This is an important essay. I sense animus in some of the replies. I understand the anger. When I start lashing out with irate rhetoric or calling people names, I turn to a favorite quote on my wall from Ruth Bader Ginsberg: "We must criticize without wounding and debate without dehumanizing our opponents. Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." I support what you outlined as a solution to child poverty in our country. And, of course, my heart goes along with my prayers to the Ukrainian children, to all the Ukrainians. Are there advocacy groups to help re-establish the Childcare Tax Credit? If not, perhaps the anger some feel might be channeled into a positive action by forming a small advocacy group or joining one already in existence? In addition to bring continued awareness to the courageous Ukraine in my blog, I will attempt to weave in the issue you write about today. I was very angry about issues affecting seniors in New York State. You told me to write, and I did. From Assembly to Congress to Senators with a special letter to our Governor. It worked! I am in dialogue with all and working towards reframing arcane formulas, which establish monthly stipends of $20 for food and heating benefits that no longer apply in these times of rising costs. But animus must be kept out of our lexicon if we are to persuade others to "understand" our point of view and have them join us in our cause. I am not a Pollyanna but I've learned the hard way that anger, calling people names et al. does not produce results. It is not my intention to offend anyone who responds to you or how they respond. I only ask that one considers how they might channel that anger into positive passion and action.
Lee Anne, I understand the anger and frustration that many people feel right now. We're seeing the window of opportunity close on so many important issues that senate Democrats haven't got to because Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema won't support them. I'm angry and frustrated too. But we have to remember that (1) it's not a foregone conclusion that Dems will lose the House and Senate in the midterms -- in fact, I think it possible that their ranks may grow, and (2) with enough organizing and mobilizing, it's possible to get good things done even with Republicans in control. On this issue of the refundable Child Tax Credit, you may recall that Mitt Romney came up with another good proposal, in some ways better than the Democrat's. It should be possible to work with him on this (I've suggested this to several Democratic senators who are concerned about child poverty).
I would be very cautious about working with Mitt Romney as he will operate with his own benefit in mind when it suits him and for reasons and motives that may not be entirely clear. Like his colleagues in the Senate, Romney is a wealthy man (always has been) and, well, those with wealth tend to prefer their own personal wealth (and well-being) over their immediate constituents and those whose lives never touch his.
Colette, It may interest you to learn that my ancestors were among the first converts to leave England and Denmark and settle in the Salt Lake Valley (In the early 1850s.) In fact, I am a direct descendant of James Marriott (of the four wives and 36 children family) but well-known nowadays because of The Mariott Hotel and Hospitality Bunch. I suppose you could say that I am a legacy descendant as one of my relatives served on the Council of the Twelve Apostles and another was the chief architect of the LA Temple and other temples in NZ, Switzerland, etc. etc. However, I started leaving the church at age 15 and officially left when I was in graduate school. This made it easier for me as I did not intend to spend my life criticizing Mormons or anyone else...it would have said more about me than them as I prefer to rise and fall on my own merits and I want to avoid negative feelings. Since I left, I let them be entirely and, well, being a woman, they have no trouble letting me be. My criticism with Romney has less to do with his faith and more to do with his wealth...Wealth may be all well and good but it also tends to obscure values and principles. I expect that, at some point, you will decide that a lot about Mormons is best left unsaid. It's deeds and actions that count and, in most cases, people act in their own self-interest and have to learn to consider and respect others. Which they either do or don't depending on how firm their values are and how they regard their associations with others in their circle and, importantly, outside of their circle.
Thanks, Robert. I always have hope. I, too, get frustrated, even enraged. For me to communicate my position and reasoning, I need to calm down enough to be compelling in my outreach/discussion, without demonizing others or showing raw emotion, though I may want to do so. I WILL contact Mitt Romney. Thank you for the suggestion!
Robert, I agree with Bernie Sanders that we should not be putting all the blame for the stalemate on the Democrats' BBB proposal onto the shoulders of JOe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema; there were in fact 50 GOP Senators who helped to defeat the proposal and any of them, some of them, all of them, could have voted with the Dems instead of against them. However, the fact that the GOP Senators and Congresspeople seem unable to acknowledge just where we are as a people and where we need to be is especially galling; however, I think it is incumbent on us that we accept this current state-of-affairs as inevitable. For far too many years, a goodly number of people have turned their backs on their own responsibilities, on the fact that the price of liberty, freedom, justice, and (ultimately) prosperity for all is eternal, unwavering vigilance...if we are going to have a viable, functioning, honest democracy, we have to keep our eyes open and on the ball. We cannot simply turn our government over to an incompetent, rich, malevolent power-hungry leader and a bunch of obedient lap-dogs and (somehow) expect that such forces for the good of the office-holder will stop to consider us in any way. In a sense, we are getting what we deserved as--for many years, far too many--people in positions of authority have been looking out for "Good Ol' Number One." Now, what with the situation in Ukraine, with poverty on the rise, with the pandemic still driving the scenario, we are being forced to do what we should have been doing all along: looking out for those in need of support, those in the next town, in the next state, in the next country, even in a country far away. We do share some guilt here and I think it's important that we acknowledge that fact but combine it with a vow to stay involved and informed and do what we can to help by sharing what we have. This is the best time in a long time as we have a chance to make a difference, not just for ourselves, but for many others. (I have to figure out a way to do it from my position in one of the groups in the cross-hairs of the oligarchs!)
I know this may sound improbable but there was a time when being a Republican was a good thing, at least as good as being a Democrat. Republicans had policies and theories and they offered another approach to governance and politics in general. I believe that the Dems in office--at least the older ones--miss the Republicans as they would bring up issues and offer ideas that gave life and meaning to policy debates. Some of the Dems even want the old Republican party (small govt, sensible approach to Russia (or the Soviet Union), respect for cultural and traditional values, balanced budgets, etc.) back. However, by now the GOP has gone so far off the deep end that it may implode or dissolve into a cult-worshiping bunch of sycophants. To me, it does not matter that Sinema and Manchin sign up to be Democrats instead of Republicans (or whatever) as neither party is trying to work to a solution to the myriad of problems we face. What all members of Congress and every branch of govt are concerned about are the coming elections as, well, vital issues have once again made it to the very back burner...when the election in November is concluded, then our public servants will shift gears and begin working on 2024...what this translates into, ultimately, a a status quo that works a severe hardship on children, on the elderly, on low and middle income, on college students, on the unwealthy and unhealthy, on everyone. I don't see any substantive change in the future far or near so I guess we'll just bump everything up to future elections and leave the US taxpayers to foot the entire bill.
I love your reply. Expanding the letter writing, calling emailing, attending meetings to city councils, school boards, and county commissions/supervisor boards is critical. Many, many federal (and state) dollars are administered there where the poverty is seen first hand through hungry children that can’t learn, and “petty” theft offenses adjudicated before the “mayor’s courts” and first level courts of general jurisdiction.
And, we have to darn well elect democrats to maintain a majority in November. Without that, we may get Trump again in 2024, then everything goes.
Ms. Morgan, I am one of those who is guilty of “dehumanizing the opponent”, and I thank you for the admonishment and the notorious RBG quote. Maybe there are kinder ways of telling the King when he is not wearing any clothes.
Thank you, Joe. I truly understand the outrage. I do. I appreciate your understanding my position. I did not intend for it to be an admonishment, however, but a reminder that we can consider another way. Be well. These are tough times! 💜
Thank you as well, DW, for yours! Open dialogue and debate are still part of our freedoms. And it does feel like Joe Manchin is running the country...at times. I still think the Democrats need an Aaron Sorkin (West Wing creator/writer) type to help frame their messaging with compelling language, framing their core themes/issues in words/phrases so that those voters who are undecided, independent, or don't vote at all will be motivated into action.
