On politics, power, and the real economic system. We’ve been through a traumatic few years – Donald Trump, the pandemic, a racial reckoning, an anti-democracy insurrection, environmental devastation. The tempest isn’t over.
I retired with a NY state pension that does not include dental care. I’m in my 70’s now and need major dental surgery. Needless to say, I’m spending a lot of my savings. I see many people my age with missing teeth. Dental care should be part of health care.
One of the reasons I have not stopped working is because of dental and vision care. I could purchase part B & D and do fine with Medicare if I didn't have a penchant for dental and vision care. I completely agree, Fran. I worry about the future. Hopefully, Biden is correcting this problem with many more corrections to come - such as solving food insecurity and health care for children. What kind of a nation will we grow old in if the children aren't well cared for in the USA?
I stopped donating to the DNC or any Democratic candidates. More money doesn't win elections. Ask Jamie Harrison, Amy McGrath or Allison Lundagran Grimes.
If money doesn't move mountains and open minds of low information voters, what does work? Money certainly works to influence many of our legislators to act in the interests of the donor class. America has the best politicians money can buy.
I write this from Medellín, Colombia, where I moved to retire after Trump's election. One thing I hope to get from your newsletter and website is an awakened sense of hope. and purpose.
The Jews with the most enormous amount of hope who lived in Germany in 1932 did not live to see their hopes and dreams come to fruition. Most were murdered by the Nazis. Those who lost hope and could afford to, left the country.
At 72, I've been voting since I was 21. Maybe I'll see 4 more presidential elections. I'll be 88 by then, if I stay healthy.
I just want to live long enough to see my country of birth start providing a high quality of life for all its residents and stop making war around the world for power and greed.
Maybe you can restore my sense of optimism because right now, I feel like America learned nothing from Germany in 1932.
Norm, I feel a similar dread. After January 6 I was hoping that the protagonists would see that things had gone too far. That turned about to be wishful thinking. If pro-Trump forces win the House in the midterms, I think I will join you as an ex-pat, having had my hopes crushed.
As a small business person that took my business entirely online and left the USA in 2014 - largely because of healthcare and planning for my eventual inability to keep up with rent increases in my commercial space that outpaced my ability to raise my prices - It was always intimated that I must have been falling short somehow - even though I was very successful within it - however fitness businesses like mine were and are increasingly being really supported by large real estate hedge funds or the celebrity influencer that dumps an inordinate amount money into a fitness business in order to be a loss leader on their actual profit in other areas. I may not be explaining that properly but Im hoping you understand what I mean.
Anyway - most fitness business couldn't actually maintain themselves otherwise without these underpinnings of money coming from elsewhere....I wonder what you think about this and is there more information about this kind of thing.
Wellness and fitness is almost ALL floated somehow in a way that's not a direct result of the actual fitness product sales. Its a huge sector and wonder were it will lead.
Thank you, Sara. We're excited you'll be joining us in whatever capacity you can. As I mentioned in the post, the bulk of this newsletter is accessible for free, as we want everyone to benefit from the materials posted here.
I understand the need to pay contributors but wish that you and others would consider that having to pay for full access means those of us who have limited incomes (and may be the subject of or most interested in your essays) don’t get to read all your material. Only those with enough income or wealth can. Seems like something you are arguing against…
Thank you. I hear you. The bulk of this newsletter is accessible for free because we want everyone to benefit from the materials posted here. We are only encouraging those who are able to to support the paid version. Funds will be used to compensate my colleagues for their time and efforts, and to be able to invest in other projects as we continue to ramp up our public education. We encourage anyone unable to pay to please reach out to us at robertreich@substack.com. Thank you for your interest.
It means a lot that you wrote. I see your point. I thought you were the last hold out if you know what I mean. What I run across is this: quite frequently, I want to read further on an intelligent read on the internet, I start a paragraph, or in a couple sentences a "block" comes up which says, "you can read this article further only if you pay". My point it: Even newspapers get to be a day old and then they're thrown away or you can read what you want at the library. Do you see this trend? This is obstruction of the very nature of what constitutes to be a free press. If there was a way that the contents of these substacks, newsletters, or articles were made free to be read in a couple weeks time, then I wouldn't have any problem whatsoever. Thank you, Mr. Reich my sincere apologies.
Lucy, you misunderstand the meaning of “free press”. That phrase refers to the ability of the press to freely write and publish anything they like.
Newspapers, like any media outlet, need capital in order to function. Journalists must be paid for their time and efforts; some articles require weeks or months of detective work and research. The New York Times, for one example, is available for $1/week. Choose a publication you wish to support, and subscribe.
