I believe it’s a given that Trump will be the MAGA party’s nominee
As a follow up to Mr. Reich’s Friday newsletter.
(How the oligarchy shrank America’s middle class)
Recently American laborers have made significant gains, with UNIONIZED workers in the automobile industry, UPS, Hollywood, railroads, and service industries winning higher wages and other benefits.
Let’s make 2024 the year the middle class takes back some of the wealth from the oligarchs! Because the working class is their oxygen.
The middle class workers helped to make them wealthy! It’s time for them to share the wealth.
Their kryptonite = UNIONS
In case you missed it, Elon Musk stopped paying into Social Security at 12:04am on Jan.1st! Does this sound like a fair system of government! How is it fair that the richest, who can afford it, pay the lowest % of their income?
Keith, I agree that we are the oxygen that keeps these richy rich operating! Yes, Yes, Yes to unions! We need to form unions, strong unions, in every area. We need to make the largest bundle of kryptonite we can. We have got to start somewhere. I have read several really good solutions but as usual someone always finds fault with them! I still believe we also form more co-ops, mom and pop groceries, farms where you pick your own, food banks (not just for homeless and poverty stricken) for all of us to share what we have so we don't have to shop at these corporate places!
Peggy Freeman, thanks for the reminder about an article I read. There are community sharing groups. I think they are facebook groups but I'm not positive. People call out something they need, for example a snow shovel. No money is exchanged, just people sharing their resources. A win-win for all the reasons you mentioned. And if I remember correctly, it is a give-away program not a lending one.
M Tree, I love this concept! In my community, we are always putting out calls for help with someone in need and we swap items that benefit each other. It is a caring community and I feel fortunate to be a part of it. I would love to see these types of groups springing up everywhere. Who needs these fat cats stuff! If we work and depend on each other, eventually some of these corporations are going to get the idea that we can suffice just by helping one another! Wouldn't that be grand?
A corporation is made up of workers, consumers and shareholders. The CEO make decisions which are greedy and monopolistic. Shareholders can make changes but when the shares are mostly owned by the few at the top...it is hard to do.
Judith Stevens, true, that is the academic definition. I was speaking colloquially to signify those who see workers, consumers, communities, and natural resources as nothing more than things to exploit for their own personal benefit, with zero or close to it genuine concern for the common good.
Peggy Freeman, Paula B, just replied to me that they are called "Buy Nothing" groups. And yes it would be grand if these groups were more prolific and heralded. I strongly agree with you that there are so many social, environmental, and economic benefits to us sharing.
Maybe there could be a grass roots movement to get everyone to start a 'buy nothing' group! I truly believe it would bring all of us together and we would be happier as a country! I know, my 'pie in the sky' attitude is showing but I find my world is made so much better by caring friends, neighbors, and family. We need goodness in our lives now to help deal with the messages of hate being spewed on a daily basis!
Peggy Freeman, we think alike. Your idea is wonderful and I love it. It really meshes so well with Robert Reich's mission for us to rebirth the spiritual common good. If you have more thoughts on it and/or more info on the group, I would be interested in hearing about it. Thanks so much, Peggy.
Giving away is even better! My wife and I put a free table out last summer and gave away many things for free instead of a tag sale. Our neighbors were very thankful. Help thy neighbor
I gather everything that we no longer need and take it to a couple of places in our town and donate it all to them. One store, in particular, gives clothing and other household items to those that are starting over. I remember when I was running from a bad relationship and I was left with a child, my purse and a few changes of clothing for my daughter. You're right-help our neighbors.
In Columbus we have a Free Store that you can donate items you no longer need or pick up items you do need. We also have an Open Shelter that accepts anything that unhoused individuals can use. There is very little need to ever send any good or repairable items to a landfill, if you are serious about the environment.
I didn’t start the co-op but I am one of several hundred owners. I am not sure how they started it but it’s taken several years and it will be finally opening soon. If you want I can give you a phone number to find out more?
Is there an accurate way to gage the future. If there is I don't believe you would find any degree of relevance in polls. Trump does command a large chunk of the Republican voting block but in recent weeks I've detected old positions that want something new, they don't want Trump again and Nikki Haley is their choice. What happens in New Hampshire might very well be Humpy's great fall. Then came South Carolina and Nikki's home state will tell the tale.
Their cryptonite is our UNITY/COALITIIN/STRENGTH-IN-NUMBERS. it is demonstrated via Unions and it is being stymied politically by various votor suppression efforts (electoral college, gerrymandering, mis/disinformation/propaganda, dismantling voting rights legislation and keeping the ppl/majority divided and distracted- too busy fighting eachother to use their power in numbers against the oligarchs/plutocrats). UNITY/COALITION/POWER-IN-NUMBERS. That includes coalition with the poor. We are making a mistake if we leave we make it about the middle class exclusively! That would be a form of division.
I just learned about a book called "The Silent Coup". It's about how global corporations have gained legal power over almost every single government. No one can fight against them. When some country tries, they face debilitating consequences.
I sorta knew that was happening, but I have never seen it researched and published before. Even the authors said it was "tin hat territory", but REAL.
Good for you, Keith. When has Elon Musk ever paid into Social Security - the last I read $168,600 is the maximum taxable income for Social Security - pocket change for the Elon Musk's.
I am sorry if I repeat myself. I do not blame billionaires for ignoring taxes or rules. I blame our Congress for incompetence and lack of enforcement. Legislation is corrupt when Citizens United and lobbyists influence law makers. When Iowa voters confuse religious issues with politics we have a serious education problem? Should we consider billionaires as leaders because they have money? I suppose my next comment could be to denigrate Trump but WE THE PEOPLE voted him in to office.
WE THE PEOPLE did NOT elect the orange nazi. The orange nazi was installed by electoral college. HRC rec'd in excess of 2.8 million MORE VOTES than the orange nazi did. That's good enough to win the job in most democratic nations.. In facf all of them, except THIS one.
4min into Jan 1st? THAT is funny. All of the billionaires need to pay a non capped version of ssi and recieve the capped version of $60k when they "retire". That would be a progressive tax. It makes me laugh all the conservative ads I get one of which says you cant tax a country into prosperity. I wholly disagree. Taxing the untaxed billionaires and putting that money into the economy of the bottom 60% whether in funding SSI, higher low income wages or healthcare would create boom times. The B's would rather only have their own Boom times. They dont care if everyone else suffers.
Who are these oligarchs and plutocrats? What are doing and how? Some answers in this article at The Guardian: What links Rishi Sunak, Javier Milei and Donald Trump? The shadowy network behind their policies
TWU Local 556, the Union representing 20,000+ Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants will be taking a “Strike Authorization Vote” beginning 1/15/24. The voting period will take place through 1/23/24 and we are hoping for an overwhelming majority of members to vote YES to SAV!
Don't count on Nikki to do us any favors. The only "favors" she will do are for herself. She will take women, not to mention minorities and immigrants back at least to the 1800's despite the fact that she IS from immigrant, minority parents and is a minority - and, of course, a woman, herself.
Nikki Haley is, if anything, more scary than Trump. She is attractive, comes off articulate (despite her occasional attacks of word salad, and nonsense about the Civil War), and has presentation skills he lacks. She isn't a moderate, but she plays one on TV. Unlike Trump she has a brain, and knows how to use it.
I watched her. She's following the leader. She used to be bad enough. It sounds like her mind has been melded with billionaires' who are supporting all this. She doesn't want to be attacked or stand up for the oath of office. Anyone who is the nominee for the whackos will follow through with the destruction of this country.
I don't believe a word she says about anything - she's pure political opportunist - saying anything to please her voters, saying nothing to alienate Trump's base. We have no idea what she stands for - besides "elect me".
Dave - not exactly wishing to nitpick - but keep in mind literacy has nothing to do with whether or not one's brain is capable of nuanced thinking. 'Ignorance' may be the better term. Have a good day. 😊
My ancestor, Abigail Scott Duniway, worked to achieve the right to vote for women in 1912 when Oregon became the seventh state in the US to pass a women’s suffrage amendment.
Any Notable public Opposition or Resistance to Trumpet 🎺 The Traitor is Met with Knee Jerk Outrage Rhetoric and Actions by His True Believers ( Brown Shirts ) has resulted in phone Threats Swatting And Often Than Not Attacks on The Family’s of Judges Court Officials etc...
Therefore Public Opposition to Trumpet 🎺 collection of Lies , Slandered reputations encourages no Public Resistance to his psychotic public Outbursts.
