You can't fix stupid and the vast majority of the media feeds BS to their viewers every day. Oh, how I yearn for the Walter Cronkites that used to give us the facts and let us come to our own conclusions instead of brainwashing the those of us who do not have critical thinking skills.
Walter Cronkite might not last long on corporate owned television today. The pundits know how to cut things short when the talk is going in the 'wrong' (truthful) direction. He simply might not even get an invite, or if he did it would be limited, like Erin kept Robert from having the last word. Hey, maybe we could request that Lawrence O'Donnell have him on his show 'The Last Word'! Really see what THEY are made of!!
If you watch the Evening News, on any of the big three networks, you can see pharmaceutical companies own the Network news. Back when Walter Cronkite was on, it was the Tabaco Companies and you had to be holding a cigarette in your hand while giving your show. WE all know that ended badly for most of them. At least now they tell you that their pharmaceuticals have side effects and can lead to death. Network News Viewership is going down and most people now get their news off the WEB and like this site, we can talk back and add to the story on the better ones.
PBS just had a special movie about him including the Cigarette adds and him holding a cigarette with him going head to head with Joe McCarthy live. Janet has a link but you can also visit PBS and see the PBS News Hour every week night and watch real journalists take on the hard issues without the annoying Pharmaceutical advertising every two minutes.
At various points during the primaries leading up to the 2020 election, Senator Bernie Sanders would call town halls in communities across the country. At such town halls, Senator Sanders would calmly and honestly describe where we were (are) as a nation and as individuals and what progress and improvement in all our lives would look like and how it would be financed. His explanations were always clear, direct, and respectful to his audience, many of whom were not political or financially savvy--they were people just concerned about their turn of their own lives, their communities, their social safety net, and the environment. His explanations were often directed to specific questions from audience members and he always did his best to be honest, direct, and persuasive. In almost every case, he managed to convey essential information to his audiences and give them a sense of what his specific plans plans entailed, what they would cost, and where the money would come from. It all sounded a bit like "soak the rich" but the facts (were) are that the wealthiest members of our society have coasted for years, they have squirreled their wealth away and left us with deficiencies in the most basic needs and services of a well-run and decent country. Of course, our deficiencies have hit people of color especially hard since the leaders have pursued policies and programs that favor elderly white males. Bernie never really had a great chance of winning the primary and the election and this was in part due to the Democratic Party leaders who were (are)--when all is said and done--almost a carbon copy of the Republicans, people who cater to corporate Democrats and hang the rest of us out to dry. I feared that Biden would prove too conciliatory and willing to cut deals with the opposition party at substantial cost to the ordinary working people in this country. I am sure that Bernie Sanders is doing his best and remains true to what have been his ideals and principles for years; however, Bernie is not in charge, Joe Biden is. It seems to me that Joe Biden should stand up for the people and be able to convince a good many of them that we do need to demand that the wealthy address the social needs and the poverty that they have created. "Pull out your wallets, old white guys, and right the many wrongs you have done to the most defenseless in the country."
You describe what seems to be the most maddening and sad part of our system, that the Dems simply don't have - because they clearly don't want to have - the basic, cogent messaging that Saunders has.
"Build Back Better" doesn't tell anyone what is in the bill for them...I'm sure 90% of people who "poll favorably" can't tell you exactly what they would lose if the bill doesn't go through. And obviously the media isn't helping them understand it.
Realistically, both "base" Trumpers and Bernie Bros have the same anti-neoliberal feelings. It is just that the right has a better business model to promote their side.
I am not at all sure that the Trumper-base and the Bernie Bros share the same neo-liberal base. I believe the Bernie supporters were (and are) firm supporters of democracy, equal rights and justice for all, the rule of law, and a system in which the wealthy pay their fair share. Under Bernie, the wealthies in this country would still be obscenely wealthy but the progressive tax system would even the playing field and give ordinary working people a decent chance and a decent living. The Trumper-contingent does not accept the rule of law and is perfectly willing to trash the Constitution, values and principles, to provide for their own welfare. There is also a group or two who they have determined to exclude, people of color, women, immigrants; they see no obstacle to denying others rights guaranteed them under the Constitution which they have also decided to eliminate. They are fine with mayhem and violence to gain their own ends...in fact, they seem to feel that they are entitled and that the means (violence) to the desired end is fair game. The Bernie people seem(ed) more willing to think in terms of community and social needs; the Trumpers were much more interested in personal gain (they wanted "theirs") at the expense of virtually everyone else in society but especially at the expense of those already disadvantaged for reasons that were not of their own making.
If we are going to resort to the same tactics as those who "rough us up", how, pray tell, do we differ from such as those? I think that beliefs and values and decency and kindness toward others are fundamental. That does not mean we have to be patsies but it does mean we try to exercise some measure of self-control. For the past five-six years, we have all witnessed (and sometimes been victimized) by an individual with little or no impulse control and with no hesitancy to advocate violence toward others. Are we in a better place because of that individual? Well, not exactly. We could give up every single belief or principle or value we live by and, well, we'd end up being in a place very similar to those who rough others up. Would we in any way be better (or better off) than those who go on the offense or would be the other side of a very tarnished coin?
I don't mean roughing in a brutish manner; rather like we aren't "patsies" and to the extent that the law allows us, lets incarcerate and neutralize these people who mean us and our democracy harm. We have to fight them, and in that sense, and we have to beat them. Beliefs ARE all well & good, but actions speak volumes...
Jen Psaki does such a great job of directly questioning the stupidity of some of the reporters. We need her on more stations. And maybe billboards with the list of benefits! 🙂
I have come to wonder whether the US tendency to think of everything as a competition, nd thus everything numerical as potentially a score for or against, plays some part in the high-flying numbers-without-substance discussions that have become so common around public finance-- when it comes to spending on tangible and intangible infrastructure, so long neglected.
