I absolutely was mesmerized by your show today with Robert and applaud how you each gave the other the opportunity to speak and answer questions. By far, one of the most inspiring of all the Substack shows I’ve watched, albeit the most scary on many ways. Thank you Anand for this. I upgraded to paid subscribers and shared this show on my FB page
This was a great podcast. At times sadness overcame me to hear the bleakness, but then there was also joy. Because you both gave us hope, a needed pep talk. It’s all disheartening, but we will power on. We’ll fight, we won’t stop. As Nalvalny said, giving up is not allowed. Thank you both for your insights. 💙❤️👏👏
Thank you thank you thank you! That question: “What are we missing?!” is exactly what my immediate neighbor team are trying to accomplish in a larger way in our very “red” and suburban neighborhood. We keep coming up against a kind of bubble of “comfort” that doesn’t seem to allow them to really understand the urgency of now.
Don't you know about Indivisible? Shame on you. Where do you think the millions were out on April 5th & 19th come from? You should. We are Everywhere. https://indivisible.org/groups
The show's slowness and thoughtfulness moved me deeply, relieved me – we need depth now. And not shying away from the bleak truth of where America stands in this moment. Facing it courageously, straight on. Only that will wake people up. The easy going facade needs to crack open. When things are bad, really bad, then they need to be seen and labeled as such: America has its own Führer now! I am German born, and that country's horrific and tragic past has been my companion all my life. How could it not be? Gravitas will do Americans now very good.
I felt both of you exposed your gravitas and it made me feel better, safer!
Does Mr. Reich regret supporting NAFTA? It’s arguably one of the main drivers of the hyper-globalization that one of Anand’s recent guests pointed out as the culprit of America’s disappearing middle class, rising right wing populism that has given us the Trump era, and dramatically increased sweatshop factories that treat people not much better than slaves.
Globalization has had a negative impact on the middle class factory workers. It has brought significant wealth to North America. It is one thing to blame NAFTA, but the governments response in helping those negatively affected is the real issue. So much could and should have been done before the rise of hatred/fear that politicians use to manipulated the disaffected. The real blame is not NAFTA but the government lack of response to help alievate the lost jobs. So much could of and should have been done.
He's actually talked quite a bit about his shift on this over the intervening decades; good place to start (and his position is pretty similar to that of critical economists like Dani Rodrik, who was on yesterday).
Mr Reich is a national treasure. His combination of intellect, compassion and empathy are amazing and admirable. That was such a great discussion. It is sometimes hard to understand how this country, this culture could produce both an RR with all of his qualities and also a Donald Trump and his ilk. Robert Reich’s sincerity is palpable. Keep your head up, Mr Reich. Be encouraged. What you are doing really matters and is making a difference. Don’t let the turkeys get you down! We need you!
Thank you so much for this interview. Insightful and honest, it’s one of the best I’ve heard in a while and I like that I ca me away from it with hope! Thank you Anand and Robert.
I just watched the entire show. My screen kept freezing up earlier due to all the love ❤️ posts.
At any rate. It was, (as always Anand), a delightful educational experience. Robert Reich is a “walking book of information” and your conversation with him was invigorating!
The NAFTA Bill did an enormous amount of harm to American worker’s and their livelihoods. However, we must never lose sight of the fact it was Corporate Greed that took advantage of the Bill with Global Worker Exploitation.
They First exploited American workers by lying about not being able to pay workers a fair wage and many of them moved the work to places like Mexico and China. They exploited these workers by paying, (and still to this day), workers .50 to $1.00 an hour so workers could/can go home to their cardboard box homes with no running water, no plumbing etc. They were/are bullies. These Bullies then began to buy our politicians. It is my opinion that Americans have been living in an Oligarchy since the 80’s.
It is also my opinion that we need to tackle the issue of campaign finance reform when we successfully SAVE our democracy. Maybe it needs to be called something else but in order for us to have fair and free elections, we need to create a fair playing field.
