Clear Call to Action – He encourages people to fight back rather than succumb to despair.
Historical Context – He compares Trump’s regime to past authoritarian takeovers.
Emphasis on Activism – He reminds people to mobilize, organize, and support the vulnerable.
Encourages Connection – Stresses the importance of engaging with younger activists.
Promotes Resistance Tactics – Mentions civil disobedience, protests, and political engagement.
What’s Missing
Economic Warfare – There’s no mention of boycotts—one of the most effective tools in taking down oligarchs.
Targeting Trump’s Enablers – Reich doesn’t name MAGA billionaires, corporations, and media that are funding this regime.
Legal & Legislative Action – He doesn’t suggest how we can push Congress to block Trump and shut down disinformation.
Election Strategy – Reich rightly says to organize for elections, but he doesn’t get specific about voter suppression laws and how to counteract them.
Media & Narrative Control – He doesn’t emphasize turning off the propaganda pipeline, which is fueling this crisis.
20 Practical Actions to Stop Trump & Take Back Democracy
These are specific, real-world actions that you and anyone else can take right now:
1-5: Economic Warfare—Hit Them Where It Hurts
Boycott all Trump-related businesses (hotels, golf courses, clothing lines, etc.).
Boycott Tesla and all Musk-related ventures (Tesla, X/Twitter, SpaceX, Neuralink, Starlink).
Boycott Fox News advertisers—pressure companies to stop funding propaganda (List: foxnewsadvertisers.com).
Pressure Amazon (Jeff Bezos) to counter Musk & Trump—he has the power to boost alternative media.
Divest from banks that fund far-right politics—Switch from Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America to progressive banking alternatives.
6-10: Political & Legislative Action
Demand Congress bring up new impeachment proceedings—Pressure Dem leaders like Jeffries, Schumer to push impeachment.
Lobby for the 14th Amendment Disqualification Clause—Encourage legal scholars and Congress to argue Trump is disqualified for insurrection.
Work with state Secretaries of State to block Trump from ballots using the Constitution’s insurrection clause.
Pressure blue states to pass stronger election protection laws—especially in places where Republicans are still trying to suppress votes.
11-15: Media Control & Propaganda Shutdown
Turn off Fox News, OAN, and Breitbart—Stop giving them views, clicks, and engagement.
Expose and shame individuals funding far-right propaganda—List major donors publicly.
Report disinformation—Organize mass reporting of false info to social media platforms.
Promote alternative progressive media—Support real journalism like ProPublica, Democracy Now, and investigative reporting on Trump.
Flood mainstream news outlets with demands for factual coverage—Call CNN, MSNBC, and The New York Times to demand they stop normalizing Trump.
16-20: Grassroots Mobilization & Cultural Shift
Work with unions to oppose Trumpism—Unions are powerful and can block MAGA from regaining control.
Start anti-MAGA local groups—Organize at the town/city level to resist Republican policies and push progressive agendas.
Turn evangelicals against Trump—Expose his hypocrisy to weaken his religious voter base.
Flood the Supreme Court with ethics complaints—Target corrupt justices like Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who are aiding Trump.
Demand congressional investigations into dark money backing Trump—Expose billionaires funding the regime and shut down their influence.
Final Thoughts
It’s not enough to be outraged. We must act, and we must act now. Reich’s article is useful, but only if paired with real action like boycotts, legal pressure, and media control.
This is a battle for democracy itself. If we sit back and wait, the next stage will be much worse.
Michael, repeating your lengthy reply six times is not the way to behave on this substack. If you have something of value to say, it will get likes and rise to the top. Your repetitions will not assist in this.
well you might be right but we got to do something here guys cuz this is a lot of people's lives on the line so I think it's worth repeating to get up off the couch and get going
Thank you. Finally fell focus on my fight to the democrats. Time for chaos back to Trump. Impeachment proceedings, standing down the budget, calls for Musk’s removal. Chaos and attack back. Through them off.
I am a Democrat I am with FDR I am with the leadership of the democratic party
The Democratic Party Stands for the People—Always Has, Always Will
The Democratic Party has always stood for fair wages, strong unions, and the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves. We fight for the young, the elderly, the working class, and the marginalized. We stand for honesty, justice, and policies that uplift not only the United States but the entire world.
We defend and protect the programs that ensure dignity and security for all Americans:
✔ Social Security
✔ Medicare & Medicaid
✔ The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
✔ Fair Wages & Workers' Rights
We stand against authoritarianism and dictatorship in all its forms. We stand with NATO, with our European allies, and with democracies around the world. We oppose tyranny, whether it comes from Putin, Trump, or any other leader who seeks to undermine democracy.
We stand for civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious freedom. We believe in diversity, inclusion, and the fundamental truth that people are different—and that’s what makes our country great.
This is what the Democratic Party has always stood for. This is what we will always fight for.
If the cameras were rolling right now, I’d say it exactly like this:
The time for action is now. We cannot afford to sit back and let corruption and extremism define our future. We must organize, mobilize, and make it clear that the Democratic Party stands for the people—and always will.
Just as deadly as defeatism is hope. Hope is a drug, an anesthetic. Hang in there, help is on the way. Hang in there, someone will save us, so we hang in and do nothing.
The way to defend yourself is to go on the offense. If your castle wall is strong enough, that it can withstand any artillery or bombs, and you have access to water and food, then you can withstand a siege, otherwise you are doomed.
What is needed is to rally our forces, build up our reserves and logistics and go on the offense, push back, push back, attack, attack, attack, because if we don't we will wind up with the Technate of America, the Eurasia of Russia the East Asia of China and the Caliphate of Africa and the MidEast.
What do you propose? I heard the "Independent Veterans" are starting to rally. Maybe we should pick a day, week, start time, whichever, and have everyone out in the streets? In addition to the closing of our wallets, we continue to call, and email. What else? Your ideas?
Yes, Michael, Thank you. This read of yours is good and helpful, because i am reading it for the 1st time. I'm far from finding all which is said; i am not as plugged in as some of you. but i'm anxious and 100% my adult life for our Constitution. I've replayed and shared Rep Al Green's "commentary" on the censure put on him, and here i will with all of you :
michael,marc appears to be a very smart,well-reasoned guy but i agree with you-likes do not necessarily make right-often it's the earliest comments that get the most likes and are categorized as 'top'comments,when later comments are often as good or better or may represent differing viewpoints,facts,etc.-and as some greek,maybe heraclitus said,you can't step into the same stream twice-it's always changing-likewise,the readers and writers on this substack are always changing,due to differing time zones,people leaving,joining,whatever-you're always speaking to a somewhat new audience,so keep it up
Yea, we get it, Michael.......to Marc's notion, repeating your observations and suggestions may be more effective if done on a daily basis. Today, "information", once it's digitalized and presented to the world becomes, almost instantaneously, irrelevant...... like a grain of sand in the Sahara desert. As will this response.
Another observation....... this forum is comprised of many (if not all) who recognize the horror of what is happening. Dialogue aimed at and focused on what and how we the people can oppose, resist and overcome this nightmare should be paramount now.
The Democratic Party (and this a loose choice of words) must embrace what is now pejoratively labeled "progressive" values.
RULE OF LAW, Habeous Corpus, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of thought....... well, hell, all the pillars of our, i.e., we the people's, democratic republic should not labeled and categorized as something other than their inherent "good for all" intention.
seldom seen - i tried emailing/calling the white house at least 20 times between june and jan 20. my message was simple - that biden had a moral, legal, ethical and constitutional obligation to incarcerate the coup d'etat cabal. and that the rogue6 on the supreme court had given him blanket immunity to do so. and that if he didn't we would wind up where we are now. i also posted it numerous times on this and other media. but, to no avail. so here we are. can't say biden wasn't warned.
Biden was as useless as teats on a boar hog. The problem was and is the DNC, it's philosophy, tradition and practice. In essence they have a stable f horses, these horses pad around the paddock, earning credibility, sometimes proving their loyalty and ability by winning a race or two, but mostly doing their time, waiting to be hauled to the starting gate. Thus Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Terry McAuliffe..
Mind you I voted for Hillary and Joe, but what choice did I have, it was either them or Trump.
Anyone , even a head of cabbage could have beat Trump in 2020.
And there was, and is, no one in 2024, and 2028.
The energy, the vigor, the people like AOC that can excite the populist, are anathema to the Democratic establishment, that spends it's time trying to elbow their way into the slop trough that the Republicans dominate.
Populism is simply appeal to the popular sentiment. The popular sentiment ebbs and flows.
There is leftist populism and rightist populism, unfortunately all we've seen is right wing Populism, be it William Jennings Bryan, Huey Long, Father Coughlin, or Donald J Trump.
The one left wing populist, Bernie Sanders, was shut down by the establishment in the form of the DNC.
Left wing populist pose a threat to the wealth and power of the plutocrats, oligarchs, billionaires, tech bros, paypal mafia, financiers, whatever we call them.
Change starts with self, political chance starts with the political self, and the political self is the Democratic National Committee.
Our current "leadership" sucks, Jeffries is a defeatist, whines that he has no leverage (he does, the leverage of no, the leverage of fight, reistance, obstruction, Schumer is a wimp, a cowardly self serving wimp, whose only concern is surviving and re election. So was Harry Reid, neither used the nuclear option and thus allowed the Republicans, though a minority, to rule congress, and when they are the minority, they don't effectively use the filibuster because they don't want to look like an obstructionist, and thus piss off the donors.
We knew actions would be taking place fast. Speed and lack of appropriate decisions cannot compensate for lack of quality. Yes, it does seem like a long time.
I find that the only way to get people to see something is to keep saying it. On the FB group BlueRev I cannot figure out why people get to make initial posts that thousands comment on (self included) but I can never make an initial post. It gets "reviewed by moderators" but never becomes a post! Annoying!! I have written PMs to some mods asking how and why... no replies yet. So the only way to get my ideas out is to post them a billion times everywhere. Otherwise, that's just like Trump making us give up.
You know, it’s okay to vent and repeat endlessly…. Maybe you should realize that the words of passion and of vehement dissension are the motivations and tools that get us off our couches and out there marching “on the Bridge from Selma…..”
I am a Democrat I am with FDR I am with the leadership of the democratic party
The Democratic Party Stands for the People—Always Has, Always Will
The Democratic Party has always stood for fair wages, strong unions, and the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves. We fight for the young, the elderly, the working class, and the marginalized. We stand for honesty, justice, and policies that uplift not only the United States but the entire world.
We defend and protect the programs that ensure dignity and security for all Americans:
✔ Social Security
✔ Medicare & Medicaid
✔ The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
✔ Fair Wages & Workers' Rights
We stand against authoritarianism and dictatorship in all its forms. We stand with NATO, with our European allies, and with democracies around the world. We oppose tyranny, whether it comes from Putin, Trump, or any other leader who seeks to undermine democracy.
We stand for civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious freedom. We believe in diversity, inclusion, and the fundamental truth that people are different—and that’s what makes our country great.
This is what the Democratic Party has always stood for. This is what we will always fight for.
If the cameras were rolling right now, I’d say it exactly like this:
The time for action is now. We cannot afford to sit back and let corruption and extremism define our future. We must organize, mobilize, and make it clear that the Democratic Party stands for the people—and always will.
I am a Democrat I am with FDR I am with the leadership of the democratic party
The Democratic Party Stands for the People—Always Has, Always Will
The Democratic Party has always stood for fair wages, strong unions, and the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves. We fight for the young, the elderly, the working class, and the marginalized. We stand for honesty, justice, and policies that uplift not only the United States but the entire world.
We defend and protect the programs that ensure dignity and security for all Americans:
✔ Social Security
✔ Medicare & Medicaid
✔ The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
✔ Fair Wages & Workers' Rights
We stand against authoritarianism and dictatorship in all its forms. We stand with NATO, with our European allies, and with democracies around the world. We oppose tyranny, whether it comes from Putin, Trump, or any other leader who seeks to undermine democracy.
We stand for civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious freedom. We believe in diversity, inclusion, and the fundamental truth that people are different—and that’s what makes our country great.
This is what the Democratic Party has always stood for. This is what we will always fight for.
If the cameras were rolling right now, I’d say it exactly like this:
The time for action is now. We cannot afford to sit back and let corruption and extremism define our future. We must organize, mobilize, and make it clear that the Democratic Party stands for the people—and always will.
"Targeting Trump’s Enablers – Reich doesn’t name MAGA billionaires, corporations, and media that are funding this regime." The Author of this forum has many times named names and done much of what you say is missing in this thread.
yes, he did , and there is nothing wrong with that. He is not spreading misinformation, actually helps people like me to understand things that are happening with our economy , the laws that have been violated, and what real Democracy looks like. What the recurring "Debt Ceiling" kabuki dance is really about. Free speech that is legitimate.
One more important thing is to project where this is going, not only react to what was done. Just about everything so far was predicted before the election. It is in Project 2025.
Now predict and be ready for what is coming. Including: Calling off elections, attacks on journalists and media, purging of the judiciary, gangs of auxiliary police as enforcers.
Things are bad and they are following the violent dictatorship playbook. Things will get worse.
Ask the people: When will you have had enough of this? What will it take?
