On this Thanksgiving Day, I would like to thank you for all of your thoughtful and intelligent writing over the years. These times are so chaotic and demoralizing it becomes essential that there be reasonable voices adding perspective. I thank you so much for providing that perspective.
I'm thinking of Charles Hamilton Houston, who planned to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court's "separate but equal" doctrine. He and his colleagues planned to bring cases to the Court that were clear examples of "separate but not equal." He did not live to see the success of Brown v. Board of Education, but he was the dreamer who dreamt it.
Now we are facing the brutality of the economic system under which so many of us suffer. We can plan to overcome it with something else, that we must envision. We probably won't live to see it. But truly it is written, if you don't choose your destiny, a destiny chooses you. And the ones coming at us right now are pretty ugly.
That’s beautiful and so poignant- really for everyone. The thing about you Professor Reich you are a very sensitive man. Some men are afraid to express any sensitivity and it’s heartfelt you have that quality about you. Happiest Thanksgiving to you and your family!!
I listened to your Thanksgiving story this morning and it brought tears to my eyes. I worked a job with long hours and little to no job satisfaction in order to support my family. When I quit it was like getting divorced and leaving a toxic marriage. I was willing to take less money for peace of mind. Family is and personal health is more important than the job. Unfortunately, the paycheck can be the handcuff that can keep us where we don't want to be. Thank you for fighting the good fight for all of us.
Nov 24, 2022·edited Nov 24, 2022Liked by Robert Reich
"Balance" is a word so often misused, abused, co-opted in the service of lies.
We see it in "good people on both sides," when one of those sides is neo-Nazis.
We see it in deliberately deceptive false equivalencies intended to give credence and legitimacy to rhetoric and policies actually intended to injure the greatest number of people for the benefit of a privileged few.
We see it in Fox "News"s self-serving slogan.
But, in toto, "balance" is utterly subjective. It is in the eye of the beholder: the soothing balm of the saint as well as the quiver of the Huntsman who slays Bambi's mother.
Professor, it was probably a great loss to the nation to leave Clinton on his own in Washington for his second term. However, and I'm sure I speak for many, we are all very grateful to have you here with us. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for your Thanksgiving message. As a person whose ancestors are indigenous people, I find it difficult to celebrate this holiday. Therefore, I am looking for a way that reframes it for my family. Your message brings to light some important concepts that I would like to adopt as we determine what works for us. Please enjoy your day with family and friends.
Thank you for your wit, your insights, your encouragement, your drawings: we count on them to get us through the day. A very good Thanksgiving to you. With love.
“Choice” is the key word here, of which so many women in this country no longer have. Distribution of wealth, distribution of labor, power and control over women’s bodies, brainwashing by advertisers, and mind numbing amassing of stuff. Who’s voices get to be heard, and who’s stories get to be told? Thank you Prof. Reich for pointing out that balance is about being able to set limits. Do you have the power and the control and the privilege to be able to set those limits? I am thankful for the abundance in this country, but the unequal distribution is disturbing. God help the homeless and good luck to the vegetarians out there today dealing with family members who righteously stand judgment over you and your food choices. as well.
Nov 24, 2022·edited Nov 24, 2022Liked by Robert Reich
I am thankful for the work you did in the Department of Labor in the 1990's. The FMLA is -- no hyperbole -- a godsend for millions of Americans. As a psychiatrist, I remember patients telling me how they were able to take time to care for a dying parent, to care for a very sick child without being terrified of losing their job, and thus their income and homes. Your work was a mitzvah that resounds through the decades that followed, and beyond. Thank you, and may you have many things to be thankful for on this day. Blessings.
You have been a wonderful person and I’m grateful for your service to our country. Thank you Robert and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I missed the boat a little but not altogether. Funny how mindsets and paradigms can change life with self honesty. I have a new reality and realize my self deception which stings a bit. Taking care of oneself is not as easy as it sounds. I’m on a journey and excited and open for the next opportunity to grow and be closer to God. All the best.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I would like to thank you for all of your thoughtful and intelligent writing over the years. These times are so chaotic and demoralizing it becomes essential that there be reasonable voices adding perspective. I thank you so much for providing that perspective.
