Why Has the Republican Party Become an Enemy of Democracy? | The Coffee Klatch with Robert Reich

Friends, welcome back to our Saturday coffee klatch.
This week, Heather and I try to figure out why the Republican Party has become an enemy of democracy - refusing to fund Ukraine against Putin’s aggression, supporting Trump’s invitation to Putin to attack other European countries and his threat to leave NATO if he’s reelected, and giving legitimacy to attempts to substitute scripture for law - as did the Alabama Supreme Court in deciding that embryos are “children” - and embrace White Christian nationalism.
So pull up a chair, grab some coffee, and, if you wish, take our poll.

[@dspondike]

Christian Nationalism is not about your soul. Christian Nationalism is not about a relationship with God. Christian Nationalism is about your relationship with the government. Christian Nationalism is about power on earth. Christian Nationalism IS Christo-Fascism.

[@gamervox1707]

I think they should really be called Theo-nationalist.

[@coachtaewherbalife8817]

I agree. Christians today don't have a soul. They don't follow the teachings of Jesus, they follow their minister.

[@emgeeklees]

Don't forget the most important part. White. They're WHITE Christian nationalists

[@Damacles9]

They choose Barabbas.

[@jamesnabors3643]

Socialist Democrats are about slavery. YOU are a slave. Rattle your shackles.

[@Yourdeadmeat69]

Mom said: "Keep God in your heart and stop trying to shove Him up everyone's ass."

[@maddiepaige715]

That's just perfect. I'm gonna be using that one if you don't mind 😂

[@Yourdeadmeat69]

@@maddiepaige715 Intended for sharing and reposting. Mom would be proud. Background: I accidentally locked the remote on the Pat Robertson show about 20 years ago a religious right channel and in a stall for time I asked her "You ever watch these guys? And that was her response.

[@janiebuck2938]

That's great! Wise woman!

[@mamiemartinson4649]

Gotta love that Mom of yours!! What a perfect emotional visual.

[@mikereseigh]

Have to remember that one

[@texasbluebonnet4303]

All the MAGAs are ignoring the separation of church and state.

[@mjnyc8655]

All?

[@hoytbangs9425]

Five judges on the supreme court could declare us a Christo Fascist Republic and nothing could be done! “We can do whatever we want. Just try to remove us!” Trump has also said he can do whatever he wants if re-elected. Together they really can do whatever they want. This is scary as hell - 256 days and counting - aint no way they will wait for the inauguration/coronation.

[@RobotShlomo]

They claim that u doesn't exist.

[@Nemesisnxt]

There is no separation of church and state. The constitution bars the government from establishing a national religion. Have you noticed all the references to God in the federalist papers, the Declaration of Independence, and it’s even on our currency?! Modern American is the most secular it’s ever been.

[@erock736]

Freedom of religion also means freedom from other’s religions.

[@bonniebabird]

When a mob boss claims to be " a proud christian" time to redefine that 'religion'

[@kathleenroberts6931]

Relijin was created by man, to divide & control the people 😡...

[@Mr22thou]

Just like you, but many of us have done that. So called christians have hijacked the religion and sullied it through and through. I believe in the words of Jesus, but christianity has become toxic. How fukin weird is that? Back in 2016, I got the impression that donald was a wanna-be crime boss. Turns out, he was worse that I thought. Then we got to see that the little don was a wanna be brutal dictator. He is in fact an emotional toddler who wants a cookie every time he thinks about cookies and he wants to hit mommy when she says "No." But as a physical grown up, he is capable of doing great harm because of his immaturity. Now, he can "put a hit" on whoever doesn't say and do what he wants - just like the big boys he looks up to, like vlad putin and the other brutal dictators. You'd think that those who are so easily conned could be manipulated in the right direction. But I'm not a con man, so I don't know how I'd do that.

[@nancywhitaker5096]

trump is the antichrist.

[@SipLeila]

WHAT MOB BOSS? AND WHY ARE YOU PROUD OF NOT BEING A CHRISTIAN?

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

That's biden for you.

[@tony7782003]

Please do not apologize for your passion, Robert. It's moving. It's motivating. It's essential in our time.

[@user-fj1nz9on2n]

AMEN!!!

[@connyleicht6567]

Yes, it is! Thanks, Robert Reich and Team for the "Coffee Klatch" and that you are informing us so well! ❤

[@SipLeila]

IT'S DUMB. HE'S A DEMOCRAT, OBVIOUSLY. TRAINED TO DEMONIZE THOSE WHO WANT TO STOP MILLIONS OF IMMIGRANTS.

[@kricketlangendoerfer8387]

You're anger is only frustration. It's what you do w/that anger is what's important, not the feeling itself. 💙🙀😿😾💙

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

Hitler had that same passion.

