategies that may be non-traditional or take more effort, but have the possibility of succeeding.
Mary, three very important issues to young Americans! And they can be the saviors of Democracy if not abandoned by governance!
you need to stop watching fox
Mr. Raico, I'm too busy year round, every year, in midterms and presidential elections, special elections and off-year state elections like Virginia's, getting out the vote for the Democrats in swing states to watch FOX News.
Lucky for me, all the labor and all the sleepless nights haven't fried my brain, so I'm still capable of working to get a man elected who is not perfect and who has done many good things and some bad things. I can live with ambivalence, because I'm an adult.
Mary, you are not well informed.
Well Teofilo actually I am, and have to be, because I'm a college professor and these are my students whose lives we're talking about. In my line of work we have to help them try to plan their lives around this morphing labyrinth, and now to understand what their options (if any) are, and when, under SAVE, and whether given those they can afford to stay in college or not. I see the blood and the tears up close.
In our time it started with the hateful Gingrich in the House, and now McConnell has enabled the destruction of the Senate in furtherance of the repubs self serving and exclusionary goals. The Founders knew this could happen, but the greedy few have re-written the rules by money whipping their colleagues and caving to the deep pocketed lobbies. Legally (because they...ahem...write the rules).
And the sellout of our political system was put on steroids by the most openly corrupt extreme court in my lifetime. Corporations are people my friends, and their money is speech bc they have no mouth.
Well they have no assh*le either but I wish they’d get a colonoscopy and prove their humanity.
The only colonoscopy that might work on these rogues should be done with a hot poker.
What is a party leader for? I know McConnell is I’ll, I saw the vid of his mental time out. The alarming bit was that all his pals/ sharks around him seemed unperturbed for quite a while, as if this happens all the time.
Still, the Senste minority leader ought to have some small amount of influence. And I think he does, and is exercising it. It’s part of the rethugnican playbook now to damage the country in the name of Power.
Obama a “one term president. Im pretty sure the old turtle wants the same for Biden. Damn the country and its suffering millions.
I find Schumer somewhat compromised & less than effective as a majority leader. I've never liked the corporatist & wish they'd get him out of the leadership position. The centrists Democrats have had in the congressional leadership for decades now have been disappointing & a large reason there has been little effective resistance to the corporatization of America, increasing economic injustice, lack of action on climate & the environment, & continued failure to get universal healthcare long after all other developed countries have adopted it at half the price we pay.
Thanks for the what about- ism. Really helpful.
I don’t see Schumer enabling “democrats “ to pull this kind of crap. Yeah, we don’t like Manchin and Sinema was a joke, but he managed to get a lot of Biden’s agenda passed.
McConnell supports the fool Gooberville, and of course the Ol’ South continues to send idiots like him and John Kennedy and Rand Paul. And we do have him to thank for the continuing trauma of drumpf.
Let’s do be clear.
Surely you mean Robert Kennedy, Jr.
1 of the most extremist Republic senators is one representing Louisiana named John Kennedy. Quite the opposite of the John Kennedy we knew & loved.
Ineffective or complicit corporatist Democrats like Schumer are part of the reason we can't get progressive legislation passed like universal healthcare, strong climate & environmental policy, full voting rights & abortion rights.
Somewhat????!!!!! 🤣
A further comparison Keith, and Elspeth is the 118th do nothing Congress. Under the guidance??? of Kevin McCarthy they haven't managed to pass a single piece of legislation, the s#%& the send to the Senate dies on arrival. The MAGA party (the DesPOTs) have no responsible platform. It has two planks, Keep us in power, and Stop the Democrats from passing any citizen oriented legislation.
If Tuberville and Paul continue with their "disorderly behavior" (mentioned in the Constitution) then the Senate should censure them! If they persist, then threaten them with expulsion and be prepared to carry out the threat! Many Senate Republicans are just as pissed off by their behavior as the Senate Democrats.
I agree Keith. The trumpers have VERY loud mouths and the Democratic Party can't seem to get over Biden's age. Unless more Democrats speak up LOUDLY...we will be left with brainless larynxes. Wisdom comes with age, and just because reagan was senile doesn't mean Biden is. I know lots of people his age that are much wiser than their children.
We’re going to have to do the job ourselves
It’s not about his age, it’s about his physical and mental capacity to do the job coherently. We’e all seen the video clips, brother. Whether voters choose to stick their proverbial heads in the sand and ignore reality is a debate that should be honestly had. Regardless, it’s time for a new generation of leadership in both of the parties.
Young leadership is always needed and new generations of leaders are the lifeblood of progress. I can name a number of young Democrats that I would love to see fill the role of 'head of the Democratic Party'. But there is a time and a place for a new generation to take the lead, and I for one to not see this precarious time to be that time or place. So until one emerges I will accept the fact that Biden may not show well in the 'dog and pony show' of modern day videography, and place my bet that he defeats the monster who the republicans claim to be our messiah. While he continues to fool those who counted him out as an old codger.
Sure we need to change the system but are you talking about Trump's hand shaking both of them while he's holding glass of water and not being able to walk down a ramp without someone holding on to him, someone who tried to get five black boys killed in a political pissing match in New York City? I think you're talking about the wrong candidate because Biden is a very sharp attorney and then damn good physical shape just because he trips once in a while means nothing so maybe you want to reevaluate what you posted because I really think you meant the former guy
Keith, yep, you have put your finger on some of the weaknesses that could cause serious trouble in the future if not fixed. Democrats could block Tupperville and Paul, but somehow, just can't manage. No single senators should be able to stop appointments. Somehow, Republican first-termers do get a lot of power. Ted Cruz tried to shut down the whole government in his first term and did it. Democrats under Schumer need to vote to block the insanity and make the promotions and appointments within the first week back. McConnell really looks bad, letting minor players screw with his power that way. And, Republicans claim to be so patriotic. How do we get that knee-jerk tie broken. Republicans are so far from patriotic, the best they can do is force people to fly the flag, which in reality means nothing since we have flags flying all over the place already. Working for the American people and to make the world at least somewhat safer is patriotism along with securing everyone's rights. Republicans can't manage any of that, but how do we get the word out. Dems need some really good messaging.
When American flags are carried among Confederate, Nazi, Trump & other such flags, it dilutes any sense of patriotism.
Jaime : It renders everything meaningless, from those who endured the Death camps to those who faced the anger of the slaveholders' 'loss' of 'their ' 'property'; The facts are lost along with the truth and respect for victims of both horrific crimes against humanity.: and our present fight to keep tfg out of office and keep him out! He must be stopped from causing more harm to the human beings here and everywhere in the world
Jaime Ramirez : It shows the total confusion of tfg's zombie 'army'. His alternative facts political campaign is a deadly weapon. First amendment has NOTHING to do with his lies and deliberate misinformation hate machine!