Of course it lacks consensus, which is why I wrote what I wrote. I told my truth; others tell theirs. We are all entitled to that freedom. That is what dialogue, debate, and a willingness to consider/understand another's point-of-view are about. The important issue is at the heart of what Robert wrote concerning the plight of children here...and in Ukraine. I say, let's keep our minds and hearts on what we can do in our country for our impoverished children to re-establish the ChildCare Tax Credit.
No we won't, nothing good comes from this republican controlled senate. The rethuglicon Trojan horse, Joe Manchin makes sure of it. The mamby pamby-ism of the Democrats makes me want to puke, they should all be rhetorically piling on Manchin, instead of living in fear of him flipping to the republican party, (news flash) he has already! They can't count on him to support needed legislation, but they can count on him to come up with another flimsy bs excuse for why the people of West Virginia want him to vote against their best interest.
When is somebody in the Democratic party going to sound off like they've got a pair?
I don't know if anyone here remembers Jim Jeffords. He was a Republican senator from Vermont, starting in 1989, who became so angry with the Republican Party as it slid into crazy Gingrichism that he switched to become an independent in 2001, and began caucusing with the Democrats -- which flipped the Senate back into Democratic control. Republicans pounced on him as if he were Satan. He retired from the Senate in 2007. No one paid much attention to him but I think of him often. He was a humble man with enormous integrity.
I remember the name, but little about him. Was he one of the Republican legislators who went to Nixon after Watergate and the White House tapes and told him it was over?
I'm a democrat who is just as frustrated as anyone else with the party's inability to corral manchin and sinema. (At the very least, they should have recognized much MUCH sooner that the former was playing them..) And I always wonder what those who feel the party should be "tougher" on them could have been, or could be, doing. Don't we think that plenty has been done behind the scenes? Personally, I don't think that either will budge as long as their corporate puppet masters continue to fatten their personal wallets. Is there any way their constituents could be made to pay closer attention to reality? Not sure that's possible. Thoughts?
I believe there are Democrats and Democrats, MM. Manchin and Sinema are conservative Democrats at best, although I don’t know why they bother to call themselves that. They represent red states. Therefore I believe their voters are getting what they want, which is why it’s so hard to get them to budge. I could be wrong but time will tell.
I’ve thought all along that Schumer & Biden are too nice & always play by the rules but maybe they should co-opt some of TFG behavior & threaten them to go along with majority party lines or else what ? The Lincoln Project folks have said as much in their tweets & emails also but I wonder if they have offered any advice as to how to handle those 2 DINOS?? It’s takes a former Republican to know how to arm twist a pretend Republican! Steven Schmidt & Michael Steele I bet could offer some advice to Schumer but I’m beting he’s too proud to ask. Men & their huge egos cause many problems in this World & never seem to solve any. Oh well, they just want to wait until 24 to vote them out or get lucky by electing a bigger majority of Dem senators this Nov to make them irrelevant which would be a nice slap in their faces! Democracy works so very slowing doesn’t it????
When they are not afraid of losing the flimsy, 'majority' that is held by the big money. The illusion of holding the house majority that is really owned by big money. Two fake democrats and a few weakened by contributions as well.
Prof. Reich, basically you are exposing the utter hypocrisy of those 52 Senators who voted against extending the Childhood Tax Credit. They are more beholden to the money that comes from the lobbyists and the rich donors than they are to the needs of even their youngest constituents. And that exposes the greatest shortcoming that lies at the root of our American economic system, namely unregulated capitalism will eat its own children if in return it can secure for our oligarchs additional short term profits.
That's 'cause they were all out a'sinnin'! Sinnin', sinnin', sinnin'. They're all sinners! Sinful, sinful, sinful! It's god's punishment for 'em all - and 52 >righteous men< are the hand of god a'smitin sinners a'sinnin! Please give generously to the collection plate as it passes, into the hand of god. Help make sure these harlots receive their just punishment. Make sure they're not rewarded. Save their souls from the >godless socialists!< LOL! ];-)>
I intend to be succinct in comment, but this delivery will depart.
I’ve been arrested and have spent time in a mental hospital twice. I have addiction issues.
I’ve had more privilege than most, but bear a couple heavy burdens.
The stimulus saved my ass. I will never forget this policy initiative.
I’m well educated, a certified public accountant, and previously under utilized.
Communication across our current generation of population is hard.
I’m a recovering liberaltarian.
Accounting emphasizes a principle of conservatism.
I’ve had to endure colleagues who jokingly and begrudgingly asked me what I was going to do with my stimulus I received to support myself, my wife and three children.
The answer is: survive.
Things are looking up. But because of my reading “The Millionaire Next Door” I live in a community of lower socioeconomic status.
I’m fortunate to have hope. I hope I can do things to spread that intangible message.
Thank you again professor. I hope my sometimes intellectual trolling isn’t too offensive.
One-time CPA here also. About you comment on capitalism: I agree that capitalism is conservative. But capitalism is also inherently amoral, that is, capitalism simply lacks a moral dimension. Unrestrained, capitalism would destroy a society because it would squeeze out and replace social (ie moral) values that keep a society together.
A society must put limits on capitalism or else be consumed by it. We are testing that proposition here in the United States. Beginning about 1980 our government began removing moral restraints on capitalism. That decades-long process, still ongoing and now accelerating, has converted our nation into a neoliberal society. The prerogatives of capitalism are now superior to those of society. Letting poor children go hungry to avoid the expense of providing school lunches just shows how far along in the conversion we are.
The idiotic part of this insanity from the Republican Party is that the Democrats have a great opportunity to point out every day that the Republicans alone ARE the reason why good things can’t get done to help the people in this country and yet, they seemly tend to ignore this powerful message.
It’s 98% the direct fault of Republican obstruction.
If we (Dems) want to hold on to and expand our majority in Congress we need to make sure MSM accurately points out this [obvious] fact every day.
Biden had the perfect opportunity to do so in the State of the Union. He didn’t. I am afraid he is too much of a gentleman and corporate Dem at the same time.
Yeah, I wish he’d get more progressive (like Bernie Sanders) and really tell the truth about the clear & present danger the GOP is to democracy and fair elections.
Yea but saying it over & over again is for voters’ benefit so they consider stopping to support the jerks not to annoy or embarrass the stingy Repubs even though it may or may not affect any politician with a thick skin & thick head!
"When will we ever learn" this quote from a beautiful message in a song covers so much about our continuing man made problems today. I personally retired from nursing @ 73 now @ 75 which put me on a fixed income and with no more child tax credit for my adopted 2 teenagers and the severe inflation we have been bombarded with; I feel that our children and elderly are forgotten again
For this to work the repugs in congress plus the Dino’s manchin and sinema would need to have a heart and they have proven that they do not. They only care about money and their donors at all costs…. Citizens United did this to us all…
In his book, Behave, Stanford Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky reports the “lower the socioeconomic status, the thinner the prefrontal cortex, the less impulse and emotional control all by age 5.” He says that these kids have no chance by kindergarten. Stress hormones from the adversity of childhood poverty permanently alter their brain development. “The rich will do cognitive cartwheels to justify inequality.”
As companies like Amazon pays no tax. As Elon and Jeff make more in a month than any of us can make in hundreds of thousands of years and pay little to no tax, Sapolsky points out how experiences change brain biochemistry, we see it with trauma and PTSD, etc., it appears that the experience of becoming mega rich turns one to mega greed. Richest pay no tax? Economics doesn’t explain that, neurosciences do.