Invoking the insurrection Act. Homeland Secuirty and DOD are supposed to make recommendation on that to the Prez which I assume is a kabuki dance /cover for Trump to invoke it.
I was hoping that President Biden could or would do something to stop tRump. But since this is a Nation of Laws, it is not that "easy". It is heartening to see even Supreme Court Justice Roberts and trump appointed Judge Amy Comey Barret join the Liberal three women Justices to rein in Trump for once. Musk and the gang should not be running roughshod all over our government, invading our privacy and making decisions they are not qualified to make. That is why the suggestion to 'burn' the phone lines to the Congress and Senate is a very good idea. Give THEM some heartburn for a change! This is government of, by and FOR the people, as in Humans. NOT the billionaires.
Michael, you sound as though you are criticizing Dr. Reich for placing an incomplete to-do list, when actually he has been harping on essentially all of these points for nine years at least. Let me suggest that you read some of his books if you haven't already. In his closing statement on this post he gave us readers the job of expanding upon his list, so you are doing your part, thank you. He has to sleep like the rest of us. Only to add that he is the most democracy-minded person on the planet and possesses a command of human knowledge which is unexcelled.
Dennis King, thank you for your kind, true statements regarding fine qualities of Dr. Robert Reich. We need and appreciate him, and all of us, each of us in this endeavor to save our democracy, must take care of ourselves. We need each other, and we must uplift each other and survive. Doing so also requires good sleep. I especially appreciate the coping strategies Robert Reich shared plus the laughs generated by what I have had reading here this morning.
Dr. Reich wrote a letter to us. You are criticizing him for not publishing a book... Virtually everything you are calling for is being addressed by someone on our side. But everything dies on the steps of the Capitol, because the minority party cannot even call hearings. They have no power of the subpoena. Even if tRump made enough rethuglicans in the house mad enough to vote to impeach him, the Senate would need something like 22 rethugs to vote to convict and remove... This is going to have to be a grassroots protest and boycott movement until enough rethugs come around and the midterms occur.
Stephen Brady, I agree, and calling in, en masse, with our valid concerns ( pick an issue, any issue), they are breaking so many laws there is plenty to complain about, is an effective grassroots protest. Add some strategic boycotts, and they may notice.
Michael, I like Reich’s letter and suggestions. He (they) lift me up, encourage me. This “What’s Missing” list exhausts me.
How many of us have the time to do everything you suggest? It’s important for people’s physical, spiritual and mental well being to seek a balanced life. When one becomes depleted one has nothing left to give.
This is generally true. Balance is important, but if a fire starts in the kitchen, I don't think balance is what's uppermost in anyone's mind. Sometimes one really does have to go all out for some period of time. I don't think this is going to be a long slog. Things are happening too fast.
Many well-expressed thoughts here ........ but, indirectly aimed at RR? Your repeating the same words does not equate with his broad, all-encompassing, daily expressions of everything from direct contact information, to dissection of the current state of affairs to hope.
The "Democratic Party", as such, i.e., in its current state, is and has been for decades, essentially worthless in opposition to the conservative, anti-democratic right, as has been demonstrated by the fact that we the people (and this is inclusive of pretty much the rest of the world ) are now being dictated to and bullied by a single individual.
To expand here slightly, the election of Ken Martin to DNC Chair rather than Ben Wikler is evidence of the stagnation and inertia of the party. Nancy Pelosi, et al, ...... please,
see the light ......... there is a new paradigm, for the moment, in American politics
"Democrats" need to embrace, like with "open arms" and "heart-felt" emotions, those political figures advocating for we the people.
"Politically speaking" ..........our focus has been to orient ourselves to those who clearly demonstrate their opposition to and resistance to the current dictatorial form of government. in the USA.
Labeled "democratic", or, "progressive" should not be construed as a negative.
Neither "Left" nor "Liberal" is a "bad" word. In fact, both encompass and reinforce the notion of including everybody in decisions affecting "everybody".
Of all those "would'a, could'a should'a's you express, which one are you actively involved in/with?
I'm sure that if you continue to read Robert Reich's regular missives, he will get into the nitty gritty. Right now, many people are just starting to wake up.
Linda Makela ; that is a good point, It is hard to sift through what is happening, and Robert Reich's knowledge of the law, politics and economics has shed light on many of the issues that cause us harm. like the buying of government because of extreme income inequality, The billionaires controlling what we see and hear in media, for example. I think it would be helpful to see a list of things that our opponents are doing to rob us of self rule, would be helpful. Like legislation that is constantly being filed to block voting. Their refusal to respect the orders of judges. the taking of foreign money without registering as foreign agents. There is plenty to call our representatives about. Specific legislation that is pending, that we care about. It would be helpful to have that ammo. I know that I would use it and make lots of calls. These traitors MUst be stopped!
"Strengths" and "Missing" are inappropriate words for Robert's message. They indicate a failure to understand the message, purpose, and compassion behind Robert's post. "Useful"? That is not at all what his message is about. Thoughtful people know better, and better understand who and what Robert Reich is. Even supporting thoughts, long and repetitive, can be considered trolling. Kudos to Marc for his response.
Michael…You may have been a bit Redundant with your article BUT it may take that level of repetition to get through some of the thickest heads of our movement!
I appreciate your action oriented ideas/list and have copied it to a word document where I can share with others and feel good about what my family is already doing and have done! Thank you.
SLEEP seems to no longer be a common component of those of us posting, here in Dr. Reich’s expanding corner of “Woke America”. (Woke, indeed!)
But considering, maybe that’s for the best. SO MANY IDEAS to consider, build upon and share!
Let’s get to typing, FELLOW PATRIOTS!!! I can’t wait to start reading!
(Thank you ALL, friends. You truly give this old(ish) person a sense of purpose (and even HOPE!) in these dark days, and I’ve little doubt that MANY people (feeling lost in the same way as me, and not just Americans) would say the same thing.)
Thank you, Foofaraw & Chiquita. Yes, we all need a sense of purpose, some normalcy in our daily endeavors and pursuing of interests, this comfort of knowing that other people care as much as we do, and that we are not alone in this situation. Keep the faith for sure! I also hope for more sleep.
" “Working toward the Fuhrer” – auf den Führer hinarbeiten – became the governing style, or else."
"At the cabinet level, Rubio’s renunciation is an essential conversion to prove subservient allegiance to the Fuhrerprinzip. “The higher one rose in the hierarchy, the more servile one became,” wrote Albert Speer, Hitler’s war manufacturing minister, in his memoir. At the height of power, in the innermost circle, at the leader’s right hand, sits JD Vance, who taunts and threatens on the leader’s behalf, demanding obsequious “respect” while slyly deploying his sycophancy to goad the leader.
Upon passing through the gates of Trump’s White House, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, entered into a domain that would have been intimately familiar to him. It would have been reminiscent of the claustrophobic despotism in Ukraine under communism. It would have been a reminder of what was called “the Family” of kleptocratic oligarchs, lackeys and political operatives surrounding the Putin-backed Ukrainian ruler Viktor Yanukovych before he fled the country during the popular uprising of 2014 – a gangster culture that included the US consultant Paul Manafort, also Trump’s 2016 campaign manager, whom he would pardon for a host of criminal felonies."
Absolutely right on! I did work in the Ukraine int he 1990s and your description was accurate at that time. The European press at the time was also complicit in spinning narratives that Ukraine was corrupt and beyond reform. The emergence of many of the other COMECON and Warsaw pact members into modern functioning democracies certainly shows that it could have been otherwise.
The pattern is repeated quite often in the corporate world where the dominant form of governance is autocratic kleptocracy focused on personal enrichment through executive pay packages and share price manipulation. It’s no surprise that the corporateers now try to ply their craft in government.
I've been saying for some time (at least on this site) that PUTIN'S main goal currently may just be seeing America's most Democratically-led (and often majority Black) cities burning. This isn't proof, and isn't specific to cities, but it may indicate a disturbing trend:
"Trump administration cancels classes at National Fire Academy amid funding freeze
Free training classes for firefighters and other first responders are provided through Fema at the Maryland site."
I finally closed my Amazon account for good. You could do it too. Buy locally and just buy less. Save the money for unneccessary stuff and invest instead in these great journalists on substack! Or donate to a good cause.
Thank you. You clearly express my thoughts and action. Amerika nonetheless still spooks me and strikes fear and anguish in my heart. But I am not obsessing over it. Learning to cope while fighting
Yes, hit THEM but remember, we small busuness owners need you to open your wallets in support of US who fight this fight with you. Know who we are in your communitty, shop local wth those who resonate with your views, spend with companies who leave DEI policies in place, spend with venues that host local progressive candidates & stand up for Democracy. Its not a simple No spending will not elevate your progressive neighbor, vote with your hard earned dollars on what you can beleive in, local farmers market, the grocery chain that held DEI, local arts and crafts.
Buy 1 coffee mug made by a local craftsman for the price of 6 made in China from Walmart.
Keith - I have been calling the switchboard daily to let them know that I didn’t authorize them to use my tax dollars for them to pay for T to play golf - let alone to line his own pockets while doing it. $10+ million in one month. But, hey, he is really worried about the high costs of things and has a guy looking for waste, fraud and abuse so I tell them every damn day to look at the golf trips.
This is intense (and l-o-nn-g), but beautiful any time...especially now.
"Love and Courage Will Defeat Trump"
"The Democratic Party will become America’s patriotic party — or it will die.
"Four years would be spent in solitary confinement, and two years would be spent in leg irons.
Admiral James Stockdale would be tortured relentlessly, but he could not be broken. When the North Vietnamese were going to film him in a propaganda parade, he used a contraband razor to slice his scalp open. When they cleaned him up and put a hat on his head, he used a wood stool to bash his head and face.
He broke his face and disfigured himself so he could not be used to disgrace his country, the US Navy and himself. When he slit his wrists, he broke the will of the North Vietnamese to keep torturing him and his fellow prisoners.
After he slit his wrists, the torture and mistreatment abated."
the fires will come here to Missouri. I'll bet few believe that however, and you can't make them to consider it. So the fires will have to come, and come repeatedly for change to come. A tragedy of the human condition. If we had an educated electorate, and Congress......but we do not.
I fear so. And when the weather (new AND old varieties) hurts blue states it will remain "GOD'S punishment on the BABY-EATING LIBS!"
And when it devastates red state, it will be because "the baby-eating Dems CONTROL THE WEATHER! How much more PROOF do we need!?!?"
As long as admitting one's ignorance is the path AWAY FROM personal responsibility, I can't see that ever-growing "Morons For Trump" movement slowing any time soon.
I may be in Scotland, but I know what you’re all feeling- I felt exactly the same way going through Zimbabwe’s breakdown and ultimate collapse. That why I’m here on Substack now, finding my way round before I share a pathway that will help you reduce your feelings of stress and build greater mental and emotional resilience. It’s not gonna be theory based, but tried and tested strategies that worked for me during similar times. (First letter this week.) Because it’s my heartfelt wish to help.
One thing I can assure you of right now: Professor Reich is right. You will get through this, and you will be stronger for it. So take heart, please take heart.
I’m so deeply sorry that your experience is that of ‘deep darkness’ Greg (though having just read your most recent post- and with a financial background myself- I concur with everything you wrote, and I do understand). I aim to light another candle with every single post and note I write, so the light will always be seen. 🕯️
My coping mechanism is to focus on a new and better system of government after the Trump regime fails. We can’t just rebuild what was, we must build back better. The incentives that capitalism offers still has a place for small businesses and start-ups but we need to keep locally generated wealth in the community and not allow it to be sucked out to shareholders who care nothing for the locality that gives them such riches.
Becoming active in this Substack and the Substacks of other progressive thinkers gives me an alternative, more accurate source of information, allows me to interact with like-minded people across the globe and makes my day, even if it is night!
More and more people are understanding that we cannot simply attempt to rebuild a system that allowed such wealth inequality even before Trump was voted into office. Our institutions of government are decimated as though they are being bombed into rubble and the constitution is being ignored by those currently in power. We must build the next government from the bottom up, not try to replicate a system that has failed. Rather than allowing capitalism to become king as it is now, first we must insure that every American has the basic necessities of nutritious food, adequate shelter, appropriate clothing, access to free education up through 4 years of college, and fre high quality medical care including effective medications available for all. These were not fulfilled even before Trump took office. We can and will do better.
It was a slow and deliberate and calculated degradation of our democracy that has benefitted a few, but we understand better now and can work to fix the weaknesses that existed and permitted this to happen.
I have fears that, if nothing changes, the only history that will be taught will be the "white people enriching other white people" type, and in which those same horribly destructive white people are themselves just short of demi-gods for simply being robber barons and victimizing the very same people of color that did MOST of the actual work of building America. (Of course, they are mostly gods to white folks simply for being able to buy and sell those same people of color.)
CONTROLLING THE NARRATIVE feels dishonest to those of us believing in justice and equality, but can't see this specific "playing field" being leveled anytime soon otherwise. The GOP has such a huge head start.
Yes, we can, Marc! I feel it is imperative to elect candidates that see that future as well. When politicians quit worrying about how to pad their pockets and honestly work to serve their constituents, that will be a step in the right direction!