Nancy would’ve found a way to eviscerate these guys, Schumer is useless.
Nancy was indirectly attacked by tRump when her husband Paul was attacked by one of his zombies. She was effectively "taken out' by tfg.That is why he should be behind bars. And yet another reason that Biden is the best man for the Presidency. Because tfg is beneath the pit of even being a decent human being , never- mind the leader of the free world.
They have stolen the American flag and made it there simple now I'm almost ashamed to fly an American flag because I don't want to be considered one of those idiots
Chicken Little, played by the current Republican party, is relentlessly discounting the achievements put forth by the Biden administration in an attempt to distract voters from seeing the truth. The election of 2024 isn't that far away and the Trump camp has nothing to offer in the way of accomplishments so they invent negative scenarios thrown like poisonous darts at President Biden and the Democratic party. They say the "IQ" level of the average American is between 85 and 115 points. For Trumpers to fall for the falsehoods the far right is concocting would lead you to believe those people's "IQ" levels are far below the norm. As long as Chicken Little gets all the attention President Biden will continue to get negative results in the polls. When all is said and done Trump and his cronies will be the ones with yolk on their faces and crap on their cowboy boots. Because if they follow Trump what they scrape from the bottom of their shoes is a substance they should get used to. For the rest of us, we just have to sift through all the BS to find the truth.
I agree 💯
Rafael--We need a bunch of those "Toos."
Agreed. Can you even comprehend the reaction from the Republicans if a Democratic Senator held up the Appointments? I'm shocked the Dems aren't taking full advantage of this (yet again) disgusting behavior.
I say we, AMERICANS, propose a law that, if ANY politician foments an insurrection, they get PUT TO DEATH.
I know that may SEEM harsh, but with what has happened and how many have been murdered, I think it is FULLY justified to prevent another wannabe dictator.
Ummm....not to sound ignorant, but what is a "5150"? BTW, Ben Meiselas is an outstanding, upstanding guy!!1
5150 refers to the section in California law allowing for the police to hold a person for up to 72 hours while ascertaining whether they really are bonkers or not. They (the police) have to meet certain conditions, as does the detainee to be held without arrest.
Thank you for the clarification.
Keith 🎯 I keep saying it is so damn easy to bring in Fascism. Hardly a peep from the other side…politicians and DOJ, police etc
We have a 14th Amendment-not applied to trump and his trumpanzees. We have laws against terroristic threats-not applied., we have consequences for threatening officials-not applied.
Republicans have broken constitutional law and trump has been twice impeached, found guilty of sexual assault, is responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands thru Covid denial etc- no consequences to the Orange monster. THAT MUST NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN!
These holdups on nominations are part of the dysfunctional customs of the Senate that have no constitutional basis & must be eliminated to get the Senate functioning properly. Manchin & Sinema are helping Republicans to prevent that. A somewhat positive note: neither are likely to remain in the Senate beyond 2024, although Manchin is sure to be replaced by a Republican. Democrat Gallego has a good chance of defeating Sinema, even in a 3 way race. On the other hand, the Senate race overall is stacked against Democrats with about twice as many Democrats as Republicans having to defend their seats.
Jaime Ramirez : tumorville has a plan to replace people in military positions with MAGA sympathizers, just in case we can stop the present 'republican' demagogue. Part of their long (or short) term tactics.We know what they could do with a complicit military. Martial law. (As in MTG's 'Marshall law'). This must be stopped!
I agree, Laurie, & it's very worrisome, & I love your nickname for Tuberville. It makes me laugh each time I see it (not that what he's trying to do to our military is a laughing matter).
Or in the case of the FPOTUS a 5150 immediately followed by a 5250. He poses a dangerous and imminent threat to our democracy.
Kenneth-I'm not familiar with "5105" and "5250". Pleas help me to understand these terms.
A word worth knowing and using in the future:
Kakistocracy:
Government by the least qualified or worst people.
Tommy Tuberville is seeing the detriments of his misguided actions. Now the Space Command will not be moving to Alabama.
Keith you said a mouthful with all you stated especially; “If as a Democracy, we somehow survive this traitorous takeover, our government needs to address the weaknesses that were found by those who attempted the overthrow of our government! We need to prevent this from ever happening again!” May I add we need to prevent this from continuing to happen, statewide and federally. Tennessee has spoken loudly in their recent reelection of the Justin’s and Ohio is hopefully going to speak loudly today about what they feel about this subversive attempt to change their Constitution. If only we could take care of the constant air being sucked out of us by MSM giving Trump so much free airtime. And am hopeful the judicial system will prevail to move quickly to trial for MR Trump, like they would for any other citizen accused of these same crimes. So much more to say, so little time. But thanks Keith for your awesome post.
Keith, thoughtful comment, leads me to think about--just change-the-channel for the MAGA ignorant. A hacker that would upset Fox would help (since Fox is strictly guided by shrill tabloid fodder, money-spinner, when cable pays Fox more than anyone, a negotiated pay to view, though most payers don’t watch Fox).
I don’t think MAGAs really care about substance of their faux outrage, they just enjoy it, they enjoy getting together and feeling righteous. I have a friend that suffers from a high-functioning form of, join anything and grumble along, as if you know what you’re talking about, and as if you mean it. She is older now so off her meds, they make her feel too calm and controlled. The Human Motivators, “membership, purposefulness, autonomy, mastery,” are all answered by joining the shrill alarmist influencers on social media. Somehow stop the flow, as it is necessary. So They awaken, as from a trance.
I so agree with you..it sickens me every day to hear how the few are holding us hostage
I'm surprised that people are not outraged and saying so against FOX, against Republicans, against outright terrible behavior of MTG, Gaetz. Gosar, Boebert, Jordan, Scott, Johnson, Scalise, Abbot... They all are off the wall and shouldn't be allowed to be Congresspeople. It's hard to believe that people are so misguided and led to follow Donald and risk losing the very programs that would make their lives better. Biden continues to methodically show his love for our Country and our people. He's doing a great job! I hope people see this and acknowledge it sooner than later. He deserves a lot of credit.