As a Result of Trumpet’s 🎺 Constant Stream of B.S. All Thinking Humans Are Waiting for an Opportunity to Strike Down Trumpet 🎺 in a method that will allow them the Best opportunity to Survive a Trumpet 🎺 Encounter .
The Opposition to “Trumpet 🎺 The Tratior “ will Arise on Election Days and Smite Him Again...
What is Needed Now is To Remind The Electorate of the Necessity to VOTE in the Primaries And to VOTE in The Presidential Elections.
Remind The Electorate that IT AINT OVER UNTIL ITS OVER !!!
Fight Continously And Without Until The Trumpet 🎺 Has The Rug Ripped Out From Under Him once and for all.
R ‘s that want to pardon Trumpet 🎺 From Jail Time Should Be Treated The Same As Trumpet 🎺 Himself and not given the opportunity to reverse LAW.
This is why I always vote regardless of candidates, etc. Women fought hard to get it. Now we can't let it go. If anything local issues and bills are important. I want more information on judges for the court. It is hard to find out their records and beliefs.
I’m glad the change of climate was at least touched upon. It is actually larger than Trump and the rise of fascism in the United States. In the Western countries that are more highly developed we have money and resources to deal with this for a while, but in the long view (well actually not so long) the planet as a whole is facing a larger threat than Trump.
While we are hyper-focused on the upcoming elections, big oil is planning to up their drilling and production substantially world wide. Might they be looking at all the current wars and those coming down the pike and figuring war equals lots of oil consumption? Meanwhile close to home, at my home actually, I have to triple filter my rainwater drinking water because of the amount of micro-plastics that are showing up in my water testing.
The hypocrisy is astonishing. I read an article yesterday about how the insurance companies, who are investing in fossil fuels, are seeing that they will soon not be able to offer insurance at all anymore because climate change perils are so expensive. So they are hastening their own extinction.
Trump or Biden, the progress towards climate catastrophe marches on. I suspect those that have stock in the entity that owns The Weather Channel are doing quite well! The business empire that tracks and predicts the future harm coming from our inaction on the climate is likely the insurance industry. Their future profits depend on accurate forecasting of future disasters. That is why they are diminishing or no longer offering to insure properties that are in climate disaster prone areas such as shore lines and homes in forested areas. I have seen maps that predict what areas will eventually be underwater and when it is expected to occur by. Also, as our forests dry out, they are also withdrawing fire insurance in increasingly large swaths.
My business manages small office and retail properties so we are always planning for climate change. For example, as air conditioning systems in our managed buildings need replacement, we always increase our capacity by 20% to deal with the extremely hot days we see coming and already that additional capacity has been needed. We have added additional roof drains to our flat roof buildings to manage the extremely heavy downpours we now experience. Our snow removal costs are sometimes double our predictions and other years the cost is almost nothing. We have also assisted owners to sell off a building that is in a future flood area while it is still insurable. It was an unexpected shock to the new owners that the only way they could get affordable flood insurance was to pick up our existing policy. And even the insurance companies cannot predict the extent of future climate caused disasters. Remember when part of the city of Santa Rosa burned to the ground due to a forest fire coming into the city?
The millions of people streaming north overflowing our borders are actually due in part because of climate change. As less stable countries and governments are unable to cope, the political situation becomes unstable gangs take advantage of the situation and become ruthless rulers who make the countryside unsafe for the population to live in. There is no wall or set of laws that can hold back the ever-increasing surge of climate refugees.
So although we are currently hyper-focused on the coming Presidential election, we cannot ignore climate crisis caused by the insatiable hunger of the oligarchs and the capitalist system that they take ruthless advantage of.
Agreed. We need to mitigate it as much as possible and adapt to the changes. Obviously you’re thinking ahead in your business, but how many others are?
Marc Nevas, micro-plastics in our water killing us and all life makes me so angry. Complete corruption, dereliction of duty, obfuscation of their oaths of office is what it is, when they constantly and intentionally neglect to protect the public so to bow obedience to their big donors.
In 2023 in the US there was a 1.9 %cut in carbon. We needed a 6% cut in order to make US goals for 2030.
This means of course that even greater reductions are now needed. Apart from big drops in emissions due to the pandemic, historically we have never seen the drop in cuts that are needed. You can go to rhodium which tracks this. How much does climate change now costs the average US household ? Can people be made to care ? Doubtful for the most part.
I don't pay the former MAGA President himself much attention.
People are more concerned about the price of butter than saving the planet or saving democracy.
What did Trump say about the Iowa school shooting where a 6th grader died the day before his speech? "Get over it, shit happens."
And he always uses the phrase "climate lunatics". And yet tens of millions of voters are unshakeably loyal. What drives all of these people to abandon critical thinking and surrender to the lies and absurdities of Trump?
Yes, we DO face a threat more life-threatening than Tchump. I can imagine living in an eco-paradise that was also a totalitarian hell, altho some would insist that such a combination is impossible. By the same token, I'd insist that eco-paradise is impossible UNLESS we eliminate totalitarian threats like Tchump.
agreed, a Trump loss would give us some hope for action on climate change, but a Trump win - fogetabout. He talks about "beautiful coal", calls concerned citizens "climate lunatics" and leads chants like "drilll baby drill. Trump is a threat to the whole planet.
steve Reed: The 'accelerant' is the billionaire 'class' (and their wanna be's). Any talented useful idiot will do, as long as they will raid the Treasury of our tax dollars and be able to get away with paying no or low taxes themselves!
The Mansion Tax should be adopted by every city, state or better yet Congress, Don't tax their income, which disappears down every loophole. but tax all of their dwelling units. Use that money to funt a renters tax credit (RTC) that is refundable to renters on an income basis. It would end source of income discrimination and allow people to live close to where they work.
Sometimes it can seem, sitting here in England, that the distant saga of Trump and the US election, with what feels like a soap opera of legal cases, is just another competitor to Netflix. The fact is, though, as I explained to my brother who’s approaching retirement, it’s all crucially relevant to us. A Trump presidency could well spell the end of NATO and Putin winning in Ukraine, perhaps then making moves in Eastern Europe; worsening conflagration in The Middle East; China surging outwards into and beyond Taiwan ... the list goes on. Just one of, let alone all, these factors will surely impact global trade and financial markets - and thus my brother’s (and my) pension.
Then we get into climate change and the impact on our children and grandchildren...
The world really needs progressive, cooperative, pluralist politicians who can inspire the masses to coerce (or perhaps force) the rich and powerful into acting for everyone’s- and the planet’s - benefit.
Instead we have a surfeit of populists and nationalists.
Over a decade ago, our son, while serving in the Navy in Europe, met and married a lovely gal from Kyiv. So we've got a very personal connection to this issue. Putin might be able to annex and dominate the eastern part -- where more than half are ethnic Russians -- but trying to occupy Ukraine proper? The Russians have lost an awful lot already to this conflict, which has dragged on far longer than they ever anticipated.
I've also got family ties to Japan. Just a note in passing that after the earthquake hit their western coast on New Year's Day, the Taiwanese got together and collected over 400 million yen for relief.
Winning in Ukraine for Putin at the moment looks like retaining the ground made in the East.
He doesn’t need to occupy Ukraine when Moldova and Estonia, for example, can be threatened to suck in European resources in the absence of US support. This would potentially increase the pressure on European governments to press Ukraine to cede ground and ease the tension.
There’s not much indication he’s at all bothered by Russian losses or public opinion.
Well done the Taiwanese - and good to see how their election’s going.
I am heartened by the fact that at least a few of our friends across the pond are paying attention. But I would insist that elections are NOT a pointless gameshow; they have consequences, and that our upcoming general election may be THE most consequential since 1980, when we elected a male Maggie Thatcher who set about destroying the liberal state and whose legacy continues to make everything worse. I believe that your fears for your future are WELL founded. Please continue to speak up. Thanks.
Barry Spicer .... As much as we favor progressive change and all that you mention to support actions that will be benefits to life on our planet, I completely agree that force will be necessary to induce populists and nationalists. I have been very frustrated that we seem unable to use force to accomplish anything. My examples are to FORCE a fraud like Trump from running, insurrectionists are running free while our AG pontificates, Covid lies circulate and the FCC allows Fox News to broadcast lies. Our ability to use force needs review.