One reason I appreciate AOC and Jen Psaki and you is how good you each are at pointing out and resetting context and framing.
"Framing" is critically important -- setting out the big choice, identifying what's really at stake, rebutting false choices -- but Democrats seem congenitally bad at doing it.
Thank you for sharing the interview. Sharing facts can sound defensive and there is no reason for us to be defensive. We are in the right and need to confidently move forward.
Over the last 40 years, the wealthy have 'programmed' our thinking by way of owned media. Consistenly sharing factual information in every venue/manner we can has shown results. I hope you'll be having more interviews and knowing their arguments absurd, will respond confidently and assertively.
Honestly that opening question + the rest seemed like a deliberate set-up to really push your buttons. Total ambush. "Can the Democrats afford... " It's almost non-sensical and frankly really twisted - Ohhh well :-( [ I think an in-person interview would have been different ... even the most annoying interviewers have a sense of when they are just about to be strangled ... ] It's hard to cram in 40 years of key US assets and institutions having been systematically liquidated since the Regen era into a sound-bite. ~ meanwhile we put our collective thinking caps on for a killer one-liner that really shuts this kind of BS down in three seconds flat ~ but as you say they may not have you on again as they got what they wanted - total drive-by shooting. They're not going to ask you back any time soon to speak on the same point. - Dang - I like your illustration BTW very much. Pretty much sums it up,
It could well be the influence of Sinclair Broadcasting that won’t allow Americans the truth. At least 70% of our daily news is skewed by Sinclair’s bias.
In this century we have been denied many truths by the media. Now we have to pay independent news sources for more accurate reporting. Sounds like Russia, doesn’t it? Or China? We’re traveling a road that leads to a complete brainwash near its end.
Of course we can afford to finance the basic social programs the rest of the industrialized world already offers their citizens. It seems to me that our political leaders are more than okay with the status quo. We only hear a handful of them speak out, and when they do they are usually trying to rebut the nonsense put forth by those on the other side of the aisle.
I have no reason to believe anything is going to change for the better for the people of this country. We’ll get a little infrastructure money doled out to large corporations for repairs to bridges or Amtrak. There may be a few bucks thrown at child care so mothers can go back to work for minimum wage. Seniors will get nothing…after all, they aren’t contributors anymore.
Do you see the pattern here? Corporations and the wealthy will continue to benefit from the package that eventually will be signed into law. Smug legislators will go back to their districts looking for pats on the back, proclaiming they worked hard for their constituents, and the fundraising will be solidly on track.
3.5 trillion was not enough. Nowhere near enough. Biden seems to be okay with half that, and the cycle continues as usual.
Those feelings that things are never going to change also brings me down as well, but then when I stop and really think about why, I know that things can change and have changed from what I've seen even in my own lifetime. From watching the demonstrations on TV in the 60's as a kid and now seeing the energy Black Lives Matter movement for example, I can see that the struggle to be a more equitable society is always going to be never ending and and at the same time appear hopeless. But I know deep down that I can make a difference, even if it's tiny. That's one of the reasons I joined this forum so I can find ways to help affect change. A few weeks ago, I walked in my first protest, the Women's march in Alameda, with my daughter and granddaughter. In the back of my mind was this nagging thought "What difference is this really going to make?" but nevertheless it felt really uplifting to be there and to see my almost 3 year old granddaughter entranced by the protest songs. It is something that I will always cherish. Other than that, I continue to contact my elected representatives and support the members of the Progressive Caucus and try to propel the Build Back Agenda forward.
Think positive! you are one more person who cares! You are smart too. As a 70 year old I consider my contribution important and I still work part time. But what I'm doing now is the most important thing anyone in this democracy can do. I am getting information and support from like minded people. I am a lowly barber. Have been at it for almost 40 years. I love the people, even some of the most brainwashed tRumpers, because I know that they have been misled. Most of them are full of Fox news! Many have served in the military like my husband (for 25 years in the AIR Force). I also have many lefties or progressive 'woke' or simply unaffiliated independent thinkers like I think I am. like Bernie, I vote Democrat. I'm careful about talking politics, of course. Don't want to ruin business. The hypnotized are unreceptive any way. But when a conversation is started, I like to have good information.
Fascists do not value the truth, much like the Germans who did not confront Hitler. Don't trust me, read "How Fascism Works" by professor Jason Stanley.
Agreed. When events are recorded by video and audio, we should be able to state the obvious. The right wing take-over of our news and secrecy from Trump’s various collusion meetings is the most dangerous weapon we’ve encountered.
Conservatives are entitled to their own opinions, but NOT their own set of facts. We are right because our facts & analysis are right. But if anyone does not get their facts right, their opinions are of no value.
You write, very importantly, that the Democrats do a poor job of explaining things. I agree. In fact, they do a nothing burger job of explaining things. It is a critical fault line. FDR initiated fireside chats to address this critical explaining thing deal. It may be old technology, but it might be a worthwhile try. Better than whining and a terminal case of poor me. Curt
Secretary Reich is absolutely right. We have to invest back into our country and our citizens. We have paid trillions of dollars for two terrible wars. We can't continue to fork out money to a bloated military budget. Invest in America.
I wanted to slap her. She was being deliberately obtuse. So was that Republican ex-governor. What I know is that my teeth are literally breaking apart and I can't afford even the most basic dental care. The last estimate for necessary repairs I was given was for over $12,000. I looked into dental insurance and found that even the most expensive plan would not cover a fraction of the work I need. I have a Medicare Advantage plan that already stretches my budget as I live on Social Security. I have searched for a plan that covers dental but the few that claim to don't really, as they send you to dental schools associated with their plan(Tufts to Tufts Dental School, etc). I already battle depression and chronic pain, so I am feeling pretty hopeless about my future in the hands of these cold hearted politicians who kneel to big money interests. Thank you Robert for standing up for me.