Please don't tell me what I understand. I was making the point as materials are free to be borrowed at libraries and even old newspapers are available for free to read. On line, there is no such freeness. In the end it will hamper education in the United States.
Lucy, there is some "freeness", and this newsletter/blog on Substack is a perfect example.
It's great that newspapers such as the NYT offer free access to some number of articles each month, but they are a business, and have expenses that must be paid, else they won't be able to survive and we'll lose them completely. Which is exactly why PBS, NPR and others are so important, and necessary, and why the fact that Substack offers free access to thousands of authors is so delightful.
Do you think that Mr. Reich should be paid for his time, and should have some financial assistance to pay those that help him? I do!
I’m glad it’s reasonable for you. But some people already have every penny accounted for and just can’t add to expenditures. Unfortunately, that situation is true for more and more people, and especially for women. I agree with Reich on almost everything and would like his creativity to address this problem, too: how to make his private content available for all.
I understand it's not possible for everyone - but the overwhelming majority of his content IS FREE. Its expensive to produce the amount of content he does. People who work for him need to eat too.
I DON'T LIKE IT WHEN SOMEONE COMES ALONG AND BREAKS IT DOWN LIKE THIS. WHY? BECAUSE IT'S NOT THAT I WOULDN'T WANT TO, IT'S THAT I'M ALREADY DENYING MYSELF MUCH NEEDED NEW CLOTHING, BETTER FOOD, CAR REPAIRS. GET IT? ROBERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He does so much other stuff for free that I thinks it unfair really - to grumble when there is a voluntary paid option in addition to loads of content he does for free.
It’s just not fair to characterize the creator that way.
You just made me angrier. You just don't get it. It's this it's only $5. here, $5 there. Don't go preaching to me or trying to make me feel bad. The whole picture is that in the media and on things like this more an more people are being excluded from more intelligent writing. More barriers to access knowledge. Keep many people in the dark, so to speak.
As of late, some substack writers say they're offering their columns, but when you click on that they tell you to pay in. And, Reich is a millionaire himself. He doesn't need the money now does he? To me it shouldn't be you only get a piece of it, you should be able to get all of it. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would support him enough to pay his staff and him without getting the incentive to have access to more than those that don't have the funds to pay.
Don't blame me for your anger - you came in blazing with that. Just because many won't allow you to dump it and scream - no one is judging you. You're doing what you're doing all on your own.
No one is shaming you, but you're clearly unable to see past your own condition which I realize is probably stressful. And I get that but cursing at screaming here probably won't change much here or your condition, nor will it endear anyone to help you out.
Shame on you Terri Walsh. I wasn't screaming at anyone. And, you act as doctor to me, you are none such worthy to do so. I wish to speak with Robert himself. I don't want to speak with you. Nor do I owe you anything. Anything at all!
I hear you that money for you is tight. Salaries are too low and the cost of living is too high in the United States. That is why I left the U.S. to live overseas.
Sadly, 60% of American have no passport. They've never been anywhere that English isn't spoken and dollars are not the accepted currency. What's even sadder is that they have the money to travel. But they'd rather spend the money to go to Disneyworld than to go to London or Paris.
When people break it down for you, it is because they are trying to help you. complaining about your financial situation isn't going to do one thing to improve it.
Most people buy on impulse. Or choose certain brands they've used all their life. Is Heinz ketchup or Tide detergent really better than the store brand. Heinz pours slow. Tide smells good. But does Heinz actually taste better than a cheaper brand? Does the no-name house brand clean your clothes as well as Tide does?
I don't know your personal situation. Spending $5 a month on Robert Reich's website isn't going to make the slightest difference in your ability to buy new clothing, better food, or get your car repaired.
Everyone who isn't a billionaire has to decide on their priorities and how they will spend their money. Food and shelter come first. If you are eating in food kitchens or sleeping in a tent due to a lack of money, that is a serious problem not just for you but for society at large. No one in America should be living in poverty. Are you living in poverty?
But for things that are not necessities, we need to make decisions. What most people want will far exceed their ability to have it all. So focus on what you need.
Are you throwing good money after bad trying to fix a car that just keeps breaking?
Have you looked at resale clothing stores? The rich often give away lightly used clothing, and it sells for a fraction of what you'd pay for new clothes.
What are you prepared to give up to have more of something else? Do you ever buy a Strabucks coffee? Drink beer, wine, or liquor? Smoke cigarettes. Pay for a bus or Uber for a short trip that you could walk for 30 minutes instead? Did you buy any food from any restaurant in the last 30 days?
