613 Comments
Sep 12, 2022Liked by Robert Reich

And why have this controversial subject that inflames the right on two months before the midterm elections that the MAGA right hopes to use to regain power? Why not talk about something more important like, say, DEMOCRACY, and how it is being threatened? Dr. Phil is off my list ever since he took his uneducated stance on Covid.

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Sep 12, 2022Liked by Robert Reich

Please . Please. Do not give up. You need to challenge Dr. Phil. Ask to reframe the questions… provide data. You can change the discourse . Did you see ALFranken calling out the Supreme Court as illegitimate — lying under oath about their intentions on Rie Vs Wade… and more. You must speak up and challenge. Respond with the questions you would like asked! Then you can call Dr Phil out broadly. Make him accountable

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Sep 12, 2022Liked by Robert Reich

For TV producers, and networks, the overriding concern is not the merits of social policies, it is the mighty dollar. They know the hot-button issues quite well and are only interested in capitalizing on them. Surely, for this show, they will advertise a no-holds-barred boxing match between a 300-pound gorilla against a 100-pound man, and the educationally starved in their audience will enjoy the bloody spectacle like the Romans did as they matched ferocious instinct-driven beasts against man´s intellect in the circus. To hell with reasoned arguments, the days of Robert R. Murrow are long gone. You, Robert, were invited there to bleed for the enjoyment of the retrograde spectators responding to the ravings of some loud-mouthed ignorant beast.

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Sep 12, 2022·edited Sep 12, 2022Liked by Robert Reich

Professor, I so, so, so respect your decision not to participate in the talk show and even more your analysis of the not so hidden agenda of pandering to the popular sentiment against anything that looks like favoritism or affirmative action. The starting line for people of color is so far back that there is little chance for representation as teachers in the Minneapolis school district. 5.6 percent of teachers of color compared to 30 percent of students. Topics that skew the conversation are as incendiary as the popular radio talk shows like Bannon, Jones and the late Limbaugh. And FOX. And Dr.Phil? This is so blatant and disturbing. He needs to know why you decline.

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founding

You were way too kind with your description of "dr Phil"

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Thank you for taking the ethical route.

Dr. Phil is looking for click-bait and ratings boost, not honest, informative discussion.

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Sep 12, 2022Liked by Robert Reich

Your "bigger regret," "...that the national conversation is in the hands of producers chasing ratings and advertising dollars, with no regard for how they're distorting the public's understanding..." is key here. When dollars are more important than public understanding we've got a problem. But then, I am just reiterating - and agreeing with - what you have already said. Save for the fact that it deserves restatement I must say that my input is minimal. But hats off to you on this.

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We need every teacher we can get, this is the wrong field to politicize.

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I have never liked charlatans such as Dr. Phil and am not surprised that he has such a large American audience, given the low education level of the people who are gullible enough to believe his B.S. He and Dr. Oz (THANKS A LOT OPRA) are two snake oil salesmen cut fro the sam rag. No surprise they will go along with right-wing republican divisive tactics.

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I think you’re flat-out wonderful.

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Dr. Phil should just stick to featuring wildly dysfunctional individuals and families.

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DEFEAT TERRORIST AND TREASONOUS REPUBLICONS EVERYWHERE AND JAIL CRIMINAL trump and cronies

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Sep 12, 2022·edited Sep 12, 2022

Professor, As I read your words “it’s the wrong issue and the wrong debate,” the thought that came to mind, given, as you rightly noted, the minimum time allotted, was promptly to reframe the debate. Though I imagine you are more skilled than I at reframing, my instinct would be to rephrase the question to address the efficacy of a system, wherein “5.6 percent of licensed teachers identify as a teacher of color or American Indian, compared to 30 percent of students.”

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Robert

I wish you would go on the show but first have your’ agent’ send a response that you are able to address questions or even provide data… visuals. You can only make the discourse more open with those taking on the lies. Did you see Al Franken recently take on the issue of a packed illegitimate Supreme Court. If we don’t expose the abusive system who will. Please !! Don’t give up.

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As a teacher with many years (seniority), if I was temporarily laid off I would want my job back. I’ve devoted myself to the school, the students, and society. I don’t want it to be on my back to right society wrongs. I would also question how my salary compares to that of the newer teachers that will replace me. The District may be looking at saving money, not justice. I would also ask how a person my age is going to find a new job while it won’t be so hard for a younger person. Finally, with decades of experience I believe I am a better educator than a newbie. Let’s not think that teaching isn’t an acquired skill. Try teaching algebra or chemistry or reading to a classroom of children with different abilities. Besides fairness there’s a reason for senior teacher returned first.

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I have been a credentialed teacher all over San Diego County for over 30 years. I have seen a lot of racism at all levels. It is ingrained in teachers, who are usually white, as well as administrators. Teachers of color are often assigned out of the area where students like them live and go to school. Bravo to you for refusing to be a pawn! I'm glad to hear Minneapolis is trying to rectify the wrongs being done.

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