Lol! I watch Erin Burnett. CNN is my main news source and if mainstream media can’t get it right, we are doomed. You made me aware of how language can manipulate answers on the news. I will continue to stay informed by you and try to be mindful that not all news reports are completely unbiased or accurate. But not all Americans can decipher what is actually happening and I am afraid we won’t get this legislation passed that is so critical to our future. I agree that most are ill-informed and don’t understand what available resources we have for spending. Money can be reallocated, surely. I fear for our future more than ever.
Jane, I don't think most Americans are ill-informed; they're unable to be informed because they're not being given the essentials of what they need to form opinions. And why not? To put it crudely, the moneyed interests fear that a fully-informed majority will vote to take their money away.
I think you are right. As you say, “Follow the money.” When politicians profit from large corporations or privatized systems, they do not give us the facts about why they make certain choices that affect us. We are living in dangerous times when the majority of people are not given important, basic truths because of power and greed.
You are not alone! It's great to have Robert Reich do this forum and I have already learned some things about the 'we can't afford it' lie! I will use this info whenever I get misinformed people trying to correct me! I'm tired of fearing for the future of my children and the lives of every living thing on this planet! To say nothing of our freedom! They want to block the teaching of history. It's obvious that economics is off limit in most schools. I wonder what is taught in college economics? How to make a buck and bleep everyone else?!!???
Many years ago I had an uphill battle trying to persuade a major corporation to take on the cost (and inconvenience) of a major restructuring of its information management. When arguments showing how much implementing the plan would benefit the company failed, I based new arguments not on how much it would cost to implement but on how much it would eventually cost _not_ to implement the plan. It's like the homeowner who has a small leak in his roof, and is warned that the leak he can see is just an indicator of how bad the damage will eventually get. The homeowner refuses ("It costs too much! I don't have the money!") and throws a tarp over the roof. Of course, eventually the much larger damage bill will come due.
I'm a optimist, either nothing will get done in pulling in the Capitalist owners of us and our government, and another bust cycle will begin and pull even more people to our ideology of Socialism, where workers control the means of production through all major corporations being transformed into Worker Cooperatives through massive direct action. Or, the owners will realize they are exploiting on borrowed time and will tell their bought off politicians it's time to start sharing a little bit again.
Ofcourse with the former, sadly some people will go with the far right route, and with the latter it will inevitably turn back into what we have today. Because Capitalism always turns into a form of fascism after long enough. Whether it's the Neoliberal Fascism of today or Old Style Nationalistic Protectionism Fascism.
Communism <- Socialism -> Capitalism
Socialism is the equilibrium of the balancing act.
We need Governmental Democracy and Workplace Democracy. That is end game paradise for all.
I'm independent and I know there are independent thinkers out there and I can tell you that the many I know would only vote Republican if the Republican party reinvented itself from what it is now. My parents were Democrats, but I remember as a very small child the slogan 'I like Ike'. They did like Ike, because he cared about our democracy and he accomplished some good things, like our interstate highway system. I'm sure one can list many negative things about him, as with most people, but he cared about other things besides his own bottom line. He got things done and was concerned about the balance of power that is central to our Constitution. He warned about the military/industrial complex. Today, the CIA has been infiltrated by the corporate interests, I have read. It's hard to prove, but everything else has been so corrupted it seems plausible. Doubt is the cruelest thing. It's hard to feel trusting. But the only way today's GOP is going to win is by treachery, not qualifications. At least this current crop!
I liked Ike too Laurie (not that I was around then); one thing about military officers is they are not in it for the money and they truly do serve the nation (most of them anyway). Perhaps it is time one ran for president - certainly could do no worse than the last two we have had.
Another thing about Ike: he presided over lots of crises: the Suez Canal, invasion of Hungary, and the fall of Dien Bien Phu - after which the French pleaded for us to get involved in Vietnam. He refused to get us involved in all of them - perhaps because he knew all too much the terrible consequences of war.
Democratic socialism works in numerous countries around the world. We have our share of that here. But republicans scream when anyone but the wealthy are helped to become richer. Prof Reich has provided those facts already. There has never been a larger transfer of wealth. You’re the one in dream world.
You speak of wealth as if it a pizza thrown on a table and anyone who takes a bigger piece is stealing, which would be true. I look at it this way: if I make the pizza, I should get a bigger piece. To be sure, those who work to help me make that pizza should be compensated, but I can't hold a gun to their heads and force them to roll dough (you must admit, the pun fits) - it is their choice.
But the rules of the game -- rules that determine, for example, who has access to the ingredients, knowledge, and capital to make the pizza -- are made by people (like Senators Krysten Sinema and Joe Manchin) who are getting big bucks from those who have cornered the pizza market. So it's not a free market in the sense that everyone earns what they've contributed.
You seem to be going out of your way on the comment section to proudly proclaim that the wealthy deserve the money they earn via our capitalist system. The funny thing is, no one is making the argument that they deserve less money. The argument is that they must pay their fair share in taxes which ProPublica has clearly shown that they do not, via loopholes, tax havens, offshoring wealth and lobbying to cut the IRS enforcement mechanisms. The Trump tax cut further exacerbated inequality without stimulating the economy. Reagonomics/trickle -down economics has been consistently revealed to be an abject failure. So, either you are unaware of the substance of the actual argument or you are deliberately defending GOP talking points.
I have no issue with the criticism of inequality of the ProPublica report (other than someone leaked it which has now caused an uproar over the proposal to report bank activity to the IRS, which I think is a good idea). But as I have said before, you can confiscate the entire wealth of the top 400 and it won't pay for the 3.5T program.