I 100% guarantee you that you can afford $5 a month. People who want to be able to retire, take a minimum of 10% of their paycheck and save or invest it. It isn't hard to retire with $1 million in an account. Maybe the first year they notice they have less money, but after that, they never miss it.
I can understand how not having money makes you angry. But I think complaining to Robert Reich about $5 a month isn't fair.
Direct your justifiable anger at the politicians who are allowing America to become a Third World authoritarian fascist country. Instead of complaining to Robert, complain to Paul Manchin or Diane Feinstein or any other corrupt politician.
Who made you the newsletter police? Then, how did you get nominated to be a mediator and now judge? You know nothing about me. You have no right to tell me what to do or how to think, or assume things about me. In fact, you are wrong on so many counts. I tire of people like you who think they know what's better for another when they have no idea. As they say a closed mind is a terrible thing to waste... think on that, will you?
All I know you by is what you write, and you are a loud, nasty complainer about miniscule things that make no difference.
No Lucy, information and entertainment is not free. It has never been free. Sure, sometimes there are free shows. Over the air TV is still free. You just need an antenna.
Before the Internet, there were books and magazines, and they all cost money if you wanted the convenience of having them in your possession. You could find yesterday's newspaper in the trash or on the park benches. There were free libraries. They still exist.
You want to read things on the Internet that are behind a paywall. Most publications allow a few free articles each month. Or, if you actually have any friends, you could share a subscription with one of them.
Apple News+ gives you access to hundreds of newspapers and magazines for $9.99 a month. The first month is free.
No, they don't have the NYT. The NYT is doing quite well without Apple. They have more than 16 million digital subscribers, way more than receive the printed paper. As someone told you, the NYT has an intro plan for $1 a month.
But Apple News+ has the WaPo and the LA Times.
But all your angry, whiny posts are not about the money. They're just angry outbursts from someone whose "life didn't turn out the way (she) planned".
You scream at people, and you are insulting. Not just to me, but to Robert Reich. Who really doesn't deserve your attacks. Maybe you should change your name from Lucy to Karen?
I don't really care to read any more of your angry diatribe. It is all so totally unjustified and really boring.
You're right, Lucy The world has done you wrong, everybody is against you. No one gets you. It is all just horrible bad luck, and we should all feel as sorry for you as you feel for yourself. Oh, poor Lucy . . . an educated woman who has been screwed over by the system and now cannot afford new clothes and gourmet food. Are you ever happy, Lucy? At least you have a car. Many people cannot afford the gas, much less the maintenance.
Have you considered therapy to deal with your anger issues?
Don't speak for Robert, if he wants to answer me that would be great! It is you who are nasty. And, as expected here comes the judgement and low brow bashing. How fitting of you. You hypocrite arse! I hope others read your reviews and get a true view of who you are. Yes, I got angry and felt I had to justify myself because you judged me and continue to judge me and you know nothing about me. You really think so highly of yourself don't you? Go ahead say it you're are way better than me, right? Or are you my equal. It is you who are angry hiding behind a mask of judgment.
Robert, I was disturbed when a conservative friend sent me an article (Breitbart) claiming that Michelle Obama refuses to publically condemn the terrorist attacks in Israel. If it is true, along with Barack's relationship with Farrakhan, this is a very bad move for Democrats. Are there so few Jewish votes that it doesn't matter? I am also very sad for the loss of life of Palestinians in Gaza who were captive residents of a terrorist state. Whatever the Obamas really think, they are not smart to be silent here.
I have read the "Power of Public Ideas" as well as "Saving Capitalism" and both books confirm my viewpoints regarding the relationship between Democracy and Capitalism.
There are 100 subsectors in the American Economy who employ 130,606,000 private sector employees. The first 50% of these employees (largest to smallest added up) work in only 14 of these 100 subsectors. The first 75% of these employees work in only 26 of all 100 sectors. Furthermore, every state can be classified as "small business" states or "big business" states by the percentage of employees who work in the smallest or largest classes from 5 employees to 1000_ employees. The states in order of big businesses to smallest are:
AZ
WDC
IL
MI
NV
NY
MN
IN
DE
MA
TN
OH
GA
TX
PA
WA
KY
WI
NC
NJ
KS
MO
CT
UT
SC
CA
MD
VA
FL
AR
IA
RI
NE
HI
MS
AL
LA
CO
AK
OK
NM
NH
OR
VT
WV
ND
ME
SD
ID
MT
WY
Big business, small business. It doesn't matter AS LONG AS THE RESIDENTS of that state see to it that the Senators that represent them see to their interests. The residents of WY represent the small business owner, the residents of AZ, IL, and MI represent the largest corporations in America. Let's all take responsibility for the __metrics_ that matter and focus our energies into organizing ourselves around the _per capita_ concentrations of our district or state. I can "nominate" every state or every district in the union to become the "national representatives" of the issue to all others. ..Simple demographics will soon replace both parties and we will one day have a fully united nation for ALL. We will get an economic vision, a social representation, and we well have the political influence to manage and direct our government by the _per capita representation system_ our founders intended to this day.