"It is not only that the United States government is becoming an autocracy, it is a democracy becoming more and more corrupted by the influences of capitalism until it can no longer function as a government for the benefit of its citizens. On the outside it may still look like a democracy, but inside it has been hollowed out by the cravings of the wealthiest”.
The hollowing mostly occurred due to fascists having taken over our education system with the few teachers willing to speak out like myself having no ability to be heard. Schools are the great equalizer. Corrupt schools do the opposite!
Read my memoir, A Graver Danger, and listen to teacher whistleblowers at WhiteChalkCrime.com. You’ll understand exactly why America became imbalanced. Our schools were to keep the balance. Instead they made people shallow and worse - a bunch of forgotten angry men and women.
When I post asking people to look into education to save democracy only a handful show interest. We are losing democracy because the institution whose job it was to make us value democracy didn’t do its job. We can argue whether it was intentional or accidental but that’s an issue for another day. The issue before us is we have a society poorly educated about democracy needing to figure out what to do about it, clueless how important it is that our schools do their job. And worse, we have a society with little respect for teachers because teachers and their unions have been controlled by fascists who need them disrespected and powerless as they were the keepers of democracy.
As a teacher I either had to comply with acts that harmed children or lose my job. I could afford to lose it. Most can’t. That’s why you don’t know the evil world of education that’s stolen democrscy from us. Until I can figure out a way to get this known, our foundation will remain hollow. Thus, making this known is what I intend to do to help save democracy. Anyone who wants to help please sign up at my Substack. I plan to explain how education paved the way for Trump in articles for people who are too busy to read my book. It’s also available as an audiobook for that reason. It’s in the digital library of Illinois. Hopefully it will be in every state soon.
Learning about education, learning that most people think you can’t reform education when the truth is fascists have made sure you can’t reform education will help us find our way back plus build that different country you described. We absolutely can have great schools once people like me have some power, something fascists are great at preventing. I describe how in my book. But I can’t do it as a powerless teacher who gets a handful of likes in a nation whose values declined because fascists have run most of our schools for decades.
What would you say about the capitalist democracies in Europe that are functioning better than American political economy? Do they undermine your general thesis? Or should they just be treated as American capitalism "light" exhibiting all the problems we have but in less severe form and a far better option for them is economic democracy?
Your first core facet needs to include recognition of what humans are and that means altering enlightenment vision passed down to us.
Off hand it seems to me that the historical economic and other forces like competitive advantage that have lead to centralization and hierachies will still be operative to force change away from an economic democracy. But I plan to look more closely at Prout. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_utilization_theory
It's a way to read, share, build and develop ideas into something of even greater value.
Don't just read, but help ideas grow! Develop them into something even bigger, then pass them on to be further developed by other readers, who may continue the process until an idea has great meaning and purpose.
Each of us can be part of something huge, by being a small part of a huge movement.
Thanks for this. One thing I've thought out for some years is; development a nonprofit watch that randomly checks on constituents of a public servant weekly, and reports widely. Because it is random, it is set to check on all parties the public servant is to serve, and informs individuals of all avenues of government they should be interacting with to resolve daily issues. A small piece, but getting public servants to serve all constituency!
not sure I understand what you are saying. Fastdemocracy is one way citizens can track bills and actions of the electeds at national and state levels. https://fastdemocracy.com/
Didn't know about Fastdemocracy. Will give it a try. Will try to explain. Media to me includes print, TV, radio and internet. Have many sources I have come to pretty much trust. All media, however, requires money to function. What - or who - keeps them going financially.
From my observation, getting MONEY from wherever is one of the worst trends in our country - and world - right now. Not caring about the source and selling our souls to get IT. The source of this problem is unfettered greed and selfishness. Too few have too much of the stuff and with that comes power!!! It's ugly what some will do for the stuff... and then they can be corrupted even more.
Lies everywhere and all the time. Not all... but many do.
Good to focus on the future, Marc Nevas. Kamala Harris and Tom Walz had the blueprint tried their best to sell it. The blueprint for economic policy that will start tilting the playing field back to fairness is there, in a drawer somewhere. Also, smart patriots who know a thing or two about economic justice are on hand - Prof. Reich among them - may they stay strong and ready to get to work when we impeach Trump, Vance, and kick out the rest of the oligarchs.
Right on target! And two primary objectives of our revised system must be to begin fixing the income inequality, and also reducing the influence of money in politics.
Economic democracy in the context of Prout, or Progressive Utilization Theory, is a socioeconomic system that emphasizes local control and economic decentralization.
Prout is a social theory that aims to address the shortcomings of capitalism and communism.
Key principles of Prout's economic democracy
Decentralization: Local people control and manage the resources of their region.
Collective ownership: Resources are collective property, but individuals and groups can use them through usufructuary rights.
Rational distribution: Goods are distributed in a way that maximizes the development of all people.
Local production: Local people produce goods for local consumption, keeping money circulating locally.
Cooperatives: Production and distribution are organized through cooperatives.
Prout's goals
To ensure that everyone has access to basic needs like food, clothing, housing, education, and medical care
To increase purchasing power for everyone
To promote economic prosperity for local communities
To prevent outsiders from interfering in local economies
To create a balanced economic system that supports the well-being of all people, including plants and animals
Steve, AI has covered some of the basic points of Economic Democracy according to PROUT. However, the main economic engine of Economic Democracy is Employee Owned Cooperatives owned and operated by the employees. Capitalism is encouraged for small businesses and only large Public Utilities such as electricity and other sources of fuel are owned by all but managed by professionals overseen by the State. Profits from those large enterprises are utilized to fund programs for those unable to work due to age or disabilities. for example, currently many are suffering under price spikes in electricity that are driven only by thirst for profits.
Another basic principle of Economic Democracy is that employment earns at least a “living wage” is available to all who can work. Only those unable to work due to disabilities are supported by the society.
"‘Startup Nation’ Groups Say They’re Meeting Trump Officials to Push for Deregulated ‘Freedom Cities’ "
"The architects of projects like Próspera are drafting legislation to create US cities that would be free from federal regulations."
"According to interviews and presentations viewed by WIRED, the goal of these cities would be to have places where anti-aging clinical trials, nuclear reactor startups, and building construction can proceed without having to get prior approval from agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency."
Yeah, just what America needs most...LESS THAN ZERO tax revenue from corporations, as they remain voting members of this new nation, and (at BEST) sink every contingent election.
I suggest they name it "CITIZENS UNITED", to celebrate the complete lack of self-awareness of the far-right.
Let me humbly suggest a fabulous political philosopher who wrote the guidebook for building a "new and better system of government" and social norms, etc.: John Rawls. His book was A Theory of Justice, published in 1971. (Others of his books were shorter, contained the meat of this content, but likely were more easily digestible by non-philosophers.) My favorite centerpiece of Rawls' work is the idea of the "veil of ignorance": In designing an ideally just society, you must begin by assuming you don't know which position you will hold in that society. That is, you don't know which "race" you will be, which gender, which religion; you don't know how much money you'll have, where you will live, what job you will have, etc. It has always seemed to me to be a beautiful notion of the perspective from which to properly start envisioning a future that everyone in it would be happy to be part of.
Thank you. Like some of you, I am having trouble coping with this - not sleeping, emotionally eating, crying. The feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are competing with my desire to act - I feel like I'm watching a disaster movie as our country slides into Fascism/Dictatorship/Oligarchy.
Stay strong, Sally! We need you in this fight! Those times when I am feeling that helplessness and hopelessness, I tune out for a while and do things I enjoy doing like gardening, playing with my furry family, talking to my kids and sisters, reading a good book or watching a great movie. For inspiration, I listen to speeches made by President Kennedy, Martin Luther King and many others. Fight those feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. Know that you can vent and rage on this and other substacks and we all will understand and support and encourage you! Take care of yourself!
Sally, i share Peggy’s thoughts of encouragement. We must keep going. Keep a song or songs in your heart, add a touch of nature each day if you can, get some fresh air, do a project to make or accomplish something, talk with friends about happy things,,read about good news on happy sites, learn about science or something new in non-political categories such as kind things people do, wash your face and/or take a shower or a bath because water can be soothing. Sit in the sunshine or by a sunny window. If you can’t grow something outside, maybe you can grow something inside in a flower pot. Add scent to your life in the form of cinnamon, lemon, some tea or coffee maybe, or whatever gives you pleasure to brighten your moments. Read something funny, and if you can find a way to move, dance, or do arm exercises to peppy music or whatever suits you. Finding ways to uplift ourselves can help. Know that there are so many of us who care about getting through this, and we need you, too. You help by being here because it tells us that you
care, too. I was impressed today with Robert Reich’s statement that he stopped listening to T. because of the lies. That also helps me to take such a break. I wish you good moments in each day and hope that those good moments will grow into many more moments. Think happy thoughts. Write, whether for your own pleasure or reflection, or something to share. Do some art. Get some coloring crayons or paints to make something pretty. Look at beauty in nature or created by humans, and maybe by you. Enjoy people and life. Maybe you will want to make something to share with people, and it could be big or small. Brush you hair gently. That can help a person feel better, too. Look for the good in other people, and be good to yourself. This is your life, and you deserve to live it. I hope something here will be right to help you feel better.
Clear Call to Action – He encourages people to fight back rather than succumb to despair.
Historical Context – He compares Trump’s regime to past authoritarian takeovers.
Emphasis on Activism – He reminds people to mobilize, organize, and support the vulnerable.
Encourages Connection – Stresses the importance of engaging with younger activists.
Promotes Resistance Tactics – Mentions civil disobedience, protests, and political engagement.
What’s Missing
Economic Warfare – There’s no mention of boycotts—one of the most effective tools in taking down oligarchs.
Targeting Trump’s Enablers – Reich doesn’t name MAGA billionaires, corporations, and media that are funding this regime.
Legal & Legislative Action – He doesn’t suggest how we can push Congress to block Trump and shut down disinformation.
Election Strategy – Reich rightly says to organize for elections, but he doesn’t get specific about voter suppression laws and how to counteract them.
Media & Narrative Control – He doesn’t emphasize turning off the propaganda pipeline, which is fueling this crisis.
20 Practical Actions to Stop Trump & Take Back Democracy
These are specific, real-world actions that you and anyone else can take right now:
1-5: Economic Warfare—Hit Them Where It Hurts
Boycott all Trump-related businesses (hotels, golf courses, clothing lines, etc.).
Boycott Tesla and all Musk-related ventures (Tesla, X/Twitter, SpaceX, Neuralink, Starlink).
Boycott Fox News advertisers—pressure companies to stop funding propaganda (List: foxnewsadvertisers.com).
Pressure Amazon (Jeff Bezos) to counter Musk & Trump—he has the power to boost alternative media.
Divest from banks that fund far-right politics—Switch from Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America to progressive banking alternatives.
6-10: Political & Legislative Action
Demand Congress bring up new impeachment proceedings—Pressure Dem leaders like Jeffries, Schumer to push impeachment.
Lobby for the 14th Amendment Disqualification Clause—Encourage legal scholars and Congress to argue Trump is disqualified for insurrection.
Work with state Secretaries of State to block Trump from ballots using the Constitution’s insurrection clause.
Pressure blue states to pass stronger election protection laws—especially in places where Republicans are still trying to suppress votes.
11-15: Media Control & Propaganda Shutdown
Turn off Fox News, OAN, and Breitbart—Stop giving them views, clicks, and engagement.
Expose and shame individuals funding far-right propaganda—List major donors publicly.
Report disinformation—Organize mass reporting of false info to social media platforms.
Promote alternative progressive media—Support real journalism like ProPublica, Democracy Now, and investigative reporting on Trump.
Flood mainstream news outlets with demands for factual coverage—Call CNN, MSNBC, and The New York Times to demand they stop normalizing Trump.
16-20: Grassroots Mobilization & Cultural Shift
Work with unions to oppose Trumpism—Unions are powerful and can block MAGA from regaining control.
Start anti-MAGA local groups—Organize at the town/city level to resist Republican policies and push progressive agendas.
Turn evangelicals against Trump—Expose his hypocrisy to weaken his religious voter base.
Flood the Supreme Court with ethics complaints—Target corrupt justices like Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who are aiding Trump.
Demand congressional investigations into dark money backing Trump—Expose billionaires funding the regime and shut down their influence.
Final Thoughts
It’s not enough to be outraged. We must act, and we must act now. Reich’s article is useful, but only if paired with real action like boycotts, legal pressure, and media control.
This is a battle for democracy itself. If we sit back and wait, the next stage will be much worse.
We are suffering the effects of psychological warfare. They are deliberately and systematically attempting to break us down, using our own beliefs and opposition against us. Robert Reich’s example of how he copes is excellent advice for avoiding the effects of psychological warfare.
Rest assured, you are not alone. There are some big elections coming up in Pennsylvania on March 25 -- one for a state House seat, and one for a state Senate seat, that will help out Governor Shapiro and the people of PA.
And then three elections on April 1. State supreme court in Wisconsin -- which Musk is donating heavily to. And two US House seats from Florida are up for grabs. These elections, I believe, will be an early barometer for next year's midterms.