People love to talk about European nirvana but neglect to talk about what the middle class there pays in taxes. As I said twice today, perhaps we need to have a new AMT that would require people to declare the higher of either their income or 1% of their liquid assets as income, similar to how S Corp owners are supposed to ensure their compensation is not shifted to dividends at the expense of income.
What about the fact the US has the most progressive tax system among the OECD countries? The progressivity ratio in the US is 1.35; in France it is 1.1. In Germany it is 1.07 and in Sweden 1.0.
In 2015 the top 10% of US taxpayers paid 45% of all income taxes. In France, the top 10% paid 28%. In Germany, they paid 31% (OECD data).
You really should read your own comment first. You’re the one who breaks everything down as if it is pizza we’re talking about.
And the fact that you think making a pizza, assuming it’s to share, automatically means you get the biggest piece, shows the sad, self-centered state of you’re right wing world view.
Read upon Dan Price in Seattle to see your non-sense destroyed. As I said, republicans love the dictatorial style of control and under- paying employees at every chance they get. Capitalism and deregulation are failing before our eyes.
And you act like the uber wealthy earn they’re wealth as if in wages. They literally do nothing to earn the levels of wealth they have. 400 people own more wealth than half of Americans combined. Your numbers are not convincing. So why don’t you understand any of the basics for success? Your model isn’t working. Do you ever look around?
I hear this threat whenever someone points toward a Social Democracy, and there seem to be some successful ones that are stable and offer their people health care and many things that the greedheads say will cost too much. So then what? We don't even look at a solution? Just sit here as the slow- mo insurrection continues? As the world burns/floods/gets polluted? You are the one who is dreaming on? I dislike a scare tactic that isn't even real. No guts no glory! I'm not content to say 'it doesn't matter, I will be dead soon enough!
Sadly we have our priorities upside down. I am unsure when we lost our self worth and sold out to the corporations. We as individuals deserve better. Hopefully this can be corrected.
I'm hoping that a smart wealthy person or persons will see the terrible weather events not just here, but around the world and learn more about the causes, maybe even experience one and wake up to the real dangers we are all facing. There will not be a place to run to or an island to get away from climate destruction. At some point sooner than thought we could be at the so called tipping point of no return. if that person or persons are aware of the threat they may actually try to help solve it. Instead of trying to be important and powerful, they pour resources into educating people and being part of the solution. Because billions and trillions will be worthless when we cannot grow food, have drinking water or be safe from huge fires, floods or tornadoes and hurricanes, and the world is not a workable environment for anyone. It's not about self esteem, but survival itself.
I totally agree and could see the frustration at the end of the interview and wanted Robert Reich to have another 30 seconds to counter her framing, but she ended the interview before he could respond. We're seeing this happen on almost all mainstream media and the ramifications will be a watered down plan that doesn't address critical issues. Spread the word, it's the only way to get the facts out.
Yes, who needs Fox when you have CNN, New York Times, etc. The mainstream media has, for years, been parroting Republican talking points. The very question, "How can we afford it?" reflects a point of view, not neutral and objective reporting. And then notice how Burnett quickly moves on when you mention our bloated "defense" spending. She then lets Gov. Sandford divert into a discussion of Social Security, which is a separate issue, without any challenge.
The news media have completely let congressional Republicans off the hook in governing. Republicans receive the same salaries and perks as Democrats, but somehow the news media has absolved them of all responsibility for addressing our country's serious problems.
Thank you for making your point on CNN. We also need members of Congress and the Biden administration doing this more frequently and forcefully.
We have to remember that EVERY major news outlet is owned by ultra conservatives! CNN is owned by AT&T! Comcast owns NBC, ABC-owned by Disney etc! I have said this before, it’s not just about what they report but what they do not report! I saw this interview with Robert Reich, he’s is so very correct about how the first question was asked with the conservative slant and leads the conversation. But I loved the direct response you gave Professor Reich!
We do not have any left leaning ownership of major media news sources. It’s one of the key reasons we can’t get this lunacy under control!
It’s not just that Dems are bad at messaging, we don’t hear a lot of their speeches! I don’t use any of these sources for news…just weather and local info. If you want news, try FREESPEECH TV and other sources without corporate sponsorship. There are many to find out there. Thom Hartmann is educational and Amy Goodman reports on many things we would never know about. We must all be researchers just to get our news. (I also like a foreign source to see what others are reporting).
We must defend our institutions, like the press, but also provide constructive criticism. Don't trust me, read "On Tyranny" by history professor Timothy Snyder.
Constructive criticism? What exactly do you mean? There is no constructive criticism that works with fact-less, science denying propaganda. It is there to foment lies with fear of other people. It’s to support and feed racism. Please stop acting like we’re talking about a difference of opinion.
Read "On Tyranny", Patriots must defend our institutions which value the truth, to protect our democratic republic. I am speaking of the NY Times & Post, but not "Fox "News", OAN, or the Drudge Report.
You can't fix stupid and the vast majority of the media feeds BS to their viewers every day. Oh, how I yearn for the Walter Cronkites that used to give us the facts and let us come to our own conclusions instead of brainwashing the those of us who do not have critical thinking skills.
Walter Cronkite might not last long on corporate owned television today. The pundits know how to cut things short when the talk is going in the 'wrong' (truthful) direction. He simply might not even get an invite, or if he did it would be limited, like Erin kept Robert from having the last word. Hey, maybe we could request that Lawrence O'Donnell have him on his show 'The Last Word'! Really see what THEY are made of!!
If you watch the Evening News, on any of the big three networks, you can see pharmaceutical companies own the Network news. Back when Walter Cronkite was on, it was the Tabaco Companies and you had to be holding a cigarette in your hand while giving your show. WE all know that ended badly for most of them. At least now they tell you that their pharmaceuticals have side effects and can lead to death. Network News Viewership is going down and most people now get their news off the WEB and like this site, we can talk back and add to the story on the better ones.