Not sure if you need a subscription to post, but I have written several documents worth review: "Public Letter to the US Congress". Specification on the Job Description of the Presidency". "Manual on Democratic Activism". I believe that many things that the American people would like to tell Congress is in this letter. It is 28 pages, so you will have to be patient to finally get to the "Congressional Accountability Designations". There is also a 12 point list of VALUES of how a National Family Party would adhere to... https://www.facebook.com/mark.ahearn.96... I have read "The Power of Public Ideas"... as well as "Saving Capitalism" so I am well versed on any who would read these documents and make comment RE: RRs work... Let see if this posts if I click on the button... Simple enough, but no subscription at this time...
I am so happy to see people going on strike for better pay! I was in a school union for 29yrs and it gave us better pay!! I have been following you for many years and I believe in everything you say!!!!! It will take years for this country to go back to the hard workers and unions!! I don’t think I will see it but I can hope and pray for my children!!!! I enjoy your newsletter. Thank You Dinna
I am, at heart, an Independent who thought of myself as spiritual not political. A 63 yrs. old white woman with Mexican heritage who has been married to a Republican for over 38 years. I refuse to let corrupt politics divide my family. Yes, I did mean it when I told my husband that if he voted for Trump in 2020, I was leaving him.
Why am I signing up for your newsletter?
My husband did not vote for Trump but he and most of my family still refuse to listen to my concerns about the threats to our democracy. In January 2020 after the Insurrection, when my husband told me I was alienating my family with my political views, I had a nervous breakdown. During this time, I went on Facebook for my first post in 10 yrs. Below is my first post on Jan. 18th, 2020.
EQUAL. I believe the power of this one word is the capstone of our democracy. Adding this one word, Equal to our Pledge of Allegiance has been my daily prayer since George Floyd’s murder. I add the word Equal before the word Justice, so I am reminded of this shameful injustice, every day. My prayer is for our Nation and for every single one of us.
I believe the chaos of lies and corruption are fraud and some of us are still the unknowing victims. Some of us believe a President, a Congress person, a Political Party or a Law Enforcement Officer can act above the law. Some of us think NOT every Citizen of the United States of America, deserves to be treated equally.
Before I share my prayer, I want you to know, how deeply I reflective on the word indivisible. So many of my family, friends, co-workers and neighbors believe the 4 years of lies that our President and his accomplices have sowed.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and * equal* justice for all.
My hope is that by adding this one powerful word, Equal, this will be the guiding light for many of us to see the truth, through all the confusion and fraud. I believe as citizens we should all be peacefully online protesting for the truth and accountability. No one is above the law. The Rule of Law is the foundation of our Constitution and the final capstone, to save our great Democracy is equal justice.
To clearly see we can only be Indivisible when we have Equal Justice.
My dream, today on MLK’s birthday, is to help make a difference and to save our democracy.
When you are ready, let’s talk?
I need to be heard. I need discussions on how to stop the destruction of our Democracy. I need the truth and accountability. For my grandchildren and for us all, I need to stop the madness before it’s too late.
Noreen
P.S. I do fantasize about a petition, to add the word Equal to our Pledge of Allegiance going viral. Maybe then insurgents won’t highjack OUR flag when they are attacking! Do you have any suggestions for me?
I retired with a NY state pension that does not include dental care. I’m in my 70’s now and need major dental surgery. Needless to say, I’m spending a lot of my savings. I see many people my age with missing teeth. Dental care should be part of health care.
Fran, I totally agree. With any luck, dental care will be part of Medicare -- that is, if Biden's plan gets through Congress.
One of the reasons I have not stopped working is because of dental and vision care. I could purchase part B & D and do fine with Medicare if I didn't have a penchant for dental and vision care. I completely agree, Fran. I worry about the future. Hopefully, Biden is correcting this problem with many more corrections to come - such as solving food insecurity and health care for children. What kind of a nation will we grow old in if the children aren't well cared for in the USA?