Happy Thanksgiving to you Robert -- and to everyone else on this list. The election gave us all much to be thankful for. So... gobble, gobble.
I'm thinking of Charles Hamilton Houston, who planned to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court's "separate but equal" doctrine. He and his colleagues planned to bring cases to the Court that were clear examples of "separate but not equal." He did not live to see the success of Brown v. Board of Education, but he was the dreamer who dreamt it.
Now we are facing the brutality of the economic system under which so many of us suffer. We can plan to overcome it with something else, that we must envision. We probably won't live to see it. But truly it is written, if you don't choose your destiny, a destiny chooses you. And the ones coming at us right now are pretty ugly.
So let's plan.
That’s beautiful and so poignant- really for everyone. The thing about you Professor Reich you are a very sensitive man. Some men are afraid to express any sensitivity and it’s heartfelt you have that quality about you. Happiest Thanksgiving to you and your family!!
I listened to your Thanksgiving story this morning and it brought tears to my eyes. I worked a job with long hours and little to no job satisfaction in order to support my family. When I quit it was like getting divorced and leaving a toxic marriage. I was willing to take less money for peace of mind. Family is and personal health is more important than the job. Unfortunately, the paycheck can be the handcuff that can keep us where we don't want to be. Thank you for fighting the good fight for all of us.
"Balance" is a word so often misused, abused, co-opted in the service of lies.
We see it in "good people on both sides," when one of those sides is neo-Nazis.
We see it in deliberately deceptive false equivalencies intended to give credence and legitimacy to rhetoric and policies actually intended to injure the greatest number of people for the benefit of a privileged few.
We see it in Fox "News"s self-serving slogan.
But, in toto, "balance" is utterly subjective. It is in the eye of the beholder: the soothing balm of the saint as well as the quiver of the Huntsman who slays Bambi's mother.
If you can afford to leave do it. If you can’t then remember the sacrifice is worth it.
But here’s a tip despite that: don’t let anyone or anything come between you and your family. Ever.
Happy Thanksgiving, Secretary Reich. I always enjoy reading your thoughts on life.
That was absolutely beautiful, Bob. Thank you and I hope you and your family have a wonderful warm Thanksgiving.
This Substack forum and your words of wisdom are things to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Professor, it was probably a great loss to the nation to leave Clinton on his own in Washington for his second term. However, and I'm sure I speak for many, we are all very grateful to have you here with us. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for your Thanksgiving message. As a person whose ancestors are indigenous people, I find it difficult to celebrate this holiday. Therefore, I am looking for a way that reframes it for my family. Your message brings to light some important concepts that I would like to adopt as we determine what works for us. Please enjoy your day with family and friends.
Thank you for your wit, your insights, your encouragement, your drawings: we count on them to get us through the day. A very good Thanksgiving to you. With love.
“Choice” is the key word here, of which so many women in this country no longer have. Distribution of wealth, distribution of labor, power and control over women’s bodies, brainwashing by advertisers, and mind numbing amassing of stuff. Who’s voices get to be heard, and who’s stories get to be told? Thank you Prof. Reich for pointing out that balance is about being able to set limits. Do you have the power and the control and the privilege to be able to set those limits? I am thankful for the abundance in this country, but the unequal distribution is disturbing. God help the homeless and good luck to the vegetarians out there today dealing with family members who righteously stand judgment over you and your food choices. as well.
I am thankful for the work you did in the Department of Labor in the 1990's. The FMLA is -- no hyperbole -- a godsend for millions of Americans. As a psychiatrist, I remember patients telling me how they were able to take time to care for a dying parent, to care for a very sick child without being terrified of losing their job, and thus their income and homes. Your work was a mitzvah that resounds through the decades that followed, and beyond. Thank you, and may you have many things to be thankful for on this day. Blessings.
You have been a wonderful person and I’m grateful for your service to our country. Thank you Robert and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I missed the boat a little but not altogether. Funny how mindsets and paradigms can change life with self honesty. I have a new reality and realize my self deception which stings a bit. Taking care of oneself is not as easy as it sounds. I’m on a journey and excited and open for the next opportunity to grow and be closer to God. All the best.