Anyone remember Edward R. Murrow?
PBS just had a special movie about him including the Cigarette adds and him holding a cigarette with him going head to head with Joe McCarthy live. Janet has a link but you can also visit PBS and see the PBS News Hour every week night and watch real journalists take on the hard issues without the annoying Pharmaceutical advertising every two minutes.
I just DVR the news shows and fast forward through the commercials. If I could not do that I would not watch, unless it was very good!
Amen, Amen! Ms. Abraham and Mr. Bramlett; my thoughts exactly!
Yep, Walter put it before you to figure it out yourself.
At various points during the primaries leading up to the 2020 election, Senator Bernie Sanders would call town halls in communities across the country. At such town halls, Senator Sanders would calmly and honestly describe where we were (are) as a nation and as individuals and what progress and improvement in all our lives would look like and how it would be financed. His explanations were always clear, direct, and respectful to his audience, many of whom were not political or financially savvy--they were people just concerned about their turn of their own lives, their communities, their social safety net, and the environment. His explanations were often directed to specific questions from audience members and he always did his best to be honest, direct, and persuasive. In almost every case, he managed to convey essential information to his audiences and give them a sense of what his specific plans plans entailed, what they would cost, and where the money would come from. It all sounded a bit like "soak the rich" but the facts (were) are that the wealthiest members of our society have coasted for years, they have squirreled their wealth away and left us with deficiencies in the most basic needs and services of a well-run and decent country. Of course, our deficiencies have hit people of color especially hard since the leaders have pursued policies and programs that favor elderly white males. Bernie never really had a great chance of winning the primary and the election and this was in part due to the Democratic Party leaders who were (are)--when all is said and done--almost a carbon copy of the Republicans, people who cater to corporate Democrats and hang the rest of us out to dry. I feared that Biden would prove too conciliatory and willing to cut deals with the opposition party at substantial cost to the ordinary working people in this country. I am sure that Bernie Sanders is doing his best and remains true to what have been his ideals and principles for years; however, Bernie is not in charge, Joe Biden is. It seems to me that Joe Biden should stand up for the people and be able to convince a good many of them that we do need to demand that the wealthy address the social needs and the poverty that they have created. "Pull out your wallets, old white guys, and right the many wrongs you have done to the most defenseless in the country."
You describe what seems to be the most maddening and sad part of our system, that the Dems simply don't have - because they clearly don't want to have - the basic, cogent messaging that Saunders has.
"Build Back Better" doesn't tell anyone what is in the bill for them...I'm sure 90% of people who "poll favorably" can't tell you exactly what they would lose if the bill doesn't go through. And obviously the media isn't helping them understand it.
Realistically, both "base" Trumpers and Bernie Bros have the same anti-neoliberal feelings. It is just that the right has a better business model to promote their side.
I am not at all sure that the Trumper-base and the Bernie Bros share the same neo-liberal base. I believe the Bernie supporters were (and are) firm supporters of democracy, equal rights and justice for all, the rule of law, and a system in which the wealthy pay their fair share. Under Bernie, the wealthies in this country would still be obscenely wealthy but the progressive tax system would even the playing field and give ordinary working people a decent chance and a decent living. The Trumper-contingent does not accept the rule of law and is perfectly willing to trash the Constitution, values and principles, to provide for their own welfare. There is also a group or two who they have determined to exclude, people of color, women, immigrants; they see no obstacle to denying others rights guaranteed them under the Constitution which they have also decided to eliminate. They are fine with mayhem and violence to gain their own ends...in fact, they seem to feel that they are entitled and that the means (violence) to the desired end is fair game. The Bernie people seem(ed) more willing to think in terms of community and social needs; the Trumpers were much more interested in personal gain (they wanted "theirs") at the expense of virtually everyone else in society but especially at the expense of those already disadvantaged for reasons that were not of their own making.
We are not hard-nosed enough to rough up the people who rough us up! Beliefs are not enough. You gotta have the "stones"!
If we are going to resort to the same tactics as those who "rough us up", how, pray tell, do we differ from such as those? I think that beliefs and values and decency and kindness toward others are fundamental. That does not mean we have to be patsies but it does mean we try to exercise some measure of self-control. For the past five-six years, we have all witnessed (and sometimes been victimized) by an individual with little or no impulse control and with no hesitancy to advocate violence toward others. Are we in a better place because of that individual? Well, not exactly. We could give up every single belief or principle or value we live by and, well, we'd end up being in a place very similar to those who rough others up. Would we in any way be better (or better off) than those who go on the offense or would be the other side of a very tarnished coin?
I don't mean roughing in a brutish manner; rather like we aren't "patsies" and to the extent that the law allows us, lets incarcerate and neutralize these people who mean us and our democracy harm. We have to fight them, and in that sense, and we have to beat them. Beliefs ARE all well & good, but actions speak volumes...
Jen Psaki does such a great job of directly questioning the stupidity of some of the reporters. We need her on more stations. And maybe billboards with the list of benefits! 🙂
I agree. She is one of the few press secretaries I've witnessed in recent decades who seems to know how and what to say, firmly and clearly.
We were excited to see Bernie Sanders running for president, but he had to mention Cuba and he was dumped!
Thank you.
I have come to wonder whether the US tendency to think of everything as a competition, nd thus everything numerical as potentially a score for or against, plays some part in the high-flying numbers-without-substance discussions that have become so common around public finance-- when it comes to spending on tangible and intangible infrastructure, so long neglected.
One reason I appreciate AOC and Jen Psaki and you is how good you each are at pointing out and resetting context and framing.
More, please.
"Framing" is critically important -- setting out the big choice, identifying what's really at stake, rebutting false choices -- but Democrats seem congenitally bad at doing it.
Do you have any idea why? I ave never been able to understand that.