[@pohkeee]

Those of us that remember 1968…a year pregnant with lessons!…younger idealist…listen to your elders! THIS IS NOT A DRILL…be pragmatic or be prepared to never have the freedom to vote again!😳😵‍💫☝🏼

[@texasbluebonnet4303]

What an entanglement, the obscenely rich and the religious fanatics waiting for the second coming have become quite cozy .

[@billwalsh388]

My guess is that billionaires don't really want that to happen.

[@theresafinn4257]

Not to vote, is to give others the choice. Vote for Biden, and if he’s not your first choice, then after this election get out there and work to get your choice ready for the next election. I’m 75 and I agree that we need younger candidates, but now isn’t the time to abdicate on our voting rights. We need to preserve our democracy!

[@kaceykelly7222]

OMG! You echo my thoughts exactly! That sentiment needs to be on billboards, TV and radio everywhere. It's what will keep us free!

[@elaineblack7904]

I am 91 and I agree wholeheartedly NOW IS NOT THE TIME, WE MUST SAVE OUR DEMOCRACY !

[@dayegilharno4988]

It's a global phenomenon, and for pretty much the same reasons and with the same kind of actors. The "Never Again!" that has been enshrined into the German constitution after the war, is RIGHT NOW! With kind regards from across the pond: We're in this together!

[@janetblanc7658]

​@@elaineblack7904I agree. We older people probably realise more the danger the US is facing; here in Europe the memory of the last WW is still fairly fresh.

[@user-rr1jw9cz1u]

Absolutely! TFG can’t be allowed near the Oval! I will not live under fascism! And I sure as hell will not be forced to get religion or go to lying dying evangelical church. The Jesus I met in Sunday School was nothing like these vengeful hateful bloodthirsty avaricious so & sos

[@bennybaker4926]

You’re a voice of reason in the wilderness, Mr. Reich.

[@pohkeee]

Hahaha…nice! Great “ biblical” analogy!

[@Nemesisnxt]

Criminalizing football players and coaches for praying on the field is “a voice of reason”?

[@Nemesisnxt]

Criminalize football players and coaches for praying on the field is “voice of reason”?

[@dayegilharno4988]

@@Nemesisnxt I'm not convinced that you have a clue as to what "criminalization" actually means.

[@Nemesisnxt]

@@dayegilharno4988If the court ruled that they can’t, and they do, what do you think will happen to them?

[@BrettPittman]

I hear you, Secretary Reich. It makes me angry too. The second gilded age! A slow drip removal of rights and power of the average citizen

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

Yeah by the same people who are trying to lock up Trump.

[@timothyjackson4653]

Still somehow, Trump gives the average citizen more potential.

[@Peter-jo6yu]

​@@timothyjackson4653 Bro are you serious 😂😂

[@newax_productions2069]

​@@Peter-jo6yuthe only party removing rights is the democrat party so yeah we are serious. Democrats trying to restrict speech with "hate speech" laws? Democrats attempting to get rid of the 2nd amendment? Its almost as if you're fighting for a party accusing another of exaclty what its doing. You are being misguided.

[@Ullumma]

Freedom of religion, but also freedom FROM religion!

[@aphilippinesadventure9184]

There is no such thing.

[@MarinCipollina]

@@aphilippinesadventure9184 Of course there is.. US was established as a secular state with a secular government.. Religious intrusion is disgusting and reeks of fascism.

[@wellhellothere6347]

@@aphilippinesadventure9184 No such thing as the Supernatural? I agree 100%

[@wellhellothere6347]

@@MarinCipollina Yes, and that was documented by John Adams in the Treaty of Tripoli. Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion...." A 2018 Supreme Court Ruling re-affirmed this statement. So it's in writing.

[@edwardlulofs444]

Yes, as a religious person, I want freedom from religion too. I like my religion, but no religion should be imposed on anyone.

[@kevinviner5420]

During CPAC, there was a guy who said welcome to the end of Democracy. He said they tried and failed. That they were going to try again. We will be ready for their cult asses.

[@MarinCipollina]

DoJ needs to do a WHOLE LOT more in terms of going after fascists, ESPECIALLY this "sedition caucus" in Congress !!

[@wellhellothere6347]

Wow will we be ready exactly? I really want to know how you think you can stop them?

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

​@@wellhellothere6347he is brainwashed. Took the entire statement out of context.

[@wellhellothere6347]

@@yourdaddy-mq4km Who is brainwashed. And be careful, I saw CPAC.

[@christopherjones9536]

​​@@yourdaddy-mq4km Put that CPAC guy in a government facility. Along with the rest of these un American animaIs. Re educate their children afterwards for good measure

[@sidgarrett7247]

In my experience, I have worked both non-union and union so I can honestly say that unionized workers have safer working conditions, better pay, health care benefits, and what I am enjoying now, a union negotiated pension and annuity. Work union.