And yes, the midterms will be held. I have little doubt about that. Trump's overreaches are already catching up with him.
I live in a small rural community, Trump country. Each day I write to my three Congress people, trying to focus my concerns on issues my community might care about, then I forward this message to acquaintances in the community whose politics I’m not sure about. So far, no one has asked me to remove them from my list, and some have told me they are forwarding my messages to others. I think this may make a difference because people seem uninformed, busy in their own lives, not “into politics.”
I’m doing this as well with my family. They are all horrified by the current administration but nebulously so, disengaged from acting to make a difference…now. No one has told me not to forward newsletters, articles or calls to action, so I keep doing it. Are they reading my emails or sending them directly to trash? Don’t know.
Thank you again Prof R. Here's what I do. I wake up to trusted sources such as this community. I read my local print newspaper. I volunteer at a immigrants refugee clinic where I have medical students who diagnose various coughs and pains and explain why the patient can't just fill a prescription, get a CT scan or or if they already did any they can't get records. I go to the gym not enough. I invite people for postcarding, plhonebanking,, texting. . I mug gen-Z'ers and explain why it doesn't have to be this way IIi have been enjoying tracking Bernie Sanders who explains it so well. Im learning about "influencing" and sowing up from health care reform.
WAY TO GO, Miriam! WOW! I love your determined spirit! Like you, I am following Bernie as he crisscrosses this country explaining what Americans need to know! I also have infected my grandchildren with the hunger to make a better America! Kudos to you, Miriam!
I loved your comment on hanging around with young people. My father used to say, "If you want to feel young, hang around with young people. If you want to feel old, try to keep up with them."
You are doing a great job, Robert. I'm always uplifted when I listen to your videos or read your letters. Thanks.
Professor Reich, I truly thought my activist days were behind me. I remember when I protested, carried signs, wrote letters and made myself heard! I believed I was just too old to make a difference now; however, surprisingly, it has come back to me in full force! I work hard every day making those calls, signing petitions, writing letters, sending postcards and speaking out. The other day one of my "maga" friends (yes, I have maga friends) started going on about how Democrats should be ashamed for not recognizing the little boy recovering from cancer at the orange man's speech saying how disrespectful and shameful it was. I didn't bat an eye and came back at him with "Oh, you mean the way trump made fun of the mentally ill and magas laughed uproariously? Or when he made fun of President Biden's stutter and the little boy he helped? Or when he told his brother after taking away his very ill son's insurance that he was better off dead? Or when he called our veterans losers and suckers?" When I finished, my maga friend had absolutely nothing to say! I will NEVER give up, I will NEVER accept what is happening right now in my country as normal and I will NEVER stop fighting for what our country stands for! If people are in denial, it is up to us to educate them to the truth. If people are giving up and giving in to cynicism and hopelessness, it is up to us to ignite the spark they need to fight back. We must use our voices to relay our strong conviction that America will come back. All is not lost and we will overcome this madness! We must NEVER GIVE UP and NEVER SURRENDER! Stay strong, America!
Well put. I've never commented or spoken out about these things before and it's the seriousness of the current situation that changed everything for me. I keep thinking...change one mind at a time, make a difference where you can and fight back.
Yes, Camille! One voice becomes two then four then on and on! As an ordinary American citizen, I must use my voice to change one mind at a time! Keep going, Camille! We all need to make a difference and fight back!
Arlo Guthrie humorously says that if one person does something unusual or protests, it might be considered a case of individual eccentricity. If two people do it, it could be seen as a peculiar occurrence. But when three people do it, suddenly you've got "a movement."
I live in ruby red Tennessee. My friend and I organized a gathering at a bar for like minded people, promoted on our Facebook pages. We had representatives from our local Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters. Twelve people showed up. The next month 35 people showed up. People consistently express that they are so happy to know that they are not alone. We share whatever we know about actions we can take.
You may know the GOP is going to try and gut the initiative petition process and we need you and those people showing up to stop these SOBs. Here's how
There will be a townhall in your area as Respect MO Voters develops a ballot measure to protect this precious state constitutional right of ours.
I don’t know that I’d use the word ‘fear’ John. When we fear, we lose our capacity to think logically, to plan, to prepare. Given what’s happening in Europe, perhaps it’s more appropriate to say that we are ‘readying ourselves’.
I completely understand. Last week I read in the Guardian that here in the UK we’re preparing a base for American nukes. We (not I- a European to my core) voted for Brexit, aiming to deepen our relationship with the US, so we’re in a dangerous place now.
Take heart John, we now have tools at our disposal that we didn’t have back then, and the means to connect globally with insightful people. We can still find a way through this.
No I didn’t John, but I am fully aware of what drives Trump. I was a patron of the film ‘You’ve Been Trumped’ back in 2011 (which is probably another reason why I’m so heavily invested in supporting people affected by his governance).
In Canada, Trump has managed to galvanize Canadians like I have not seen in my life. So, Trump has done something that Canadian politicians have no been able to accomplish for decades. More than 90% are fighting back in their opposition to tariffs and Trump's end game of making Canada the 51st state. Even Quebecers, who normally just waive the fleur de lis flag, are now proudly waving the Canadian flag. Individual Canadians is pushing back hard against this insanity through boycotts. Canadians are concerned, but not fearful.
One of the coping mechanisms is through songs and videos.
Thank you so much for this positivity. I have to resubscribe to your paid substack now. I just want di without this anti trump positivity it's such a enjoyable read. I too have to force myself not to read much about what trump doing as it is just so disheartening. The friday bullying was so upsetting especially as I saw it by a accident while away for the night and then couldn't sleep due to it. Thankfully not seen anything since keep up the positivity and anti tru.p journalism it's great antidote to what Reay of media writing.
Clear Call to Action – He encourages people to fight back rather than succumb to despair.
Historical Context – He compares Trump’s regime to past authoritarian takeovers.
Emphasis on Activism – He reminds people to mobilize, organize, and support the vulnerable.
Encourages Connection – Stresses the importance of engaging with younger activists.
Promotes Resistance Tactics – Mentions civil disobedience, protests, and political engagement.
What’s Missing
Economic Warfare – There’s no mention of boycotts—one of the most effective tools in taking down oligarchs.
Targeting Trump’s Enablers – Reich doesn’t name MAGA billionaires, corporations, and media that are funding this regime.
Legal & Legislative Action – He doesn’t suggest how we can push Congress to block Trump and shut down disinformation.
Election Strategy – Reich rightly says to organize for elections, but he doesn’t get specific about voter suppression laws and how to counteract them.
Media & Narrative Control – He doesn’t emphasize turning off the propaganda pipeline, which is fueling this crisis.
20 Practical Actions to Stop Trump & Take Back Democracy
These are specific, real-world actions that you and anyone else can take right now:
1-5: Economic Warfare—Hit Them Where It Hurts
Boycott all Trump-related businesses (hotels, golf courses, clothing lines, etc.).
Boycott Tesla and all Musk-related ventures (Tesla, X/Twitter, SpaceX, Neuralink, Starlink).
Boycott Fox News advertisers—pressure companies to stop funding propaganda (List: foxnewsadvertisers.com).
Pressure Amazon (Jeff Bezos) to counter Musk & Trump—he has the power to boost alternative media.
Divest from banks that fund far-right politics—Switch from Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America to progressive banking alternatives.
6-10: Political & Legislative Action
Demand Congress bring up new impeachment proceedings—Pressure Dem leaders like Jeffries, Schumer to push impeachment.
Lobby for the 14th Amendment Disqualification Clause—Encourage legal scholars and Congress to argue Trump is disqualified for insurrection.
Work with state Secretaries of State to block Trump from ballots using the Constitution’s insurrection clause.
Pressure blue states to pass stronger election protection laws—especially in places where Republicans are still trying to suppress votes.
11-15: Media Control & Propaganda Shutdown
Turn off Fox News, OAN, and Breitbart—Stop giving them views, clicks, and engagement.
Expose and shame individuals funding far-right propaganda—List major donors publicly.
Report disinformation—Organize mass reporting of false info to social media platforms.
Promote alternative progressive media—Support real journalism like ProPublica, Democracy Now, and investigative reporting on Trump.
Flood mainstream news outlets with demands for factual coverage—Call CNN, MSNBC, and The New York Times to demand they stop normalizing Trump.
16-20: Grassroots Mobilization & Cultural Shift
Work with unions to oppose Trumpism—Unions are powerful and can block MAGA from regaining control.
Start anti-MAGA local groups—Organize at the town/city level to resist Republican policies and push progressive agendas.
Turn evangelicals against Trump—Expose his hypocrisy to weaken his religious voter base.
Flood the Supreme Court with ethics complaints—Target corrupt justices like Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who are aiding Trump.
Demand congressional investigations into dark money backing Trump—Expose billionaires funding the regime and shut down their influence.
Final Thoughts
It’s not enough to be outraged. We must act, and we must act now. Reich’s article is useful, but only if paired with real action like boycotts, legal pressure, and media control.
This is a battle for democracy itself. If we sit back and wait, the next stage will be much worse.
Thanks, Professor. We're with you, always. I long ago stopped normalizing the behavior of friends and family who have turned out to be no better than Nazis. Evil is out and about, marching through the world, and I will have no part of it. It's time to fight, because there is no compromise with evil. They are destroying every piece of our democracy, every institution, every tradition. The alliance of the greedhead capitalists, Christian extremists, white supremacists, and rural xenophobes has no interest in democracy whatsoever. It will not end well for any of us. But I hope it does end, someday, with guillotines.
And boycott Trump supporting billionaires! Hit them where it hurts, in the wallet, by closing yours!
Strengths of Reich’s Article
Clear Call to Action – He encourages people to fight back rather than succumb to despair.
Historical Context – He compares Trump’s regime to past authoritarian takeovers.
Emphasis on Activism – He reminds people to mobilize, organize, and support the vulnerable.
Encourages Connection – Stresses the importance of engaging with younger activists.
Promotes Resistance Tactics – Mentions civil disobedience, protests, and political engagement.
What’s Missing
Economic Warfare – There’s no mention of boycotts—one of the most effective tools in taking down oligarchs.
Targeting Trump’s Enablers – Reich doesn’t name MAGA billionaires, corporations, and media that are funding this regime.
Legal & Legislative Action – He doesn’t suggest how we can push Congress to block Trump and shut down disinformation.
Election Strategy – Reich rightly says to organize for elections, but he doesn’t get specific about voter suppression laws and how to counteract them.
Media & Narrative Control – He doesn’t emphasize turning off the propaganda pipeline, which is fueling this crisis.
20 Practical Actions to Stop Trump & Take Back Democracy
These are specific, real-world actions that you and anyone else can take right now:
1-5: Economic Warfare—Hit Them Where It Hurts
Boycott all Trump-related businesses (hotels, golf courses, clothing lines, etc.).
Boycott Tesla and all Musk-related ventures (Tesla, X/Twitter, SpaceX, Neuralink, Starlink).
Boycott Fox News advertisers—pressure companies to stop funding propaganda (List: foxnewsadvertisers.com).
Pressure Amazon (Jeff Bezos) to counter Musk & Trump—he has the power to boost alternative media.
Divest from banks that fund far-right politics—Switch from Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America to progressive banking alternatives.
6-10: Political & Legislative Action
Demand Congress bring up new impeachment proceedings—Pressure Dem leaders like Jeffries, Schumer to push impeachment.
Lobby for the 14th Amendment Disqualification Clause—Encourage legal scholars and Congress to argue Trump is disqualified for insurrection.
Work with state Secretaries of State to block Trump from ballots using the Constitution’s insurrection clause.
Pressure blue states to pass stronger election protection laws—especially in places where Republicans are still trying to suppress votes.
11-15: Media Control & Propaganda Shutdown
Turn off Fox News, OAN, and Breitbart—Stop giving them views, clicks, and engagement.
Expose and shame individuals funding far-right propaganda—List major donors publicly.
Report disinformation—Organize mass reporting of false info to social media platforms.
Promote alternative progressive media—Support real journalism like ProPublica, Democracy Now, and investigative reporting on Trump.
Flood mainstream news outlets with demands for factual coverage—Call CNN, MSNBC, and The New York Times to demand they stop normalizing Trump.
16-20: Grassroots Mobilization & Cultural Shift
Work with unions to oppose Trumpism—Unions are powerful and can block MAGA from regaining control.
Start anti-MAGA local groups—Organize at the town/city level to resist Republican policies and push progressive agendas.
Turn evangelicals against Trump—Expose his hypocrisy to weaken his religious voter base.
Flood the Supreme Court with ethics complaints—Target corrupt justices like Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who are aiding Trump.
Demand congressional investigations into dark money backing Trump—Expose billionaires funding the regime and shut down their influence.
Final Thoughts
It’s not enough to be outraged. We must act, and we must act now. Reich’s article is useful, but only if paired with real action like boycotts, legal pressure, and media control.
This is a battle for democracy itself. If we sit back and wait, the next stage will be much worse.
Michael, repeating your lengthy reply six times is not the way to behave on this substack. If you have something of value to say, it will get likes and rise to the top. Your repetitions will not assist in this.
well you might be right but we got to do something here guys cuz this is a lot of people's lives on the line so I think it's worth repeating to get up off the couch and get going
Thank you. Finally fell focus on my fight to the democrats. Time for chaos back to Trump. Impeachment proceedings, standing down the budget, calls for Musk’s removal. Chaos and attack back. Through them off.