I think most sane, reasonable Americans are outraged & speaking up. Unfortunately our mass media outlets can’t get enough of the ridiculous drama the GOP creates on a daily basis, & so the realities of what’s happening in this country get pushed aside in favor of sensationalism. We’re generally pretty unappreciative in the US but I see & hear praise for Biden all the time & while ik he’s got plenty of rabid opposition, no one’s ever asked my opinion- so I just don’t put much stock in polls
Kim, I like your stance. You are right about our media and needing the drama. Trump has been the first or second story nearly every day since June of 2015 just before Trump announced running for president. If he is off for a few days, he will do or say something the media just MUST cover even if it is something he has blurted out hundreds of times before, rarely even calling a lie a lie. Their best new thing is to say "there is no evidence to support that." They just can't seem to say the word "lie." Trump's comments now are becoming more and more unhinged and his Republican presidential wannabees are following suit: DeSantis with his cutting people's throats and Pence now whining that Trump really was a bad man (what he doesn't say is that he himself was too much of a coward to say something sooner). Trump now issues regular threats to everyone who is not him and who does not give him total loyalty even though he is loyal to no one. Amazing, and our media loves it and plays it day after day. Biden may get a mention if he is traveling or gave a speech that the media can connect with, or if he happens to mention Trump. Outrageous!
Thanks Ruth, I couldn’t agree more. I can’t stomach the sound of Cheetolini’s lies for more than 20 seconds, so I haven’t watched the news on tv in a really long time. Print journalists are a little better imo, they get caught up in the juicier stories too but tend to be little more circumspect & factual about it at least. At the end of the day, the GOP’s been hard at work corporatizing America for decades, & supporting a corrupt, bigoted, incompetent, childish “businessman” with no regard for the law or anything else into the White House was their crowning betrayal
Great comments, all. But it’s not just the fact that corporate “mainstream” media just wants to sell copy (clicks), or that Americans are reeling in the aftermath of Covid (Americans have lost their ability to see nuance and apply critical thought), or that a few notorious Republican politicians are acting as roadblocks to important confirmations and legislation (there are Dems too, like Manchin, that are drunk on their power). It seems to me that this country has ossified into its present state by a couple of spoiled, privileged, white dominated generations unwilling to relinquish control. Look at the state of many of our top political figures (McConnell, Feinstein, and yes, Trump AND Biden). The parties are controlled by them. Corporations are dominated by them (Murdoch, Gates, the Kochs, for example) and a rigid, entitled block of elderly, relatively affluent white voters still pack a wallop politically and insist on living in the past. Only time and fresh blood will cure this, if we are fortunate enough to survive these times. It gives me no great pleasure to make these observations; I’m of Western European descent (white as snow) and will turn 80 this month.
Yes, yes & yes
Yes, the comment I am linked to here (LeMoine) is much closer to my own thoughts. All the other comments I saw were just agreeing with the same stuff Reich is saying. I am glad to see this and I need to point out that, if this is a democracy, other persons have a right to express their views as well. Our country is turning into a mess. I was astonished at the way Robert Reich opened, failing to see any problems in the Biden administration. I am so fed up with Biden... But does my side have the right to speak? If other persons are fully absorbed in their own views, overlooking all the facts that do not agree with those views, then I am sure they will eventually just shut down all the critics. All "for the good of the nation" of course. I think we are seeing how easy it is, with lack of proper social and cultural support, for persons to become completely locked into ideology. How could anyone possibly fail to see that Biden really loves the inside deals and backroom dealing sort of politics. Corruption is just a big barrel of laughs for him. His some is some kind of expert on natural gas, so he was paid to "advise" a Ukrainian company about such things? No one notices that, though. Biden is corrupt. He LIKES being corrupt. That is why nobody can stop him in his "inevitable" rise to the presidency. He is buyable. He won't stop the corporations from polluting the earth with plastics, which are accumulating in huge pools or islands in the oceans. If nobody stops this, eventually the whole earth will be destroyed, or almost. Humans will then need to be eliminated, to save the planet. They will be. That is how our ideological obsessions will end, with the death of the human race. So okay I will stop here and hope I did more good than bad.
Well, Jacob, I will say that any politician of any stripe is suspect in my mind. But I don't take as dim a view of Biden or his son as you apparently do. In fact, I have to say that Joe Biden is many orders of magnitude better than Donald Trump was and aspires to be again. And the Republican extreme right in the House is a joke that can't possibly be compared to any entrenched group of Democrats in either house of Congress, although they too are politicians and generally feed out of the same corporate trough as their Republican brethren. Again, only a new generation will resolve this. I would love to see the 2024 presidential election be between Florida's Ron DeSantis and California's Gavin Newsome and be about policy positions and not lies and smear tactics. Sadly, the only things that seem capable of shaking things up and affecting fundamental change are catastrophes like the Great Depression or WW2 (of course we DO have climate change....).
You can speak all you want but here's the problem you're just regurgitating Murdoch and I never saw Biden hump a flag and I never saw biden's handshake when he drank a glass of water and I never saw him look up at an eclipse and I never saw him where he's Superman shirt or overthrow a government so speak away whether or not people listen well that just throws you into the realm of Megyn Kelly who was annihilated by Trump hoping that USA soccer team lost and Ted Cruz who was willing to take, I don't even want to use the language, let's just say that he didn't protect his wife and he ran when they were problems so speak away because we have the right to ignore you as well.
You've made some wise points. Thank you!
Thanks Lucy, I guess bad news always makes more noise than good news. Biden will likely experience the same lack of appreciation in his own lifetime that a lot of good people who do important things end up suffering. But I really don’t think he’ll mind all that much, as long as people & the country get the help they need
Kim, like you I haven’t been asked in polls. That’s because like so many others, I have a lot of restrictions on my phone as to what calls I receive. Also, I don’t listen to broadcast news I read the outlets I pick and choose who seem to give mostly honest and as unbiased as I can find reporting on my various devices.
I don’t have a lot of confidence in polls and even the mailed polls always want personal info I’m not willing to give and most definitely money. But I do vote and I do know that Pres. Biden has done a lot of good so far, in spite of the fierce opposition and antics of the paid-for so-called representatives in the political arena, now.
Am I in the minority? Perhaps, but I think there’s a lot of people like me out there that just don’t have the time or inclination to be bombarded by the media or hang out in a lot of social media. This is my non-guilty pleasure, lol.
I don’t think you’re in the minority at all, & I do spend a fair amount of time on social media most days! For all his bluster & bs, Donnie didn’t win the popular vote in 2016 & then lost bigly in 2020- like many of the midterm crackpots & clowns he backed last year. And I seriously doubt his antics since have won him many new supporters, so any poll that has him even with Biden just strikes me as unreliable- though I’ll never underestimate the depth of American ignorance & pettiness again :(
F the media.
I am outraged that media like WSJ, CNBC, and other financial "experts" aren't reporting that Saudi/OPEC/Russia have in effect raised oil prices, which is like a tax on all of us and that the Fed is still brainwashed by trickle down theory.
From what I understand, Fox et al took DNC and other Democratic ad campaign money in 2020 Abd 2022. The defamation case exposed tat they were a defacto agent for Trump and they screwed them. Why haven't they sued? This should be headlines.
And why haven't FOX and other Media been held accountable for their part in Ja, 6?
