Columbia's Jeffrey Sachs Says U.S. Is 'Surly and Nasty'

Columbia University Professor Jeffrey Sachs discusses results of the United Nations' World Happiness Report, which saw the United States ranked 13th on the list topped by Denmark. He speaks on "Bloomberg Surveillance."

[@ustwoalberts]

' Surly and Nasty ' ---the best summation of official american policy abroad i have ever seen or heard.

[@user-rl3iu4vd2g]

They were talking about American society. Not foreign policy

[@shkdgg]

@@user-rl3iu4vd2g Yes.. abroad is much worse

[@ismailalialiali1216]

Full of respect for Professor Jeffrey Sachs.

[@sepilokfui]

he is honest ... and right!

[@russelljohnson2008]

I bet Bloomberg never lets this guy back on again. Truth hurts.

[@jasonlacroix6083]

I've not seen him on any network for a while now.

[@skychaos87]

Bloomberg is literally part of the problem of the rich influencing politicians and political outcomes.

[@eat_pray_love.]

They’ve let him! The interview about NS pipeline

[@Blackfire970]

Ofcourse he gonna be get blacklisted.

[@goofusmaximus1482]

5 years later, this still hits.

[@twelvecatsinatrenchcoat]

I hate this entire society and everyone in it.

[@fjordhellas4077]

It’s impressive that Bloomberg dares to interview someone like Jeffery Sachs who isn’t afraid to speak up and point at the terrible shortcomings of our economic, social and most of all ‘our broken, savage, violent and warmongering political system. The question we ought to ask ourselves: WHERE ARE WE HEADING?

[@ngkeam9491]

haha, heading to Dystopia, seemingly-loh!

[@juanvga]

the best video of bloomberg EVER.....

[@brianbozo2447]

What amazes me is the virulence and protest against Trump who has not taken the country to war and has improved the US economy and has sought to end the cold war with Russia , while Bush senior took the US into Kuwait, Clinton presides at at time when there was horrific genocide in Rwanda, GW Bush endorsed rendition, Guantanamo and an invasion of Iraq that killed upwards of 1 million Iraqis and 5000 US troops and and Obama presides over Libya being ruined and oversaw and sanctioned drones killing people in far away countries, while failing to save even one captured journalist by ISIS and somehow Trump deserves hostility and opprobrium to a greater extent than any of his predecessors? It almost doesn't make sense.

[@giuseppinabotticelli6914]

I start following Professor Sachs - he is telling the truth that mega media doesn't want to tell.

[@chinysukainepyobytt4506]

True

[@jamesl9371]

It’s education and affordable housing and health care ! Take care of the people and they will be happier. It’s not rocket science 🧬

[@pseudo_ra]

But then they won’t make as much profit

[@kolyxix]

@@pseudo_ra there are many things in life that are more important than making profit

[@thisistsai]

@@pseudo_ra You are funny but I am in tears.

[@Djcnsjdbsjms]

give this man a medal for exposing the truth

[@rajeshramachandran1812]

This man always speak truth (Sach in Hindi means truth).

[@michaelkensington2494]

So true. Absolutely agree, surly and NASTY.

[@darthvader5300]

I AM GLAD THAT YOU AMERICANS HAVE LOST YOUR SOUL! AND NOW YOU ARE ON THE WAY TO SELF-DESTRUCTION AFTER WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO THE WORLD SINCE 1900s!

[@ritamariekelley4077]

Thank you, Jeffrey Sachs! And, thank you, Bloomberg, for airing this.

[@mortvader]

Greetings from Denmark. As a child I was looking with awe on American culture. As an adult now - no more.

[@mtcbdth]

The interviewers are so oblivious and out of touch. The irony of this interview is the mere fact that these hosts are the problem Sachs is talking about.

[@JamicianKid]

"You can't restore happiness with materialism. We're a sinking ship."

[@michaelheins3044]

Indeed. My hope is that Americans concentrate on hating each other and leave the rest of us alone. Fingers crossed.

[@wtf_usa5597]

This guy has some solid answers. If only people would listen.