I am so glad that Robert talked about low union density. The union I retired from, the IAM, is one of the largest Industrial Unions in the Country. In order for any Union to survive, they have to organize new workers. Our Union workers are traditionally Machinists, Aerospace, Automotive and Airline workers. We were originally organized in 1888 by Railroad workers. We had to focus on organizing different industries since the 80’s not only because the greedy corporations sent all of our work elsewhere but also because technology/Robotics changed industry. Let’s not forget the unfair NLRB election rules.
Robert Reich understands the value of Trade Unions. When America had high union density, the standard of living was higher. Even in the non union workplaces. Unions set the standard. Greedy corporations have done everything in their power to try to get rid of us.
I am distressed by what feels like a righteousness that flows through too much of the conversation.
Looking at this psychologically, we need, I think, to look at our place in how we have colluded in demonizing many of the Trump voters. I am not immune to this either; I have, at least in the past, felt better than, more enlightened than.
I'm listening to your talk about consolations. As for my own, to some degree, they come out concentrating on how we got here. To be careful in our evaluation.
Even David Brooks, whom you mention, says that at some point we need to evaluate how we got here.
We have all heard over and over again how history tends to repeat itself. If the motivations are not studied and WORKED THROUGH to some extent, it--whatever phenomenon we are talking about--can happen again and again.
Carl Jung scared the bejesus out of me when I read his words that said we are all capable of the worst, even of becoming murderers. I have come to believe him, though it has not been all that comforting to let them in.
Donald Trump expresses our dark side as well. To know more about this, all the better to be able to fight him and what he represents.
I absolutely was mesmerized by your show today with Robert and applaud how you each gave the other the opportunity to speak and answer questions. By far, one of the most inspiring of all the Substack shows I’ve watched, albeit the most scary on many ways. Thank you Anand for this. I upgraded to paid subscribers and shared this show on my FB page
This was a great podcast. At times sadness overcame me to hear the bleakness, but then there was also joy. Because you both gave us hope, a needed pep talk. It’s all disheartening, but we will power on. We’ll fight, we won’t stop. As Nalvalny said, giving up is not allowed. Thank you both for your insights. 💙❤️👏👏
Great show. I’m sending this everywhere.
Thank you thank you thank you! That question: “What are we missing?!” is exactly what my immediate neighbor team are trying to accomplish in a larger way in our very “red” and suburban neighborhood. We keep coming up against a kind of bubble of “comfort” that doesn’t seem to allow them to really understand the urgency of now.
Don't you know about Indivisible? Shame on you. Where do you think the millions were out on April 5th & 19th come from? You should. We are Everywhere. https://indivisible.org/groups
https://indivisible.org/
Ezra Levin was on the show a few weeks back:
https://the.ink/p/watch-joiners-will-save-democracy
Hhmmm Intentional?
Thank You! My two favorite Substackers. I appreciate you both so very much.
Big thank you, Anand and Robert!
The show's slowness and thoughtfulness moved me deeply, relieved me – we need depth now. And not shying away from the bleak truth of where America stands in this moment. Facing it courageously, straight on. Only that will wake people up. The easy going facade needs to crack open. When things are bad, really bad, then they need to be seen and labeled as such: America has its own Führer now! I am German born, and that country's horrific and tragic past has been my companion all my life. How could it not be? Gravitas will do Americans now very good.
I felt both of you exposed your gravitas and it made me feel better, safer!
Thank you, Karina from Berkeley :)
There are so many podcasts to choose from these days. But this one was riveting and deeply poignant.
Does Mr. Reich regret supporting NAFTA? It’s arguably one of the main drivers of the hyper-globalization that one of Anand’s recent guests pointed out as the culprit of America’s disappearing middle class, rising right wing populism that has given us the Trump era, and dramatically increased sweatshop factories that treat people not much better than slaves.