What I am outraged about is the Saudi takeover of farmland and water rights out West and the media--ABC evening news week of July 31-Aug. 5--sorry don't remember the exact date the story ran--only recently giving a one-minute story about it. Every American should be loudly protesting the using of our water and land to feed Saudi cows and people.
And why is no one talking about Jared Kushner receiving over two billion dollars from the Saudi Prince?
Because he has a legitimate investment fund and all the money is sourced. I assume you're bringing this up because Joe and Hunter took bribes from foreign enemies? Not even close to the same thing.
Chris Christie says it best:
“ The grift from this family is breathtaking,” Christie said, going straight at the Trump family's shameless swindling. “Jared Kushner and Ivanka Kushner walk out of the White House and months later get $2 billion from the Saudis?”
What for? It's a payoff, Christie suggested.
"You think it’s because he’s some kind of investing genius?" Christie posited. "Or do you think it’s because he was sitting next to the president of the United States for 4 years doing favors for the Saudis?"
“Voters should be pissed off, he added.
"That’s your money," Christie said. "That’s your money he stole, and gave it to his family."
They had to make room for the dog saving the kittens story
Daniel...the 1st amendment is hallowed ground these days. Whatever happened to 'You can't yell fire in a crowded theater'? Seems yelling anything is acceptable now regardless of damage or harm.
Actually, that adage was not rational when written.
Many exceptions to the 1st Amendment, perjury , defamation, threats, "fighting words."
I would hold them to another standard. Aid. Abetting. Comfort. 18 U.S. Code § 2383 - Rebellion or insurrection
Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 808; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)
Daniel, you have expanded my point admirably. Why aren't these outlandish false statements being prosecuted, or at least challenged in the public square?
What happened to slander?
That's what I want to know, too!
Let's not forget that the Donald tried to bribe Ukraine to just turn their country over to Russia so imagine what he do to us.
Lucy, good points. I have been reading about why people vote against their own self-interests. It is pretty complicated, but the main part is that for some crazy reason, people don't want to see people they don't like getting anything, even if it is less than what they themselves have. They think Medicaid is for poor people and someone hints that most of the people who will get it are Black or immigrants, they will fight it even though they themselves are getting it and having it has kept them alive. Many people who tend to be Republican do not believe Social Security is run by our government, and somehow think they deserve it more than THOSE people. The hard part for me to reconcile is that so many of those folks who don't want THOSE people to have something they feel they don't deserve, claim to be christian and want to force their brand of christianity on everyone else with their white christian nationalism. I don't think these folks can be saved, except through direct contact with dear friends or family members who can patiently show them a different way. We need to be aware of them, but not spend too much time trying to court them. They revel in their misery and who are we to deny them the pleasure!
Very well said Ruth.
That comment, Ruth, made sense. I was glad to receive these ideas!
What you say is true!! It makes me sad and mad.
Perhaps the evil within these ghastly people speaks to something within those fanatics who support them blindly. Maybe they would do the same given half a chance.
Susan, you have a point there. It took a whole lot of "ordinary" German people to run the vast network of death camps, forced labor installations, "security" units that ferited out and reported Jews and other unworthies, served in the military, and drove the rest of the Nazi operation. Some were forced, but a whole lot did it because they were believers and had decided they liked having power over people, even in their little corner of the conquered nations, causing as much pain and sorrow as possible. There clearly are a bunch of Trump, Greene, Boebert, Gates, Jordan, Little Kevvy, McConnell wannabees as proven by the way ignorant "parents" have attacked school boards and other community assets. Thanks for the insight.
I often wonder where we would all stand in that situation. I HOPE I know, but when it may involve your family we can never be sure. I have an elderly German neighbour whose father hid people in his barn. That took guts. But to look at neighbours and family NOW and think they might ACTIVELY JOIN IN, rather than passively stand on the sidelines out of fear, which is likely what many would do, it is sickening.
But we won't forget.
Susan, what a remarkable thing to have a relative who was willing to risk his and his family's lives to save others. That is probably the greatest gift one person can give another. I have seen some of that kind of giving when in disasters, people have worked hard, even died trying to save people they don't even know, caught in a flood, landslide, wildfire, or other terror. That is truly courageous and needs to be celebrated more. Maybe if it were, more people would see caring for a stranger, ore even someone you don't think is like you, as a good beyond value. I know there are those who would stand against this because division works so well for them. We don't have to go along with their divisiveness. We could choose a different path and show the benefits of that choice in PSAs, news reports, kids' programming, and in school curricula. We could make a difference here and learn how to overcome any need to harm others because they don't think, act, or look like us.
They would. That's why MAGAt's and RW'rz like them!
Lucy Socha: I agree that Biden deserves a lot of credit. The representatives in government who voted not to accept President Biden's win should be removed from office! They support tfg's attempted coup (which, by the way, is still ongoing!). They work against Democracy and the Common Good!
It's so true and it's frustrating that it is ongoing. It's hard to believe that they would do that. What do they think they're going to get instead?
Brava!
Thank you!
I hope people wake up and smell the roses before the roses die. It shows you how easily people in this country can be misguided by an expert con-man. They have a great president who is on their side and they have no idea!
Well said, J. Slate. I appreciate your comment.
We are far ahead of other countries. But corporations are the problem —the private sector—and they are basically conservative. Corporate greed has never been worse. Auto financing just went up 2 points since June. So a $348 payment is now $461. No one is addressing this. If inflation is improving, why did the Fed just punish everyone again with higher rates? The average citizen is struggling with bills. I just moved into a luxury apartment building in the northeast suburbs of Chicago. One month after the move-in, we got acquired by a different real estate management group. Rents have now skyrocketed through the ceiling. Instead of the $100 typical annual increase, they now want $500, $600, $700 per month increases to fast track their multi-million dollar acquisition cost. So most of the building is moving out. Corporations detest Biden because they are conservative. The public sector and its greed, is what is killing America 🇺🇸 right now. The high profits are not easily given up, and there is a reluctance to lower prices. If fascism is hitting this country, it is coming through the private sector. Not the government. Corporate greed is the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life. It doesn’t care whether you can afford it or not.
PS The Fed is a problem imho too, but it's doing what it's supposed to do: you should add banks to your list! What it's supposed to do reveals just what's wrong with advanced capitalism: “Core inflation is stubbornly high and progress has been slow. The strength in the labor market and resilience of the overall economy are why the Fed is still raising interest rates" (Greg McBride CFA, Bankrate). A strong labor market (btw enabling more unionizing and successful strikes than we seen in decades!) and a resilient economy are *problems* to the finance world. I'd like Prof. Reich to explain why Biden kept conservative Republican Powell running the Fed.
Maybe because Biden is a conservative. Just a guess.
He is considered a moderate or centrist -not conservative Democrat.