That might be in Build Back Better that two senators reject
I'm happy to send some money your way.
Especially excited about "office hours".
I stopped donating to the DNC or any Democratic candidates. More money doesn't win elections. Ask Jamie Harrison, Amy McGrath or Allison Lundagran Grimes.
If money doesn't move mountains and open minds of low information voters, what does work? Money certainly works to influence many of our legislators to act in the interests of the donor class. America has the best politicians money can buy.
I write this from Medellín, Colombia, where I moved to retire after Trump's election. One thing I hope to get from your newsletter and website is an awakened sense of hope. and purpose.
The Jews with the most enormous amount of hope who lived in Germany in 1932 did not live to see their hopes and dreams come to fruition. Most were murdered by the Nazis. Those who lost hope and could afford to, left the country.
At 72, I've been voting since I was 21. Maybe I'll see 4 more presidential elections. I'll be 88 by then, if I stay healthy.
I just want to live long enough to see my country of birth start providing a high quality of life for all its residents and stop making war around the world for power and greed.
Maybe you can restore my sense of optimism because right now, I feel like America learned nothing from Germany in 1932.
Norm, I feel a similar dread. After January 6 I was hoping that the protagonists would see that things had gone too far. That turned about to be wishful thinking. If pro-Trump forces win the House in the midterms, I think I will join you as an ex-pat, having had my hopes crushed.
I, personally, would rather read a newsletter than watch a video. It’s simply what I prefer.
As a small business person that took my business entirely online and left the USA in 2014 - largely because of healthcare and planning for my eventual inability to keep up with rent increases in my commercial space that outpaced my ability to raise my prices - It was always intimated that I must have been falling short somehow - even though I was very successful within it - however fitness businesses like mine were and are increasingly being really supported by large real estate hedge funds or the celebrity influencer that dumps an inordinate amount money into a fitness business in order to be a loss leader on their actual profit in other areas. I may not be explaining that properly but Im hoping you understand what I mean.
Anyway - most fitness business couldn't actually maintain themselves otherwise without these underpinnings of money coming from elsewhere....I wonder what you think about this and is there more information about this kind of thing.
Wellness and fitness is almost ALL floated somehow in a way that's not a direct result of the actual fitness product sales. Its a huge sector and wonder were it will lead.
I can't pay for a subscription at this time, but am most interested in what you have to say and share.
Thank you, Sara. We're excited you'll be joining us in whatever capacity you can. As I mentioned in the post, the bulk of this newsletter is accessible for free, as we want everyone to benefit from the materials posted here.
Grateful to have this availability! Thank you!
Oh go and pat yourself on the back already.
I understand the need to pay contributors but wish that you and others would consider that having to pay for full access means those of us who have limited incomes (and may be the subject of or most interested in your essays) don’t get to read all your material. Only those with enough income or wealth can. Seems like something you are arguing against…
Thank you. I hear you. The bulk of this newsletter is accessible for free because we want everyone to benefit from the materials posted here. We are only encouraging those who are able to to support the paid version. Funds will be used to compensate my colleagues for their time and efforts, and to be able to invest in other projects as we continue to ramp up our public education. We encourage anyone unable to pay to please reach out to us at robertreich@substack.com. Thank you for your interest.
It means a lot that you wrote. I see your point. I thought you were the last hold out if you know what I mean. What I run across is this: quite frequently, I want to read further on an intelligent read on the internet, I start a paragraph, or in a couple sentences a "block" comes up which says, "you can read this article further only if you pay". My point it: Even newspapers get to be a day old and then they're thrown away or you can read what you want at the library. Do you see this trend? This is obstruction of the very nature of what constitutes to be a free press. If there was a way that the contents of these substacks, newsletters, or articles were made free to be read in a couple weeks time, then I wouldn't have any problem whatsoever. Thank you, Mr. Reich my sincere apologies.
Lucy, you misunderstand the meaning of “free press”. That phrase refers to the ability of the press to freely write and publish anything they like.
Newspapers, like any media outlet, need capital in order to function. Journalists must be paid for their time and efforts; some articles require weeks or months of detective work and research. The New York Times, for one example, is available for $1/week. Choose a publication you wish to support, and subscribe.
Please don't tell me what I understand. I was making the point as materials are free to be borrowed at libraries and even old newspapers are available for free to read. On line, there is no such freeness. In the end it will hamper education in the United States.
Lucy, there is some "freeness", and this newsletter/blog on Substack is a perfect example.