Globalization has had a negative impact on the middle class factory workers. It has brought significant wealth to North America. It is one thing to blame NAFTA, but the governments response in helping those negatively affected is the real issue. So much could and should have been done before the rise of hatred/fear that politicians use to manipulated the disaffected. The real blame is not NAFTA but the government lack of response to help alievate the lost jobs. So much could of and should have been done.
He's actually talked quite a bit about his shift on this over the intervening decades; good place to start (and his position is pretty similar to that of critical economists like Dani Rodrik, who was on yesterday).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O_Sbbeqfdw
Trump Trump Trump- it not just him! He couldnt do it by himself!
Soul damage- so apt Anand!
Mr Reich is a national treasure. His combination of intellect, compassion and empathy are amazing and admirable. That was such a great discussion. It is sometimes hard to understand how this country, this culture could produce both an RR with all of his qualities and also a Donald Trump and his ilk. Robert Reich’s sincerity is palpable. Keep your head up, Mr Reich. Be encouraged. What you are doing really matters and is making a difference. Don’t let the turkeys get you down! We need you!
Thank you so much for this interview. Insightful and honest, it’s one of the best I’ve heard in a while and I like that I ca me away from it with hope! Thank you Anand and Robert.
I just watched the entire show. My screen kept freezing up earlier due to all the love ❤️ posts.
At any rate. It was, (as always Anand), a delightful educational experience. Robert Reich is a “walking book of information” and your conversation with him was invigorating!
The NAFTA Bill did an enormous amount of harm to American worker’s and their livelihoods. However, we must never lose sight of the fact it was Corporate Greed that took advantage of the Bill with Global Worker Exploitation.
They First exploited American workers by lying about not being able to pay workers a fair wage and many of them moved the work to places like Mexico and China. They exploited these workers by paying, (and still to this day), workers .50 to $1.00 an hour so workers could/can go home to their cardboard box homes with no running water, no plumbing etc. They were/are bullies. These Bullies then began to buy our politicians. It is my opinion that Americans have been living in an Oligarchy since the 80’s.
It is also my opinion that we need to tackle the issue of campaign finance reform when we successfully SAVE our democracy. Maybe it needs to be called something else but in order for us to have fair and free elections, we need to create a fair playing field.
I am so glad that Robert talked about low union density. The union I retired from, the IAM, is one of the largest Industrial Unions in the Country. In order for any Union to survive, they have to organize new workers. Our Union workers are traditionally Machinists, Aerospace, Automotive and Airline workers. We were originally organized in 1888 by Railroad workers. We had to focus on organizing different industries since the 80’s not only because the greedy corporations sent all of our work elsewhere but also because technology/Robotics changed industry. Let’s not forget the unfair NLRB election rules.
Robert Reich understands the value of Trade Unions. When America had high union density, the standard of living was higher. Even in the non union workplaces. Unions set the standard. Greedy corporations have done everything in their power to try to get rid of us.
We need to unionize!!!!
Thank you Anand and Robert.
I am distressed by what feels like a righteousness that flows through too much of the conversation.
Looking at this psychologically, we need, I think, to look at our place in how we have colluded in demonizing many of the Trump voters. I am not immune to this either; I have, at least in the past, felt better than, more enlightened than.
I'm listening to your talk about consolations. As for my own, to some degree, they come out concentrating on how we got here. To be careful in our evaluation.
Even David Brooks, whom you mention, says that at some point we need to evaluate how we got here.
We have all heard over and over again how history tends to repeat itself. If the motivations are not studied and WORKED THROUGH to some extent, it--whatever phenomenon we are talking about--can happen again and again.
Carl Jung scared the bejesus out of me when I read his words that said we are all capable of the worst, even of becoming murderers. I have come to believe him, though it has not been all that comforting to let them in.
Donald Trump expresses our dark side as well. To know more about this, all the better to be able to fight him and what he represents.
Their money will not protect or insulate the cowards