Robert Sapolsky’s BEHAVE
No free will, no substance. History doesn’t repeat: brain biochemistry repeats
Wow, what you state Saporsky writes is so scary! I have to hope that it is at least partially wrong. We need to get material assistance to children even after the age of five.
Helps to understand no substance to life, no free will, nuclear physics drives everything including brain biochemistry. Depends how you grow a brain.
To be clear, poverty drives thinning of the PFC. But it’s dopamine that drives all pleasure. And the problem is dopamine habituates. “What was the experience of a lifetime yesterday, you’ll come to expect today, and it won’t be enough tomorrow.” That’s all dopamine. Dopamine also released with punishment, schadenfreude is all dopamine driven. Add dopamine has a Push/ pull effect.
Push/pull as in: you’ll get a Dopamine response after eating a milkshake, and if you look at a picture of a milkshake after eating one nothing will happen, unless you’re on a diet, then you’ll get another dopamine response just see the picture. Deny your brain and it will respond. And No one has control or is aware of any of it.
That sounds philosophical. Brain biochemistry frees us from blame. Because no one can control how their brain works. So no one should be blamed for anything, but everyone is accountable. Sapolsky puts it like this: your brakes go out on your car, you try to fix the brakes and if you can’t, you stick the car in the garage. But you never think you’re punishing the car when you stick it in the garage. No soul, no free will. Take Psycho pathic violence, the worst, they have non-functioning amygdala‘s. all behavior has a Biology and most all of it has been figured out. They can’t read your mind but they can predict what you’re going to do next
As a former county commissioner in a large DEMOCRATIC Ohio county we worked extremely hard, suspecting/knowing a little of this. I will spread the word about this book and it’s findings. I no longer am elected, nor do I practice law anymore. However, seems like some way, somehow, there’s a kernel of Constitutional equal protection in that data.
Sapolsky has a lot to say, but it’s worth reading especially for our civic leaders, includes judges, lawyers, police, politicians… Take abortion: “brain neurons start forming right after conception, but they don’t start communicating until around 20 weeks”
Sam Harris adds to this: “why is it acceptable to declare a person brain dead, harvest their organs and bury their bodies in the ground?”
Or transgender rights , big in the news especially Florida. Neurosciences tell us that the dimorphic portions of transgender brains resemble the gender they identify with not the gender they’re born with. Could go on.
If Democrats and liberal minded people would follow the neurosciences better, politics would do better. All science does is explain how things work, try telling that to a conservative mind - They’ll tell you science is all about “proving things,” but that’s math, and explains why conservatives get upset when science updates, or “they keep changing the Covid rules about masks” from their ignorant perspective.
Funny! Old canard, science far from useless. In fact, science has and will continue to explain everything. Including religious thinking, which apparently is linked to too many D4 dopamine receptors. That’s the only job of science: explains how things work. Cell phones rely on quantum physics to operate their electronics, Einstein‘s theory of relativity needed to operate GPS. Bible no mystery, astrophysics only mystery that’s left. Big bang not the beginning of anything, just the end of how far back we can see. No God before that, only superstring theory, Religion only keeps the world backward… as the most backwards places on the planet r also be the most religious. The only thing that really goes down more easily with religion are pedophile priests who have flourished since the 1300s, at least. Let’s skip the burning cats… and Women for the imaginary crime of witchcraft! Because science tells us that epilepsy actually comes from a potassium imbalance in the brain, not from sleeping with Satan
I think we are thinking past each other. I was referring to the use of religion as the cause/effect/ solution to every issue by the religious ppl. They refuse to use science to explain issues, religion suits them. Sorry not to make myself clearer. Mystifying to me but perhaps your views can help in understanding/communicating with my religious neighbors. I'll make a note and look up D4 dopamine.
My apologies, appreciate your clearing that up. Now understand your point and dilemma. Having over abundance of D4 dopamine receptors means the same amount of dopamine between us goes a lot farther with them. You’ll find all the ammo you need to deal with religious thinking in Shawn Carroll‘s book, The Big Picture. Fascinating, well written and mind blowing all at the same time.
They only see them as potential slaves or soldiers. Oh, excuse me, lower level 'human resources'. Hey, somebody has to haul the trash and do the dangerous work, and the hard work. And they better do it cheap and they better do it right. No help for them or their children either. Not far from Putin at all.
U R right as they only want to protect the unborn & let some one else worry about feeding, clothing & educating them! They are sorry ____ u fill in the blank!
Said my father years ago when foregoing charging a customer for a service call to get their heat back on on a winter morning. She was a young mother of three. Just moved to town into a small house . Her 275 gallon heating oil tank was just about empty . "May I use your telephone ?" Called the office."Dottie, send the truck over to this place and fill the 275." Overhearing him the gal piped up."Excuse me, wait, how much is that gonna cost ?" "Don't worry about that. You worry about them." Him pointing to the three toddlers painting the kitchen table with their breakfast . Loading the tools back into our service wagon he didn't reach for 'the book' (invoices). Very young and overly sensitive, I asked, "Ain't we charging er dad ?" "Ahhh, sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do."
When did they pull the plug on the bathtub of such compassion in our nation's capital ? How and why would any member of congress deny our youth, our children, our most important investments and future a leg up ? I really question how some of them put their heads on the pillow at night . They must drink a lot .
Beautiful story. I don't know how they sleep at night, either, but think many grew up in economically stable households and/or have been in congress so long that they are totally disconnected from the realities of those not of their own economical status. Many had no integrity in the first place. We need to do better at vetting & voting.
Those politicians in DC work for mega rich donors like those in the Koch network. Regular, ordinary people don’t fit into the “line their pockets” calculations. Not feeding hungry children is not so different than blowing them up, like is happening in Ukraine, just slower.
Thank you Robert and yes your posts are very valued and appreciated in my opinion. I look forward to every post that you make. I think there is a lot of ignorance as to how a democracy works. I think we have lost our appreciation for what we have and it does not come with guarantees. We are at a point where we have to fight for our freedom. If we did then the republican party would disappear in a heartbeat. They clearly do not favor a free society. Suppressing voters rights is just one example of their true intentions. Your audio spells out a wonderful approach to helping the American children. Unfortunately the republican party want everything for themselves including your freedom. It will always be an uphill battle until all Americans become engaged. Think about it. Not one republican voted in favor of helping our children and not one Republican voted against tax cuts for the top 1%. That’s the problem “greed”. The key dynamic to help people is the idea of helping people help themselves get them on their feet get them productive and have them contribute to society. That same dynamic applies to corporate welfare who are stripping our country of all its finances and assets. We need to give the checkbook back to the people
Just heard about this outcome a couple days ago. Frankly, it’s been on my mind, as I know plenty of families where the pandemic and other of life’s complications impacted. I’ve also heard one set of harsh words about “I don’t want to help raise other people’s children with my taxes”. Well, yet these are the folks complaining they cannot find quality employees…in my little hometown, across the Ohio River from West “By God” Virginia, such cruel “me first” economics has driven so many away. Yet, they embraced Trump and fell deeper into the poverty abyss. And, embedded in all of this is racism. We have to figure this out, America. It’s not Ukraine, or someone else’s kids, it’s US writ large. Explaining this study granularly in every county and putting faces to “the children” as have been seen in the Ukraine coverage is what it takes….I’m working in a very small, bit part way in this. Because some of those faces are my own grandchildren.