[@kathleenroberts6931]

Unions lift all boats. Business owners raise worker's pay to compete. The money the Working Class makes, supports their own communities, buying goods & services, & strengthens our economy. Tax the Corporations & the top 1%, again...Odie is laying on its side on the Moon. We know about 5% of our oceans, but, Hey! let's spend billions of dollars for another landing on the Moon! 😮

[@jerrycoggin9434]

In my experience as a young man, unions were exclusionary.

[@BrettPittman]

Not to mention that unions raise the wages for the non union workers as well

[@fredyoung2165]

Basically you have 2 choices. A union environment with a specified contract that you and your collleagues have a role in writing - fair salaries, fair benefits (health, vacation, parental, hours, etc.), pension benefits to which you also contribute --OR-- a substandard, bullied lifestyle ending with an impoverished retirement living on Social Security and meager savings and supporting the wealth of Jeff Bezon, Elon Musk, etc earning $10B or more each year. Your choice!

[@Nemesisnxt]

@@fredyoung2165Strange, I’ve never worked for a union and I’m doing great.

[@dianadickerson749]

Call it what it is, fascism! Start to call it out, make them own it. Remove tax free status from churches, nfl,mlb,NBA all of them.

[@irenesupica5571]

A secular state that recognizes the freedom of religion of its citizens is what I want. I am an Orthodox Christian, and I want to be free to practice my religion. I don't want to be forced to accept someone else's version of Christianity. I'm sure that other faith members (Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, etc.) or those who practice no religion would feel the same way. This MAGA movement is sickening.

[@edwardlulofs444]

Exactly. Me too.

[@dianebeaulaurier2044]

You already have freedom to practice your religion. Who is stopping you?

[@edwardlulofs444]

@@dianebeaulaurier2044 I do now, of course! I don’t want to have christian Nationalist pseudo religion forced on me- nor do I want to worship the Glorious Leader. And yes, I said christian and not Christian.

[@irenesupica5571]

@@dianebeaulaurier2044 for how long?

[@andrewmiller159]

​@dianebeaulaurier2044 The point is Christian Nationalism is a threat to our freedom to practice religion or not practice religion!!

[@wisecoconut5]

I am 56 and had a stellar civics teacher. We discussed the possibility of the failure of democracy because the people wanted it. Those discussions terrified me, but I was able to dismiss these scenarios as impossible. I was nieve. Welcome to the new dystopia of the U.S.

[@MarinCipollina]

Congratulations on being old enough to have had a civics class in the public schools.

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

Agreed but then why do you support putting your political opposition in jail?

[@garycombs5721]

Uh, you do know that the FBI held secret weekly censorship meetings with the MSM just to manipulate public opinion in order to rig 2020 for Biden, don’t you?

[@lastbat]

​@@yourdaddy-mq4kmWhat makes a person immune from the law in your opinion? Does it simply take running for office to protect a person from prosecution for their crimes?

[@VP_A-Team]

@@yourdaddy-mq4kmEvery single legal figure publicly declared investigation of Trump before he declared he was running... when he wasn't the "political opposition". Fani Willis publicly announced investigation only 22 days after he left office. Trump declared his candidacy the third earliest in history with the other two only declaring so early to gain identity recognition. Trump declared so early to try to gain prosecution protection through office... ... and so that simps like you would make the statement you just made.

[@MPaulCezanne]

Thanks Professor. 💙💙💙

[@jamesnabors3643]

He failed at that too. Now he simps for donations from people on welfare, or who WISH they were on welfare.

[@user-ob7pi4pn2o]

💙💙💙💙💙🗽🇺🇲 💙♥️🤍 Vote blue good people former president is sick to his had ..all gop love russia trump love dictators Ridiculous America people don't understand world 🌎 war 3 if trump becomes president again??? He told russan manic criminal gangster putin that he can attack NATO putin already want it use nucs in Ukraine Imagine if he attacked NATO he will use nuclear weapons!?? America need to smart up Mr President Biden did more than any president in the last 50 years Unemployment lowest ever Job creating more than any president in more that 50 years Nevermind trump & GOP maniacs they do everything for russia putin want to help trump & weakness America every way I can't imagine this people enemy of Americans people kids ,grandkids future on the line , democracy worldwide on the line , freedom worldwide on the line , Human rights on line Constitution on the line , religious fanatics can't mix politics It's awful combination Take a way human rights after 250 years America was able to keep democracy, freedom, woman rights every human rights we loose because putin russian gangster want trump to destroy America All dictators want to destroy America, china, rusia, iran north corea & others .. America only way save democracy vote for the incombent president he did outstanding job for the working class ! Please good people understand trump danger to the world 🌎 because he is Blue fighting for our rights and freedom, democracy & much more !! 💙💙💙💙💙 Vote please America This time is crucial... 💙💙💙💙💙 🇺🇲💙♥️🤍🗽

[@asexualatheist3504]

Jon Avlon called it right in his book many years ago. He stated that the GOP/Tea Party was about white minority politics. What I see now seems to support his assertion.