[@sambradley1968]

We must get away from the Ayn Rand philosophy of selfishness &self centeredness. 😐

[@thewhat531]

A big hug from wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen. ❤️

[@Aboertmann]

Just found Professor Sachs. Full of respect for saying that one truth: The society is unhappy because of this idea of social Darwinism, the disdain of the downtrodden.

[@JenHope883]

Again I say: Prof Sachs is a moral person. Should be the president.

[@Who-yo3xh]

Professor Sachs cannot sugar coat. We are becoming barbarian empire.

[@lifeisneverthesame910]

the Chinese model is the better alternative.

[@BoggWeasel]

Work hard, get paid less, get taxed more, use more credit, carry more debt, lose your pension, pay through the nose for health care, over priced housing and rent, what's the problem ? (I'll have a double please)

[@umu-i-d2785]

"Does GDP lead to happiness or happiness to GDP?" Everything in the US has to do with money

[@happyinparadise7812]

Greedy bastardz

[@AP-xe9pb]

Deeply respect this man.

[@Sorenzo]

"How do you fix it? Is it education?" Welcome to the dystopia: let's teach children to be happy in poverty.

[@deadwingdomain]

I grew up on that.

[@mrbubblebuns3994]

or, unhappy in wanting, there's a balance.

[@priscillaroberts7945]

If people don't have to worry about being ill, can feed and clothe their family , keep a decent roof over their heads with a bit spare to save for a rainy day then they can plan and decide their future with confidence. That is the baseline for happiness.

[@DredPirateRoberts]

Wow, he’ll never be invited again.

[@iraaus]

Common sense and yet so far fetched for some.

[@misterr50]

prof SACHS is a truth teller and a true human patriot

[@ipainthouses9591]

Citizens United decision means that money equals speech. So, the 99 percent don't have much of a voice anymore. Voiceless and mean, the driver of the massive car crusher just wants you OUT OF HIS WAY!

[@amirulazharomar7483]

Most dangerous: A rich, highly militarized country that is not happy.

[@aibook3391]

Thank you, Courageous Professor, and true scholar, with real heart and love in you. and also with a sound and clear mind and really see the insight of the society.

[@SoloAssassin45Clips]

damn, they wasnt ready for all that truth

[@hsingpeikao]

Professor Sachs is great as Noan Chomsky and Howard Zinn.

[@bmc868]

Prof Jeffrey Sachs is an honest man.

[@wilfredtankhoonpheow2605]

Professor Jeffrey Sachs should register and organize a new political party in America

[@overlord8658]

While everyone does need a trade/training, not everyone needs a degree.

[@beartube93]

This video explains the Bloomberg video comment sections.

[@oliverhuttel7826]

From Denmark: Almost every dane shares Professor Sachs view and are appalled by the American saying "Greatest nation on earth".. Not because we are overly nationalistic, but because of the many problems caused by poor governmental approaches that has led to the downfall of a superpower.

[@karlad4082]

Finally Bloomberg reporting some facts 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@misty671]

Amazing that a Bloomberg covers this and allows Sachs to report on studies findings.

[@jennifergottliebel-azhari149]

It should not take 100-250k payment payable over four years to give one kid a basic education. Im a "high income" earner and its an epic debilitating challenge just to pay for my kids education putting me in tremendous debt. How does anyone do it? Why do we prevent people who want an education from getting a degree?

[@cklim3614]

100% correct

[@malikialgeriankabyleswag4200]

He is a legend

[@solid1378]

Some major reasons why 'Murica is in the mess it is today: 1) The repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act 2) Citizens United

[@CreamOfEcstast.]

What is the Glass-Steagall Act, if you dont mind explaining .

[@Theolesaltydawg]

What a scholar and gentleman!!

[@mjmf1430]

6 years later…(2023) USA is still not any happier😢

[@tahu1349]

Politicians, lobby groups and banks ... please don't blame the people.

[@lubedtuber]

What we see is the end of USA as significant in the world... You had your 50 years....