Since you brought it up, don't you find it curious that those folks who "don’t want to help raise other people’s children with my taxes” are the self-same folks who oppose abortion? (I've commented on that elsewhere, and you've allowed me the opportunity to comment on it in >this< forum.)
Actually, neither do I. It's Machiavellian. It has to do with >appearing< righteous, while all the time you're only interested in the money. That's straight out of "Letters to the Prince." (Of course, that doesn't speak for the not inconsequential population of bible-thumpers who will - and have already - gladly "sell their souls to the devil," while gleefully claiming to serve "god's law.")
Just to be more precise, the devil the thumpers sold their soul to is the group that strive to >appear< righteous - and >give them money!< At >that< juncture, it may simply become an exercise in splitting hairs.
Mr. Reich, I just started making a monthly donation to help take FOX off the air, as you requested yesterday. If we are successful in that effort, and ONLY if we are successful in taking FOX down, will we have the political will to provide funding for kids. Once FOX, the Republican Party Propaganda Platform, is taken down the only Republican's that will ever be elected again will be people like Liz Cheney and Adam Kissinger. I've been encouraging friends and family to turn off FOX for 10 years with little impact. I hope we can now.
Taking down Fox will help, but it does not stop the right wing media empire of Newsmax, Real America's Voice, and hundreds of right wing talk radio stations. Much more needs to be done! By the way, donate to who? I missed this.
Mr. Reich posted the following article about FOX yesterday afternoon that included a link to donate to the cause.
"Viewers of Fox News are twice as likely to believe Covid lies as those who get their news from NPR, CNN, or MSNBC. An astonishing 82% of Fox News watchers believe the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.
Now, Fox News is shamefully lying to its audience about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Tucker Carlson has claimed that Ukraine isn't a real democracy, that Putin is simply trying to resolve a border dispute, and that whatever the autocrat's failings, he's not as bad as progressives in the U.S. who criticize Fox News.""
Great! Murdoch's Misinformation Machine of the FOX Network, The Wall Street Journal and New York Post have demolished our democracy and all three need to be taken down. Taking down FOX will be good start.
Mark, I hate to be a pain in the butt, but I cannot find Mr. Reich's post in yesterday's comments! Could you cut and paste the link in a comment, or provide the name of the organization to donate to, or where the article appeared in the media? I really want to donate! Thanks!
Tim - this is Mr. Reich's post from March 9. Hopefully the 'link' to donate will still work. If not, perhaps you can find the original post.
"Viewers of Fox News are twice as likely to believe Covid lies as those who get their news from NPR, CNN, or MSNBC. An astonishing 82% of Fox News watchers believe the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.
Now, Fox News is shamefully lying to its audience about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Tucker Carlson has claimed that Ukraine isn't a real democracy, that Putin is simply trying to resolve a border dispute, and that whatever the autocrat's failings, he's not as bad as progressives in the U.S. who criticize Fox News.
It's no exaggeration to say that Fox News' disinformation has become an existential threat to our democracy — and we must fight back.
Inequality Media has a two-pronged strategy to confront the threat of Fox News. We must inoculate against Fox's lies by building the largest social media following possible, and then testing and deploying the most effective messages with targeted constituencies. And we must reduce the reach of Fox News by getting as many cable companies as possible to drop the network.
Inequality Media is using its massive reach on social media and its educational videos to inoculate the public against lies from Tucker Carlson and the rest of Trump's toadies on Fox. And we're demanding that all the cable companies de-platform and take Fox off the air, once and for all. Will you chip in?
DONATE
Fox News recklessly broadcasts disinformation that makes a harmful imprint on its viewers, who, according to poll after poll, are far more likely than other Americans to believe lies about the pandemic and the 2020 election.
Most of Fox's own executives and anchors don't even believe their network's lies. Fox requires its employees to be vaccinated or to submit to regular Covid tests, but Carlson, who with 3.2 million viewers hosts the most-watched show on cable news, regularly features guests who peddle the lie that vaccines are harmful.
The day of the January 6 insurrection, both Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity begged Trump to call off the attacks. Yet they've promoted the Big Lie that Trump won the election and that the riot was a patriotic protest ever since.
Enough is enough. Fox News should not have free rein to spew blatant disinformation directly into the homes of millions of Americans, 24 hours a day, seven days a week — especially not in the middle of an escalating war between a self-determined democracy and a murderous autocrat.
This is a fight we can win. Google has permanently banned Fox News host Dan Bongino for Covid disinformation. Twitter permanently deplatformed Trump. Facebook permanently banned Alex Jones and his InfoWars fringe conspiracy theory content. And DirecTV just announced it will permanently drop the far right-wing propaganda channel One America News.
Comcast, Charter, AT&T, and every other cable company can drop Fox, too. We just have to fight to make it happen.
Every day, cable companies stream Fox News into millions of American homes, spreading dangerous disinformation and putting lives at risk. It's time for it to stop. Will you chip in to deplatform Fox and inoculate its viewers against their lies?
FOX is the most watched network in the country. The other ultra-right wing stations don't reach 1/2 the country like FOX does. Getting FOX down would be a huge step in the fight for our democracy.
It would be a great start to get Fox out of the media stream. They should not have the right to call itself news. Not if it is misinformation or disinformation or just plain old downright LIES.
Yes indeed, that's the crux of it: whether a tax cut or a tax credit - marginal or otherwise - yielding the funds is only akin to "giving a man a fish"; it's the "teaching a man to fish" that gums up the entire works. Such are our priorities, it seems...
(Paula has pointed out a subtlety; life was never the same after reading 'Lies & the Lying Liars Who Tell Them'...)
This is an important essay. I sense animus in some of the replies. I understand the anger. When I start lashing out with irate rhetoric or calling people names, I turn to a favorite quote on my wall from Ruth Bader Ginsberg: "We must criticize without wounding and debate without dehumanizing our opponents. Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." I support what you outlined as a solution to child poverty in our country. And, of course, my heart goes along with my prayers to the Ukrainian children, to all the Ukrainians. Are there advocacy groups to help re-establish the Childcare Tax Credit? If not, perhaps the anger some feel might be channeled into a positive action by forming a small advocacy group or joining one already in existence? In addition to bring continued awareness to the courageous Ukraine in my blog, I will attempt to weave in the issue you write about today. I was very angry about issues affecting seniors in New York State. You told me to write, and I did. From Assembly to Congress to Senators with a special letter to our Governor. It worked! I am in dialogue with all and working towards reframing arcane formulas, which establish monthly stipends of $20 for food and heating benefits that no longer apply in these times of rising costs. But animus must be kept out of our lexicon if we are to persuade others to "understand" our point of view and have them join us in our cause. I am not a Pollyanna but I've learned the hard way that anger, calling people names et al. does not produce results. It is not my intention to offend anyone who responds to you or how they respond. I only ask that one considers how they might channel that anger into positive passion and action.
Lee Anne, I understand the anger and frustration that many people feel right now. We're seeing the window of opportunity close on so many important issues that senate Democrats haven't got to because Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema won't support them. I'm angry and frustrated too. But we have to remember that (1) it's not a foregone conclusion that Dems will lose the House and Senate in the midterms -- in fact, I think it possible that their ranks may grow, and (2) with enough organizing and mobilizing, it's possible to get good things done even with Republicans in control. On this issue of the refundable Child Tax Credit, you may recall that Mitt Romney came up with another good proposal, in some ways better than the Democrat's. It should be possible to work with him on this (I've suggested this to several Democratic senators who are concerned about child poverty).