Thank you for sharing the interview. Sharing facts can sound defensive and there is no reason for us to be defensive. We are in the right and need to confidently move forward.
Over the last 40 years, the wealthy have 'programmed' our thinking by way of owned media. Consistenly sharing factual information in every venue/manner we can has shown results. I hope you'll be having more interviews and knowing their arguments absurd, will respond confidently and assertively.
Thanks, Rae. I can promise you I'll respond confidently and assertively. (What I can't promise is whether they'll have me on.)
Honestly that opening question + the rest seemed like a deliberate set-up to really push your buttons. Total ambush. "Can the Democrats afford... " It's almost non-sensical and frankly really twisted - Ohhh well :-( [ I think an in-person interview would have been different ... even the most annoying interviewers have a sense of when they are just about to be strangled ... ] It's hard to cram in 40 years of key US assets and institutions having been systematically liquidated since the Regen era into a sound-bite. ~ meanwhile we put our collective thinking caps on for a killer one-liner that really shuts this kind of BS down in three seconds flat ~ but as you say they may not have you on again as they got what they wanted - total drive-by shooting. They're not going to ask you back any time soon to speak on the same point. - Dang - I like your illustration BTW very much. Pretty much sums it up,
What prompts a network/program to ask you? Can we help in some way - do they ever 'take requests'.
It could well be the influence of Sinclair Broadcasting that won’t allow Americans the truth. At least 70% of our daily news is skewed by Sinclair’s bias.
In this century we have been denied many truths by the media. Now we have to pay independent news sources for more accurate reporting. Sounds like Russia, doesn’t it? Or China? We’re traveling a road that leads to a complete brainwash near its end.
Of course we can afford to finance the basic social programs the rest of the industrialized world already offers their citizens. It seems to me that our political leaders are more than okay with the status quo. We only hear a handful of them speak out, and when they do they are usually trying to rebut the nonsense put forth by those on the other side of the aisle.
I have no reason to believe anything is going to change for the better for the people of this country. We’ll get a little infrastructure money doled out to large corporations for repairs to bridges or Amtrak. There may be a few bucks thrown at child care so mothers can go back to work for minimum wage. Seniors will get nothing…after all, they aren’t contributors anymore.
Do you see the pattern here? Corporations and the wealthy will continue to benefit from the package that eventually will be signed into law. Smug legislators will go back to their districts looking for pats on the back, proclaiming they worked hard for their constituents, and the fundraising will be solidly on track.
3.5 trillion was not enough. Nowhere near enough. Biden seems to be okay with half that, and the cycle continues as usual.
Those feelings that things are never going to change also brings me down as well, but then when I stop and really think about why, I know that things can change and have changed from what I've seen even in my own lifetime. From watching the demonstrations on TV in the 60's as a kid and now seeing the energy Black Lives Matter movement for example, I can see that the struggle to be a more equitable society is always going to be never ending and and at the same time appear hopeless. But I know deep down that I can make a difference, even if it's tiny. That's one of the reasons I joined this forum so I can find ways to help affect change. A few weeks ago, I walked in my first protest, the Women's march in Alameda, with my daughter and granddaughter. In the back of my mind was this nagging thought "What difference is this really going to make?" but nevertheless it felt really uplifting to be there and to see my almost 3 year old granddaughter entranced by the protest songs. It is something that I will always cherish. Other than that, I continue to contact my elected representatives and support the members of the Progressive Caucus and try to propel the Build Back Agenda forward.
Good for you and your daughter, and especially your granddaughter! I have great grandchildren now, and I’m not able to March.
But like you, I am learning from others on this site, and I really hope I’m wrong about America’s future.
Think positive! you are one more person who cares! You are smart too. As a 70 year old I consider my contribution important and I still work part time. But what I'm doing now is the most important thing anyone in this democracy can do. I am getting information and support from like minded people. I am a lowly barber. Have been at it for almost 40 years. I love the people, even some of the most brainwashed tRumpers, because I know that they have been misled. Most of them are full of Fox news! Many have served in the military like my husband (for 25 years in the AIR Force). I also have many lefties or progressive 'woke' or simply unaffiliated independent thinkers like I think I am. like Bernie, I vote Democrat. I'm careful about talking politics, of course. Don't want to ruin business. The hypnotized are unreceptive any way. But when a conversation is started, I like to have good information.
It’s difficult to change things when so many people don’t even receive good news sources. I have been frustrated with this since early 2000s.
Fascists do not value the truth, much like the Germans who did not confront Hitler. Don't trust me, read "How Fascism Works" by professor Jason Stanley.
Right.
Congress should do their duty & regulate social media. Congress must also regulate news sources.
Agreed. When events are recorded by video and audio, we should be able to state the obvious. The right wing take-over of our news and secrecy from Trump’s various collusion meetings is the most dangerous weapon we’ve encountered.
When almost half of Congress are allied with Donald Trump that could be difficult
Conservatives are entitled to their own opinions, but NOT their own set of facts. We are right because our facts & analysis are right. But if anyone does not get their facts right, their opinions are of no value.
You write, very importantly, that the Democrats do a poor job of explaining things. I agree. In fact, they do a nothing burger job of explaining things. It is a critical fault line. FDR initiated fireside chats to address this critical explaining thing deal. It may be old technology, but it might be a worthwhile try. Better than whining and a terminal case of poor me. Curt
Secretary Reich is absolutely right. We have to invest back into our country and our citizens. We have paid trillions of dollars for two terrible wars. We can't continue to fork out money to a bloated military budget. Invest in America.