The predicate is from Republican talking points. The perfect is the enemy of the feasible.
Troglodytes are the real enemy.
Maybe so. I tend to think he's a nice but ambitious man without an ideology--but not having one means drifting right as our "center" has drifted right for 50 years under the influence of neoliberalism. Elizabeth Warren is a big fan of capitalism too, but she gets what's wrong with neoliberalism (as well she might, given her academic specialty).
What you miss is that even without a mandate, without full support, Biden got more accomplished in 2 years than anybody since LBJ.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/therecord/
Mr. Solomon, I don't miss that. I'm a Democrat activist, albeit from the left. I work every day phonebanking, writing letters, organizing, spreading good news about the Biden administration. I've worked hard for Biden and to get a Democratic Senate, and work for that every single day. And I have advice for him that comes from talking to 1000s of people over the last 3 years, and teaching the young ones for a living, and that advice is to throw them a bone when it comes to drilling and pipeline permits (which will go far to help save his grandchildren, as well as the rest of us), and to use his executive power to come up with something more than the SAVE labyrinth. Young people manned the GOTV effort in 2020 and they haven't seen any of their particular goals met: I worry they won't help GOTV again. So far, it's all us old folks.
Amy Larson; The Fed did not just punish everyone: Those wealthy enough to live on interest rates got a windfall from those higher interest rates. They just punished the majority of us
They go hand in hand -- from congress to SCOTUS. Corporations are being allowed to rape and pillage working people be use the Republican congress and SCOTUS are changing laws that allow them to do so. And in return, they and their campaigns are receiving money and gifts in kind to the tune of millions. If the dark money stopped, so would the war on the middle class.
Maria you just hit the nail on the head. John Robert's Citizens United is really one of the worst things that happened to this country. Everyone who wanted something from the government, namely the Republicons, started doling out black money everywhere they could, and, that's why we are where we are today. Not the only reason of course, but one of the main reasons. If we can get rid of citizens united which means getting rid of scotus we have a chance of surviving in this country. If not, our lunches will just be eaten by more demagogues more con artists more criminals in our public systems of government.
"Instead of the $100 typical annual increase, they now want $500, $600, $700 per month increases to fast track their multi-million dollar acquisition cost. So most of the building is moving out." This is very surprising to me, especially in the Chicago area. I've never lived in a city where increases like this on existing tenants were lawful.
Look it up. These are the 55+ communities owned by Greystar (downtown Chicago). They bought up all the communities so no one can go anywhere else. I’m looking into Champaign, IL. So many people in my building have indicated that they will never EVER rent from a Greystar building again. The management is terrible too. Have cut services in the building; half the Maintenance staff has left; classes cut; activities cut.
Wow, appalling The people of Chicago should look into laws controlling that kind of egregious injustice in other big cities, and rise up--I know they're good at rising up! It must be just sickening to be chased out by these thugs... My theory of What's Wrong With the World (because it's wrong in every country) centers on the real estate industry/developers. They control the land--not the government, certainly not the people--in most places. And what they do with it is destroy it for habitation, by people, birds, pollinating insects, wild horses, the whole web of life.
So agree.
Amy, you are right that corporations are conservative. They find their nich and want to stay in it as long as they can bring in the profits at a strong rate. When profits are not what they think they should be getting, they raise prices far beyond what is necessary to keep and equilibrium. Then there's Powell and the Fed. Powell is a Republican pure and simple. He has bought the KoolAde just hasn't drunk enough of it yet to totally blurt out what he really is planning. He is wanting a recession, one big enough that Republicans will gain all three branches of government and can do whatever harm they choose as long as it makes them more wealthy and far more powerful. Doing harm to everyone who is not rich, white, "straight," pseudo-christian, and male will be a bonus for them. Powell wants a place in that insanity and is working hard to get it. He has completely ignored price gouging and blames inflation on working people. Everyone should be able to see through that, but there are a lot of scared white people who want to believe it is all THOSE people (not white) who are causing inflation with their demanding better wages and working conditions. We need to address this soon or we will be in a recession and Powell and his clan will go happily on since it won't impact them in the least.
I own a small company and you hit the nail on the head. I had to raise my prices because everybody that I got my supplies from went up it’s kind of a Sh.t rolls down hill effect. That’s the real question. How do you stop that price gouging because I know my suppliers are probably raising their prices because their overheads are going up
That’s the million dollar question. Because if government gets too involved, it’s called socialism. Yet we need boundaries because companies know they can get away with this! First things first -review every benefit Trump gave them during his term in office and modify it, or remove it. The tax break was way too excessive and unnecessary. Companies already have capital expenditures they can write-off. Trump took it way, way down from something like 30% to 18%. Wall Street rallied. But the average worker got next to nothing. I’ve written Biden because I have his White House cell # indicating that big corporate needs to pay. Close loopholes for the wealthy as well.
For one thing, you may have a cause of action if your company has been price gouged.
E.G. https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-secures-court-decision-denying-amazon%E2%80%99s-attempt-evade#:~:text=In%20September%2C%20Attorney%20General%20Bonta,California%20through%20anticompetitive%20contracting%20practices.
Amy, you wrote “The public sector and its greed...” didn’t you mean the private sector?
I'm so glad you caught that -- I was going to correct it! Love this group because I'm reading and listening to real "Aces", professionals and advanced educators. It's such an advantage and one can learn A LOT~! Thank you for that, Harry. It's the private sector I'm worried about. And don't get me started on the 'two sets of books' on Wall Street. Back door stocks (now you see them, now you don't) is all a part of the magical game of GUESS. I actually saw (this is no kidding) my Schwab portfolio go up THE EXACT AMOUNT in total portfolio stock price to 'almost' the exact amount go down a day or two later. This see-saw effect started occurring with so much regularity that I realized the average investor was/is being 'played'. Companies now own a 2nd set of books with artificial stock prices. Why? Because they have patents to pay down; R&D expenses in product development; additional costs and expenditures, acquisition costs and of course, they have to pay their CEO. Now that we know Wall Street is 'conservative', invest wisely. These greedy corporations are not in a position to give you ANY of their money and will find ways to divert the earnings. So invest cautiously, carefully. Read and research as much as you can. And the Lottery? Don't even get me started.
You got it!
I don’t think just raising interest rates is the solution there’s got to be another way to bring prices back down for everybody and keep wages up
When did the Fed increase rates again, I must have missed that?
Our form of government does not allow the president to force corporations to lower their charges. That can only happen with the GOP first passing a bill and the senate also passing the same bill, then the president signs the bill.
I believe the 1/4% was just a week ago or so. Very recent. Consumer auto loans went from 5.25% (in June) to 7.25% for 60 months. 5.75% (in June) to 7.75% today.