I would be very cautious about working with Mitt Romney as he will operate with his own benefit in mind when it suits him and for reasons and motives that may not be entirely clear. Like his colleagues in the Senate, Romney is a wealthy man (always has been) and, well, those with wealth tend to prefer their own personal wealth (and well-being) over their immediate constituents and those whose lives never touch his.
Boy U hit the nail on the head here!!
Plus he is a Mormon and wants every person become a Mormon. I left it 25 yrs ago, it is a controlling MEN important, not women.
Colette, It may interest you to learn that my ancestors were among the first converts to leave England and Denmark and settle in the Salt Lake Valley (In the early 1850s.) In fact, I am a direct descendant of James Marriott (of the four wives and 36 children family) but well-known nowadays because of The Mariott Hotel and Hospitality Bunch. I suppose you could say that I am a legacy descendant as one of my relatives served on the Council of the Twelve Apostles and another was the chief architect of the LA Temple and other temples in NZ, Switzerland, etc. etc. However, I started leaving the church at age 15 and officially left when I was in graduate school. This made it easier for me as I did not intend to spend my life criticizing Mormons or anyone else...it would have said more about me than them as I prefer to rise and fall on my own merits and I want to avoid negative feelings. Since I left, I let them be entirely and, well, being a woman, they have no trouble letting me be. My criticism with Romney has less to do with his faith and more to do with his wealth...Wealth may be all well and good but it also tends to obscure values and principles. I expect that, at some point, you will decide that a lot about Mormons is best left unsaid. It's deeds and actions that count and, in most cases, people act in their own self-interest and have to learn to consider and respect others. Which they either do or don't depending on how firm their values are and how they regard their associations with others in their circle and, importantly, outside of their circle.
Thanks, Robert. I always have hope. I, too, get frustrated, even enraged. For me to communicate my position and reasoning, I need to calm down enough to be compelling in my outreach/discussion, without demonizing others or showing raw emotion, though I may want to do so. I WILL contact Mitt Romney. Thank you for the suggestion!
Robert, I agree with Bernie Sanders that we should not be putting all the blame for the stalemate on the Democrats' BBB proposal onto the shoulders of JOe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema; there were in fact 50 GOP Senators who helped to defeat the proposal and any of them, some of them, all of them, could have voted with the Dems instead of against them. However, the fact that the GOP Senators and Congresspeople seem unable to acknowledge just where we are as a people and where we need to be is especially galling; however, I think it is incumbent on us that we accept this current state-of-affairs as inevitable. For far too many years, a goodly number of people have turned their backs on their own responsibilities, on the fact that the price of liberty, freedom, justice, and (ultimately) prosperity for all is eternal, unwavering vigilance...if we are going to have a viable, functioning, honest democracy, we have to keep our eyes open and on the ball. We cannot simply turn our government over to an incompetent, rich, malevolent power-hungry leader and a bunch of obedient lap-dogs and (somehow) expect that such forces for the good of the office-holder will stop to consider us in any way. In a sense, we are getting what we deserved as--for many years, far too many--people in positions of authority have been looking out for "Good Ol' Number One." Now, what with the situation in Ukraine, with poverty on the rise, with the pandemic still driving the scenario, we are being forced to do what we should have been doing all along: looking out for those in need of support, those in the next town, in the next state, in the next country, even in a country far away. We do share some guilt here and I think it's important that we acknowledge that fact but combine it with a vow to stay involved and informed and do what we can to help by sharing what we have. This is the best time in a long time as we have a chance to make a difference, not just for ourselves, but for many others. (I have to figure out a way to do it from my position in one of the groups in the cross-hairs of the oligarchs!)
Those two are not really Democrats, they are Repubs but lie to be Democrats!
I know this may sound improbable but there was a time when being a Republican was a good thing, at least as good as being a Democrat. Republicans had policies and theories and they offered another approach to governance and politics in general. I believe that the Dems in office--at least the older ones--miss the Republicans as they would bring up issues and offer ideas that gave life and meaning to policy debates. Some of the Dems even want the old Republican party (small govt, sensible approach to Russia (or the Soviet Union), respect for cultural and traditional values, balanced budgets, etc.) back. However, by now the GOP has gone so far off the deep end that it may implode or dissolve into a cult-worshiping bunch of sycophants. To me, it does not matter that Sinema and Manchin sign up to be Democrats instead of Republicans (or whatever) as neither party is trying to work to a solution to the myriad of problems we face. What all members of Congress and every branch of govt are concerned about are the coming elections as, well, vital issues have once again made it to the very back burner...when the election in November is concluded, then our public servants will shift gears and begin working on 2024...what this translates into, ultimately, a a status quo that works a severe hardship on children, on the elderly, on low and middle income, on college students, on the unwealthy and unhealthy, on everyone. I don't see any substantive change in the future far or near so I guess we'll just bump everything up to future elections and leave the US taxpayers to foot the entire bill.
Excellent.
What is Romney’s proposal, and how, in some ways, is it better than the CTC?
I love your reply. Expanding the letter writing, calling emailing, attending meetings to city councils, school boards, and county commissions/supervisor boards is critical. Many, many federal (and state) dollars are administered there where the poverty is seen first hand through hungry children that can’t learn, and “petty” theft offenses adjudicated before the “mayor’s courts” and first level courts of general jurisdiction.
And, we have to darn well elect democrats to maintain a majority in November. Without that, we may get Trump again in 2024, then everything goes.
Thank you, thank you! Spot on in your reply to my long missive. 😉
Ms. Morgan, I am one of those who is guilty of “dehumanizing the opponent”, and I thank you for the admonishment and the notorious RBG quote. Maybe there are kinder ways of telling the King when he is not wearing any clothes.
Thank you, Joe. I truly understand the outrage. I do. I appreciate your understanding my position. I did not intend for it to be an admonishment, however, but a reminder that we can consider another way. Be well. These are tough times! 💜
Thanks for your input Lee Anne Morgan.
Thank you as well, DW, for yours! Open dialogue and debate are still part of our freedoms. And it does feel like Joe Manchin is running the country...at times. I still think the Democrats need an Aaron Sorkin (West Wing creator/writer) type to help frame their messaging with compelling language, framing their core themes/issues in words/phrases so that those voters who are undecided, independent, or don't vote at all will be motivated into action.
Wonderful idea!
While well taken, your view seems to lack consensus here. Just an observation - not an indictment.
Of course it lacks consensus, which is why I wrote what I wrote. I told my truth; others tell theirs. We are all entitled to that freedom. That is what dialogue, debate, and a willingness to consider/understand another's point-of-view are about. The important issue is at the heart of what Robert wrote concerning the plight of children here...and in Ukraine. I say, let's keep our minds and hearts on what we can do in our country for our impoverished children to re-establish the ChildCare Tax Credit.
No we won't, nothing good comes from this republican controlled senate. The rethuglicon Trojan horse, Joe Manchin makes sure of it. The mamby pamby-ism of the Democrats makes me want to puke, they should all be rhetorically piling on Manchin, instead of living in fear of him flipping to the republican party, (news flash) he has already! They can't count on him to support needed legislation, but they can count on him to come up with another flimsy bs excuse for why the people of West Virginia want him to vote against their best interest.
When is somebody in the Democratic party going to sound off like they've got a pair?
End of rant.
I don't know if anyone here remembers Jim Jeffords. He was a Republican senator from Vermont, starting in 1989, who became so angry with the Republican Party as it slid into crazy Gingrichism that he switched to become an independent in 2001, and began caucusing with the Democrats -- which flipped the Senate back into Democratic control. Republicans pounced on him as if he were Satan. He retired from the Senate in 2007. No one paid much attention to him but I think of him often. He was a humble man with enormous integrity.