[@hoytbangs9425]

Five judges on the supreme court could declare us a Christo Fascist Republic and nothing could be done! “We can do whatever we want. Just try to remove us!” Trump has also said he can do whatever he wants if re-elected. Together they really can do whatever they want. This is scary as hell - 256 days and counting - aint no way they will wait for the inauguration/coronation.

[@jerrycoggin9434]

White minority politics? Well, why is Donald Trump gaining a record amount of support from the Black community?

[@mossydog2385]

Many years ago Noam Chomsky called the Republican party a "radical right wing insurgency" and I thought "geez Noam, kinda hyperbolic isn't it?" Once again Dr. Chomsky was right and I was wrong.

[@SipLeila]

LOL - MY BROTHER IS A FORMER MARINE AND TEA PARTY MEMBER WHO IS A MINORITY. STOP STEREOTYPING. AND BY THE WAY, TEACHER'S UNIONS USE COMMUNIST PARTY SLOGANS. GROW UP. I AM ALSO A MINORITY AND WOULD NEVER VOTE FOR ANOTHER DEMOCRAT. THEY ARE SICK WITH JEALOUSY AND WANT NO RULES WHICH HAS LED TO HORRIBLE CITIES AND CHILDREN THAT DON'T EVEN OBEY BASIC RULES. THE DEMS ARE HATEFUL - I SAW IN 2007 WHEN I WAS A DEMOCRAT. THEY JUST HATE WHITES. RACISM IS THE SAME NO MATTER WHO YOU HATE. QUIT HATING. LEILANI BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - SOCIOLOGY

[@lauracarstiou3505]

Tô state the obvious.

[@user-qj8uc4tb8n]

You got that right, people. I voted for my children, and now for my grandson. I admire President Biden, and have taken to heart his advice--"Don't compare me to the Almighty. Compare me to the alternative." The alternative is beyond awful, so I'm voting for Biden. I have also taken my father's admonition to heart. "If you don't vote, you have no right to complain." I intend to complain when necessary, so I haven't missed an election since "Keep Clean for Gene."

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

Biden sold the country.

[@glennalmayer6563]

Remember the Kennedy/Nixon election where the question was about whether or not a Catholic president was going to make sure to keep his religion out of the job? Whew, how times have changed.

[@eddieo6466]

What everyone fails to realize...billionaires are playing , "WHO WANTS TO BE A TRILLIONAIRE"!! And they all want to cross the finish line FIRST.

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

That's insane

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

People like Musk lose money to stand up for free speech.

[@ncammann]

The modern day "Robber Barons" History repeating.

[@Acidfunkish]

While the majority of the rest of us are having trouble paying our rent and buying groceries. 😮‍💨

[@jeannedouglas9912]

A 150 billion dollar boat and a homemade row boat at the starting line. Who will win the race?

[@kxmanners5416]

I'm angry about Amazon and Tesla companies fighting against unions too, Professor Reich! My father was a union leader at Bridgeport Machines for many years. ALL of his former bosses (union or non-union) showed up at his funeral, along with 450 of his coworkers. Bless my fighting father, who was also a World War II navy veteran.

[@MarinCipollina]

The WW II generation wouldn't have stood for an abomination like this MAGA movement. My father was also a WW II veteran as a young US Naval officer posted at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack there. His brother, my uncle and namesake wasn't as lucky. He was a B-17 pilot that was killed in action. He's buried at Saint Laurent, France.

[@kxmanners5416]

@@MarinCipollina thanks so much for sharing about your Dad and his brother ❤ What a profoundly brave generation, and I wholeheartedly agree that they would find MAGA'S to be an abomination.

[@sylvanwoods5271]

I will always vote. I'm tired of the "lesser of two evils" too, but I would rather we have Biden than Trump. Voting is not just a privilege, it is a responsibility for living in a liberal democracy! Thanks once again to both of you for a great conversation!

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

I might add, education too. Donny's base is the most uneducated among us, and because of that, believe everything he spews without question.

[@velmaholland5673]

Biden is doing a great job, given that Donald Trump has done everything he possibly can to undermine his efforts in his struggle to stay out of jail. If God is interested in heaven on earth, then, surely, Trump will spontaneously combust.

[@davidwilliams1086]

Or Democratic Republic. I'm good with either.

[@markkasprzyk3287]

Why? Facts? Cause everything sucks under Biden

[@lorinapetranova2607]

This is NOT a democracy let alone a liberal democracy. Good Gawd. Blessings to Thinking Minds.