The Fed raised the rate again recently. Even though it was only 1/4%, consumer loans went up 2 points!
Good article about OUR STABLE PRESIDENT BIDEN IS 🗽💙We the People are standing with him all the Way to 2024👍👍to 2028🗽💙
I also blame the media. We are inundated with idiots 24/7. How about talking about the good Biden is doing instead of the bad trump is? I’m sick of looking at that orange goon! Please focus on Biden and see what happens. It would be nice for a change.
Major newspapers don't, mostly, employ idiots. I switched to papers from TV a few decades ago as TV news with its shallow reporting and sensationalism, began to get really bad in the 80s. The "papers" are available online, as is NPR. The Guardian, the Boston Globe (I live in the Boston area) and the Washington Post email me their linkable headlines every morning, and the latter two add important breaking news later. They need our support, and they repay it.
Go to Statesnewsrooms . They have affiliates in about 34 states to report on state, legislative proceedings and other events happening in the state .subscribe and share with other people you know https://statesnewsroom.com/
Yes, I love that site. Or anyway I love the site called News from the States, which is similar if not the same thing. The person who collates the news stories gathered there, usually Kate Queram, is wonderfully funny as well as doing an important job to educate us.
accept no substitutues! Hah ! https://statesnewsroom.com/
https://muckrack.com/kate-elizabeth-queram she contributes to the above statesnewsroom
Oh dear, so confusing. I just tried your link but I'm in France, where it won't open (?). Will keep an eye out when I get back! Meanwhile, I will revel in Kate Queram's invaluable "Evening Wrap" daily newsletter of stories from News From the States.
Strange. The link works for me. The good thing about state news rooms is how to allow someone to focus on what’s happening in your state. I live in Missouri and frankly I’m not always wanting to know what the GOP legislature is doing for damage.
I'm in France--the link says it can't be opened where I am. The EU has strict privacy rules and not every US website gets through, though you'd think this one would.
This conversation is confusing me: State News Room seems identical to News From the States, and they even share Kate Queram--?
Admittedly, I am less confident that the 60% living precariously from paycheck to paycheck, wherein a decent family income is only sustained by more people working longer hours while still weighted down by mortgage debt, credit card debt, and the like necessarily feel, or will feel in the foreseeable future, the impact of the current Administration’s accomplishments. Accordingly, I believe, aside from underscoring its achievements despite narrow margins in both federal chambers, this Administration must amplify what the country can expect if we can defend and increase Democratic margins. The list would include extending the child tax credit and providing affordable, quality childcare, universal Pre-K, paid sick and family leave, a $15 minimum hourly wage, investments in housing, in eldercare, in climate, and the like. The point, excluding Manchin and the recently minted Independent Sinema, is that Democrats, overall, have an extraordinary narrative if only they would deliver it.
We also need UBI and Medicare for All. Recently I have been watching Richard D. Wolff on YouTube. He is a excellent teacher on par with Robert Reich.
Gloria, While I don’t disagree, I methodically listed policies supported by 49 Democratic Senators. Accordingly, in 2024, when Democratic Senators up for re-election confront an extremely unfriendly map, I will consider it a win if we can defend every seat and add one more.
I understand your strategy, but we need to keep the pressure on.
Agreed.
Agree that Mr. Wolff is an excellent teacher, but he is NOT a fan of Mr. Reich when it comes to capitalism..
https://www.democracyatwork.info/wolffonsavingcapitalism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNRyDa79ygA
we're going to climate war with the system we have, more or less. Distraction.
I too think Prof. Wolfe’s ideas are probably the best direction for our country. HOWEVER, unfortunately I don’t know how realistic it is to think those ideas can “win over” a majority of Americans any time soon. Hopefully we can incorporate some of Prof. Reich’s “fixes” to keep the country in one piece until real change is doable.
Today’s young people give me reason to hope, but so did the young people I grew up with in the 60’s & 70’s. Let’s try to help them learn from our mistakes.
I am not as big a fan of capitalism as Robert Reich is either. We need the debates and respect the nuances, which are many.
Barbara Jo, you are so right about being able to deliver the message. Those people who are struggling now were struggling even more before Biden took office and we were dealing with a pandemic Trump had no clue how to manage and really didn't care about. He can't even admit how sick he actually was with COVID. One thing that could really help struggling people would be a rent freeze for the next 5 years or so where rents have been raised more than 10% in the past 2 years. I know peoople whose rents ahve increased so much and there is so little housing they are stranded in a dump of a hotel which they really can't afford either. It is appalling. In addition, no hedge funds should ever be able to purchase housing. They have their fingers in so many pies, they need to be regulated before all of us are directly impacted.
Hedgefunds have no purpose than to get themselves rich. There should not be any corporations of any kind for whom that is their purpose. It can be a side effect, but not the purpose. We truly do need corporate regulation that actually works. Then, there's the food and other monopolies that can jack up prices to whatever level they choose because who's going to stop them. We could do better and there are some mechanisms, if we choose to employ them.
Ruth, I write both to thank you for your provocative reply and to comment specifically on your thoughts regarding excessive corporate gouging. I would note, barring an occasional word from the President or the occasional Congressional hearing, I am troubled that Democrats, overall, have declined to enact a united, laser-focused effort to expose how corporate profits account for over half of the increased prices people are paying. While some might defend a party’s reluctance to bite the hand that feeds it, I believe the benefits of pinning corporate pricing as among the biggest drivers of disproportionate wealth, power, and influence would outweigh the costs. In a word, we need Democratic leadership to be focused and disciplined and not to allow Republican deceptions and distortions related to the state of the economy to go unanswered.
Barbara JO, that was an amazing argument for Democrats getting a backbone on the issue of corporate price-gouging and the other bad behavior corporations have been permitted to foster and participate in. Which Dems can we get to move the ball on this one. Elizabeth Warren and Katie Porter are really good, but they seem too focused on their campaigns as are most of the activist Dems. Maybe Booker of NJ, Fetterman of PA, and Whitehouse of RI could form a trio and bring in others who also want something positive done. How do we get them on board? I am a writer, not an active activist.
Ruth. Thank you for your reply. I would note, given I started pressing House and Senate Democratic leadership several weeks before the 22 midterm election to call out record corporate profits (a 52% increase) as the biggest driver of inflation, unless you are connected in ways I’m not, I wouldn’t know how to proceed, though I very much appreciate your 3 prospects. Still, since Reich has had the greatest impact on how I think about the way powerful corporations are driving inflation, I do wonder whether he could help open some doors.
Barbara Jo, I keep hearing Fed members interviewed about the economy and inflation and have not heard one of them acknowledge the role of price-gouging, corporate cheating, rich people's tax evasion, or any of the outrageous profit realities. Now, why would that be! I still think Powell is pushing for a recession, hoping for one and doing his best to create one. I can't help but wonder who besides our government is paying him and what he hopes to gain. He knows Republicans have nothing to offer anyone but themselves, that is the already-rich selves. Until this is addressed, very little positive is going to change no matter how hard Biden and the Dems work.