By force I mean legitimate democratic force (hence coercion); harnessing the power of the (vast) majority to legitimately “fight back” through progressive legislation; cooperating internationally to subdue the undue influence of wealth and corporations. That’s why we need politicians with the right vision, messages and skills and - if we can find them - throw our full support behind them
If you refer to violent force, I believe this is an unwinnable battle as it cedes the moral high ground - and probably legitimacy - to a vastly more powerful opponent. However if, say, Trump gets elected and makes draconian moves like Schedule F and worse, maybe a physical response would be the only option.
Another wild card: Biden drops dead before the election. Who is the Democratic nominee? Harris? Could she beat Haley? I doubt it. I have no grandkids, sadly!
Tim Baldwin; Not only was Kamala Harris Joe Biden 's 'pick', but she knows what the Civil War was about. And lots of other things. Plus, she is a prosecutor who knows the law!
Harris is clearly the better choice, but that doesn't always translate into winning. Her 2020 presidential campaign was poorly executed and ended quickly even though she was at first the top choice. I think she would have been excellent Attorney General (much, much better than Garland). I still think Haley would beat her, but I been wrong before (lots of times)!
Possible, but - apparently - Biden is in much better shape than the Republicans' whiney front runner. Then again, there's no accounting for anybody's "off switch" - and apparent fitness isn't really a determinant.
my first choice, Arnold Schwarnegger (except he's ineligible)
2nd choice: Gavin Newsome (young, charismatic, may be a terrible Prez but at least by contrast he would make the clown with orange make-up and phoney hair look like he's past-his-expiry-date.
That might be enough.
I don't really care who's the Prez as long as it isn't a Republican.
I can't show sources - I don't remember them! - but I understand there is a large block of Republican voters who claim they'll vote against diaper Donnie if he's convicted for his felonies. Don't visit Nick the Greek thinking that's a hot tip, though.
no point in worrying or hoping who will be the GOP nominee though. It's good not to trouble oneself much with things over which we have no control at all. It detracts from working on things we can influence.
Do you think bombing the Houthis is the best response to their blocking of shipping? What they are doing is illegal. Is there no other way to stop or hinder them? I'm really concerned about the use of bombing and the risk of a wider war.
It makes more sense to just reroute shipping. Having shipping companies reroute their ships and increase shipping time is annoying and costly to them, but it is not worth starting another war over. We can pay a bit more for oil and consumer goods or we can pay much more for a larger war. Wars are not free, they come out of our wallets through taxes and increase in the national debt.
The Houthis have said their targeting of ships is in response to Israel's war against Hamas. What if we and Israel tried taking them at their word and there was a ceasefire in Gaza? That could lead to less war all around. I think, however, what Israel really wants is to get us into a war with Iran.
I wonder how many folks recall the scene from the movie "Patton," where George C.. Scott is telling his military superiors -- after Germany's surrender -- to allow him some troops and some time..."and I'll have us at war with those Ruskies, and make it look like they started it."
The Zionists view Iran as an existential threat. They despised Obama for cutting a nuclear deal with Iran, and loved Trump for nullifying it. Because they know Trump will give them everything they want, they are working here to undermine progressive Democrats, as well as free speech. As the House voted on a resolution recently, equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism.
I find it amazing that, while credible charges of intent to commit genocide were presented in The Hague this week, the Zionists claim -- after killing thousands upon thousands of innocent women and children -- that so much as expressing the words "free Palestine" is calling for genocide from their point of view.
Yes, in the 2022 Democratic Party primary for Michigan's 11th Congressional District, as a result of redistricting, incumbent Andy Levin, who is Jewish, ran against incumbent Haley Stevens, who is not. Zionist AIPAC poured money into the race to defeat Andy Levin and nominate Haley Stevens, because he had criticized Israel, while she took the AIPAC position.
There is widespread support in this country for Israel but for many different reasons. One of them is to use it as an excuse to suppress and repress Muslims. Support for Israel does not necessarily equate to support for Jews.
Much as I dislike risking escalation of the Middle East conflict, passively allowing minority groups to control important international shipping lanes through terrorist actions just can’t be an option - where would it lead?
Israel shows no signs of heeding ceasefire calls anyway and the risk assessment of Iran getting further involved would have been cautiously optimistic, so the timing is probably right.
What I don’t like is how we (UK) have put ourselves in the front line without prior parliamentary (democratic) approval, for which there’s been plenty of time.
First, I am so glad I upgraded my subscription. This was the first coffee klatch I was able to listen to. Thank you both, I really enjoyed it. There were times I was talking before I realized it wasn't a three way conversation!! Anyway, as far as trump walking away with the republication nomination, it doesn't matter to me because I will vote blue all the way down the ballot. I will not be tuning in to those primaries. Also, I am so very proud of the people (judges, election workers, politicians, etc.) who stand up to this bullying, intimidation, threats, and just plain nastiness from those mouth breathing cretons that march to trump's tune. I know that he is absolutely loving the fact that he has gotten these people to actually threaten or do violence to anyone he says has done him wrong. This just should not be happening here in our country. Yes, I do believe in free speech; however, in my opinion, free speech stops at the threatening bodily harm stage. It's like running into a crowded theater and yelling fire. It simply should not be allowed.
Yes, ginning up angry attacks, even doxing, is assault! Lies and disinformation are also not free speech in a Democracy, if they cause harm ! Guardrails are needed, like the old fashioned 'truth in advertizing'.
I hope Biden is re-elected. But if the Republicans win, I would MUCH prefer that Nikki Haley be the next President than Donald Trump be the our new Dictator President!
Tim Baldwin ; What if Nikki Haley is taking orders from tfg? You know, the way he is running Congress through Mike Johnson et al. ; and the Justice department, and who knows what else?
Republicans are always big hypocrites when it comes to a person of color or women who are voicing their mottos. But haley would split the vote. I also said, no chance!
From the start, I thought it was DeSantis who had the inside track to the nomination. Somewhere I was reading that he was developing his own private police force. I think it's morphing into a militia dedicated to intimidating voters -- aka "preventing voter fraud."
If voters knew about the militia , that might have turned them off. Then there's the book banning, the fact that DeSantis has said he "couldn't wait" to throw people in jail for violating his 'rules'. Oh, and the white go go boots! And general intolerance of diversity...Using immigrants as weapons to send to blue states that have sanctuary cities! Or to those Democrat politicians who they dislike. Like Kamala Harris, who found a bus load of immigrants on her doorstep one cold December evening,! they use human beings as cannon fodder!
I wish, Laurie. But I saw an article in the NYT yesterday where they interviewed Iowa Republicans. The reasons they gave for their choices were not to be believed. One DeSantis voter said she was supporting him because she was concerned about the breakdown in values. Argh.
Paula B ; that sucks, but we knew that there are problems on the 'Right' side of the political spectrum. Why would a left leaning voter worry about what MAGAs want? As far as I can see ; De Santis is non existent! He can't get traction in his own state! Iowa Is a freak show! Another stop on the wheel of misfortune! Why would a sentient being let THEM with their worldview affect our choices? I'm very tired of that carnival and those sad clowns! I wish there were NO 'swing states' with over weight outsized 'Votes"! It's rigged like one of tfg's casinos!
Exactly. He is the head of the family, the caretaker of all his BELONGINGS, including wife and children. His wife to be respected; but, still HIS wife, i.e. a belonging, property.
The information gleaned from John Sauer's presentation in court can be very effective when applied to the "SEAL Team 6" scenario. Every military person takes an oath when they enlist to protect and defend the Constitution and to obey all lawful orders. Those who profess to "support our troops" have to be confronted with a possible commander-in-chief who would think nothing of issuing unlawful orders. He just doesn't care. Our men and women in uniform deserve so much better.
"Trump is as faithful to his oath of office as he was to his wedding vows."
If the left is successful in disqualifying Trump from the ballot Republicans will take it as political and stand stronger behind Trump.. As it is now, with all the charges waiting to be prosecute him, he has lost a lot of votes from the right. In a vote today Biden would walk away with the election. If Haley is successful getting the nomination I would worry in the election in November.
I strongly believe that if trump is disqualified or if Haley gets the nomination, conservatives who wouldn't have voted for trump will vote for Haley, making it more difficult for Biden to win. Of course, conservatives don't vote for women for President. Just vote blue. Lol
The Trump supporters in my family and others I know like Haley and would vote for her if Trump ends up in jail, dead, or flees the country. They don't care that she's a woman.
Welllllll, I’m not so sure. There’s a lot of misogyny on the right, as well as white supremacy. I’m not sure that many Republicans would be comfortable voting for her.