[@jimklug6450]

Simple - as David Frum correctly stated several years ago - "If conservatives become convinced that they can not win democratically, they will not abandon conservatism. The will reject democracy. The main benefit of controlling a modern bureaucratic state is not the power to persecute the innocent. It is the power to protect the guilty."

[@wout123100]

now that is wisely said. my vote goes to you lol

[@tflowers6582]

Attendance at CPAC is way down, it’s wonderful to see.

[@jamesminor3833]

Thank you, it is so refreshing to see and hear intelligent conversation about the issues that we face.

[@Skavar4000]

The one issue voter concerned only with the retraction of a decades old relationship with Israel, and Gaza is the reason they won't vote for the continuance of Democracy in America are showing abject stupidity.

[@Independent57]

Our supreme court justices have been compromised! What can be done about this?

[@robinantonio8870]

Biden needs to stop life time appointments and raise the standard for appointments in the first place.

[@Independent57]

@@robinantonio8870 Pro-women, Pro-choice, Pro-democracy, Pro-sanity, Vote Biden!💙

[@anjlaj]

Stay strong you guys ❤ be active and hopeful. Just know that you are fighting on the side of good. You are not alone.

[@jb1139]

I don't understand why these people are not being punished. This christian bull is unconstitutional. They need to start facing consequences. The lack of consequences emboldens them. I do not want to live in an authoritative fascist theocracy. The majority of Americans do not want this. Why is the tyranny of the few and extreme being allowed to stand?

[@wellhellothere6347]

Because they made Corporations people.

[@dogeared100]

We've been distracted M

[@wout123100]

same happened with the nazis..a powerfull and ruthless minority can take power.

[@aroura15elementanne32]

Russia Iran maga North Korea what's the difference.

[@25lillies]

Don't forget about the money. It's always about the money. Power equals money in America. We can never forget that. Pandering to the masses with religion and fear is the only way they can get votes. It's the cover story.

[@lauracarstiou3505]

I boycotted Amazon and Starbucks for years. Forget about Tesla too

[@mvann5]

Love you, Robert Reich! Thanks for what you do. Yes, how did Repubs get to representing Putin??

[@jankwartel1860]

russian money, happened to the NRA too. 🤢🤮

[@Nemesisnxt]

They’re not.

[@jankwartel1860]

@@Nemesisnxtyou can't be that stupid, it's in plain view that they OBVIOUSLY ARE.

[@themartianway]

trump's russian mob connection's are well known. 🤠

[@Nemesisnxt]

@@jankwartel1860 If you only pay attention to propaganda from Robert and the likes, I can understand why you think that.

[@ngauruhoezodiac3143]

Alabama was not a state when the constitution was written so one cannot expect much.

[@stephaniewilley2224]

Theocratic fascism, Christian Nationalism (call it what you want it's all the same) MUST be put out of our governments. We will accomplish this peacefully at our voting booths or I fear by much less peaceful means in the streets of our towns and cities.

[@kahlodiego5299]

Those of us who grew up and spent our lives with poor and or uneducated people are less shocked by these developments. If you're disadvantaged you're more likely to be abused by this religiosity.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Yep, that's why they fight like heck against fair pay and improving education. Guarantees they'll always have that voter base!

[@aliceputt3133]

The Churches realized that satisfied educated people don't need religion very much. It's the scared, unstable people who pray for help and donate to the Church. The conclusion is the Middle Class needs to go.

[@katherinecrossman8521]

My dad always told me , to go back through history , even religious scripture, and you will find , every war ever fought , even now , no matter how big or small , has been and is still , fought in the names of God and or greed .

[@wadeedden4552]

Thank both of you for caring.

[@Asio_Capensis]

Frqank Zappa warned about USA becoming a theocracy already early 1970's

[@birbluv9595]

Frank Zappa was a genius in many ways.

[@jeaniebird999]

Back when Conald was first "elected" (in quotes because We, The People, _did not_ vote, for him), there was an interesting article by medical professionals suggesting that an enlarged amygdala is more often found in conservatives whereas a smaller amygdala is typically found in liberals. An enlarged amygdala allows one to base their decisions and actions off of fear and a smaller amygdala allows one to base them off of logic. Notice anything different about the two parties? I sure do.

[@TooBadThatDidntKillMe]

Ironic discovery about the crowd that loves to sneer about how their conservative "facts" are superior to liberal "feelings."

[@user-rr1jw9cz1u]

Is any way to reduce amygdala size?

[@SenorJuan2023]

Size, indeed, does matter.

[@Tichaba124]

Wow!

[@TeraJohnson-nv2sp]

Yes, the amygdala is the most primitive part of the brain, also known as the lizard brain. Fear and hate are effortless. You actually have to make a conscious effort to engage higher brain functions and think in a more human way.