Ruth, While I have been equally frustrated by the media coverage, I have asked a different question: Why has the Fourth Estate, which is charged with exposing deception, not repeatedly exposed how corporate profits account for over half of the increased prices people are paying? I expect, unless we can find a champion who is not several degrees of separation from those who hold the real power, that working families throughout the country, many of whom are prepared to vote Republican, the Party that has been silent on this issue, will cast a vote, in 24, that runs counter to their interests and concerns.
the system rewards economists who think along status quo lines. Intellectural capture is the word for it. That's why Piketty wanted none of it.
Ruth, I want to respond, but I’ve run out of time. I will write when I return home this evening.
Yeah Barbara Jo but we heard what we could expect from the present administration when they campaigned 2020. All you kindly enumerated for us. So?? Why should it be any different 2024, except that we're even more petrified than we were then, so of course we'll hold our noses and vote the dems in again.
Wow. How about the pandemic to start and us delivering a house whose sole agenda isn’t thwarting Biden’s agenda. If we can deliver a super majority that list is what we get in return.
I wonder how they get away with allowing a phony like Santos to remain in Office? Just because the speaker needs his votes,? How many other fakes helped them 'win'?
@dnkarr, As I wrote to Gloria, who is part of this thread, the policies I noted currently have the support of 49 Democratic Senators. Accordingly, in 2024, if we can defend every Democratic Senator up for re-election plus add one more, that would be a huge victory, considering Democratic Senators face an exceedingly unfriendly map.
dnkarr: So you prefer Fascism?
Professor
As is often the case, I wake in the middle of night, turn on my computer and you suck me in. While this is interesting, I am not sure it is good for me.
I think Biden is not getting credit because in the words on one of our fellow Substacker
"things feel unsettled these days, partly because of chop in the prosecutorial waters surrounding the actions of former president Trump, partly because of changes in the U.S. economy, partly because of turmoil brought by climate change, and partly because of what appears to be the instability of a global realignment. This realignment has been forced by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the global effort to stand against that aggression." And because the cost of housing is so high for many people.
As always thank you for your work on behalf of part of my chosen family.
Fred
Heather Cox Richardson. I follow her too.
I sure wish he hadn't sacrificed 10 points with the mismanaged Afghanistan exit. Having said that I do agree that it takes time for the effects of good policy to soak into the experience of the electorate. As for me? I have houses with probably Democratic young people living in them near me. I plan to take voter registration forms over to them on the possibility that there is someone over there who needs to either register or update their registration. It might be something positive that we all can do.
Also Randy, at voterizer.org people can register to vote online in 2 minutes.
Oh. Thank you! A great piece of supplemental information!
Great idea.
Yes also join LWV or other organization to do voter registrations
Excellent article Mr. Reich. Unfortunately, for America and our World, you are not a part of the Biden administration, very sad for all of us...
Biden could easily come out and support union activity at Starbucks, Amazon, Trader Joes, and others via social media, by getting democrats to campaign supporting unions, and trump supporters could switch.
Other than that, I don't understand why despite 3% inflation being down from 9%, everything is still so expensive. OK, corporate greed must be the sole reason why I'm spending more on food, basic necessities like toilet paper. what else can it be?
But he can't because in reality he's a corporate democrat.
There's a happy medium somewhere in there regarding the fights for pay levels & rights, and the unions obviously are on one extreme side & all companies trying to survive are on the other. It's a balancing act. For every nasty company that is deliberately screwing it's workers there are a lot who are barely hanging on to survival because of the myriad rules they have to comply with in the first place. I have 2 sons who run a small company & they do battle daily with regulations governing every aspect of the business, and while they pay their (less than 10 most days) employees well, they get really fed up with all the regs that govern every aspect of what they do. After I have listened sympathetically to their screams of pain, I tell them 'that is why I would never want to run my own company' ! It is NOT fun ! You basically need a 'Compliance Officer' to make sure any company is following all the rules laid down for the business at hand - because there are a LOT of those rules !
Good point. And a reason why a lot of small business owners are Republicans. However “regulations” come from all levels - local,
State and Federal. The President has little power to control all those.
Well, a nearly 10% increase in annual rate of prices has a lasting effect, & even though it's much lower now, it's still increasing. Statistically it looks great because it's way down from what it was & is much better than most other countries in the world, but it still has a negative impact that can only (for now, anyway) be alleviated but not shaken. And corporate price gouging is a major factor, but by no means the only one (& most can be traced to actions by Trump &/or Putin).
It's not the surveys and opinion polls that you should worry about now. What you should worry about is the message and the media. And all the negativity and relation to what's going on today. The elites are what you should be concerned about as well as the problem of social and economic inequality in this country.
I'm not as optimistic as Mr. Reich...In 1992, James Carville famously coined "It's the economy stupid". George H.W. Bush was wooden and stuck to his mantra that the "pieces were all falling into place" for recovery. Bush got beat. These days, while flaking for Biden, Carville is sounding like Bush.
I'm worried. I keep hearing the pieces are falling into place...But, we have a President that can't communicate good news, a VP that can't carry the White House's message, and all I see 43/43 polls. For all of Trump's insanity, he's neck-and-neck.
Joe Biden is remaking the American economy and I we hear nary a peep from him. FDR clued America into the story, every step of the way. Donald Trump told us daily that his was, "The best economy, ever". Joe Biden is silent. Biden spent campaign 2020 in his basement. It may be that his campaign trail muscle memory has atrophied.
Sometimes you pour a good foundation...for the next President. I fear that may be Biden's fate... His numbers haven't budged. He can't put together two good weeks. The bounce Clinton and Obama got after their mid-term shellackings, has eluded Biden after his 2022 break-even. After, my fifty years of doing politics, you get a feel...I don't like what I see.
It's not that Biden is silent, as he often touts his own achievements. It's more that the media simply does not share the news...instead it's focused on trump in the Biden arena and pro Trump in the Trump arena whi have their own media outlets.
The main difference is media which is no longer on conventional avenues but rather paid stations and people stay with those paid stations.
Again, major newspapers do share the news. It's TV that doesn't, except for PBS.
Murdoch owns newspapers, too. Hearst papers, etc. Even at the NYT, WAPO, there's a lot to be desired.
NPR and PBS were co-opted by Koch bros money many years ago.
If the stock market means anything, Bidenomics works and is not reported in financial papers and even financial sections in most papers.