[@Biostalker420]

Saying this on Bloomberg is like finding Jesus in a church and slapping him in the face in front of the congregation. Just like he did on MSNBC over Syria.

[@jimkang1618]

Can we start a movement in all universities and at KZbin channels -“Nobel Prize nomination of Jeffrey Sachs”?

[@daffyduck4195]

The real problem of the US society is the EGO EGG is too big, way too big, and if everyone thinks only for himself or herself then we just end up in a mess.

[@HG-id7hn]

Truly respect Jeffrey for this wisdom and honesty, should listen to his speech at the Vatican......it must be embarrassing for him that he is American. He should change his citizenship to the Baltic’s instead.

[@phildean4782]

How can educators be so clueless,big govt causes these problems, what happened to all the charities? Elks clubs ,knights of Columbus, freemasons, religious charities?,, government replaced them with a much worse system ,more government controls just leads to misery ,as has been demonstrated throughout history!

[@fixitright9709]

Why does the working-class have to be a struggle? This is where Europe has somewhat succeeded us.. college education do not fix cars, build houses, grow food, manufacture tools and equipment and make house calls 24/7 when you're having a heart attack

[@MagSnapShots]

I’d like to see him again on Bloomberg.

[@JenHope883]

Prof is so astute, a brilliant economist he predicted the US failure some six years ago.

[@kitk888]

Jeff Sachs the truth speaker

[@scientifico]

Honesty! I such a lonely word. Everyone is so confused. Honesty, is hardly ever heard... and mostly what i need from yooo-uuuuu!

[@XeroBritt]

Yep! Jeffery Sachs nails it. It's all there in the World Happiness Report 2020

[@danisyx5804]

he's not wrong

[@aarinteich]

1:05 “Canada is (even) in there!”

[@Passion4Fashion2023]

Totally agree.

[@christinew3549]

Love this guy

[@johnellington1932]

Agree our Politics in Crisis. Been for awhile.

[@theaussiebaron]

Ouch. Greetings from Australia.

[@whitefox9]

Nasty is mildly said Evil is more likely

[@NA-pb4pi]

He forgot to mention the massive decrease in the average persons standard of living due to a runaway central bank. I forgive him though...

[@deadwingdomain]

I dont...

[@albertosg471]

Economy and education are not the solution. We only study so that we can make more money, and we still aren't happy. So what is the answer? I'm not sure but it probably has to do with being at peace with yourself, not wishing more and more stuff. Just saying...

[@ngkeam9491]

to have a happy and healthy family, that is what most Americans long for, dude.

[@andrewgraham1418]

My only disagreement with Professor Sachs is that people shouldn't need to get a degree or higher education in order to make make a decent living. Working as a tradesman or service industry is also a key part of our economy and a contribution to the general industry of our society, for which they deserve a dignified wage. There are only so many people who really need degrees anyway. Aside from that much of what he said was spot on.

[@marks9865]

No just calling everyone that was ripping us off. DEAL WITH IT!!

[@makuohua3071]

Jeffrey Sachs : is Open and Blossom Vibrant heart in America Would American embrace would be better beyond Imagination but is a dream .

[@youmonxintl]

I agree with him totally!

[@pooi-hoongchan8680]

With Trump stirring up so much hate and anger, the result is not surprising.

[@emmafuentesbaltazar8801]

Godbless Amen

[@sambradley1968]

Thanks to King Donald I!👑👑👑

[@williamrogers4791]

I agree 👍 💯

[@lonewolf_bbmq]

Lighting the world on fire didn't help 😝😜😂🤣🤣😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂🤣🤣🤣😂🤣🤣

[@reginaldmcnab3265]

Capitalism forces people to compete against each other. Profit has a priority that is above all other considerations. Profit at any cost. Capitalism in a nutshell.

[@HAPPY-kv1fs]

All going to plan mate.

[@moonindaylight]

This guy needs to be in US government!

[@seanmong9524]

Listen to Sachs if you want to truly make America great again.