I remember Jim Jeffords, but mostly his name. Wasn't really paying attention closely at the time.
I remember the name, but little about him. Was he one of the Republican legislators who went to Nixon after Watergate and the White House tapes and told him it was over?
Bernie, AOC and Rashida Talib have been saying it for months now.
I'm a democrat who is just as frustrated as anyone else with the party's inability to corral manchin and sinema. (At the very least, they should have recognized much MUCH sooner that the former was playing them..) And I always wonder what those who feel the party should be "tougher" on them could have been, or could be, doing. Don't we think that plenty has been done behind the scenes? Personally, I don't think that either will budge as long as their corporate puppet masters continue to fatten their personal wallets. Is there any way their constituents could be made to pay closer attention to reality? Not sure that's possible. Thoughts?
I believe there are Democrats and Democrats, MM. Manchin and Sinema are conservative Democrats at best, although I don’t know why they bother to call themselves that. They represent red states. Therefore I believe their voters are getting what they want, which is why it’s so hard to get them to budge. I could be wrong but time will tell.
I’ve thought all along that Schumer & Biden are too nice & always play by the rules but maybe they should co-opt some of TFG behavior & threaten them to go along with majority party lines or else what ? The Lincoln Project folks have said as much in their tweets & emails also but I wonder if they have offered any advice as to how to handle those 2 DINOS?? It’s takes a former Republican to know how to arm twist a pretend Republican! Steven Schmidt & Michael Steele I bet could offer some advice to Schumer but I’m beting he’s too proud to ask. Men & their huge egos cause many problems in this World & never seem to solve any. Oh well, they just want to wait until 24 to vote them out or get lucky by electing a bigger majority of Dem senators this Nov to make them irrelevant which would be a nice slap in their faces! Democracy works so very slowing doesn’t it????
When they are not afraid of losing the flimsy, 'majority' that is held by the big money. The illusion of holding the house majority that is really owned by big money. Two fake democrats and a few weakened by contributions as well.
Prof. Reich, basically you are exposing the utter hypocrisy of those 52 Senators who voted against extending the Childhood Tax Credit. They are more beholden to the money that comes from the lobbyists and the rich donors than they are to the needs of even their youngest constituents. And that exposes the greatest shortcoming that lies at the root of our American economic system, namely unregulated capitalism will eat its own children if in return it can secure for our oligarchs additional short term profits.
Let me hasten to observe they oppose abortion and preach family values, as well. Just a little ornament you should work into your thinking.
???
Exactly!
Then they force the poor women to have unplanned for children, or children they can't afford that are already born.
That's 'cause they were all out a'sinnin'! Sinnin', sinnin', sinnin'. They're all sinners! Sinful, sinful, sinful! It's god's punishment for 'em all - and 52 >righteous men< are the hand of god a'smitin sinners a'sinnin! Please give generously to the collection plate as it passes, into the hand of god. Help make sure these harlots receive their just punishment. Make sure they're not rewarded. Save their souls from the >godless socialists!< LOL! ];-)>
The 'Goddess' Socialists! That's what they get for bein' bad!
Another nail hit on its proverbial head! Well spoken!
BINGO
Thank you for writing.
I intend to be succinct in comment, but this delivery will depart.
I’ve been arrested and have spent time in a mental hospital twice. I have addiction issues.
I’ve had more privilege than most, but bear a couple heavy burdens.
The stimulus saved my ass. I will never forget this policy initiative.
I’m well educated, a certified public accountant, and previously under utilized.
Communication across our current generation of population is hard.
I’m a recovering liberaltarian.
Accounting emphasizes a principle of conservatism.
I’ve had to endure colleagues who jokingly and begrudgingly asked me what I was going to do with my stimulus I received to support myself, my wife and three children.
The answer is: survive.
Things are looking up. But because of my reading “The Millionaire Next Door” I live in a community of lower socioeconomic status.
I’m fortunate to have hope. I hope I can do things to spread that intangible message.
Thank you again professor. I hope my sometimes intellectual trolling isn’t too offensive.
One-time CPA here also. About you comment on capitalism: I agree that capitalism is conservative. But capitalism is also inherently amoral, that is, capitalism simply lacks a moral dimension. Unrestrained, capitalism would destroy a society because it would squeeze out and replace social (ie moral) values that keep a society together.
A society must put limits on capitalism or else be consumed by it. We are testing that proposition here in the United States. Beginning about 1980 our government began removing moral restraints on capitalism. That decades-long process, still ongoing and now accelerating, has converted our nation into a neoliberal society. The prerogatives of capitalism are now superior to those of society. Letting poor children go hungry to avoid the expense of providing school lunches just shows how far along in the conversion we are.
The taunts say far more about your colleagues than they say about you.
The idiotic part of this insanity from the Republican Party is that the Democrats have a great opportunity to point out every day that the Republicans alone ARE the reason why good things can’t get done to help the people in this country and yet, they seemly tend to ignore this powerful message.
It’s 98% the direct fault of Republican obstruction.
If we (Dems) want to hold on to and expand our majority in Congress we need to make sure MSM accurately points out this [obvious] fact every day.
Biden had the perfect opportunity to do so in the State of the Union. He didn’t. I am afraid he is too much of a gentleman and corporate Dem at the same time.
Yeah, I wish he’d get more progressive (like Bernie Sanders) and really tell the truth about the clear & present danger the GOP is to democracy and fair elections.
He knows the Repugs would be even more hostile if the Democrat President called their stinginess out.
Yea but saying it over & over again is for voters’ benefit so they consider stopping to support the jerks not to annoy or embarrass the stingy Repubs even though it may or may not affect any politician with a thick skin & thick head!
Who or what is MSM? I only know it as a potent supplement called sulphur! Do u mean Moscow Mitch per chance?
Main Stream Media… something else TFG perverted.
JAB ; What is TFG?
Acronym for The Former Guy. I do not use his disgusting name…
I kind of guessed that, but wanted to be sure. I have seen it here before and wondered.
@Robert Reich, every day, you give me hope! You have no idea how much your efforts to inform are appreciated,truly. Thank you.
"When will we ever learn" this quote from a beautiful message in a song covers so much about our continuing man made problems today. I personally retired from nursing @ 73 now @ 75 which put me on a fixed income and with no more child tax credit for my adopted 2 teenagers and the severe inflation we have been bombarded with; I feel that our children and elderly are forgotten again
For this to work the repugs in congress plus the Dino’s manchin and sinema would need to have a heart and they have proven that they do not. They only care about money and their donors at all costs…. Citizens United did this to us all…
I agree and I read today that there are 11 lobbyist for every member of Congress
In his book, Behave, Stanford Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky reports the “lower the socioeconomic status, the thinner the prefrontal cortex, the less impulse and emotional control all by age 5.” He says that these kids have no chance by kindergarten. Stress hormones from the adversity of childhood poverty permanently alter their brain development. “The rich will do cognitive cartwheels to justify inequality.”
As companies like Amazon pays no tax. As Elon and Jeff make more in a month than any of us can make in hundreds of thousands of years and pay little to no tax, Sapolsky points out how experiences change brain biochemistry, we see it with trauma and PTSD, etc., it appears that the experience of becoming mega rich turns one to mega greed. Richest pay no tax? Economics doesn’t explain that, neurosciences do.
Robert Sapolsky’s BEHAVE
No free will, no substance. History doesn’t repeat: brain biochemistry repeats
Wow, what you state Saporsky writes is so scary! I have to hope that it is at least partially wrong. We need to get material assistance to children even after the age of five.