[@mossydog2385]

When Thomas Jefferson was asked why he wanted a clear separation between church and state he said: "because it has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for centuries" - referring of course to the centuries of religious wars indulged in by the Kings of European empire's. Kings who claimed to be ordained by God....that didn't seem to work out very well either.

[@mossydog2385]

Great content as always!

[@MarinCipollina]

@@mossydog2385 If it's truly that great it stands on its own merits without the self praise.. just saying.. lol

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

​@@MarinCipollinaI don't think that you have a clue what you are talking about,dude .

[@MarinCipollina]

@@UnashamedCaliforniagirl Sounds like you're simply unhappy with my comment.. You'll get over it.

[@umbomb]

Reich's new article in "The Guardian" is a good one.

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

That's a propaganda outlet.

[@christopherjones9536]

​@@yourdaddy-mq4kmI say we outlaw conservative media in society. Keep that depraved pollution illegal and jaiI those who produce it. By the thousands, by the millions, however many

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

@@christopherjones9536 and thats is exactly what real fascism look like.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

​@@yourdaddy-mq4km You're a propaganda outlet, troll.

[@umbomb]

Read the article. Address the claims. @@yourdaddy-mq4km

[@lhfirex]

Amazon warehouses should be called what they actually are: Amazon sweatshops. I worked in one in 2017: My job there was processing returns, and I had an expected time of less than 40 seconds to inspect and approve each piece of merchandise being returned. The only way to actually keep your job isn't to do it well. It's to find the quickest way to get through the computer menu, which leads to a lot of "returns accepted" for things that are knowingly broken and contributes to all the waste in our society. My schedule was 4 days of 10 hour shifts, with maybe a half hour lunch and a couple 15 minute breaks that were expected to be bathroom breaks. So if you have to go at any other time during your shift, your rate is going to fall below the amount they set with computer monitoring, and if that happens enough, you get fired. Jeff Bezos should be torn apart, Amazon should be broken up into a hundred smaller companies, and all of his personal wealth should be seized by the government and distributed among every Amazon worker.

[@Nemesisnxt]

Did you quit?

[@wellhellothere6347]

What would happen if you just peed and pooped on the floor?

[@Michelle-yw1lv]

God let this man live forever .

[@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239]

🙏

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

You are praying to the devil.

[@seamon9732]

@@yourdaddy-mq4km Robert Reich is the devil? What? LOL

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

@@seamon9732 not what I said.

[@mzmscoyote]

I think people need to hear what happens to the economy, businesses, and therefore their paychecks, in a dictatorship - especially a theocratically driven one. There are enough examples in history and around the world to paint that picture.

[@andrewmiller159]

Correct, a theocracy will create much chaos at every level of our nation!

[@MausMasher54]

Yesterday Alabama, Today it's already spread to Missouri....

[@davidjones6389]

The Regressive States.

[@wellhellothere6347]

That's ok. Once they find out that declaring legally that embryos are children means you can declare them on your taxes, they will change it.

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

​@@davidjones6389you mean like California?

[@christopherjones9536]

​@@yourdaddy-mq4km Can't wait to see conservatives have to fund ab0rtion through their taxes. We'll have the $ right from their pockets, they can complain all they like. With the right judges and the right people in power, what's stopping us?

[@carenwilson4902]

Theye don't like having to choose between the lesser of two evils, but that's what it is, and if you choose a 3rd party or choose to abstain, that might be the last time you have any choice to vote at all, or to vote in an election where your vote will be counted.

[@craigplank7432]

Robert, it’s impossible to not be angry!

[@MarinCipollina]

If you're NOT angry you're not paying attention !

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

​@@MarinCipollinathe problem is you are paying attention to the hate and division instead of the solution.

[@MarinCipollina]

@@yourdaddy-mq4km Is the installation of a demented orange nazi your idea of a solution ?

[@timothyjackson4653]

I hear you. People don’t see Ukraine’s culpability.

[@marthabird9243]

Thank you. I could wish Bush-Harris would gather a think tank of younger voters.... do some town meetings and create dialogue. I believe Harris is doing so-- however, this needs to break out.... liven up. The Dems need to let Harris come out and be Harris. We need a strong woman in the mix. And, yes, I respect and like Biden. I also could wish those men and women who were involved in the Jan 6 insurrection and are currently serving in Congress be called to account,.

[@brokenrecord3095]

Bush-Harris?

[@tracesprite6078]

Can you approach your local politicians to organise this?

[@dawnoceanside7300]

Bob, imagine, if embryos are children, THE TAX DEDUCTIONS???

[@akidodogstar5460]

Next can we declare sperm children? Think of the tax write offs!

[@wellhellothere6347]

Plus, they are automatically legally disabled, since they cannot perform the major life activities of walking, talking, and seeing among other things.