Paula B. ; yes, the 'right' have no problem denying medical care to women, even if death is the outcome! this has already happened! If that is not misogyny, What is?!
I would too. However, Biden vs Trump, with other candidates on the ballot , is worrisome. As bad as Haley is, I'm shifting to thinking I want to see Biden against her, though her chance of winning is maybe greater than Trump, IMO.
With Haley there is some small chance she will do something about climate vs Trump who will make climate worse. This is the top issue for me.
steve reed ; With more than half of our women who are fertile; even the threat of death will apparently not budge the 'Right' on women's medical care! Women's rights to health, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is right in there with Mother nature ; our Climate!
I know it’s hard to be positive about anything these days. You both maintain your sense of humor and wit plus playing off each other’s strengths which can be funny and positive even in these grim times.
You tell the truth, do an excellent summary each week and I appreciate it!
***Just a quick note Professor Reich - you have a copycat troll using your photo and your (misspelled) name. Very interesting (and at time hostile) dialogue in yesterdays edition…
I haven’t the time to listen to this coffee klatch until my break at work.
Thank you Bob and Heather, another interesting Coffee Klatch, 1) Negative comment: You're surprised that Trump said something stupid?????
2) This for Heather, the Houthis are PIRATES - not a sports team, or movie, or Gilbert and Sullivan Musical - Real Ones. They attack and have for several years attacked commercial vessels. After stealing anything of value in the cargo, they hold the ship and crew for ransom, they also torture and kill some crew. They have about as much concern for the people of Gaza as Hamas, who put the Palestinians into what Hamas call Refugee camps, but which I regard as concentration camps.
3) The Iranian religious government is run by nasty old white (they may be Arabic in appearance but they are definitely Caucasian - white) men, who dream of the glory days of "Persia" under Xerxes - yeah, the one who lived about 2500 or so years ago. If the rest of the world had half an ounce of good sense we would freeze ALL Iranian assets in every other Nation on Earth. Isolate Iran. Ship all Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis to them. We would halt all interaction on all levels, tourism, trade, governmental and legal, with them until they agreed to stop meddling in Middle Eastern governments with UN oversight and surveillance. Could this be done? There are 195 recognized Nations (Countries) on Planet Earth, at least 190 Nations prefer peace to terrorism - you do the math.
4) Nazi Germany. I will be 91, 7 weeks from Monday. Yes, I bloody well remember WW2, I knew about fascism and what it stood for. Admittedly it wasn't until 1944-45 that I saw pictures taken inside the Nazi concentration camps. I had 2 uncles who were in the Canadian Army from the outbreak of the war in October 1939, both survived and returned home in one piece. My grandchildren are well aware of the atrocities, and understand why I am so opposed to the trumpster and all he stands for.
5) As a Naturalized American citizen for the past 57 years, I resent the trumpster's attempt to turn the Country I love from a workable (in progress) democracy to a fascist dictatorship.
Hang in there, Faye. It is difficult, I am 76 but mobility impaired so could not/ would not relocate from this beautiful hot nation. Hoping to get to Election Day with my Biden Absentee Ballot. We can do this. You know, I think the tough old geezers are fighting harder than anyone, perhaps because they understand the alternative from which younger generations were protected if by lies it seems.
If only more of the younger generations would learn from ,and respect the Wisdom of their elders as in more enlightened societies,maybe Faye’s and Judith’s years of experience could help them from reliving these tragically sad times ! Well done Ladies!
Faye my mom was a Cape Breton girl of your age ,she used to tell us about the U Boats torpedoing the Merchant ships and the RCN ships right offshore in her back yard! She and her cousin’s would try to help any survivors and bring food and water to the beach !She just passed in Dec. the grand and great grand kids all knew her WWII stories,I hope they remember them well! Stay well Faye .
Thank you, Robert. It was a period we should never forget. Even the German people themselves, remember it with horror. Those imbecilic domestic terrorists, the Oath Keepers, and Proud Boys trying to justify Hitler and Mussolini are off their rockers.
Hey Bob and Heather! Another great Coffee Klatch! Speaking of Hitler, could you put together a video showing the parallels of what Hitler said, next to what Trump is saying. Parallel videos would be great to get out there!
If one were to believe polls, then Hilary won the 2016 election. Answering a survey is not the same experience as actually voting. I have become so sick and tired of answering polls, that i alternate between not answering at all or making up contrary positions. I do not think I am alone. I no longer believe that any poll is even a snapshot in time of current beliefs.
I believe it’s a given that Trump will be the MAGA party’s nominee
As a follow up to Mr. Reich’s Friday newsletter.
(How the oligarchy shrank America’s middle class)
Recently American laborers have made significant gains, with UNIONIZED workers in the automobile industry, UPS, Hollywood, railroads, and service industries winning higher wages and other benefits.
Let’s make 2024 the year the middle class takes back some of the wealth from the oligarchs! Because the working class is their oxygen.
The middle class workers helped to make them wealthy! It’s time for them to share the wealth.
Their kryptonite = UNIONS
In case you missed it, Elon Musk stopped paying into Social Security at 12:04am on Jan.1st! Does this sound like a fair system of government! How is it fair that the richest, who can afford it, pay the lowest % of their income?
Keith, I agree that we are the oxygen that keeps these richy rich operating! Yes, Yes, Yes to unions! We need to form unions, strong unions, in every area. We need to make the largest bundle of kryptonite we can. We have got to start somewhere. I have read several really good solutions but as usual someone always finds fault with them! I still believe we also form more co-ops, mom and pop groceries, farms where you pick your own, food banks (not just for homeless and poverty stricken) for all of us to share what we have so we don't have to shop at these corporate places!
Peggy Freeman, thanks for the reminder about an article I read. There are community sharing groups. I think they are facebook groups but I'm not positive. People call out something they need, for example a snow shovel. No money is exchanged, just people sharing their resources. A win-win for all the reasons you mentioned. And if I remember correctly, it is a give-away program not a lending one.
M Tree, I love this concept! In my community, we are always putting out calls for help with someone in need and we swap items that benefit each other. It is a caring community and I feel fortunate to be a part of it. I would love to see these types of groups springing up everywhere. Who needs these fat cats stuff! If we work and depend on each other, eventually some of these corporations are going to get the idea that we can suffice just by helping one another! Wouldn't that be grand?
Peggy Freeman, and may I add, I like your benefit too of, "kiss my behind big monopolistic corporations"
A corporation is made up of workers, consumers and shareholders. The CEO make decisions which are greedy and monopolistic. Shareholders can make changes but when the shares are mostly owned by the few at the top...it is hard to do.
Judith Stevens, true, that is the academic definition. I was speaking colloquially to signify those who see workers, consumers, communities, and natural resources as nothing more than things to exploit for their own personal benefit, with zero or close to it genuine concern for the common good.
Peggy Freeman, Paula B, just replied to me that they are called "Buy Nothing" groups. And yes it would be grand if these groups were more prolific and heralded. I strongly agree with you that there are so many social, environmental, and economic benefits to us sharing.
Maybe there could be a grass roots movement to get everyone to start a 'buy nothing' group! I truly believe it would bring all of us together and we would be happier as a country! I know, my 'pie in the sky' attitude is showing but I find my world is made so much better by caring friends, neighbors, and family. We need goodness in our lives now to help deal with the messages of hate being spewed on a daily basis!
Peggy Freeman, we think alike. Your idea is wonderful and I love it. It really meshes so well with Robert Reich's mission for us to rebirth the spiritual common good. If you have more thoughts on it and/or more info on the group, I would be interested in hearing about it. Thanks so much, Peggy.
These are called buy nothing groups.
Paula B., thank you so much!
Bartering made America
Giving away is even better! My wife and I put a free table out last summer and gave away many things for free instead of a tag sale. Our neighbors were very thankful. Help thy neighbor
I gather everything that we no longer need and take it to a couple of places in our town and donate it all to them. One store, in particular, gives clothing and other household items to those that are starting over. I remember when I was running from a bad relationship and I was left with a child, my purse and a few changes of clothing for my daughter. You're right-help our neighbors.
In Columbus we have a Free Store that you can donate items you no longer need or pick up items you do need. We also have an Open Shelter that accepts anything that unhoused individuals can use. There is very little need to ever send any good or repairable items to a landfill, if you are serious about the environment.
We also give to Veterans in need of clothing, etc… They have a box truck that comes right to the house for pickup.