I wanted to slap her. She was being deliberately obtuse. So was that Republican ex-governor. What I know is that my teeth are literally breaking apart and I can't afford even the most basic dental care. The last estimate for necessary repairs I was given was for over $12,000. I looked into dental insurance and found that even the most expensive plan would not cover a fraction of the work I need. I have a Medicare Advantage plan that already stretches my budget as I live on Social Security. I have searched for a plan that covers dental but the few that claim to don't really, as they send you to dental schools associated with their plan(Tufts to Tufts Dental School, etc). I already battle depression and chronic pain, so I am feeling pretty hopeless about my future in the hands of these cold hearted politicians who kneel to big money interests. Thank you Robert for standing up for me.
Lol! I watch Erin Burnett. CNN is my main news source and if mainstream media can’t get it right, we are doomed. You made me aware of how language can manipulate answers on the news. I will continue to stay informed by you and try to be mindful that not all news reports are completely unbiased or accurate. But not all Americans can decipher what is actually happening and I am afraid we won’t get this legislation passed that is so critical to our future. I agree that most are ill-informed and don’t understand what available resources we have for spending. Money can be reallocated, surely. I fear for our future more than ever.
Jane, I don't think most Americans are ill-informed; they're unable to be informed because they're not being given the essentials of what they need to form opinions. And why not? To put it crudely, the moneyed interests fear that a fully-informed majority will vote to take their money away.
You just defined the Jeffersonian Theory of education…it’s cheaper to govern an educated populace than an ignorant one.
“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance”.
I think you are right. As you say, “Follow the money.” When politicians profit from large corporations or privatized systems, they do not give us the facts about why they make certain choices that affect us. We are living in dangerous times when the majority of people are not given important, basic truths because of power and greed.
Please, please please don't rely on mainstream media!
Mainstream is completely non-existent right now. That word needs to go away until we actually have it.
You are not alone! It's great to have Robert Reich do this forum and I have already learned some things about the 'we can't afford it' lie! I will use this info whenever I get misinformed people trying to correct me! I'm tired of fearing for the future of my children and the lives of every living thing on this planet! To say nothing of our freedom! They want to block the teaching of history. It's obvious that economics is off limit in most schools. I wonder what is taught in college economics? How to make a buck and bleep everyone else?!!???
Universities are under great pressure (funding) to teach economics that is best summed up with your last statement.
Many years ago I had an uphill battle trying to persuade a major corporation to take on the cost (and inconvenience) of a major restructuring of its information management. When arguments showing how much implementing the plan would benefit the company failed, I based new arguments not on how much it would cost to implement but on how much it would eventually cost _not_ to implement the plan. It's like the homeowner who has a small leak in his roof, and is warned that the leak he can see is just an indicator of how bad the damage will eventually get. The homeowner refuses ("It costs too much! I don't have the money!") and throws a tarp over the roof. Of course, eventually the much larger damage bill will come due.
Absolutely!
I'm a optimist, either nothing will get done in pulling in the Capitalist owners of us and our government, and another bust cycle will begin and pull even more people to our ideology of Socialism, where workers control the means of production through all major corporations being transformed into Worker Cooperatives through massive direct action. Or, the owners will realize they are exploiting on borrowed time and will tell their bought off politicians it's time to start sharing a little bit again.
Ofcourse with the former, sadly some people will go with the far right route, and with the latter it will inevitably turn back into what we have today. Because Capitalism always turns into a form of fascism after long enough. Whether it's the Neoliberal Fascism of today or Old Style Nationalistic Protectionism Fascism.
Communism <- Socialism -> Capitalism
Socialism is the equilibrium of the balancing act.
We need Governmental Democracy and Workplace Democracy. That is end game paradise for all.
Dream on - this is exactly what will cause independents to vote R.
I'm independent and I know there are independent thinkers out there and I can tell you that the many I know would only vote Republican if the Republican party reinvented itself from what it is now. My parents were Democrats, but I remember as a very small child the slogan 'I like Ike'. They did like Ike, because he cared about our democracy and he accomplished some good things, like our interstate highway system. I'm sure one can list many negative things about him, as with most people, but he cared about other things besides his own bottom line. He got things done and was concerned about the balance of power that is central to our Constitution. He warned about the military/industrial complex. Today, the CIA has been infiltrated by the corporate interests, I have read. It's hard to prove, but everything else has been so corrupted it seems plausible. Doubt is the cruelest thing. It's hard to feel trusting. But the only way today's GOP is going to win is by treachery, not qualifications. At least this current crop!
I liked Ike too Laurie (not that I was around then); one thing about military officers is they are not in it for the money and they truly do serve the nation (most of them anyway). Perhaps it is time one ran for president - certainly could do no worse than the last two we have had.
Another thing about Ike: he presided over lots of crises: the Suez Canal, invasion of Hungary, and the fall of Dien Bien Phu - after which the French pleaded for us to get involved in Vietnam. He refused to get us involved in all of them - perhaps because he knew all too much the terrible consequences of war.
Democratic socialism works in numerous countries around the world. We have our share of that here. But republicans scream when anyone but the wealthy are helped to become richer. Prof Reich has provided those facts already. There has never been a larger transfer of wealth. You’re the one in dream world.
You speak of wealth as if it a pizza thrown on a table and anyone who takes a bigger piece is stealing, which would be true. I look at it this way: if I make the pizza, I should get a bigger piece. To be sure, those who work to help me make that pizza should be compensated, but I can't hold a gun to their heads and force them to roll dough (you must admit, the pun fits) - it is their choice.
But the rules of the game -- rules that determine, for example, who has access to the ingredients, knowledge, and capital to make the pizza -- are made by people (like Senators Krysten Sinema and Joe Manchin) who are getting big bucks from those who have cornered the pizza market. So it's not a free market in the sense that everyone earns what they've contributed.