Michael, I agree with your ideas and strategies, however, a well written piece makes its way to the top of the stack without reposting 6 times.
I am a Democrat I am with FDR I am with the leadership of the democratic party
The Democratic Party Stands for the People—Always Has, Always Will
The Democratic Party has always stood for fair wages, strong unions, and the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves. We fight for the young, the elderly, the working class, and the marginalized. We stand for honesty, justice, and policies that uplift not only the United States but the entire world.
We defend and protect the programs that ensure dignity and security for all Americans:
✔ Social Security
✔ Medicare & Medicaid
✔ The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
✔ Fair Wages & Workers' Rights
We stand against authoritarianism and dictatorship in all its forms. We stand with NATO, with our European allies, and with democracies around the world. We oppose tyranny, whether it comes from Putin, Trump, or any other leader who seeks to undermine democracy.
We stand for civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious freedom. We believe in diversity, inclusion, and the fundamental truth that people are different—and that’s what makes our country great.
This is what the Democratic Party has always stood for. This is what we will always fight for.
If the cameras were rolling right now, I’d say it exactly like this:
The time for action is now. We cannot afford to sit back and let corruption and extremism define our future. We must organize, mobilize, and make it clear that the Democratic Party stands for the people—and always will.
Let’s get to work.
Just as deadly as defeatism is hope. Hope is a drug, an anesthetic. Hang in there, help is on the way. Hang in there, someone will save us, so we hang in and do nothing.
The way to defend yourself is to go on the offense. If your castle wall is strong enough, that it can withstand any artillery or bombs, and you have access to water and food, then you can withstand a siege, otherwise you are doomed.
What is needed is to rally our forces, build up our reserves and logistics and go on the offense, push back, push back, attack, attack, attack, because if we don't we will wind up with the Technate of America, the Eurasia of Russia the East Asia of China and the Caliphate of Africa and the MidEast.
What do you propose? I heard the "Independent Veterans" are starting to rally. Maybe we should pick a day, week, start time, whichever, and have everyone out in the streets? In addition to the closing of our wallets, we continue to call, and email. What else? Your ideas?
I've had trouble with this list before, where it looked like my comment wasn't posted so I did it again and later more than one popped up.
Yes, Michael, Thank you. This read of yours is good and helpful, because i am reading it for the 1st time. I'm far from finding all which is said; i am not as plugged in as some of you. but i'm anxious and 100% my adult life for our Constitution. I've replayed and shared Rep Al Green's "commentary" on the censure put on him, and here i will with all of you :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNXdfERcbPQ
Well said. And we must continue to push for impeachment as long as it takes.
Thank you! What a powerful and much needed speech!
michael,marc appears to be a very smart,well-reasoned guy but i agree with you-likes do not necessarily make right-often it's the earliest comments that get the most likes and are categorized as 'top'comments,when later comments are often as good or better or may represent differing viewpoints,facts,etc.-and as some greek,maybe heraclitus said,you can't step into the same stream twice-it's always changing-likewise,the readers and writers on this substack are always changing,due to differing time zones,people leaving,joining,whatever-you're always speaking to a somewhat new audience,so keep it up
I always go to the oldest remarks to see how the conversation evolves.
you have more patience than I do-i pick comments at random,hoping I see a variety of viewpoints
Similar to the likes on Facebook. "Look at me. I'm at the beach. Do you like me?" "Yeah, cool, cool." lol.
Marc is right about the postings. But thanks for the listings. See david pepper for more ideas Saving Democracy.
The foxnewsadvertisers.com link goes nowhere. is there an error? is it .org?
Yea, we get it, Michael.......to Marc's notion, repeating your observations and suggestions may be more effective if done on a daily basis. Today, "information", once it's digitalized and presented to the world becomes, almost instantaneously, irrelevant...... like a grain of sand in the Sahara desert. As will this response.
Another observation....... this forum is comprised of many (if not all) who recognize the horror of what is happening. Dialogue aimed at and focused on what and how we the people can oppose, resist and overcome this nightmare should be paramount now.
The Democratic Party (and this a loose choice of words) must embrace what is now pejoratively labeled "progressive" values.
RULE OF LAW, Habeous Corpus, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of thought....... well, hell, all the pillars of our, i.e., we the people's, democratic republic should not labeled and categorized as something other than their inherent "good for all" intention.
It seems to work fine when Trump does it.
Good one! My first smile this morning. Thank you! :)
Good one! My first smile this morning. Thank you! :)
You're welcome!
Good one! My first smile this morning. Thank you! :)
Good one! My first smile this morning. Thank you! :)
seldom seen - i tried emailing/calling the white house at least 20 times between june and jan 20. my message was simple - that biden had a moral, legal, ethical and constitutional obligation to incarcerate the coup d'etat cabal. and that the rogue6 on the supreme court had given him blanket immunity to do so. and that if he didn't we would wind up where we are now. i also posted it numerous times on this and other media. but, to no avail. so here we are. can't say biden wasn't warned.
Biden was as useless as teats on a boar hog. The problem was and is the DNC, it's philosophy, tradition and practice. In essence they have a stable f horses, these horses pad around the paddock, earning credibility, sometimes proving their loyalty and ability by winning a race or two, but mostly doing their time, waiting to be hauled to the starting gate. Thus Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Terry McAuliffe..
Mind you I voted for Hillary and Joe, but what choice did I have, it was either them or Trump.
Anyone , even a head of cabbage could have beat Trump in 2020.
And there was, and is, no one in 2024, and 2028.
The energy, the vigor, the people like AOC that can excite the populist, are anathema to the Democratic establishment, that spends it's time trying to elbow their way into the slop trough that the Republicans dominate.
Populism is simply appeal to the popular sentiment. The popular sentiment ebbs and flows.
There is leftist populism and rightist populism, unfortunately all we've seen is right wing Populism, be it William Jennings Bryan, Huey Long, Father Coughlin, or Donald J Trump.
The one left wing populist, Bernie Sanders, was shut down by the establishment in the form of the DNC.
Left wing populist pose a threat to the wealth and power of the plutocrats, oligarchs, billionaires, tech bros, paypal mafia, financiers, whatever we call them.
Change starts with self, political chance starts with the political self, and the political self is the Democratic National Committee.
Our current "leadership" sucks, Jeffries is a defeatist, whines that he has no leverage (he does, the leverage of no, the leverage of fight, reistance, obstruction, Schumer is a wimp, a cowardly self serving wimp, whose only concern is surviving and re election. So was Harry Reid, neither used the nuclear option and thus allowed the Republicans, though a minority, to rule congress, and when they are the minority, they don't effectively use the filibuster because they don't want to look like an obstructionist, and thus piss off the donors.
Seldom Seem, you are helping, too! Thanks for adding to my laughs!
Good one! My first smile this morning. Thank you! :)
Good one! My first smile this morning. Thank you! :)
Thanks so much, Russell John Netto! The laughing feels so good, and my smile will linger!
It's hard to believe that it's only been seven weeks since that fool was inaugurated.
We knew actions would be taking place fast. Speed and lack of appropriate decisions cannot compensate for lack of quality. Yes, it does seem like a long time.
I find that the only way to get people to see something is to keep saying it. On the FB group BlueRev I cannot figure out why people get to make initial posts that thousands comment on (self included) but I can never make an initial post. It gets "reviewed by moderators" but never becomes a post! Annoying!! I have written PMs to some mods asking how and why... no replies yet. So the only way to get my ideas out is to post them a billion times everywhere. Otherwise, that's just like Trump making us give up.
You know, it’s okay to vent and repeat endlessly…. Maybe you should realize that the words of passion and of vehement dissension are the motivations and tools that get us off our couches and out there marching “on the Bridge from Selma…..”
It’s a nice sentiment but posting more than once is kinda creepy my friend.
post it at intervals-that way different readers see it-we hope
Michael, Thank you for this--just what we need for how to fight back. Emily
I am a Democrat I am with FDR I am with the leadership of the democratic party
The Democratic Party Stands for the People—Always Has, Always Will
The Democratic Party has always stood for fair wages, strong unions, and the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves. We fight for the young, the elderly, the working class, and the marginalized. We stand for honesty, justice, and policies that uplift not only the United States but the entire world.
We defend and protect the programs that ensure dignity and security for all Americans:
✔ Social Security
✔ Medicare & Medicaid
✔ The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
✔ Fair Wages & Workers' Rights
We stand against authoritarianism and dictatorship in all its forms. We stand with NATO, with our European allies, and with democracies around the world. We oppose tyranny, whether it comes from Putin, Trump, or any other leader who seeks to undermine democracy.
We stand for civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious freedom. We believe in diversity, inclusion, and the fundamental truth that people are different—and that’s what makes our country great.
This is what the Democratic Party has always stood for. This is what we will always fight for.
If the cameras were rolling right now, I’d say it exactly like this:
The time for action is now. We cannot afford to sit back and let corruption and extremism define our future. We must organize, mobilize, and make it clear that the Democratic Party stands for the people—and always will.
Let’s get to work.
I am a Democrat I am with FDR I am with the leadership of the democratic party
The Democratic Party Stands for the People—Always Has, Always Will
The Democratic Party has always stood for fair wages, strong unions, and the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves. We fight for the young, the elderly, the working class, and the marginalized. We stand for honesty, justice, and policies that uplift not only the United States but the entire world.
We defend and protect the programs that ensure dignity and security for all Americans:
✔ Social Security
✔ Medicare & Medicaid
✔ The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
✔ Fair Wages & Workers' Rights
We stand against authoritarianism and dictatorship in all its forms. We stand with NATO, with our European allies, and with democracies around the world. We oppose tyranny, whether it comes from Putin, Trump, or any other leader who seeks to undermine democracy.
We stand for civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious freedom. We believe in diversity, inclusion, and the fundamental truth that people are different—and that’s what makes our country great.
This is what the Democratic Party has always stood for. This is what we will always fight for.
If the cameras were rolling right now, I’d say it exactly like this:
The time for action is now. We cannot afford to sit back and let corruption and extremism define our future. We must organize, mobilize, and make it clear that the Democratic Party stands for the people—and always will.
Let’s get to work.
"Targeting Trump’s Enablers – Reich doesn’t name MAGA billionaires, corporations, and media that are funding this regime." The Author of this forum has many times named names and done much of what you say is missing in this thread.
Very true and Reich even co-founded his own media company.
yes, he did , and there is nothing wrong with that. He is not spreading misinformation, actually helps people like me to understand things that are happening with our economy , the laws that have been violated, and what real Democracy looks like. What the recurring "Debt Ceiling" kabuki dance is really about. Free speech that is legitimate.
inequalitymedia.org
One more important thing is to project where this is going, not only react to what was done. Just about everything so far was predicted before the election. It is in Project 2025.
Now predict and be ready for what is coming. Including: Calling off elections, attacks on journalists and media, purging of the judiciary, gangs of auxiliary police as enforcers.
Things are bad and they are following the violent dictatorship playbook. Things will get worse.
Ask the people: When will you have had enough of this? What will it take?
Invoking the insurrection Act. Homeland Secuirty and DOD are supposed to make recommendation on that to the Prez which I assume is a kabuki dance /cover for Trump to invoke it.
I was hoping that President Biden could or would do something to stop tRump. But since this is a Nation of Laws, it is not that "easy". It is heartening to see even Supreme Court Justice Roberts and trump appointed Judge Amy Comey Barret join the Liberal three women Justices to rein in Trump for once. Musk and the gang should not be running roughshod all over our government, invading our privacy and making decisions they are not qualified to make. That is why the suggestion to 'burn' the phone lines to the Congress and Senate is a very good idea. Give THEM some heartburn for a change! This is government of, by and FOR the people, as in Humans. NOT the billionaires.
Michael, you sound as though you are criticizing Dr. Reich for placing an incomplete to-do list, when actually he has been harping on essentially all of these points for nine years at least. Let me suggest that you read some of his books if you haven't already. In his closing statement on this post he gave us readers the job of expanding upon his list, so you are doing your part, thank you. He has to sleep like the rest of us. Only to add that he is the most democracy-minded person on the planet and possesses a command of human knowledge which is unexcelled.
Dennis King, thank you for your kind, true statements regarding fine qualities of Dr. Robert Reich. We need and appreciate him, and all of us, each of us in this endeavor to save our democracy, must take care of ourselves. We need each other, and we must uplift each other and survive. Doing so also requires good sleep. I especially appreciate the coping strategies Robert Reich shared plus the laughs generated by what I have had reading here this morning.
Dr. Reich wrote a letter to us. You are criticizing him for not publishing a book... Virtually everything you are calling for is being addressed by someone on our side. But everything dies on the steps of the Capitol, because the minority party cannot even call hearings. They have no power of the subpoena. Even if tRump made enough rethuglicans in the house mad enough to vote to impeach him, the Senate would need something like 22 rethugs to vote to convict and remove... This is going to have to be a grassroots protest and boycott movement until enough rethugs come around and the midterms occur.