I’m a part owner of a co-op and it will be opening soon. I can’t wait!. I’m tired of giving my money to big corporations that don’t support unions.
Judi S. how did you get your co-op started? I really want to begin working on starting a co-op and 'buy nothing' group!!
I didn’t start the co-op but I am one of several hundred owners. I am not sure how they started it but it’s taken several years and it will be finally opening soon. If you want I can give you a phone number to find out more?
Thanks, Judi! I am very interested in starting one where I live.
Here’s an email contact for the co-op I belong to in Lombard, IL.
info@prairiefood.coop
Let me know if you have any questions 😊
I really connect with "Don't let the perfect get in the way of the possible."
Is there an accurate way to gage the future. If there is I don't believe you would find any degree of relevance in polls. Trump does command a large chunk of the Republican voting block but in recent weeks I've detected old positions that want something new, they don't want Trump again and Nikki Haley is their choice. What happens in New Hampshire might very well be Humpy's great fall. Then came South Carolina and Nikki's home state will tell the tale.
Their cryptonite is our UNITY/COALITIIN/STRENGTH-IN-NUMBERS. it is demonstrated via Unions and it is being stymied politically by various votor suppression efforts (electoral college, gerrymandering, mis/disinformation/propaganda, dismantling voting rights legislation and keeping the ppl/majority divided and distracted- too busy fighting eachother to use their power in numbers against the oligarchs/plutocrats). UNITY/COALITION/POWER-IN-NUMBERS. That includes coalition with the poor. We are making a mistake if we leave we make it about the middle class exclusively! That would be a form of division.
Right on 👍🏻
I just learned about a book called "The Silent Coup". It's about how global corporations have gained legal power over almost every single government. No one can fight against them. When some country tries, they face debilitating consequences.
I sorta knew that was happening, but I have never seen it researched and published before. Even the authors said it was "tin hat territory", but REAL.
End Citizens United.
Read Kochland, by Craig Unger.
The Guardian: What links Rishi Sunak, Javier Milei and Donald Trump? The shadowy network behind their policies
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/06/rishi-sunak-javier-milei-donald-trump-atlas-network
That is only the tip of the iceberg!
Good for you, Keith. When has Elon Musk ever paid into Social Security - the last I read $168,600 is the maximum taxable income for Social Security - pocket change for the Elon Musk's.
I am sorry if I repeat myself. I do not blame billionaires for ignoring taxes or rules. I blame our Congress for incompetence and lack of enforcement. Legislation is corrupt when Citizens United and lobbyists influence law makers. When Iowa voters confuse religious issues with politics we have a serious education problem? Should we consider billionaires as leaders because they have money? I suppose my next comment could be to denigrate Trump but WE THE PEOPLE voted him in to office.
The opposite of Pro is Con. The opposite of Progress is Congress!
WE THE PEOPLE did NOT elect the orange nazi. The orange nazi was installed by electoral college. HRC rec'd in excess of 2.8 million MORE VOTES than the orange nazi did. That's good enough to win the job in most democratic nations.. In facf all of them, except THIS one.
Well stated. I also object to such misrepresentation in our voting. Until we remove the Electoral College we are doomed to repeat it.
"When Iowa voters confuse religious issues with politics we have a serious education problem?"
Whatever happened to separation of Church and State?
4min into Jan 1st? THAT is funny. All of the billionaires need to pay a non capped version of ssi and recieve the capped version of $60k when they "retire". That would be a progressive tax. It makes me laugh all the conservative ads I get one of which says you cant tax a country into prosperity. I wholly disagree. Taxing the untaxed billionaires and putting that money into the economy of the bottom 60% whether in funding SSI, higher low income wages or healthcare would create boom times. The B's would rather only have their own Boom times. They dont care if everyone else suffers.
and yet Trump and Haley and DeSantis all say over and over that they're "for the people". BS, they're for the people's votes. Period. It ends there.
Yeap you got that right. Lie into office and then ignore the non-monied constituency.
Who are these oligarchs and plutocrats? What are doing and how? Some answers in this article at The Guardian: What links Rishi Sunak, Javier Milei and Donald Trump? The shadowy network behind their policies
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/06/rishi-sunak-javier-milei-donald-trump-atlas-network
TWU Local 556, the Union representing 20,000+ Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants will be taking a “Strike Authorization Vote” beginning 1/15/24. The voting period will take place through 1/23/24 and we are hoping for an overwhelming majority of members to vote YES to SAV!
Don't count on Nikki to do us any favors. The only "favors" she will do are for herself. She will take women, not to mention minorities and immigrants back at least to the 1800's despite the fact that she IS from immigrant, minority parents and is a minority - and, of course, a woman, herself.
Nikki Haley is, if anything, more scary than Trump. She is attractive, comes off articulate (despite her occasional attacks of word salad, and nonsense about the Civil War), and has presentation skills he lacks. She isn't a moderate, but she plays one on TV. Unlike Trump she has a brain, and knows how to use it.
I watched her. She's following the leader. She used to be bad enough. It sounds like her mind has been melded with billionaires' who are supporting all this. She doesn't want to be attacked or stand up for the oath of office. Anyone who is the nominee for the whackos will follow through with the destruction of this country.
I don't believe a word she says about anything - she's pure political opportunist - saying anything to please her voters, saying nothing to alienate Trump's base. We have no idea what she stands for - besides "elect me".
If there is anything that will intimidate an illiterate voter more than anything, it's someone with a brain who knows how to use it.
Dave - not exactly wishing to nitpick - but keep in mind literacy has nothing to do with whether or not one's brain is capable of nuanced thinking. 'Ignorance' may be the better term. Have a good day. 😊
By all means, pick all of the nits you can. So many nitwits, so little time!
Agreed.
My ancestor, Abigail Scott Duniway, worked to achieve the right to vote for women in 1912 when Oregon became the seventh state in the US to pass a women’s suffrage amendment.
Any Notable public Opposition or Resistance to Trumpet 🎺 The Traitor is Met with Knee Jerk Outrage Rhetoric and Actions by His True Believers ( Brown Shirts ) has resulted in phone Threats Swatting And Often Than Not Attacks on The Family’s of Judges Court Officials etc...
Therefore Public Opposition to Trumpet 🎺 collection of Lies , Slandered reputations encourages no Public Resistance to his psychotic public Outbursts.
As a Result of Trumpet’s 🎺 Constant Stream of B.S. All Thinking Humans Are Waiting for an Opportunity to Strike Down Trumpet 🎺 in a method that will allow them the Best opportunity to Survive a Trumpet 🎺 Encounter .
The Opposition to “Trumpet 🎺 The Tratior “ will Arise on Election Days and Smite Him Again...
What is Needed Now is To Remind The Electorate of the Necessity to VOTE in the Primaries And to VOTE in The Presidential Elections.
Remind The Electorate that IT AINT OVER UNTIL ITS OVER !!!
Fight Continously And Without Until The Trumpet 🎺 Has The Rug Ripped Out From Under Him once and for all.
R ‘s that want to pardon Trumpet 🎺 From Jail Time Should Be Treated The Same As Trumpet 🎺 Himself and not given the opportunity to reverse LAW.
Citizen J ...
REMEMBER
DREAD SCOTT !!!
Implement the ERA amendment!
This is why I always vote regardless of candidates, etc. Women fought hard to get it. Now we can't let it go. If anything local issues and bills are important. I want more information on judges for the court. It is hard to find out their records and beliefs.
I’m glad the change of climate was at least touched upon. It is actually larger than Trump and the rise of fascism in the United States. In the Western countries that are more highly developed we have money and resources to deal with this for a while, but in the long view (well actually not so long) the planet as a whole is facing a larger threat than Trump.
While we are hyper-focused on the upcoming elections, big oil is planning to up their drilling and production substantially world wide. Might they be looking at all the current wars and those coming down the pike and figuring war equals lots of oil consumption? Meanwhile close to home, at my home actually, I have to triple filter my rainwater drinking water because of the amount of micro-plastics that are showing up in my water testing.
The hypocrisy is astonishing. I read an article yesterday about how the insurance companies, who are investing in fossil fuels, are seeing that they will soon not be able to offer insurance at all anymore because climate change perils are so expensive. So they are hastening their own extinction.