[@stevenyellow7638]

👍👍👍…I have to give to Jeffrey highly respect salute he actually the only white American have a gut to tell the truth about the USA ….most Americans no dares to say the reality of the Americans life

[@garrettroche]

Great question in terms of Locke/Rand vs Rawls...

[@banzobeans]

Garrett Roche i lack the background info. Who‘s Rawls?

[@ER1CwC]

John Dickinson John Rawls was a major liberal/social contract political philosopher in the latter half of the twentieth century. I don’t agree with how the questioner is implicitly construing Locke, but what he’s trying to get at is the difference between a society where people have near-exclusive rights over the fruits of their labour (Locke, on the questioner’s reading) and a society where economic inequalities are justified insofar as they maximize the position of those who are least advantaged (Rawls).

[@alapone5063]

I thought I read an article recently stating that Millennials are the most charitable and giving generation.

[@renatelittlejohn177]

Let's face it, we lack a minimum of quality of life. Average American families have no job security, lack reliable affordable health care, have no paid vacation or sick leave, women lack paid maternity leave, lack prenatal care, no family holidays to speak off, no real family dinners, no after work time for families, we lack professional, reliable day care for working parents, families move often and live far from close relatives without time and money to visit and stay in contact with grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles. We have a government concerned with protecting profits and assets and no concern for any quality of life for people. We are back to Michael Harringtons " The Other America". before the LBJ great society. Bragging about the nation's wealth while we tolerate homeless and hungry children. BTW, what happened to Head Start? Professor Sachs is so right, this is a "Surely and Nasty" nation. It is all about the dance around the golden calf. The only value we really have, all else is just bunk, Manchester Capitalism, greed are our real values.

[@hongsienkwee537]

So much focused on 'GDP' by that journalist, GDP is just a number, doesn't say anything about wealth distribution throughout the population......which is actually what people tend to mean by mentioning 'GDP'

[@johnthefisherman2445]

Things have gotten worse.

[@thechloromancer3310]

Different ideology? No. As Sachs mentioned. The US ranked 4th 10 years ago, and is not 22nd. Cultural ideology did not change, but something else did during those 10 years. Identify those changes and you are one step closer to solving the problem.

[@adammosel4895]

Late 19th century and early 20th century eugenicist considered Nordics the top of the heap and even though those theories are now out of favor and Scandinavians would never admit it, there must be some happiness at the thought.

[@adammosel4895]

Baby boomer Americans in their youth lived in three bedroom, one bathroom houses, they traveled on vacation as far as the family station wagon would take them or they stayed home and watched the 3 TV channels available, and the males could be drafted into the military. Now those grown baby boomers live in McMansions, jet off on foreign vacations or stay home watching 500 + TV cable channels, and they needn't worry about their children or grandchildren being drafted, nor would they encourage their children or grandchildren to volunteer for the military. (That's for "others".) Yet, these late middle-aged and elderly Americans are bitter and unhappy and think that their country is a mess that needs to be made great again.

[@panasheh1076]

Man this guy is everywhere and certainly has what can be termed "wrongthink" in this modern world

[@ratkutti]

If you have common sense and not getting high on exceptionalism, its pretty obvious what the true state of affairs are.

[@Overleb]

Professor Jeffrey Sachs for President !

[@TheDynamicmarket]

many americans would be unhappy in iceland.

[@naptime_riot]

GDP an happiness have nothing to do with one another. Speaking of nastiness in politics. That lie is done, "news reporter"

[@pseudo_ra]

They were not happy to hear what he said lol

[@nancychace8619]

Unfortunately, one has to be half alligator to stand up to the miserable a*holes who are always trying to get over on others. Alligators tend to breed more alligators. I 've heard it said that in Europe during WWII, Americans were considered "surly and nasty". That may be true, but look at what they were up against - some of the worst of the worst. The only way they could survive was by being as surly and nasty as the ones they were up against. Or worse.

[@seanvales391]

americans have been savage since the pilgrims landed.

[@JasonGafar]

You can't compare the Danish to the US?! Obviously! The way of life in Denmark is WAYYY better. People are kinder, cooperative, and happy.