You seem to be going out of your way on the comment section to proudly proclaim that the wealthy deserve the money they earn via our capitalist system. The funny thing is, no one is making the argument that they deserve less money. The argument is that they must pay their fair share in taxes which ProPublica has clearly shown that they do not, via loopholes, tax havens, offshoring wealth and lobbying to cut the IRS enforcement mechanisms. The Trump tax cut further exacerbated inequality without stimulating the economy. Reagonomics/trickle -down economics has been consistently revealed to be an abject failure. So, either you are unaware of the substance of the actual argument or you are deliberately defending GOP talking points.
I have no issue with the criticism of inequality of the ProPublica report (other than someone leaked it which has now caused an uproar over the proposal to report bank activity to the IRS, which I think is a good idea). But as I have said before, you can confiscate the entire wealth of the top 400 and it won't pay for the 3.5T program.
People love to talk about European nirvana but neglect to talk about what the middle class there pays in taxes. As I said twice today, perhaps we need to have a new AMT that would require people to declare the higher of either their income or 1% of their liquid assets as income, similar to how S Corp owners are supposed to ensure their compensation is not shifted to dividends at the expense of income.
What about the fact the US has the most progressive tax system among the OECD countries? The progressivity ratio in the US is 1.35; in France it is 1.1. In Germany it is 1.07 and in Sweden 1.0.
In 2015 the top 10% of US taxpayers paid 45% of all income taxes. In France, the top 10% paid 28%. In Germany, they paid 31% (OECD data).
You really should read your own comment first. You’re the one who breaks everything down as if it is pizza we’re talking about.
And the fact that you think making a pizza, assuming it’s to share, automatically means you get the biggest piece, shows the sad, self-centered state of you’re right wing world view.
So why don't you start your own company - you can pay everyone equally - no matter how hard they work - or don't.
As for the pizza, why bother making one if I can get an equal piece from the one you make?
Read upon Dan Price in Seattle to see your non-sense destroyed. As I said, republicans love the dictatorial style of control and under- paying employees at every chance they get. Capitalism and deregulation are failing before our eyes.
And you act like the uber wealthy earn they’re wealth as if in wages. They literally do nothing to earn the levels of wealth they have. 400 people own more wealth than half of Americans combined. Your numbers are not convincing. So why don’t you understand any of the basics for success? Your model isn’t working. Do you ever look around?
I hear this threat whenever someone points toward a Social Democracy, and there seem to be some successful ones that are stable and offer their people health care and many things that the greedheads say will cost too much. So then what? We don't even look at a solution? Just sit here as the slow- mo insurrection continues? As the world burns/floods/gets polluted? You are the one who is dreaming on? I dislike a scare tactic that isn't even real. No guts no glory! I'm not content to say 'it doesn't matter, I will be dead soon enough!
Sadly we have our priorities upside down. I am unsure when we lost our self worth and sold out to the corporations. We as individuals deserve better. Hopefully this can be corrected.
I'm hoping that a smart wealthy person or persons will see the terrible weather events not just here, but around the world and learn more about the causes, maybe even experience one and wake up to the real dangers we are all facing. There will not be a place to run to or an island to get away from climate destruction. At some point sooner than thought we could be at the so called tipping point of no return. if that person or persons are aware of the threat they may actually try to help solve it. Instead of trying to be important and powerful, they pour resources into educating people and being part of the solution. Because billions and trillions will be worthless when we cannot grow food, have drinking water or be safe from huge fires, floods or tornadoes and hurricanes, and the world is not a workable environment for anyone. It's not about self esteem, but survival itself.
I totally agree and could see the frustration at the end of the interview and wanted Robert Reich to have another 30 seconds to counter her framing, but she ended the interview before he could respond. We're seeing this happen on almost all mainstream media and the ramifications will be a watered down plan that doesn't address critical issues. Spread the word, it's the only way to get the facts out.
It really helps to connect with other people to have some intelligent conversations. There literally are more of us.
Yes, who needs Fox when you have CNN, New York Times, etc. The mainstream media has, for years, been parroting Republican talking points. The very question, "How can we afford it?" reflects a point of view, not neutral and objective reporting. And then notice how Burnett quickly moves on when you mention our bloated "defense" spending. She then lets Gov. Sandford divert into a discussion of Social Security, which is a separate issue, without any challenge.
The news media have completely let congressional Republicans off the hook in governing. Republicans receive the same salaries and perks as Democrats, but somehow the news media has absolved them of all responsibility for addressing our country's serious problems.
Thank you for making your point on CNN. We also need members of Congress and the Biden administration doing this more frequently and forcefully.
We have to remember that EVERY major news outlet is owned by ultra conservatives! CNN is owned by AT&T! Comcast owns NBC, ABC-owned by Disney etc! I have said this before, it’s not just about what they report but what they do not report! I saw this interview with Robert Reich, he’s is so very correct about how the first question was asked with the conservative slant and leads the conversation. But I loved the direct response you gave Professor Reich!
We do not have any left leaning ownership of major media news sources. It’s one of the key reasons we can’t get this lunacy under control!
It’s not just that Dems are bad at messaging, we don’t hear a lot of their speeches! I don’t use any of these sources for news…just weather and local info. If you want news, try FREESPEECH TV and other sources without corporate sponsorship. There are many to find out there. Thom Hartmann is educational and Amy Goodman reports on many things we would never know about. We must all be researchers just to get our news. (I also like a foreign source to see what others are reporting).
We must defend our institutions, like the press, but also provide constructive criticism. Don't trust me, read "On Tyranny" by history professor Timothy Snyder.
Constructive criticism? What exactly do you mean? There is no constructive criticism that works with fact-less, science denying propaganda. It is there to foment lies with fear of other people. It’s to support and feed racism. Please stop acting like we’re talking about a difference of opinion.
Read "On Tyranny", Patriots must defend our institutions which value the truth, to protect our democratic republic. I am speaking of the NY Times & Post, but not "Fox "News", OAN, or the Drudge Report.
I am so glad that Robert Reich speaks up so well.