Trump or Biden, the progress towards climate catastrophe marches on. I suspect those that have stock in the entity that owns The Weather Channel are doing quite well! The business empire that tracks and predicts the future harm coming from our inaction on the climate is likely the insurance industry. Their future profits depend on accurate forecasting of future disasters. That is why they are diminishing or no longer offering to insure properties that are in climate disaster prone areas such as shore lines and homes in forested areas. I have seen maps that predict what areas will eventually be underwater and when it is expected to occur by. Also, as our forests dry out, they are also withdrawing fire insurance in increasingly large swaths.
My business manages small office and retail properties so we are always planning for climate change. For example, as air conditioning systems in our managed buildings need replacement, we always increase our capacity by 20% to deal with the extremely hot days we see coming and already that additional capacity has been needed. We have added additional roof drains to our flat roof buildings to manage the extremely heavy downpours we now experience. Our snow removal costs are sometimes double our predictions and other years the cost is almost nothing. We have also assisted owners to sell off a building that is in a future flood area while it is still insurable. It was an unexpected shock to the new owners that the only way they could get affordable flood insurance was to pick up our existing policy. And even the insurance companies cannot predict the extent of future climate caused disasters. Remember when part of the city of Santa Rosa burned to the ground due to a forest fire coming into the city?
The millions of people streaming north overflowing our borders are actually due in part because of climate change. As less stable countries and governments are unable to cope, the political situation becomes unstable gangs take advantage of the situation and become ruthless rulers who make the countryside unsafe for the population to live in. There is no wall or set of laws that can hold back the ever-increasing surge of climate refugees.
So although we are currently hyper-focused on the coming Presidential election, we cannot ignore climate crisis caused by the insatiable hunger of the oligarchs and the capitalist system that they take ruthless advantage of.
Agreed. We need to mitigate it as much as possible and adapt to the changes. Obviously you’re thinking ahead in your business, but how many others are?
I saw a list of the top 10 issues for Iowa Republicans and climate change didn't make the list.
Marc Nevas, micro-plastics in our water killing us and all life makes me so angry. Complete corruption, dereliction of duty, obfuscation of their oaths of office is what it is, when they constantly and intentionally neglect to protect the public so to bow obedience to their big donors.
Plastics: yet another "gift" from petrochemicals. They are everywhere and in everything. Like the cockroach, they will outlive us all.
Paula Dean, yes, you are right. Forever chemicals.
In 2023 in the US there was a 1.9 %cut in carbon. We needed a 6% cut in order to make US goals for 2030.
This means of course that even greater reductions are now needed. Apart from big drops in emissions due to the pandemic, historically we have never seen the drop in cuts that are needed. You can go to rhodium which tracks this. How much does climate change now costs the average US household ? Can people be made to care ? Doubtful for the most part.
I don't pay the former MAGA President himself much attention.
People are more concerned about the price of butter than saving the planet or saving democracy.
What did Trump say about the Iowa school shooting where a 6th grader died the day before his speech? "Get over it, shit happens."
And he always uses the phrase "climate lunatics". And yet tens of millions of voters are unshakeably loyal. What drives all of these people to abandon critical thinking and surrender to the lies and absurdities of Trump?
Yes, we DO face a threat more life-threatening than Tchump. I can imagine living in an eco-paradise that was also a totalitarian hell, altho some would insist that such a combination is impossible. By the same token, I'd insist that eco-paradise is impossible UNLESS we eliminate totalitarian threats like Tchump.
agreed, a Trump loss would give us some hope for action on climate change, but a Trump win - fogetabout. He talks about "beautiful coal", calls concerned citizens "climate lunatics" and leads chants like "drilll baby drill. Trump is a threat to the whole planet.
Project 2025 and statements made by DeSantis, Haley, and Ramaswamy. Does it really matter whether the nominee is Trump or someone else?
Jan ; True! didn't they all pledge to 'Pardon"?
Don’t you think it’s a bit odd that they’re all talking about pardoning someone who claims to have done nothing wrong?
Ha
Paula B : Heh heh heh!
Very astute observation! 😀
Yes.
Trump has been accelerant but the fire burns without him., maybe waiting for the next Trump.
steve Reed: The 'accelerant' is the billionaire 'class' (and their wanna be's). Any talented useful idiot will do, as long as they will raid the Treasury of our tax dollars and be able to get away with paying no or low taxes themselves!
The Mansion Tax should be adopted by every city, state or better yet Congress, Don't tax their income, which disappears down every loophole. but tax all of their dwelling units. Use that money to funt a renters tax credit (RTC) that is refundable to renters on an income basis. It would end source of income discrimination and allow people to live close to where they work.
Damn right it matters! Project 2025 backs Tchump, NOT Haley or any other old-style Republican.
Sometimes it can seem, sitting here in England, that the distant saga of Trump and the US election, with what feels like a soap opera of legal cases, is just another competitor to Netflix. The fact is, though, as I explained to my brother who’s approaching retirement, it’s all crucially relevant to us. A Trump presidency could well spell the end of NATO and Putin winning in Ukraine, perhaps then making moves in Eastern Europe; worsening conflagration in The Middle East; China surging outwards into and beyond Taiwan ... the list goes on. Just one of, let alone all, these factors will surely impact global trade and financial markets - and thus my brother’s (and my) pension.
Then we get into climate change and the impact on our children and grandchildren...
The world really needs progressive, cooperative, pluralist politicians who can inspire the masses to coerce (or perhaps force) the rich and powerful into acting for everyone’s- and the planet’s - benefit.
Instead we have a surfeit of populists and nationalists.
Doh!
Over a decade ago, our son, while serving in the Navy in Europe, met and married a lovely gal from Kyiv. So we've got a very personal connection to this issue. Putin might be able to annex and dominate the eastern part -- where more than half are ethnic Russians -- but trying to occupy Ukraine proper? The Russians have lost an awful lot already to this conflict, which has dragged on far longer than they ever anticipated.
I've also got family ties to Japan. Just a note in passing that after the earthquake hit their western coast on New Year's Day, the Taiwanese got together and collected over 400 million yen for relief.
Winning in Ukraine for Putin at the moment looks like retaining the ground made in the East.
He doesn’t need to occupy Ukraine when Moldova and Estonia, for example, can be threatened to suck in European resources in the absence of US support. This would potentially increase the pressure on European governments to press Ukraine to cede ground and ease the tension.
There’s not much indication he’s at all bothered by Russian losses or public opinion.
Well done the Taiwanese - and good to see how their election’s going.
Cheers!
I am heartened by the fact that at least a few of our friends across the pond are paying attention. But I would insist that elections are NOT a pointless gameshow; they have consequences, and that our upcoming general election may be THE most consequential since 1980, when we elected a male Maggie Thatcher who set about destroying the liberal state and whose legacy continues to make everything worse. I believe that your fears for your future are WELL founded. Please continue to speak up. Thanks.
Barry Spicer .... As much as we favor progressive change and all that you mention to support actions that will be benefits to life on our planet, I completely agree that force will be necessary to induce populists and nationalists. I have been very frustrated that we seem unable to use force to accomplish anything. My examples are to FORCE a fraud like Trump from running, insurrectionists are running free while our AG pontificates, Covid lies circulate and the FCC allows Fox News to broadcast lies. Our ability to use force needs review.
By force I mean legitimate democratic force (hence coercion); harnessing the power of the (vast) majority to legitimately “fight back” through progressive legislation; cooperating internationally to subdue the undue influence of wealth and corporations. That’s why we need politicians with the right vision, messages and skills and - if we can find them - throw our full support behind them
If you refer to violent force, I believe this is an unwinnable battle as it cedes the moral high ground - and probably legitimacy - to a vastly more powerful opponent. However if, say, Trump gets elected and makes draconian moves like Schedule F and worse, maybe a physical response would be the only option.
Let’s hope it doesn’t come to this.
I think there was once a movie called It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World.
Sounds like today
I answered "Other" in today's poll because to me, the real question is:
What happens if the leading candidate is either:
1. successfully disqualified outright from holding office, or
2. successfully removed from the ballot in enough states to make winning the general election impossible.
This is a very interesting question, D, and not necessarily a moot one.
I agree. See my comments below.
Since at least one person couldn't' find them:
I think Haley has little chance in Iowa but can win in New Hampshire, because independents there will vote in the Republican primary.
I still think Trump is a flight risk, and that his real threat is in New York. While the media and DOJ concentrate on immunity and his Colorado 14th Amendment case, he faces 32 felony counts derived before he was president that could put him behind bars, whether or not he is the Republican candidate, or even wins in November. https://manhattanda.org/district-attorney-bragg-announces-34-count-felony-indictment-of-former-president-donald-j-trump/
The case is scheduled before Judge Juan Merchan for March 25. He could move it up, if the DC case set for March 4 is postponed.