It's great that newspapers such as the NYT offer free access to some number of articles each month, but they are a business, and have expenses that must be paid, else they won't be able to survive and we'll lose them completely. Which is exactly why PBS, NPR and others are so important, and necessary, and why the fact that Substack offers free access to thousands of authors is so delightful.
Do you think that Mr. Reich should be paid for his time, and should have some financial assistance to pay those that help him? I do!
$50/year is .13 cents per day. It’s more than reasonable.
I’m glad it’s reasonable for you. But some people already have every penny accounted for and just can’t add to expenditures. Unfortunately, that situation is true for more and more people, and especially for women. I agree with Reich on almost everything and would like his creativity to address this problem, too: how to make his private content available for all.
I understand it's not possible for everyone - but the overwhelming majority of his content IS FREE. Its expensive to produce the amount of content he does. People who work for him need to eat too.
I DON'T LIKE IT WHEN SOMEONE COMES ALONG AND BREAKS IT DOWN LIKE THIS. WHY? BECAUSE IT'S NOT THAT I WOULDN'T WANT TO, IT'S THAT I'M ALREADY DENYING MYSELF MUCH NEEDED NEW CLOTHING, BETTER FOOD, CAR REPAIRS. GET IT? ROBERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He does so much other stuff for free that I thinks it unfair really - to grumble when there is a voluntary paid option in addition to loads of content he does for free.
It’s just not fair to characterize the creator that way.
You just made me angrier. You just don't get it. It's this it's only $5. here, $5 there. Don't go preaching to me or trying to make me feel bad. The whole picture is that in the media and on things like this more an more people are being excluded from more intelligent writing. More barriers to access knowledge. Keep many people in the dark, so to speak.
To Lucy: How can you be angry when Reich is offering his column to you at no cost?
As of late, some substack writers say they're offering their columns, but when you click on that they tell you to pay in. And, Reich is a millionaire himself. He doesn't need the money now does he? To me it shouldn't be you only get a piece of it, you should be able to get all of it. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would support him enough to pay his staff and him without getting the incentive to have access to more than those that don't have the funds to pay.
Not the complete column?
Lucy, you can access these Substack accounts for free. I have been a subscriber to one newsletter for nearly 2 years.
Don't blame me for your anger - you came in blazing with that. Just because many won't allow you to dump it and scream - no one is judging you. You're doing what you're doing all on your own.
Stop! Don't preach to me.
Don't talk to me as if I were a little child. Who do you think you are anyway?
Stop trying to shame me! Robert this is just plain awful! I have never said this on line but FU!
No one is shaming you, but you're clearly unable to see past your own condition which I realize is probably stressful. And I get that but cursing at screaming here probably won't change much here or your condition, nor will it endear anyone to help you out.
Shame on you Terri Walsh. I wasn't screaming at anyone. And, you act as doctor to me, you are none such worthy to do so. I wish to speak with Robert himself. I don't want to speak with you. Nor do I owe you anything. Anything at all!
Lucy. Please don't scream. ALL CAPS IS SCREAMING.
I hear you that money for you is tight. Salaries are too low and the cost of living is too high in the United States. That is why I left the U.S. to live overseas.
Sadly, 60% of American have no passport. They've never been anywhere that English isn't spoken and dollars are not the accepted currency. What's even sadder is that they have the money to travel. But they'd rather spend the money to go to Disneyworld than to go to London or Paris.
When people break it down for you, it is because they are trying to help you. complaining about your financial situation isn't going to do one thing to improve it.
Most people buy on impulse. Or choose certain brands they've used all their life. Is Heinz ketchup or Tide detergent really better than the store brand. Heinz pours slow. Tide smells good. But does Heinz actually taste better than a cheaper brand? Does the no-name house brand clean your clothes as well as Tide does?
I don't know your personal situation. Spending $5 a month on Robert Reich's website isn't going to make the slightest difference in your ability to buy new clothing, better food, or get your car repaired.
Everyone who isn't a billionaire has to decide on their priorities and how they will spend their money. Food and shelter come first. If you are eating in food kitchens or sleeping in a tent due to a lack of money, that is a serious problem not just for you but for society at large. No one in America should be living in poverty. Are you living in poverty?
But for things that are not necessities, we need to make decisions. What most people want will far exceed their ability to have it all. So focus on what you need.
Are you throwing good money after bad trying to fix a car that just keeps breaking?
Have you looked at resale clothing stores? The rich often give away lightly used clothing, and it sells for a fraction of what you'd pay for new clothes.