How can any president or vice president Cary a message to the masses when mainstream media refuses not only to help deliver it or deliver it fairly -- they actively promote the crazy. Need we see more than that ridiculous trump CNN Town Hall?! It’s up to us. We have to deliver the message--even if it’s one by one. We have to deliver the message that Biden has done all those things Mr. Reich mentioned in this article and then some (including a work around for student loan forgiveness through the education department that has already forgiven billions for 804,000). And one last point-- I think it’s important to keep in mind that poll numbers can also be partisan and skew results-- remember there was no red wave.
I agree the president and democrats need help with messaging. Though I believe we also can help with posting on social media the truth about the economy.
But Biden has to stop chumming up with war criminal Israel and stop putting up illegal barriers to immigrants, for starters. He also has to stop fist-bumping that murderer MBS in Saudi Arabia. And he can stop meddling very hurtfully in other countries’ affairs. And he has to end the embargo against Cuba. These are policies he’s inherited from previous Presidents, but he doesn’t have to follow ‘em.
I'm totally with you on Israel. We should be withdrawing our support and even sanctioning them until they allow the Palestinians their home and basic human rights, get out of Gaza/the West Bank, and stop terrorizing them. That we continue to support them is unconscionable.
I agree. Biden would likely poll a lot better if he stopped trying to appeal to moderate & right leaning voters. It’s the political hypocrisy that most Americans are truly tired of from our leaders
Except he personally is NOT an extreme Leftie, so of course he wants to appeal to the middle. I'm not an extreme Leftie either having grown up in UK where I remember very well the myriad of fights of the highly unionized groups who caused multiple mayhem there during my early years (I'm 83 now living in the US many years). I developed a distinct dislike for crazed people screaming about their rights, and that was during a time when we had a wonderful National Health Service which was totally free to everybody. I have seen everything getting eroded since that era & way too much Corporate power now in the US ! That offends my wish for fairness & decency, but I have not lost my recognition that given too much power on EITHER side they will get out of hand !
Crazed people screaming about their rights kinda started this country ;)
Indeed they did. "Crazed people screaming about their rights" are the ones who count.
Yep.
While I agree, there is still some fear. To twist a well-known phrase, "It is not just the economy stupid." This worked for Clinton, but it is not working now. There are other issues (climate, Ukraine, human rights, environmental and ecosystem instability) that are interconnected, dangerous and pending. The other shoe dropping is a worry held wisely by many. Biden is not talking enough, and when he does talk people recognize that he is old, he does hesitate, and though he may be as bright and experienced as anyone, he is of the generation that caused our present condition (just like the orange fruit cake, but he is not worthy to run. Biden is.) Our age revels in appearances, which is the success of Barbie, and Biden does not have the right look or sound, even if he has better content. Will Biden be blamed if New Orleans drowns on his watch? No matter how good he is with the economy, he is still approving fossil fuels projects and that is alienating the young.
It's the culture stupid!
Professor Reich: i admit i'm quite outraged about biden's support for the oil and gas industry, which are hell-bent on destroying the planet (AND US!!) to suck the last dollar out of the earth ... and for what?
(for example, read this: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/04/joe-biden-oil-gas-funding-00109759 )
so i'll vote for biden when the time comes, but i'll be really angry about the absolutely crappy deadly choices we have as amerikkkans.
I am also angry that I have to vote for Biden instead of Cornel West so we don't end up with Trump.
(as usual)
GrrlScientist : I wonder what people in the colder North would do to heat their apartments/homes? Electric for heat is very expensive, and ask how it can work for millions of people currently. Is there technology that can be made available quickly to replace gas and oil? Hydrogen fuel has promise, but the infrastructure is not there, yet at least not for the entire areas needing it presently.
in norway, where i currently live, all of the electricity is provided either by wind or hydropower (99%). (periodically, it is extremely windy in norway, if you weren't aware.) iceland's electricity comes from hydroelectric (70%) or geothermal (30%). finland relies on nuclear power, renewable energy, cogeneration and electricity import from neighboring countries, like norway and sweden. sweden seems to be the champion of low-carbon-emitting sustainable energy, using hydroelectric (43%), nuclear (31%) power, and wind (9%).
personally, nuclear power makes me extremely uncomfortable (actually, i do not like it!), but so far, it seems to be working for scandinavian countries SO FAR because it appears they have competent people and a well-constructed infrastructure, and all without poisoning their wildlife, soils or indigenous people with either meltdowns or waste disposal issues. (but see the film, chernobyl, or the days, about the fukushima disaster, to get a better idea of why nuclear power scares the bejesus out of me.)
so to answer your question, at least some northern countries are doing well for sustainable energy.
NOTE: edited to include the correct name of the fukushima film.
I love the Nordic countries & I constantly bring them up as examples of how the US should be. As advanced countries, substantially superior to the US (I'm American by the way).
I lived in Norway too. They have very high governmental standards on their power infrastructure. It is also publicly owned and not for profit. The same can be said with regards to education and healthcare. Those factors alone explain much of their success and our failure. When our power, education and healthcare were nonprofit endeavors, Americans had cheap power, and world class education and healthcare. The changeover to for-profit in those 3 major areas started with Reagan in the 80’s. 40+ years of Republican dominance have brought us to where we are today.
WELLLLL ... norway enfuriates me with their blatant murder of whales (they've increased this year's "harvest" to 1,000!! and with no veterinary monitors to ensure this indefensible murder is even a teensy bit less cruel! then they stuff body bits from these magnificent creatures into cans and sell them as DOG FOOD). the "authorities" also have declared war on ANY wildlife that meet, befriend and interact the people here (freya ... ). They also have declared war on the environment with deep sea mining to scrape (and poison) the seabed empty of all life, and their rampant drilling for oil and gas so they can act as the crack dealer .. um, oil and gas dealer .. for a world of addicts!
oh, i almost forgot ... norwegians' greed & inexcusable cruelty also extends to the most needy of humans: it's illegal to feed homeless people here in norway.
but yeah, norway is SUCH a great example of what the USA should strive to be ...
My goodness. I lived in Norway 20 years ago. It’s difficult for me to believe so much could have changed so rapidly. During my years there I did not experience the cruelty and depredation you describe. You sound very passionate and very angry. The Norway I experienced was environmentally proactive, socially proactive, had an amazing educational system, and kind and responsible people. I hope your Norway can rejoin with the one I experienced.
You lived in Norway & decided to come live in the US? Why?
My (now) ex-husband was transferred there for a few years. Unlike grrlscientist, above, I was impressed by how their country was run. I was very sad to be sent back to the US. I saw a country that was striving to protect their environment, clean seas, small communities, and the health and well-being of their citizens. I would have loved to stay there.
For me, Norway sounds like a dream place to live. They're so far ahead of us in all the important ways. All the Nordic countries sound wonderful to me.
Robert, I sure hope you're right.