Helps to understand no substance to life, no free will, nuclear physics drives everything including brain biochemistry. Depends how you grow a brain.
To be clear, poverty drives thinning of the PFC. But it’s dopamine that drives all pleasure. And the problem is dopamine habituates. “What was the experience of a lifetime yesterday, you’ll come to expect today, and it won’t be enough tomorrow.” That’s all dopamine. Dopamine also released with punishment, schadenfreude is all dopamine driven. Add dopamine has a Push/ pull effect.
Push/pull as in: you’ll get a Dopamine response after eating a milkshake, and if you look at a picture of a milkshake after eating one nothing will happen, unless you’re on a diet, then you’ll get another dopamine response just see the picture. Deny your brain and it will respond. And No one has control or is aware of any of it.
So, are you saying that frees us from responsibility for our actions?
That sounds philosophical. Brain biochemistry frees us from blame. Because no one can control how their brain works. So no one should be blamed for anything, but everyone is accountable. Sapolsky puts it like this: your brakes go out on your car, you try to fix the brakes and if you can’t, you stick the car in the garage. But you never think you’re punishing the car when you stick it in the garage. No soul, no free will. Take Psycho pathic violence, the worst, they have non-functioning amygdala‘s. all behavior has a Biology and most all of it has been figured out. They can’t read your mind but they can predict what you’re going to do next
It's kind of like the Scopes 'monkey trial' level of justification of unequal treatment. Prefrontal cortex thinness?!
As a former county commissioner in a large DEMOCRATIC Ohio county we worked extremely hard, suspecting/knowing a little of this. I will spread the word about this book and it’s findings. I no longer am elected, nor do I practice law anymore. However, seems like some way, somehow, there’s a kernel of Constitutional equal protection in that data.
That would be great! Thanks!
Sapolsky has a lot to say, but it’s worth reading especially for our civic leaders, includes judges, lawyers, police, politicians… Take abortion: “brain neurons start forming right after conception, but they don’t start communicating until around 20 weeks”
Sam Harris adds to this: “why is it acceptable to declare a person brain dead, harvest their organs and bury their bodies in the ground?”
Or transgender rights , big in the news especially Florida. Neurosciences tell us that the dimorphic portions of transgender brains resemble the gender they identify with not the gender they’re born with. Could go on.
If Democrats and liberal minded people would follow the neurosciences better, politics would do better. All science does is explain how things work, try telling that to a conservative mind - They’ll tell you science is all about “proving things,” but that’s math, and explains why conservatives get upset when science updates, or “they keep changing the Covid rules about masks” from their ignorant perspective.
Good luck!
Science is useless in some areas of knowledge & thought. Religion goes down more easily.
Funny! Old canard, science far from useless. In fact, science has and will continue to explain everything. Including religious thinking, which apparently is linked to too many D4 dopamine receptors. That’s the only job of science: explains how things work. Cell phones rely on quantum physics to operate their electronics, Einstein‘s theory of relativity needed to operate GPS. Bible no mystery, astrophysics only mystery that’s left. Big bang not the beginning of anything, just the end of how far back we can see. No God before that, only superstring theory, Religion only keeps the world backward… as the most backwards places on the planet r also be the most religious. The only thing that really goes down more easily with religion are pedophile priests who have flourished since the 1300s, at least. Let’s skip the burning cats… and Women for the imaginary crime of witchcraft! Because science tells us that epilepsy actually comes from a potassium imbalance in the brain, not from sleeping with Satan
I think we are thinking past each other. I was referring to the use of religion as the cause/effect/ solution to every issue by the religious ppl. They refuse to use science to explain issues, religion suits them. Sorry not to make myself clearer. Mystifying to me but perhaps your views can help in understanding/communicating with my religious neighbors. I'll make a note and look up D4 dopamine.
My apologies, appreciate your clearing that up. Now understand your point and dilemma. Having over abundance of D4 dopamine receptors means the same amount of dopamine between us goes a lot farther with them. You’ll find all the ammo you need to deal with religious thinking in Shawn Carroll‘s book, The Big Picture. Fascinating, well written and mind blowing all at the same time.
Keep them in the moment, and good luck!
The rationalizations and justifications to justify inequality seem endless and re -enforce classism.
"If we were a sane and decent society we would turn that experiment into the law of the land. We still can. Will we? " So powerful.
Simply must get a larger majority of Dems in the Senate at all costs!!
But the GFN - the "Good For Nothing" Republican Party - will block any attempt to help children -
They only see them as potential slaves or soldiers. Oh, excuse me, lower level 'human resources'. Hey, somebody has to haul the trash and do the dangerous work, and the hard work. And they better do it cheap and they better do it right. No help for them or their children either. Not far from Putin at all.
U R right as they only want to protect the unborn & let some one else worry about feeding, clothing & educating them! They are sorry ____ u fill in the blank!
"Sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do."
Said my father years ago when foregoing charging a customer for a service call to get their heat back on on a winter morning. She was a young mother of three. Just moved to town into a small house . Her 275 gallon heating oil tank was just about empty . "May I use your telephone ?" Called the office."Dottie, send the truck over to this place and fill the 275." Overhearing him the gal piped up."Excuse me, wait, how much is that gonna cost ?" "Don't worry about that. You worry about them." Him pointing to the three toddlers painting the kitchen table with their breakfast . Loading the tools back into our service wagon he didn't reach for 'the book' (invoices). Very young and overly sensitive, I asked, "Ain't we charging er dad ?" "Ahhh, sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do."
When did they pull the plug on the bathtub of such compassion in our nation's capital ? How and why would any member of congress deny our youth, our children, our most important investments and future a leg up ? I really question how some of them put their heads on the pillow at night . They must drink a lot .
Beautiful story. I don't know how they sleep at night, either, but think many grew up in economically stable households and/or have been in congress so long that they are totally disconnected from the realities of those not of their own economical status. Many had no integrity in the first place. We need to do better at vetting & voting.
Those politicians in DC work for mega rich donors like those in the Koch network. Regular, ordinary people don’t fit into the “line their pockets” calculations. Not feeding hungry children is not so different than blowing them up, like is happening in Ukraine, just slower.
Thank you Robert and yes your posts are very valued and appreciated in my opinion. I look forward to every post that you make. I think there is a lot of ignorance as to how a democracy works. I think we have lost our appreciation for what we have and it does not come with guarantees. We are at a point where we have to fight for our freedom. If we did then the republican party would disappear in a heartbeat. They clearly do not favor a free society. Suppressing voters rights is just one example of their true intentions. Your audio spells out a wonderful approach to helping the American children. Unfortunately the republican party want everything for themselves including your freedom. It will always be an uphill battle until all Americans become engaged. Think about it. Not one republican voted in favor of helping our children and not one Republican voted against tax cuts for the top 1%. That’s the problem “greed”. The key dynamic to help people is the idea of helping people help themselves get them on their feet get them productive and have them contribute to society. That same dynamic applies to corporate welfare who are stripping our country of all its finances and assets. We need to give the checkbook back to the people
Just heard about this outcome a couple days ago. Frankly, it’s been on my mind, as I know plenty of families where the pandemic and other of life’s complications impacted. I’ve also heard one set of harsh words about “I don’t want to help raise other people’s children with my taxes”. Well, yet these are the folks complaining they cannot find quality employees…in my little hometown, across the Ohio River from West “By God” Virginia, such cruel “me first” economics has driven so many away. Yet, they embraced Trump and fell deeper into the poverty abyss. And, embedded in all of this is racism. We have to figure this out, America. It’s not Ukraine, or someone else’s kids, it’s US writ large. Explaining this study granularly in every county and putting faces to “the children” as have been seen in the Ukraine coverage is what it takes….I’m working in a very small, bit part way in this. Because some of those faces are my own grandchildren.