What are you prepared to give up to have more of something else? Do you ever buy a Strabucks coffee? Drink beer, wine, or liquor? Smoke cigarettes. Pay for a bus or Uber for a short trip that you could walk for 30 minutes instead? Did you buy any food from any restaurant in the last 30 days?
I 100% guarantee you that you can afford $5 a month. People who want to be able to retire, take a minimum of 10% of their paycheck and save or invest it. It isn't hard to retire with $1 million in an account. Maybe the first year they notice they have less money, but after that, they never miss it.
I can understand how not having money makes you angry. But I think complaining to Robert Reich about $5 a month isn't fair.
Direct your justifiable anger at the politicians who are allowing America to become a Third World authoritarian fascist country. Instead of complaining to Robert, complain to Paul Manchin or Diane Feinstein or any other corrupt politician.
Who made you the newsletter police? Then, how did you get nominated to be a mediator and now judge? You know nothing about me. You have no right to tell me what to do or how to think, or assume things about me. In fact, you are wrong on so many counts. I tire of people like you who think they know what's better for another when they have no idea. As they say a closed mind is a terrible thing to waste... think on that, will you?
All I know you by is what you write, and you are a loud, nasty complainer about miniscule things that make no difference.
No Lucy, information and entertainment is not free. It has never been free. Sure, sometimes there are free shows. Over the air TV is still free. You just need an antenna.
Before the Internet, there were books and magazines, and they all cost money if you wanted the convenience of having them in your possession. You could find yesterday's newspaper in the trash or on the park benches. There were free libraries. They still exist.
You want to read things on the Internet that are behind a paywall. Most publications allow a few free articles each month. Or, if you actually have any friends, you could share a subscription with one of them.
Apple News+ gives you access to hundreds of newspapers and magazines for $9.99 a month. The first month is free.
No, they don't have the NYT. The NYT is doing quite well without Apple. They have more than 16 million digital subscribers, way more than receive the printed paper. As someone told you, the NYT has an intro plan for $1 a month.
But Apple News+ has the WaPo and the LA Times.
But all your angry, whiny posts are not about the money. They're just angry outbursts from someone whose "life didn't turn out the way (she) planned".
You scream at people, and you are insulting. Not just to me, but to Robert Reich. Who really doesn't deserve your attacks. Maybe you should change your name from Lucy to Karen?
I don't really care to read any more of your angry diatribe. It is all so totally unjustified and really boring.
You're right, Lucy The world has done you wrong, everybody is against you. No one gets you. It is all just horrible bad luck, and we should all feel as sorry for you as you feel for yourself. Oh, poor Lucy . . . an educated woman who has been screwed over by the system and now cannot afford new clothes and gourmet food. Are you ever happy, Lucy? At least you have a car. Many people cannot afford the gas, much less the maintenance.
Have you considered therapy to deal with your anger issues?
Don't speak for Robert, if he wants to answer me that would be great! It is you who are nasty. And, as expected here comes the judgement and low brow bashing. How fitting of you. You hypocrite arse! I hope others read your reviews and get a true view of who you are. Yes, I got angry and felt I had to justify myself because you judged me and continue to judge me and you know nothing about me. You really think so highly of yourself don't you? Go ahead say it you're are way better than me, right? Or are you my equal. It is you who are angry hiding behind a mask of judgment.
If it is that important to you to actively participate, I doubt you'll notice $5 a month. The newsletter itself is free.
Grumble...MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY, ROBERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MAGA = Milking All Gullible Americans
Robert, I was disturbed when a conservative friend sent me an article (Breitbart) claiming that Michelle Obama refuses to publically condemn the terrorist attacks in Israel. If it is true, along with Barack's relationship with Farrakhan, this is a very bad move for Democrats. Are there so few Jewish votes that it doesn't matter? I am also very sad for the loss of life of Palestinians in Gaza who were captive residents of a terrorist state. Whatever the Obamas really think, they are not smart to be silent here.
I write to Congress to get the money out of elections. Was that a problem in Germany too, in 1932?
Dear Dr. Reich,
I have read the "Power of Public Ideas" as well as "Saving Capitalism" and both books confirm my viewpoints regarding the relationship between Democracy and Capitalism.