Stephen Brady, I agree, and calling in, en masse, with our valid concerns ( pick an issue, any issue), they are breaking so many laws there is plenty to complain about, is an effective grassroots protest. Add some strategic boycotts, and they may notice.
Michael, I like Reich’s letter and suggestions. He (they) lift me up, encourage me. This “What’s Missing” list exhausts me.
How many of us have the time to do everything you suggest? It’s important for people’s physical, spiritual and mental well being to seek a balanced life. When one becomes depleted one has nothing left to give.
Think of it as a a cafeteria line. Pick only those that you like. Michael, keep up the great work!!
This is generally true. Balance is important, but if a fire starts in the kitchen, I don't think balance is what's uppermost in anyone's mind. Sometimes one really does have to go all out for some period of time. I don't think this is going to be a long slog. Things are happening too fast.
Many well-expressed thoughts here ........ but, indirectly aimed at RR? Your repeating the same words does not equate with his broad, all-encompassing, daily expressions of everything from direct contact information, to dissection of the current state of affairs to hope.
The "Democratic Party", as such, i.e., in its current state, is and has been for decades, essentially worthless in opposition to the conservative, anti-democratic right, as has been demonstrated by the fact that we the people (and this is inclusive of pretty much the rest of the world ) are now being dictated to and bullied by a single individual.
To expand here slightly, the election of Ken Martin to DNC Chair rather than Ben Wikler is evidence of the stagnation and inertia of the party. Nancy Pelosi, et al, ...... please,
see the light ......... there is a new paradigm, for the moment, in American politics
"Democrats" need to embrace, like with "open arms" and "heart-felt" emotions, those political figures advocating for we the people.
"Politically speaking" ..........our focus has been to orient ourselves to those who clearly demonstrate their opposition to and resistance to the current dictatorial form of government. in the USA.
Labeled "democratic", or, "progressive" should not be construed as a negative.
Neither "Left" nor "Liberal" is a "bad" word. In fact, both encompass and reinforce the notion of including everybody in decisions affecting "everybody".
Of all those "would'a, could'a should'a's you express, which one are you actively involved in/with?
,
I'm sure that if you continue to read Robert Reich's regular missives, he will get into the nitty gritty. Right now, many people are just starting to wake up.
Linda Makela ; that is a good point, It is hard to sift through what is happening, and Robert Reich's knowledge of the law, politics and economics has shed light on many of the issues that cause us harm. like the buying of government because of extreme income inequality, The billionaires controlling what we see and hear in media, for example. I think it would be helpful to see a list of things that our opponents are doing to rob us of self rule, would be helpful. Like legislation that is constantly being filed to block voting. Their refusal to respect the orders of judges. the taking of foreign money without registering as foreign agents. There is plenty to call our representatives about. Specific legislation that is pending, that we care about. It would be helpful to have that ammo. I know that I would use it and make lots of calls. These traitors MUst be stopped!
I don't have a representative. We have a member of parliament, in our provincial government, and another in the federal. That's Canada.
I guess this forum is in the wrong country for your participation?
"Strengths" and "Missing" are inappropriate words for Robert's message. They indicate a failure to understand the message, purpose, and compassion behind Robert's post. "Useful"? That is not at all what his message is about. Thoughtful people know better, and better understand who and what Robert Reich is. Even supporting thoughts, long and repetitive, can be considered trolling. Kudos to Marc for his response.
IMO Robert Reich and Heather Cox Richardson keep me going.
Michael…You may have been a bit Redundant with your article BUT it may take that level of repetition to get through some of the thickest heads of our movement!
I appreciate your action oriented ideas/list and have copied it to a word document where I can share with others and feel good about what my family is already doing and have done! Thank you.
SLEEP seems to no longer be a common component of those of us posting, here in Dr. Reich’s expanding corner of “Woke America”. (Woke, indeed!)
But considering, maybe that’s for the best. SO MANY IDEAS to consider, build upon and share!
Let’s get to typing, FELLOW PATRIOTS!!! I can’t wait to start reading!
(Thank you ALL, friends. You truly give this old(ish) person a sense of purpose (and even HOPE!) in these dark days, and I’ve little doubt that MANY people (feeling lost in the same way as me, and not just Americans) would say the same thing.)
Thank you, Foofaraw & Chiquita. Yes, we all need a sense of purpose, some normalcy in our daily endeavors and pursuing of interests, this comfort of knowing that other people care as much as we do, and that we are not alone in this situation. Keep the faith for sure! I also hope for more sleep.
Yes, JP4M, sleep is very good!
And being part of something big, changing lives, and even the WORLD for the better...
Is GLORIOUS!!!
Thank you, my friend!
Boycott - YES!
auf den Führer hinarbeiten - NO!
" “Working toward the Fuhrer” – auf den Führer hinarbeiten – became the governing style, or else."
"At the cabinet level, Rubio’s renunciation is an essential conversion to prove subservient allegiance to the Fuhrerprinzip. “The higher one rose in the hierarchy, the more servile one became,” wrote Albert Speer, Hitler’s war manufacturing minister, in his memoir. At the height of power, in the innermost circle, at the leader’s right hand, sits JD Vance, who taunts and threatens on the leader’s behalf, demanding obsequious “respect” while slyly deploying his sycophancy to goad the leader.
Upon passing through the gates of Trump’s White House, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, entered into a domain that would have been intimately familiar to him. It would have been reminiscent of the claustrophobic despotism in Ukraine under communism. It would have been a reminder of what was called “the Family” of kleptocratic oligarchs, lackeys and political operatives surrounding the Putin-backed Ukrainian ruler Viktor Yanukovych before he fled the country during the popular uprising of 2014 – a gangster culture that included the US consultant Paul Manafort, also Trump’s 2016 campaign manager, whom he would pardon for a host of criminal felonies."
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/09/sycophancy-toadying-trump-self-aggrandizement"
Absolutely right on! I did work in the Ukraine int he 1990s and your description was accurate at that time. The European press at the time was also complicit in spinning narratives that Ukraine was corrupt and beyond reform. The emergence of many of the other COMECON and Warsaw pact members into modern functioning democracies certainly shows that it could have been otherwise.
The pattern is repeated quite often in the corporate world where the dominant form of governance is autocratic kleptocracy focused on personal enrichment through executive pay packages and share price manipulation. It’s no surprise that the corporateers now try to ply their craft in government.
Dr. Doug.
I've been saying for some time (at least on this site) that PUTIN'S main goal currently may just be seeing America's most Democratically-led (and often majority Black) cities burning. This isn't proof, and isn't specific to cities, but it may indicate a disturbing trend:
"Trump administration cancels classes at National Fire Academy amid funding freeze
Free training classes for firefighters and other first responders are provided through Fema at the Maryland site."
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/08/trump-administration-national-fire-academy
Thank you.
foofaraw & Chiquita(ARF!)
; thank you for this!
Some of us have been doing exactly that for years now, and it's easier than people may realize!
Try it, and see for yourselves!
And therefore support the small guys, the local merchants, who recognize your face when you return.
More important is to pressure funds to divest from their companies.
Haven't bought a thing from Amazon or Whole Foods so far during this week's boycott!
I finally closed my Amazon account for good. You could do it too. Buy locally and just buy less. Save the money for unneccessary stuff and invest instead in these great journalists on substack! Or donate to a good cause.
Yes!
Even online, I suspect many people simply go to Amazon out of habit and ease.
I've yet to see a product that I could ONLY obtain through online Amazon.
You want to hurt the production side of the spectrum, listen to Keith.
Power of the purse!
Thank you. You clearly express my thoughts and action. Amerika nonetheless still spooks me and strikes fear and anguish in my heart. But I am not obsessing over it. Learning to cope while fighting
Yes, thanks Keith. I am doing that and it feels great!
Yes, hit THEM but remember, we small busuness owners need you to open your wallets in support of US who fight this fight with you. Know who we are in your communitty, shop local wth those who resonate with your views, spend with companies who leave DEI policies in place, spend with venues that host local progressive candidates & stand up for Democracy. Its not a simple No spending will not elevate your progressive neighbor, vote with your hard earned dollars on what you can beleive in, local farmers market, the grocery chain that held DEI, local arts and crafts.
Buy 1 coffee mug made by a local craftsman for the price of 6 made in China from Walmart.
Keith - I have been calling the switchboard daily to let them know that I didn’t authorize them to use my tax dollars for them to pay for T to play golf - let alone to line his own pockets while doing it. $10+ million in one month. But, hey, he is really worried about the high costs of things and has a guy looking for waste, fraud and abuse so I tell them every damn day to look at the golf trips.
Thank you Professor for your service and dedication to the country.
Amen!
Hi Peggy!
This is intense (and l-o-nn-g), but beautiful any time...especially now.
"Love and Courage Will Defeat Trump"
"The Democratic Party will become America’s patriotic party — or it will die.
"Four years would be spent in solitary confinement, and two years would be spent in leg irons.
Admiral James Stockdale would be tortured relentlessly, but he could not be broken. When the North Vietnamese were going to film him in a propaganda parade, he used a contraband razor to slice his scalp open. When they cleaned him up and put a hat on his head, he used a wood stool to bash his head and face.
He broke his face and disfigured himself so he could not be used to disgrace his country, the US Navy and himself. When he slit his wrists, he broke the will of the North Vietnamese to keep torturing him and his fellow prisoners.
After he slit his wrists, the torture and mistreatment abated."
https://steveschmidt.substack.com/p/love-and-courage-will-defeat-trump?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7a4c8587-3899-4298-b727-739ce08f1631_995x1246.jpeg&open=false
Look, Peggy! My little corner of HELL made WIRED! (and it's unlikely to cost Trump even a single vote):
https://www.wired.com/story/the-extreme-weather-conditions-that-drove-the-carolina-wildfires/?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=wired&utm_mailing=WIR_Daily_030925&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&utm_content=WIR_Daily_030925&bxid=5d35b0440564ce173254a22c&cndid=57929571&hasha=0a67cd9d0daa19cee9a2ea7acd583f27&hashc=a041c1a10e95a0e2fadab9f8c35cf31141940ab1aad61b109c1855e50662d74e&esrc=growl2-regGate-1120&utm_term=WIR_Daily_Active
the fires will come here to Missouri. I'll bet few believe that however, and you can't make them to consider it. So the fires will have to come, and come repeatedly for change to come. A tragedy of the human condition. If we had an educated electorate, and Congress......but we do not.
Yes steve,
I fear so. And when the weather (new AND old varieties) hurts blue states it will remain "GOD'S punishment on the BABY-EATING LIBS!"
And when it devastates red state, it will be because "the baby-eating Dems CONTROL THE WEATHER! How much more PROOF do we need!?!?"
As long as admitting one's ignorance is the path AWAY FROM personal responsibility, I can't see that ever-growing "Morons For Trump" movement slowing any time soon.
Aw, wait'll the economy gets even worse! they'll jump off the bandwagon!
I may be in Scotland, but I know what you’re all feeling- I felt exactly the same way going through Zimbabwe’s breakdown and ultimate collapse. That why I’m here on Substack now, finding my way round before I share a pathway that will help you reduce your feelings of stress and build greater mental and emotional resilience. It’s not gonna be theory based, but tried and tested strategies that worked for me during similar times. (First letter this week.) Because it’s my heartfelt wish to help.
One thing I can assure you of right now: Professor Reich is right. You will get through this, and you will be stronger for it. So take heart, please take heart.
Beautifully said, Lori, and very much appreciated!
Thank you Peggy.
Thank you for the encouragement. Truly and sincerely.
You’re welcome Rebecca. I’m just sorry that it’s needed.
Thank you Lori, from this old man. You've helped to light a candle in this deep darkness.
I’m so deeply sorry that your experience is that of ‘deep darkness’ Greg (though having just read your most recent post- and with a financial background myself- I concur with everything you wrote, and I do understand). I aim to light another candle with every single post and note I write, so the light will always be seen. 🕯️
Lori Corbet Mann, thank you so much!
You're very welcome JP4M
My coping mechanism is to focus on a new and better system of government after the Trump regime fails. We can’t just rebuild what was, we must build back better. The incentives that capitalism offers still has a place for small businesses and start-ups but we need to keep locally generated wealth in the community and not allow it to be sucked out to shareholders who care nothing for the locality that gives them such riches.
Becoming active in this Substack and the Substacks of other progressive thinkers gives me an alternative, more accurate source of information, allows me to interact with like-minded people across the globe and makes my day, even if it is night!
More and more people are understanding that we cannot simply attempt to rebuild a system that allowed such wealth inequality even before Trump was voted into office. Our institutions of government are decimated as though they are being bombed into rubble and the constitution is being ignored by those currently in power. We must build the next government from the bottom up, not try to replicate a system that has failed. Rather than allowing capitalism to become king as it is now, first we must insure that every American has the basic necessities of nutritious food, adequate shelter, appropriate clothing, access to free education up through 4 years of college, and fre high quality medical care including effective medications available for all. These were not fulfilled even before Trump took office. We can and will do better.
It was a slow and deliberate and calculated degradation of our democracy that has benefitted a few, but we understand better now and can work to fix the weaknesses that existed and permitted this to happen.