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

The tax deductions would be great until it's fraud after the abortion

[@lauracarstiou3505]

Good point

[@manueldaniel2654]

😂

[@rlabzsc]

Me, too. I posted Lawrence O'Donnell's post from yesterday. O'Donnell explained that Biden has been very good at the presidency as the job is decision making, not optics. Television has created a presidency of optics which degrades the presidency.

[@birbluv9595]

It started in 1960 with the Nixon-Kennedy debate.

[@pjpredhomme7699]

@@birbluv9595 Actually it was the entire Kennedy campaign - that was Joe Kennedy's idea - remember he had owned RKO studios - and they had a "star system " that they used to sell movie tickets. He thought he could do the same concepts to sell an individual as a president. It worked and really forever changed politics.

[@timothyrussell4445]

What amazes me is that young people (and others who should know better) keep saying they're going to vote for Jill Stein, Norman Finkelstein, RBK or some other non-entity. When I make the point that only Biden can beat Trump and that a vote for another candidate is effectively a vote for Trump, they just don't seem to get it. Is there something in the water? Too much Fox, or ridiculous US mainstream media in general? And many even think Trump would sort out the Gaza situation better!! LOL

[@edwardlulofs444]

I understand. When I was young, I voted Green and then the results were awful. I never voted 3rd party again. We don’t have a parliamentary system that supports multiple parties. Our system only supports 2 parties.

[@birbluv9595]

This is what happened in 2000. At age 45 i had gone back to grad school and was surrounded by 22-23 year olds. So much brain smarts but no experience. They all voted for Ralph Nader because they said the Republican and Democratic parties were essentially the same (dependent on corporations.) i think Ralph Nader’s candidacy had a lot to do with Bush winning over Gore (of course, also the Florida Secretary of State.)

[@edwardlulofs444]

@@birbluv9595 absolutely! Nader promised to pull out of the race but all he did was give us Bush. I never forgave Nader

[@timothyrussell4445]

Hopefully this time they'll see the choice is between democracy, freedom and the rule of law v dictatorship, erosion of personal liberties and chaos. We live in hope! @@birbluv9595

[@susansellars3869]

Separation of church and state!

[@hubrisonics9517]

There needs to be a separation between church and hate.

[@leanordials8008]

Look at history. It's rape, pillage, and plunder in the name of god.

[@elizabethnorton261]

Terrified is right. Helpless too. I feel like someone watching a disaster film who suddenly realizes it's real.

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

It's all part of the establishments game.

[@christopherjones9536]

​@@yourdaddy-mq4km Do to conservatism what was done to smallpox and society will be much better. 🎉😊

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

@@christopherjones9536 do to ignorance of the deep state.

[@brucebasile5083]

@@yourdaddy-mq4km You're Reich derangement is out of control Zachoff. Seek medical help soon.

[@maxplanck1423]

Bob Reich is a national treasure and appreciated Heather’s description of the horrific rise of the Christian nationalists which undermines the nation’s initial intents regarding religious freedom. Hard to be optimistic these days.

[@hoytbangs9425]

Five judges on the supreme court could declare us a Christo Fascist Republic and nothing could be done! “We can do whatever we want. Just try to remove us!” Trump has also said he can do whatever he wants if re-elected. Together they really can do whatever they want. This is scary as hell - 256 days and counting - aint no way they will wait for the inauguration/coronation.

[@wellhellothere6347]

If that happened, it would come down to which side the military fell on.

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

You're fantasizing again.

[@brucebasile5083]

@@yourdaddy-mq4km Projection 101 from little Zachoff the psychotic triggered troll.

[@hoytbangs9425]

@@yourdaddy-mq4km Hmm. Need to be careful here, comparing Trump to Hitler is a bit of a stretch. After all, Hitler was not a draft dodger…...

[@brucebasile5083]

@@yourdaddy-mq4km Projection 101 from Zachoff the bed wetting Russian troll.

[@roncantrell2836]

Because evangelicals care more about pushing their brand of religion than they do about protecting democracy

[@BabbetteChoquette-po5hx]

..."This is not a Chritian Nation, This is a Nation that You are Free to be a Christian".

[@texasbluebonnet4303]

Oligarchy and Autocracy are two peas in a pod Professor

[@phelan5387]

God is not part of the equation, Godamit!

[@Jah-yr8yq]

Boycott all the big corporations

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

EVERY SINGLE ONE

[@beefandbarley]

Anyone who hasn’t seen this coming hasn’t been paying attention.

[@tammystockley-loughlin7680]

Sometimes being right sucks. Positive vibes from New Hampshire, remember to be kind to each other and yourself during these trying times.

[@beefandbarley]

@@tammystockley-loughlin7680 Thanks for that. This is an endurance test. Wishing you the best.