There are 100 subsectors in the American Economy who employ 130,606,000 private sector employees. The first 50% of these employees (largest to smallest added up) work in only 14 of these 100 subsectors. The first 75% of these employees work in only 26 of all 100 sectors. Furthermore, every state can be classified as "small business" states or "big business" states by the percentage of employees who work in the smallest or largest classes from 5 employees to 1000_ employees. The states in order of big businesses to smallest are:
AZ
WDC
IL
MI
NV
NY
MN
IN
DE
MA
TN
OH
GA
TX
PA
WA
KY
WI
NC
NJ
KS
MO
CT
UT
SC
CA
MD
VA
FL
AR
IA
RI
NE
HI
MS
AL
LA
CO
AK
OK
NM
NH
OR
VT
WV
ND
ME
SD
ID
MT
WY
Big business, small business. It doesn't matter AS LONG AS THE RESIDENTS of that state see to it that the Senators that represent them see to their interests. The residents of WY represent the small business owner, the residents of AZ, IL, and MI represent the largest corporations in America. Let's all take responsibility for the __metrics_ that matter and focus our energies into organizing ourselves around the _per capita_ concentrations of our district or state. I can "nominate" every state or every district in the union to become the "national representatives" of the issue to all others. ..Simple demographics will soon replace both parties and we will one day have a fully united nation for ALL. We will get an economic vision, a social representation, and we well have the political influence to manage and direct our government by the _per capita representation system_ our founders intended to this day.
Mark Ahearn
Not sure if you need a subscription to post, but I have written several documents worth review: "Public Letter to the US Congress". Specification on the Job Description of the Presidency". "Manual on Democratic Activism". I believe that many things that the American people would like to tell Congress is in this letter. It is 28 pages, so you will have to be patient to finally get to the "Congressional Accountability Designations". There is also a 12 point list of VALUES of how a National Family Party would adhere to... https://www.facebook.com/mark.ahearn.96... I have read "The Power of Public Ideas"... as well as "Saving Capitalism" so I am well versed on any who would read these documents and make comment RE: RRs work... Let see if this posts if I click on the button... Simple enough, but no subscription at this time...
Thanks but it’s not being included.
I am so happy to see people going on strike for better pay! I was in a school union for 29yrs and it gave us better pay!! I have been following you for many years and I believe in everything you say!!!!! It will take years for this country to go back to the hard workers and unions!! I don’t think I will see it but I can hope and pray for my children!!!! I enjoy your newsletter. Thank You Dinna
Who am I?
I am, at heart, an Independent who thought of myself as spiritual not political. A 63 yrs. old white woman with Mexican heritage who has been married to a Republican for over 38 years. I refuse to let corrupt politics divide my family. Yes, I did mean it when I told my husband that if he voted for Trump in 2020, I was leaving him.
Why am I signing up for your newsletter?
My husband did not vote for Trump but he and most of my family still refuse to listen to my concerns about the threats to our democracy. In January 2020 after the Insurrection, when my husband told me I was alienating my family with my political views, I had a nervous breakdown. During this time, I went on Facebook for my first post in 10 yrs. Below is my first post on Jan. 18th, 2020.
EQUAL. I believe the power of this one word is the capstone of our democracy. Adding this one word, Equal to our Pledge of Allegiance has been my daily prayer since George Floyd’s murder. I add the word Equal before the word Justice, so I am reminded of this shameful injustice, every day. My prayer is for our Nation and for every single one of us.
I believe the chaos of lies and corruption are fraud and some of us are still the unknowing victims. Some of us believe a President, a Congress person, a Political Party or a Law Enforcement Officer can act above the law. Some of us think NOT every Citizen of the United States of America, deserves to be treated equally.
Before I share my prayer, I want you to know, how deeply I reflective on the word indivisible. So many of my family, friends, co-workers and neighbors believe the 4 years of lies that our President and his accomplices have sowed.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and * equal* justice for all.
My hope is that by adding this one powerful word, Equal, this will be the guiding light for many of us to see the truth, through all the confusion and fraud. I believe as citizens we should all be peacefully online protesting for the truth and accountability. No one is above the law. The Rule of Law is the foundation of our Constitution and the final capstone, to save our great Democracy is equal justice.
To clearly see we can only be Indivisible when we have Equal Justice.
My dream, today on MLK’s birthday, is to help make a difference and to save our democracy.
When you are ready, let’s talk?
I need to be heard. I need discussions on how to stop the destruction of our Democracy. I need the truth and accountability. For my grandchildren and for us all, I need to stop the madness before it’s too late.
Noreen
P.S. I do fantasize about a petition, to add the word Equal to our Pledge of Allegiance going viral. Maybe then insurgents won’t highjack OUR flag when they are attacking! Do you have any suggestions for me?
Why are they going after trumps buddies but not after trump? I would so love to see the fool in prison!