It's not impossible...
Marc,
I have fears that, if nothing changes, the only history that will be taught will be the "white people enriching other white people" type, and in which those same horribly destructive white people are themselves just short of demi-gods for simply being robber barons and victimizing the very same people of color that did MOST of the actual work of building America. (Of course, they are mostly gods to white folks simply for being able to buy and sell those same people of color.)
CONTROLLING THE NARRATIVE feels dishonest to those of us believing in justice and equality, but can't see this specific "playing field" being leveled anytime soon otherwise. The GOP has such a huge head start.
Mark Twain is quoted as saying: “A lie goes halfway around the world before the Truth gets is pants on.” And that was long, long before the internet!
Yes, indeed!
Though for all we know, Truth may have been VERY slow as far as pants went.
(Without the constant need to check their email, they likely spent more time on most things.)
Yes, we can, Marc! I feel it is imperative to elect candidates that see that future as well. When politicians quit worrying about how to pad their pockets and honestly work to serve their constituents, that will be a step in the right direction!
"It is not only that the United States government is becoming an autocracy, it is a democracy becoming more and more corrupted by the influences of capitalism until it can no longer function as a government for the benefit of its citizens. On the outside it may still look like a democracy, but inside it has been hollowed out by the cravings of the wealthiest”.
https://crisistransition.substack.com/p/stay-focused-on-the-main-event
The hollowing mostly occurred due to fascists having taken over our education system with the few teachers willing to speak out like myself having no ability to be heard. Schools are the great equalizer. Corrupt schools do the opposite!
Read my memoir, A Graver Danger, and listen to teacher whistleblowers at WhiteChalkCrime.com. You’ll understand exactly why America became imbalanced. Our schools were to keep the balance. Instead they made people shallow and worse - a bunch of forgotten angry men and women.
When I post asking people to look into education to save democracy only a handful show interest. We are losing democracy because the institution whose job it was to make us value democracy didn’t do its job. We can argue whether it was intentional or accidental but that’s an issue for another day. The issue before us is we have a society poorly educated about democracy needing to figure out what to do about it, clueless how important it is that our schools do their job. And worse, we have a society with little respect for teachers because teachers and their unions have been controlled by fascists who need them disrespected and powerless as they were the keepers of democracy.
As a teacher I either had to comply with acts that harmed children or lose my job. I could afford to lose it. Most can’t. That’s why you don’t know the evil world of education that’s stolen democrscy from us. Until I can figure out a way to get this known, our foundation will remain hollow. Thus, making this known is what I intend to do to help save democracy. Anyone who wants to help please sign up at my Substack. I plan to explain how education paved the way for Trump in articles for people who are too busy to read my book. It’s also available as an audiobook for that reason. It’s in the digital library of Illinois. Hopefully it will be in every state soon.
Learning about education, learning that most people think you can’t reform education when the truth is fascists have made sure you can’t reform education will help us find our way back plus build that different country you described. We absolutely can have great schools once people like me have some power, something fascists are great at preventing. I describe how in my book. But I can’t do it as a powerless teacher who gets a handful of likes in a nation whose values declined because fascists have run most of our schools for decades.
What would you say about the capitalist democracies in Europe that are functioning better than American political economy? Do they undermine your general thesis? Or should they just be treated as American capitalism "light" exhibiting all the problems we have but in less severe form and a far better option for them is economic democracy?
Your first core facet needs to include recognition of what humans are and that means altering enlightenment vision passed down to us.
Off hand it seems to me that the historical economic and other forces like competitive advantage that have lead to centralization and hierachies will still be operative to force change away from an economic democracy. But I plan to look more closely at Prout. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_utilization_theory
Getting accurate and true info is imperative!!!
Exactly!
It's a way to read, share, build and develop ideas into something of even greater value.
Don't just read, but help ideas grow! Develop them into something even bigger, then pass them on to be further developed by other readers, who may continue the process until an idea has great meaning and purpose.
Each of us can be part of something huge, by being a small part of a huge movement.
Thanks for this. One thing I've thought out for some years is; development a nonprofit watch that randomly checks on constituents of a public servant weekly, and reports widely. Because it is random, it is set to check on all parties the public servant is to serve, and informs individuals of all avenues of government they should be interacting with to resolve daily issues. A small piece, but getting public servants to serve all constituency!
Media should always be there promoting truth and transparency, but the less money involved the better.
not sure I understand what you are saying. Fastdemocracy is one way citizens can track bills and actions of the electeds at national and state levels. https://fastdemocracy.com/
Didn't know about Fastdemocracy. Will give it a try. Will try to explain. Media to me includes print, TV, radio and internet. Have many sources I have come to pretty much trust. All media, however, requires money to function. What - or who - keeps them going financially.
From my observation, getting MONEY from wherever is one of the worst trends in our country - and world - right now. Not caring about the source and selling our souls to get IT. The source of this problem is unfettered greed and selfishness. Too few have too much of the stuff and with that comes power!!! It's ugly what some will do for the stuff... and then they can be corrupted even more.
Lies everywhere and all the time. Not all... but many do.
Does that make sense... did I explain alright?
Good to focus on the future, Marc Nevas. Kamala Harris and Tom Walz had the blueprint tried their best to sell it. The blueprint for economic policy that will start tilting the playing field back to fairness is there, in a drawer somewhere. Also, smart patriots who know a thing or two about economic justice are on hand - Prof. Reich among them - may they stay strong and ready to get to work when we impeach Trump, Vance, and kick out the rest of the oligarchs.
Absolutely, Marc! Economic Democracy! Stakeholder Capitalism!
Right on target! And two primary objectives of our revised system must be to begin fixing the income inequality, and also reducing the influence of money in politics.
AI:
Economic democracy in the context of Prout, or Progressive Utilization Theory, is a socioeconomic system that emphasizes local control and economic decentralization.
Prout is a social theory that aims to address the shortcomings of capitalism and communism.
Key principles of Prout's economic democracy
Decentralization: Local people control and manage the resources of their region.
Collective ownership: Resources are collective property, but individuals and groups can use them through usufructuary rights.
Rational distribution: Goods are distributed in a way that maximizes the development of all people.
Local production: Local people produce goods for local consumption, keeping money circulating locally.
Cooperatives: Production and distribution are organized through cooperatives.
Prout's goals
To ensure that everyone has access to basic needs like food, clothing, housing, education, and medical care
To increase purchasing power for everyone
To promote economic prosperity for local communities
To prevent outsiders from interfering in local economies
To create a balanced economic system that supports the well-being of all people, including plants and animals
Steve, AI has covered some of the basic points of Economic Democracy according to PROUT. However, the main economic engine of Economic Democracy is Employee Owned Cooperatives owned and operated by the employees. Capitalism is encouraged for small businesses and only large Public Utilities such as electricity and other sources of fuel are owned by all but managed by professionals overseen by the State. Profits from those large enterprises are utilized to fund programs for those unable to work due to age or disabilities. for example, currently many are suffering under price spikes in electricity that are driven only by thirst for profits.
Another basic principle of Economic Democracy is that employment earns at least a “living wage” is available to all who can work. Only those unable to work due to disabilities are supported by the society.
It won't be this (hopefully)...
"‘Startup Nation’ Groups Say They’re Meeting Trump Officials to Push for Deregulated ‘Freedom Cities’ "
"The architects of projects like Próspera are drafting legislation to create US cities that would be free from federal regulations."
"According to interviews and presentations viewed by WIRED, the goal of these cities would be to have places where anti-aging clinical trials, nuclear reactor startups, and building construction can proceed without having to get prior approval from agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency."
https://www.wired.com/story/startup-nations-donald-trump-legislation/
Yeah, just what America needs most...LESS THAN ZERO tax revenue from corporations, as they remain voting members of this new nation, and (at BEST) sink every contingent election.
I suggest they name it "CITIZENS UNITED", to celebrate the complete lack of self-awareness of the far-right.
Let me humbly suggest a fabulous political philosopher who wrote the guidebook for building a "new and better system of government" and social norms, etc.: John Rawls. His book was A Theory of Justice, published in 1971. (Others of his books were shorter, contained the meat of this content, but likely were more easily digestible by non-philosophers.) My favorite centerpiece of Rawls' work is the idea of the "veil of ignorance": In designing an ideally just society, you must begin by assuming you don't know which position you will hold in that society. That is, you don't know which "race" you will be, which gender, which religion; you don't know how much money you'll have, where you will live, what job you will have, etc. It has always seemed to me to be a beautiful notion of the perspective from which to properly start envisioning a future that everyone in it would be happy to be part of.
Thank you. Like some of you, I am having trouble coping with this - not sleeping, emotionally eating, crying. The feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are competing with my desire to act - I feel like I'm watching a disaster movie as our country slides into Fascism/Dictatorship/Oligarchy.
Stay strong, Sally! We need you in this fight! Those times when I am feeling that helplessness and hopelessness, I tune out for a while and do things I enjoy doing like gardening, playing with my furry family, talking to my kids and sisters, reading a good book or watching a great movie. For inspiration, I listen to speeches made by President Kennedy, Martin Luther King and many others. Fight those feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. Know that you can vent and rage on this and other substacks and we all will understand and support and encourage you! Take care of yourself!
What Peggy said, Sally!
Sally, i share Peggy’s thoughts of encouragement. We must keep going. Keep a song or songs in your heart, add a touch of nature each day if you can, get some fresh air, do a project to make or accomplish something, talk with friends about happy things,,read about good news on happy sites, learn about science or something new in non-political categories such as kind things people do, wash your face and/or take a shower or a bath because water can be soothing. Sit in the sunshine or by a sunny window. If you can’t grow something outside, maybe you can grow something inside in a flower pot. Add scent to your life in the form of cinnamon, lemon, some tea or coffee maybe, or whatever gives you pleasure to brighten your moments. Read something funny, and if you can find a way to move, dance, or do arm exercises to peppy music or whatever suits you. Finding ways to uplift ourselves can help. Know that there are so many of us who care about getting through this, and we need you, too. You help by being here because it tells us that you
care, too. I was impressed today with Robert Reich’s statement that he stopped listening to T. because of the lies. That also helps me to take such a break. I wish you good moments in each day and hope that those good moments will grow into many more moments. Think happy thoughts. Write, whether for your own pleasure or reflection, or something to share. Do some art. Get some coloring crayons or paints to make something pretty. Look at beauty in nature or created by humans, and maybe by you. Enjoy people and life. Maybe you will want to make something to share with people, and it could be big or small. Brush you hair gently. That can help a person feel better, too. Look for the good in other people, and be good to yourself. This is your life, and you deserve to live it. I hope something here will be right to help you feel better.
Strengths of Reich’s Article
Clear Call to Action – He encourages people to fight back rather than succumb to despair.
Historical Context – He compares Trump’s regime to past authoritarian takeovers.
Emphasis on Activism – He reminds people to mobilize, organize, and support the vulnerable.
Encourages Connection – Stresses the importance of engaging with younger activists.
Promotes Resistance Tactics – Mentions civil disobedience, protests, and political engagement.
What’s Missing
Economic Warfare – There’s no mention of boycotts—one of the most effective tools in taking down oligarchs.
Targeting Trump’s Enablers – Reich doesn’t name MAGA billionaires, corporations, and media that are funding this regime.
Legal & Legislative Action – He doesn’t suggest how we can push Congress to block Trump and shut down disinformation.
Election Strategy – Reich rightly says to organize for elections, but he doesn’t get specific about voter suppression laws and how to counteract them.
Media & Narrative Control – He doesn’t emphasize turning off the propaganda pipeline, which is fueling this crisis.
20 Practical Actions to Stop Trump & Take Back Democracy
These are specific, real-world actions that you and anyone else can take right now:
1-5: Economic Warfare—Hit Them Where It Hurts
Boycott all Trump-related businesses (hotels, golf courses, clothing lines, etc.).
Boycott Tesla and all Musk-related ventures (Tesla, X/Twitter, SpaceX, Neuralink, Starlink).
Boycott Fox News advertisers—pressure companies to stop funding propaganda (List: foxnewsadvertisers.com).
Pressure Amazon (Jeff Bezos) to counter Musk & Trump—he has the power to boost alternative media.
Divest from banks that fund far-right politics—Switch from Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America to progressive banking alternatives.
6-10: Political & Legislative Action
Demand Congress bring up new impeachment proceedings—Pressure Dem leaders like Jeffries, Schumer to push impeachment.
Lobby for the 14th Amendment Disqualification Clause—Encourage legal scholars and Congress to argue Trump is disqualified for insurrection.
Work with state Secretaries of State to block Trump from ballots using the Constitution’s insurrection clause.
Pressure blue states to pass stronger election protection laws—especially in places where Republicans are still trying to suppress votes.
11-15: Media Control & Propaganda Shutdown
Turn off Fox News, OAN, and Breitbart—Stop giving them views, clicks, and engagement.
Expose and shame individuals funding far-right propaganda—List major donors publicly.
Report disinformation—Organize mass reporting of false info to social media platforms.
Promote alternative progressive media—Support real journalism like ProPublica, Democracy Now, and investigative reporting on Trump.