Haley can get the nomination, but given Trump's legal problems, I don't think the Republican candidate will be selected before the convention.
I also think the odds of trump prevailing in Trump v Anderson are about 50-50. Oral argument is February 8. https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/trump-v-anderson/
Wild card: TFG drops dead before September. The nation is still unable to govern itself. There is still no way to change human behavior to save the earth. You have grandkids? Their lives do not look good. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/13/human-behavioural-crisis-at-root-of-climate-breakdown-say-scientists
My wife thinks as probable that Iran will him assassinate him.
I attended a lecture by NASA physicists working on a method to screen sunlight maybe 20 years ago.
When I worked in DC, I lived across the street from the "sun lady" at NASA. She would never expose herself to direct sunlight.
I'd be glad to see they're finally choosing good targets!
Iran will assasinate Trump? Why?
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202302253637
Assassinate Trump or Biden? BTW, Assassin derived from Hashishim...
Another wild card: Biden drops dead before the election. Who is the Democratic nominee? Harris? Could she beat Haley? I doubt it. I have no grandkids, sadly!
Tim Baldwin; Not only was Kamala Harris Joe Biden 's 'pick', but she knows what the Civil War was about. And lots of other things. Plus, she is a prosecutor who knows the law!
And she's done a damn good job,always working,traveling and meeting with so many groups of people.
Harris is clearly the better choice, but that doesn't always translate into winning. Her 2020 presidential campaign was poorly executed and ended quickly even though she was at first the top choice. I think she would have been excellent Attorney General (much, much better than Garland). I still think Haley would beat her, but I been wrong before (lots of times)!
Possible, but - apparently - Biden is in much better shape than the Republicans' whiney front runner. Then again, there's no accounting for anybody's "off switch" - and apparent fitness isn't really a determinant.
replacement Dem candidate:
my first choice, Arnold Schwarnegger (except he's ineligible)
2nd choice: Gavin Newsome (young, charismatic, may be a terrible Prez but at least by contrast he would make the clown with orange make-up and phoney hair look like he's past-his-expiry-date.
That might be enough.
I don't really care who's the Prez as long as it isn't a Republican.
"Wild card: TFG drops dead before September."
... music to my ears. Might save us from neo-fascism, climate catastrophe, and high blood pressure.
Just sayin'
I put it at 95%.
I think the odds of Trump not being the nominee are higher tham many on this SS.
It's all a crapshoot though.
Why do you think he won’t be the nominee?
I can't show sources - I don't remember them! - but I understand there is a large block of Republican voters who claim they'll vote against diaper Donnie if he's convicted for his felonies. Don't visit Nick the Greek thinking that's a hot tip, though.
(In case you don't get my reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Dandolos )
I’ve read that too. It boggles my mind. They need a jury to convince them that he’s a criminal? Good grief.
I think Nikki Haley will be the nominee and will beat Biden (barely), but who knows? A black swan event may occur.
There are more black swans in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy Horatio.
That prospect occasionally disturbs my sleep at night, as well. It was a part of my thinking in my original post.
no point in worrying or hoping who will be the GOP nominee though. It's good not to trouble oneself much with things over which we have no control at all. It detracts from working on things we can influence.
Good links and an easy, clearly written press release with concise charts.
Where do you think he’ll run, Daniel? Will he go to Russia?
AN ASIDE:
For a good, general Democratic campaign, replace the picture on the Star with a picture of the "Freedom Caucus" : https://live.staticflickr.com/5044/5241182691_248c46964d_b.jpg 🤣🤣👍
Do you think bombing the Houthis is the best response to their blocking of shipping? What they are doing is illegal. Is there no other way to stop or hinder them? I'm really concerned about the use of bombing and the risk of a wider war.
It makes more sense to just reroute shipping. Having shipping companies reroute their ships and increase shipping time is annoying and costly to them, but it is not worth starting another war over. We can pay a bit more for oil and consumer goods or we can pay much more for a larger war. Wars are not free, they come out of our wallets through taxes and increase in the national debt.
Brilliantly stated, Marc.
The Houthis have said their targeting of ships is in response to Israel's war against Hamas. What if we and Israel tried taking them at their word and there was a ceasefire in Gaza? That could lead to less war all around. I think, however, what Israel really wants is to get us into a war with Iran.
I wonder how many folks recall the scene from the movie "Patton," where George C.. Scott is telling his military superiors -- after Germany's surrender -- to allow him some troops and some time..."and I'll have us at war with those Ruskies, and make it look like they started it."
The Zionists view Iran as an existential threat. They despised Obama for cutting a nuclear deal with Iran, and loved Trump for nullifying it. Because they know Trump will give them everything they want, they are working here to undermine progressive Democrats, as well as free speech. As the House voted on a resolution recently, equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism.
I find it amazing that, while credible charges of intent to commit genocide were presented in The Hague this week, the Zionists claim -- after killing thousands upon thousands of innocent women and children -- that so much as expressing the words "free Palestine" is calling for genocide from their point of view.
Yes, in the 2022 Democratic Party primary for Michigan's 11th Congressional District, as a result of redistricting, incumbent Andy Levin, who is Jewish, ran against incumbent Haley Stevens, who is not. Zionist AIPAC poured money into the race to defeat Andy Levin and nominate Haley Stevens, because he had criticized Israel, while she took the AIPAC position.
There is widespread support in this country for Israel but for many different reasons. One of them is to use it as an excuse to suppress and repress Muslims. Support for Israel does not necessarily equate to support for Jews.
And what of Ukraine?
UPDATE: Like I said on October 7: https://youtu.be/PAWX8Hy6OfY?si=02MfagcjUM4accua
Much as I dislike risking escalation of the Middle East conflict, passively allowing minority groups to control important international shipping lanes through terrorist actions just can’t be an option - where would it lead?
Israel shows no signs of heeding ceasefire calls anyway and the risk assessment of Iran getting further involved would have been cautiously optimistic, so the timing is probably right.
What I don’t like is how we (UK) have put ourselves in the front line without prior parliamentary (democratic) approval, for which there’s been plenty of time.
Elizabeth, we're watching a cycle of escalation of violence.
A did this so B does that.
B did that so C does this.
C did that so A and B do this.
D joins C and does this.
A, B, X, and Y get in the game and ...
And for each letter of the alphabet, they think they're justified and God's on their side. We've all seen this movie before and it does end well.
First, I am so glad I upgraded my subscription. This was the first coffee klatch I was able to listen to. Thank you both, I really enjoyed it. There were times I was talking before I realized it wasn't a three way conversation!! Anyway, as far as trump walking away with the republication nomination, it doesn't matter to me because I will vote blue all the way down the ballot. I will not be tuning in to those primaries. Also, I am so very proud of the people (judges, election workers, politicians, etc.) who stand up to this bullying, intimidation, threats, and just plain nastiness from those mouth breathing cretons that march to trump's tune. I know that he is absolutely loving the fact that he has gotten these people to actually threaten or do violence to anyone he says has done him wrong. This just should not be happening here in our country. Yes, I do believe in free speech; however, in my opinion, free speech stops at the threatening bodily harm stage. It's like running into a crowded theater and yelling fire. It simply should not be allowed.
Yes, ginning up angry attacks, even doxing, is assault! Lies and disinformation are also not free speech in a Democracy, if they cause harm ! Guardrails are needed, like the old fashioned 'truth in advertizing'.
She is equally bad as Trump.
I hope Biden is re-elected. But if the Republicans win, I would MUCH prefer that Nikki Haley be the next President than Donald Trump be the our new Dictator President!
Tim Baldwin ; What if Nikki Haley is taking orders from tfg? You know, the way he is running Congress through Mike Johnson et al. ; and the Justice department, and who knows what else?
it pays to discriminate. But we won't control who their nominee is so.............
I chose "no chance at all." For Republican Evangelicals and in three words, "she's a woman."
They believe that her place, after all, is in the home supporting a good man.
Republicans are always big hypocrites when it comes to a person of color or women who are voicing their mottos. But haley would split the vote. I also said, no chance!
Hypocrisy, thy name is Republican Evangelical.
From the start, I thought it was DeSantis who had the inside track to the nomination. Somewhere I was reading that he was developing his own private police force. I think it's morphing into a militia dedicated to intimidating voters -- aka "preventing voter fraud."