Since you brought it up, don't you find it curious that those folks who "don’t want to help raise other people’s children with my taxes” are the self-same folks who oppose abortion? (I've commented on that elsewhere, and you've allowed me the opportunity to comment on it in >this< forum.)
Actually, no. There are many people that do have that view, I am sure, however, the above was more of a money- centered (theirs) view.
Actually, neither do I. It's Machiavellian. It has to do with >appearing< righteous, while all the time you're only interested in the money. That's straight out of "Letters to the Prince." (Of course, that doesn't speak for the not inconsequential population of bible-thumpers who will - and have already - gladly "sell their souls to the devil," while gleefully claiming to serve "god's law.")
Just to be more precise, the devil the thumpers sold their soul to is the group that strive to >appear< righteous - and >give them money!< At >that< juncture, it may simply become an exercise in splitting hairs.
Mr. Reich, I just started making a monthly donation to help take FOX off the air, as you requested yesterday. If we are successful in that effort, and ONLY if we are successful in taking FOX down, will we have the political will to provide funding for kids. Once FOX, the Republican Party Propaganda Platform, is taken down the only Republican's that will ever be elected again will be people like Liz Cheney and Adam Kissinger. I've been encouraging friends and family to turn off FOX for 10 years with little impact. I hope we can now.
Taking down Fox will help, but it does not stop the right wing media empire of Newsmax, Real America's Voice, and hundreds of right wing talk radio stations. Much more needs to be done! By the way, donate to who? I missed this.
Mr. Reich posted the following article about FOX yesterday afternoon that included a link to donate to the cause.
"Viewers of Fox News are twice as likely to believe Covid lies as those who get their news from NPR, CNN, or MSNBC. An astonishing 82% of Fox News watchers believe the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.
Now, Fox News is shamefully lying to its audience about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Tucker Carlson has claimed that Ukraine isn't a real democracy, that Putin is simply trying to resolve a border dispute, and that whatever the autocrat's failings, he's not as bad as progressives in the U.S. who criticize Fox News.""
Thanks. I will search for his post and link and start donating.
Great! Murdoch's Misinformation Machine of the FOX Network, The Wall Street Journal and New York Post have demolished our democracy and all three need to be taken down. Taking down FOX will be good start.
Mark, I hate to be a pain in the butt, but I cannot find Mr. Reich's post in yesterday's comments! Could you cut and paste the link in a comment, or provide the name of the organization to donate to, or where the article appeared in the media? I really want to donate! Thanks!
Tim ; the place to donate is Inequality Media Civic Action
Here is the 'link' to DONATE.https://secure.actblue.com/donate/deplatformfox_sbs?refcode=030822_emailA&link_id=2&can_id=99cd1daa45030e3f5ed8d3671db8249f&source=email-the-truth-about-inflation-hint-the-corporate-media-is-getting-it-wrong&email_referrer=email_1470142___subject_1927239&email_subject=deplatform-fox-news-yes-it-can-be-done&refcodeEmailReferrer=email_1470142___subject_1927239
Tim - this is Mr. Reich's post from March 9. Hopefully the 'link' to donate will still work. If not, perhaps you can find the original post.
"Viewers of Fox News are twice as likely to believe Covid lies as those who get their news from NPR, CNN, or MSNBC. An astonishing 82% of Fox News watchers believe the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.
Now, Fox News is shamefully lying to its audience about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Tucker Carlson has claimed that Ukraine isn't a real democracy, that Putin is simply trying to resolve a border dispute, and that whatever the autocrat's failings, he's not as bad as progressives in the U.S. who criticize Fox News.
It's no exaggeration to say that Fox News' disinformation has become an existential threat to our democracy — and we must fight back.
Inequality Media has a two-pronged strategy to confront the threat of Fox News. We must inoculate against Fox's lies by building the largest social media following possible, and then testing and deploying the most effective messages with targeted constituencies. And we must reduce the reach of Fox News by getting as many cable companies as possible to drop the network.
Inequality Media is using its massive reach on social media and its educational videos to inoculate the public against lies from Tucker Carlson and the rest of Trump's toadies on Fox. And we're demanding that all the cable companies de-platform and take Fox off the air, once and for all. Will you chip in?
DONATE
Fox News recklessly broadcasts disinformation that makes a harmful imprint on its viewers, who, according to poll after poll, are far more likely than other Americans to believe lies about the pandemic and the 2020 election.
Most of Fox's own executives and anchors don't even believe their network's lies. Fox requires its employees to be vaccinated or to submit to regular Covid tests, but Carlson, who with 3.2 million viewers hosts the most-watched show on cable news, regularly features guests who peddle the lie that vaccines are harmful.
The day of the January 6 insurrection, both Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity begged Trump to call off the attacks. Yet they've promoted the Big Lie that Trump won the election and that the riot was a patriotic protest ever since.
Enough is enough. Fox News should not have free rein to spew blatant disinformation directly into the homes of millions of Americans, 24 hours a day, seven days a week — especially not in the middle of an escalating war between a self-determined democracy and a murderous autocrat.
This is a fight we can win. Google has permanently banned Fox News host Dan Bongino for Covid disinformation. Twitter permanently deplatformed Trump. Facebook permanently banned Alex Jones and his InfoWars fringe conspiracy theory content. And DirecTV just announced it will permanently drop the far right-wing propaganda channel One America News.
Comcast, Charter, AT&T, and every other cable company can drop Fox, too. We just have to fight to make it happen.
Every day, cable companies stream Fox News into millions of American homes, spreading dangerous disinformation and putting lives at risk. It's time for it to stop. Will you chip in to deplatform Fox and inoculate its viewers against their lies?
Thanks for all you do,
Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action
The mailing address is PO Box 9323 Berkeley, CA 94709.
Anybody working to shut down Sinclair stations.
FOX is the most watched network in the country. The other ultra-right wing stations don't reach 1/2 the country like FOX does. Getting FOX down would be a huge step in the fight for our democracy.
It would be a great start to get Fox out of the media stream. They should not have the right to call itself news. Not if it is misinformation or disinformation or just plain old downright LIES.
I agree, but fear that Fox viewers will start watching Newmax, which is worse that Fox!
Mark, I did the same, made a donation to help take Fox off the air.
Laurie, I missed this. Donate to who?
No, It is Inequality Media Civic Action. Move On was ending Citizens United. Got my Donations mixed up. Senioritis!
Monthly
Wow…I missed that! Great idea. I will go back and read yesterday’s post! Woohoo!
Some (bipartisan) history:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-child-tax-credit-is-a-conservative-dream-fulfilled-lets-help-make-it-permanent/2021/03/11/db349bd0-82a5-11eb-81db-b02f0398f49a_story.html
Probably the wrong time to make a joke about introducing a parenting license (it's probably a discussion for another day)...
= )
Somehow, y'd think the party preaching "family values" would support such a license. But that's not the only inconsistency in their words & deeds.
Yes indeed, that's the crux of it: whether a tax cut or a tax credit - marginal or otherwise - yielding the funds is only akin to "giving a man a fish"; it's the "teaching a man to fish" that gums up the entire works. Such are our priorities, it seems...
(Paula has pointed out a subtlety; life was never the same after reading 'Lies & the Lying Liars Who Tell Them'...)
But none of them would qualify for it!