Flood mainstream news outlets with demands for factual coverage—Call CNN, MSNBC, and The New York Times to demand they stop normalizing Trump.
16-20: Grassroots Mobilization & Cultural Shift
Work with unions to oppose Trumpism—Unions are powerful and can block MAGA from regaining control.
Start anti-MAGA local groups—Organize at the town/city level to resist Republican policies and push progressive agendas.
Turn evangelicals against Trump—Expose his hypocrisy to weaken his religious voter base.
Flood the Supreme Court with ethics complaints—Target corrupt justices like Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who are aiding Trump.
Demand congressional investigations into dark money backing Trump—Expose billionaires funding the regime and shut down their influence.
Final Thoughts
It’s not enough to be outraged. We must act, and we must act now. Reich’s article is useful, but only if paired with real action like boycotts, legal pressure, and media control.
This is a battle for democracy itself. If we sit back and wait, the next stage will be much worse.
We are suffering the effects of psychological warfare. They are deliberately and systematically attempting to break us down, using our own beliefs and opposition against us. Robert Reich’s example of how he copes is excellent advice for avoiding the effects of psychological warfare.
definitely minimize watching or seeing Trump- to the extent that is possible to anyone on media.
Rest assured, you are not alone. There are some big elections coming up in Pennsylvania on March 25 -- one for a state House seat, and one for a state Senate seat, that will help out Governor Shapiro and the people of PA.
And then three elections on April 1. State supreme court in Wisconsin -- which Musk is donating heavily to. And two US House seats from Florida are up for grabs. These elections, I believe, will be an early barometer for next year's midterms.
And yes, the midterms will be held. I have little doubt about that. Trump's overreaches are already catching up with him.
Thanks as always, Dr. Reich, for keeping us focused. We must never forget the great Bob Marley’s words: “Don’t give up the fight!”
I live in a small rural community, Trump country. Each day I write to my three Congress people, trying to focus my concerns on issues my community might care about, then I forward this message to acquaintances in the community whose politics I’m not sure about. So far, no one has asked me to remove them from my list, and some have told me they are forwarding my messages to others. I think this may make a difference because people seem uninformed, busy in their own lives, not “into politics.”
I’m doing this as well with my family. They are all horrified by the current administration but nebulously so, disengaged from acting to make a difference…now. No one has told me not to forward newsletters, articles or calls to action, so I keep doing it. Are they reading my emails or sending them directly to trash? Don’t know.
I sincerely hope not.
And thank you for taking action too Cathy. I’m sure that you and Kathleen Acuri will be making a positive impact.
Thank you for taking action Kathleen, it’s so encouraging to read.
Yeah well politics will be "into" them soon enough the way Donvict is going.
I'm using an app on my phone named 5 Calls that connects me directly to my legislators and allows me to talk to their aids or leave a message.
Thank you again Prof R. Here's what I do. I wake up to trusted sources such as this community. I read my local print newspaper. I volunteer at a immigrants refugee clinic where I have medical students who diagnose various coughs and pains and explain why the patient can't just fill a prescription, get a CT scan or or if they already did any they can't get records. I go to the gym not enough. I invite people for postcarding, plhonebanking,, texting. . I mug gen-Z'ers and explain why it doesn't have to be this way IIi have been enjoying tracking Bernie Sanders who explains it so well. Im learning about "influencing" and sowing up from health care reform.
WAY TO GO, Miriam! WOW! I love your determined spirit! Like you, I am following Bernie as he crisscrosses this country explaining what Americans need to know! I also have infected my grandchildren with the hunger to make a better America! Kudos to you, Miriam!
Thanks for all you are doing!
I loved your comment on hanging around with young people. My father used to say, "If you want to feel young, hang around with young people. If you want to feel old, try to keep up with them."
You are doing a great job, Robert. I'm always uplifted when I listen to your videos or read your letters. Thanks.
My father used to say the same thing! :)
Professor Reich, I truly thought my activist days were behind me. I remember when I protested, carried signs, wrote letters and made myself heard! I believed I was just too old to make a difference now; however, surprisingly, it has come back to me in full force! I work hard every day making those calls, signing petitions, writing letters, sending postcards and speaking out. The other day one of my "maga" friends (yes, I have maga friends) started going on about how Democrats should be ashamed for not recognizing the little boy recovering from cancer at the orange man's speech saying how disrespectful and shameful it was. I didn't bat an eye and came back at him with "Oh, you mean the way trump made fun of the mentally ill and magas laughed uproariously? Or when he made fun of President Biden's stutter and the little boy he helped? Or when he told his brother after taking away his very ill son's insurance that he was better off dead? Or when he called our veterans losers and suckers?" When I finished, my maga friend had absolutely nothing to say! I will NEVER give up, I will NEVER accept what is happening right now in my country as normal and I will NEVER stop fighting for what our country stands for! If people are in denial, it is up to us to educate them to the truth. If people are giving up and giving in to cynicism and hopelessness, it is up to us to ignite the spark they need to fight back. We must use our voices to relay our strong conviction that America will come back. All is not lost and we will overcome this madness! We must NEVER GIVE UP and NEVER SURRENDER! Stay strong, America!
Well put. I've never commented or spoken out about these things before and it's the seriousness of the current situation that changed everything for me. I keep thinking...change one mind at a time, make a difference where you can and fight back.
Yes, Camille! One voice becomes two then four then on and on! As an ordinary American citizen, I must use my voice to change one mind at a time! Keep going, Camille! We all need to make a difference and fight back!
Arlo Guthrie humorously says that if one person does something unusual or protests, it might be considered a case of individual eccentricity. If two people do it, it could be seen as a peculiar occurrence. But when three people do it, suddenly you've got "a movement."
I live in ruby red Tennessee. My friend and I organized a gathering at a bar for like minded people, promoted on our Facebook pages. We had representatives from our local Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters. Twelve people showed up. The next month 35 people showed up. People consistently express that they are so happy to know that they are not alone. We share whatever we know about actions we can take.
Deep red SW MO here (Hawley's district). It's hard at times.
Gregg, maybe get in touch with your Dem party down there https://www.missouridemocrats.org/county-parties
Here's Jess Piper and also Toni Easter of Respect MO Voters
https://youtu.be/ylfDFgpehtY
You may know the GOP is going to try and gut the initiative petition process and we need you and those people showing up to stop these SOBs. Here's how
There will be a townhall in your area as Respect MO Voters develops a ballot measure to protect this precious state constitutional right of ours.
Go here https://www.respectmovoters.org/ to get involved.
Some background I worked up on on ballot measures. It's how we got wage increases, abortion rights, and much else in Missouri.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13dQPeEd3fN9xOsr5VT5mOYq9VU6_UUtH/edit?pli=1#slide=id.p1
We in Europe fear being drawn into global conflict through trump’s madness. https://johnhodgson.org
I don’t know that I’d use the word ‘fear’ John. When we fear, we lose our capacity to think logically, to plan, to prepare. Given what’s happening in Europe, perhaps it’s more appropriate to say that we are ‘readying ourselves’.
I hope so. But we never expected to be rearming, as in the 1930, without assurance of US support
I completely understand. Last week I read in the Guardian that here in the UK we’re preparing a base for American nukes. We (not I- a European to my core) voted for Brexit, aiming to deepen our relationship with the US, so we’re in a dangerous place now.
It is all gravely unsettling.
Yes. After all the debate about nukes in the 1970s-80s, it’s disheartening to be told me might become partners in the final annihilation of humanity
Take heart John, we now have tools at our disposal that we didn’t have back then, and the means to connect globally with insightful people. We can still find a way through this.
Yes, we’re doing it now by protesting and blogging. Did you see my psychoanalytic view of trump? https://johnhodgson.org
Have just read it- an insightful piece, and beautifully written John.
No I didn’t John, but I am fully aware of what drives Trump. I was a patron of the film ‘You’ve Been Trumped’ back in 2011 (which is probably another reason why I’m so heavily invested in supporting people affected by his governance).
I don't blame you. I fear for my grandsons.
Can support and help each other!
In Canada, Trump has managed to galvanize Canadians like I have not seen in my life. So, Trump has done something that Canadian politicians have no been able to accomplish for decades. More than 90% are fighting back in their opposition to tariffs and Trump's end game of making Canada the 51st state. Even Quebecers, who normally just waive the fleur de lis flag, are now proudly waving the Canadian flag. Individual Canadians is pushing back hard against this insanity through boycotts. Canadians are concerned, but not fearful.
One of the coping mechanisms is through songs and videos.
Here are three of them:
https://www.quintenews.com/2025/02/26/351509/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OzbmriDgQc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZswYHlCHaY
Have a look and listen.
My fear is that there will be no future elections.
or if there are, they are shams or only for low level things. Like in Putin land
Mike, I do believe if they try to pull that one, we will definitely have violence!
I’m thinking Reichstag fire, Peggy.
I read the first several chapters of "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" and they would be next on the timeline.
Hitler would be proud.
a chip off the old block as it were
Great idea!
Thank you so much for this positivity. I have to resubscribe to your paid substack now. I just want di without this anti trump positivity it's such a enjoyable read. I too have to force myself not to read much about what trump doing as it is just so disheartening. The friday bullying was so upsetting especially as I saw it by a accident while away for the night and then couldn't sleep due to it. Thankfully not seen anything since keep up the positivity and anti tru.p journalism it's great antidote to what Reay of media writing.
Strengths of Reich’s Article
Clear Call to Action – He encourages people to fight back rather than succumb to despair.
Historical Context – He compares Trump’s regime to past authoritarian takeovers.
Emphasis on Activism – He reminds people to mobilize, organize, and support the vulnerable.
Encourages Connection – Stresses the importance of engaging with younger activists.
Promotes Resistance Tactics – Mentions civil disobedience, protests, and political engagement.
What’s Missing
Economic Warfare – There’s no mention of boycotts—one of the most effective tools in taking down oligarchs.
Targeting Trump’s Enablers – Reich doesn’t name MAGA billionaires, corporations, and media that are funding this regime.
Legal & Legislative Action – He doesn’t suggest how we can push Congress to block Trump and shut down disinformation.
Election Strategy – Reich rightly says to organize for elections, but he doesn’t get specific about voter suppression laws and how to counteract them.
Media & Narrative Control – He doesn’t emphasize turning off the propaganda pipeline, which is fueling this crisis.
20 Practical Actions to Stop Trump & Take Back Democracy
These are specific, real-world actions that you and anyone else can take right now:
1-5: Economic Warfare—Hit Them Where It Hurts
Boycott all Trump-related businesses (hotels, golf courses, clothing lines, etc.).
Boycott Tesla and all Musk-related ventures (Tesla, X/Twitter, SpaceX, Neuralink, Starlink).
Boycott Fox News advertisers—pressure companies to stop funding propaganda (List: foxnewsadvertisers.com).
Pressure Amazon (Jeff Bezos) to counter Musk & Trump—he has the power to boost alternative media.
Divest from banks that fund far-right politics—Switch from Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America to progressive banking alternatives.
6-10: Political & Legislative Action
Demand Congress bring up new impeachment proceedings—Pressure Dem leaders like Jeffries, Schumer to push impeachment.
Lobby for the 14th Amendment Disqualification Clause—Encourage legal scholars and Congress to argue Trump is disqualified for insurrection.
Work with state Secretaries of State to block Trump from ballots using the Constitution’s insurrection clause.
Pressure blue states to pass stronger election protection laws—especially in places where Republicans are still trying to suppress votes.
11-15: Media Control & Propaganda Shutdown
Turn off Fox News, OAN, and Breitbart—Stop giving them views, clicks, and engagement.
Expose and shame individuals funding far-right propaganda—List major donors publicly.
Report disinformation—Organize mass reporting of false info to social media platforms.
Promote alternative progressive media—Support real journalism like ProPublica, Democracy Now, and investigative reporting on Trump.
Flood mainstream news outlets with demands for factual coverage—Call CNN, MSNBC, and The New York Times to demand they stop normalizing Trump.
16-20: Grassroots Mobilization & Cultural Shift
Work with unions to oppose Trumpism—Unions are powerful and can block MAGA from regaining control.
Start anti-MAGA local groups—Organize at the town/city level to resist Republican policies and push progressive agendas.
Turn evangelicals against Trump—Expose his hypocrisy to weaken his religious voter base.
Flood the Supreme Court with ethics complaints—Target corrupt justices like Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who are aiding Trump.
Demand congressional investigations into dark money backing Trump—Expose billionaires funding the regime and shut down their influence.
Final Thoughts
It’s not enough to be outraged. We must act, and we must act now. Reich’s article is useful, but only if paired with real action like boycotts, legal pressure, and media control.
This is a battle for democracy itself. If we sit back and wait, the next stage will be much worse.
Thanks, Professor. We're with you, always. I long ago stopped normalizing the behavior of friends and family who have turned out to be no better than Nazis. Evil is out and about, marching through the world, and I will have no part of it. It's time to fight, because there is no compromise with evil. They are destroying every piece of our democracy, every institution, every tradition. The alliance of the greedhead capitalists, Christian extremists, white supremacists, and rural xenophobes has no interest in democracy whatsoever. It will not end well for any of us. But I hope it does end, someday, with guillotines.