I thought so too. It’s weird that he’s done so badly.
If voters knew about the militia , that might have turned them off. Then there's the book banning, the fact that DeSantis has said he "couldn't wait" to throw people in jail for violating his 'rules'. Oh, and the white go go boots! And general intolerance of diversity...Using immigrants as weapons to send to blue states that have sanctuary cities! Or to those Democrat politicians who they dislike. Like Kamala Harris, who found a bus load of immigrants on her doorstep one cold December evening,! they use human beings as cannon fodder!
I wish, Laurie. But I saw an article in the NYT yesterday where they interviewed Iowa Republicans. The reasons they gave for their choices were not to be believed. One DeSantis voter said she was supporting him because she was concerned about the breakdown in values. Argh.
Paula B ; that sucks, but we knew that there are problems on the 'Right' side of the political spectrum. Why would a left leaning voter worry about what MAGAs want? As far as I can see ; De Santis is non existent! He can't get traction in his own state! Iowa Is a freak show! Another stop on the wheel of misfortune! Why would a sentient being let THEM with their worldview affect our choices? I'm very tired of that carnival and those sad clowns! I wish there were NO 'swing states' with over weight outsized 'Votes"! It's rigged like one of tfg's casinos!
I’m tired of them too. But it seems like the people in the article are the ones controlling what happens in this country. It’s so frustrating!
But their idea of a "good" man is patriarchal.
Yes. And that was my point. Very basic Christian.
What was ur point?
That a "good" Christian man is a patriarch.
Exactly. He is the head of the family, the caretaker of all his BELONGINGS, including wife and children. His wife to be respected; but, still HIS wife, i.e. a belonging, property.
The information gleaned from John Sauer's presentation in court can be very effective when applied to the "SEAL Team 6" scenario. Every military person takes an oath when they enlist to protect and defend the Constitution and to obey all lawful orders. Those who profess to "support our troops" have to be confronted with a possible commander-in-chief who would think nothing of issuing unlawful orders. He just doesn't care. Our men and women in uniform deserve so much better.
"Trump is as faithful to his oath of office as he was to his wedding vows."
If the left is successful in disqualifying Trump from the ballot Republicans will take it as political and stand stronger behind Trump.. As it is now, with all the charges waiting to be prosecute him, he has lost a lot of votes from the right. In a vote today Biden would walk away with the election. If Haley is successful getting the nomination I would worry in the election in November.
I strongly believe that if trump is disqualified or if Haley gets the nomination, conservatives who wouldn't have voted for trump will vote for Haley, making it more difficult for Biden to win. Of course, conservatives don't vote for women for President. Just vote blue. Lol
The Trump supporters in my family and others I know like Haley and would vote for her if Trump ends up in jail, dead, or flees the country. They don't care that she's a woman.
Welllllll, I’m not so sure. There’s a lot of misogyny on the right, as well as white supremacy. I’m not sure that many Republicans would be comfortable voting for her.
Paula B. ; yes, the 'right' have no problem denying medical care to women, even if death is the outcome! this has already happened! If that is not misogyny, What is?!
It really is unbelievable, isn’t it? And women doing that to themselves. It’s so weird.
And Nikki Haley would most likely be on board with the women's medical care restrictions that can kill. Plus, I think she she promised to pardon!
Yeah, she did. So what is the point of having a justice system?
Paula ; Price of being young and fertile and female?! Sad!
It’s terrifying. I’m really worried for all the women of child-bearing age (of which I am not one but I’m still terrified for them).
Exactly the kind of question I attempted to elicit in my earlier comment. How would Biden fare against a different opponent? Good catch!
A poll today showed something like 80% of Republicans would vote for Trump even if was CONVICTED! They've been drinking way too much Kool-ade.
I fear that you are right but hope that you are wrong.
I would too. However, Biden vs Trump, with other candidates on the ballot , is worrisome. As bad as Haley is, I'm shifting to thinking I want to see Biden against her, though her chance of winning is maybe greater than Trump, IMO.
With Haley there is some small chance she will do something about climate vs Trump who will make climate worse. This is the top issue for me.
steve reed ; With more than half of our women who are fertile; even the threat of death will apparently not budge the 'Right' on women's medical care! Women's rights to health, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is right in there with Mother nature ; our Climate!
I know it’s hard to be positive about anything these days. You both maintain your sense of humor and wit plus playing off each other’s strengths which can be funny and positive even in these grim times.
You tell the truth, do an excellent summary each week and I appreciate it!
Thank you!
***Just a quick note Professor Reich - you have a copycat troll using your photo and your (misspelled) name. Very interesting (and at time hostile) dialogue in yesterdays edition…
I haven’t the time to listen to this coffee klatch until my break at work.
You and Heather keep safe and warm,
Anne 🌻💙🙏
Yes, I too got an email from someone posing as Robert Reich.
I received two fake posts from Robert Reich as well on today's klatch.
Not good. I guess they need to monitor this Substack/Inequality Media more. I rarely comment anymore…
My best to you and yours, Laurie 🌻♥️🙏
Thank you Bob and Heather, another interesting Coffee Klatch, 1) Negative comment: You're surprised that Trump said something stupid?????
2) This for Heather, the Houthis are PIRATES - not a sports team, or movie, or Gilbert and Sullivan Musical - Real Ones. They attack and have for several years attacked commercial vessels. After stealing anything of value in the cargo, they hold the ship and crew for ransom, they also torture and kill some crew. They have about as much concern for the people of Gaza as Hamas, who put the Palestinians into what Hamas call Refugee camps, but which I regard as concentration camps.
3) The Iranian religious government is run by nasty old white (they may be Arabic in appearance but they are definitely Caucasian - white) men, who dream of the glory days of "Persia" under Xerxes - yeah, the one who lived about 2500 or so years ago. If the rest of the world had half an ounce of good sense we would freeze ALL Iranian assets in every other Nation on Earth. Isolate Iran. Ship all Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis to them. We would halt all interaction on all levels, tourism, trade, governmental and legal, with them until they agreed to stop meddling in Middle Eastern governments with UN oversight and surveillance. Could this be done? There are 195 recognized Nations (Countries) on Planet Earth, at least 190 Nations prefer peace to terrorism - you do the math.
4) Nazi Germany. I will be 91, 7 weeks from Monday. Yes, I bloody well remember WW2, I knew about fascism and what it stood for. Admittedly it wasn't until 1944-45 that I saw pictures taken inside the Nazi concentration camps. I had 2 uncles who were in the Canadian Army from the outbreak of the war in October 1939, both survived and returned home in one piece. My grandchildren are well aware of the atrocities, and understand why I am so opposed to the trumpster and all he stands for.
5) As a Naturalized American citizen for the past 57 years, I resent the trumpster's attempt to turn the Country I love from a workable (in progress) democracy to a fascist dictatorship.
Hang in there, Faye. It is difficult, I am 76 but mobility impaired so could not/ would not relocate from this beautiful hot nation. Hoping to get to Election Day with my Biden Absentee Ballot. We can do this. You know, I think the tough old geezers are fighting harder than anyone, perhaps because they understand the alternative from which younger generations were protected if by lies it seems.
If only more of the younger generations would learn from ,and respect the Wisdom of their elders as in more enlightened societies,maybe Faye’s and Judith’s years of experience could help them from reliving these tragically sad times ! Well done Ladies!
Faye my mom was a Cape Breton girl of your age ,she used to tell us about the U Boats torpedoing the Merchant ships and the RCN ships right offshore in her back yard! She and her cousin’s would try to help any survivors and bring food and water to the beach !She just passed in Dec. the grand and great grand kids all knew her WWII stories,I hope they remember them well! Stay well Faye .
Thank you, Robert. It was a period we should never forget. Even the German people themselves, remember it with horror. Those imbecilic domestic terrorists, the Oath Keepers, and Proud Boys trying to justify Hitler and Mussolini are off their rockers.
Hey Bob and Heather! Another great Coffee Klatch! Speaking of Hitler, could you put together a video showing the parallels of what Hitler said, next to what Trump is saying. Parallel videos would be great to get out there!
Thanks for all you do!!!
If one were to believe polls, then Hilary won the 2016 election. Answering a survey is not the same experience as actually voting. I have become so sick and tired of answering polls, that i alternate between not answering at all or making up contrary positions. I do not think I am alone. I no longer believe that any poll is even a snapshot in time of current beliefs.