[@robertstambaugh3495]

When talking about private industry and government, there have been numerous examples where private industry didn't have the capital for the development of their businesses, but the federal government did. The railroads meeting at Promontory Point, example number one, got there through land grants on every other parcel of land . To which the railroads benefited by selling excess land to the public.

[@nobodyaskedbut]

Vote in every election & vote BLUE up & down the ballot for at least the next 10 years.

[@tracesprite6078]

I suggest that you ask your local government to enable voting on Saturday Sunday Monday and Tuesday so everyone can vote regardless of their work situation.

[@Mossyrocklove]

I wish people would adopt instead of ivf

[@kirklete]

And Christian leaders wonder why so many people leave the church.

[@tammystockley-loughlin7680]

Aside from weddings and funerals and thrift stores...I haven't been in decades. The last mass I went to made me so angry... nothing but judgment, no love. I don't doubt a higher power, but I'm not buying the book. To much like a 2,000 year old game of telephone tree. Positive vibes from New Hampshire, remember to be kind to each other and yourself during these trying times.

[@alwayslearning8365]

Exploration of the world was done with government funding initially (England, Spain, Netherlands, etc). However private groups and companies quickly took advantage of that exploration and expanded to the new territories. Space exploration will follow the same model.

[@gghhiiyy456]

Omg they read Handmaid’s Tale and thought what a great idea

[@johncrosby7173]

I wish Prof Reich would run for president.

[@Nemesisnxt]

Me too. It would be an easy victory for the right.

[@MarinCipollina]

He's the obvious successor to Senator Sanders.

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

​@@MarinCipollina😂 they are basically the same age and he threw Sanders under the bus for Biden.

[@brucebasile5083]

@@yourdaddy-mq4km This troll is actually Zachoff the irrelevant bed wetter..

[@brucebasile5083]

@@yourdaddy-mq4km More psycho rambling from Zachoff the irrelevant bed wetting Russian troll.

[@kathleenroberts6931]

We don't have time to be dragged back to The Dark Ages FFS, it's called The Dark Ages for good reason. Time to embrace The Age of Enlightenment, The Age of Reason, & the Secular Rule of Law ⚖, that our Founders were all avid students of ❤. The aborshin issue is the chu.rch interfering with the State; One is Science and one is an uneducated belief system 😮.

[@georgefarrington895]

Good day all ,love the updates . Stay safe out in this crazy world. Next target will be the morning after pill then condoms .crazy yep.

[@rochellemcdonald9646]

I work in retail. People say they want to see an item before they buy it, but if we don't have it, they say, "I'll just order it on Amazon". If they order it to be sent to the store, they can actually see it, and send it back, if they don't like it. If they have it sent to the store, they are also supporting their local economy. That store gets the credit. By buying on Amazon, they are just perpetuating store closures. But they don't understand that.

[@rack9458]

Unfortunately people don't enjoy the shopping experience anymore. Large malls are closing everyday. Amazon has become the most efficient way to buy and receive goods. No mall rents, no retail labor cost and no restricted hours of operation. Evolve with the times or get swallowed up!

[@rochellemcdonald9646]

@@rack9458What happens when Amazon is the only choice?

[@rack9458]

@@rochellemcdonald9646 It never will be. Consumers will still shop locally for certain items

[@rochellemcdonald9646]

@@rack9458Of course. They will go to the local Wal-Mart that has gutted Main Street.

[@rack9458]

@@rochellemcdonald9646 Evolve or get swallowed! Walmart has been around for over 40 years.

[@Tichaba124]

You both are so appreciated! Suggestion: we get very depressed listening to you. I understand we need to know, knowledge is power! We would like suggestions on how we cd change things. Obviously voting, but what else? You both are so amazing, we are sure you cd come about with some great ways to change things. Thank you for ideas at the end!

[@donnanelson2967]

Things we could do. Call and write your representatives and senators. Help get non voters to register, making sure they understand their votes count. Watch Luke Beasley, he can show how to talk to the cult in mind changing clarity.

[@musiqtee]

25:05 “…More Efficient…?” I have alluded to this question for decades, but the ongoing manufacturing of consent makes majority of people think I have some kind of ‘illness’…? Fun point that you mentioned Norway (buying tech form a private corporation) - The very people experiencing socialism as an ‘illness’ are my peer Norwegians. As my parents said 50 years ago - What happens in the US, eventually happens everywhere (in the OECD, my addition). We’re all in this mess for the same reasons - just at different stages. Keep it up, honourable mr. Reich & team…! 👍

[@Nemesisnxt]

Big screw up, they had a moment of truth. Ouch.

[@user-de8uc7oq7g]

Dear Robert Reich, grateful for you😍

[@robertchamberlain3481]

A private company may have SENT Odysseus to the Moon, but to land the damn craft Intuitive Machines had to fall back on the NASA Doppler lidar system when its own laser system sensors FAILED.

[@MarinCipollina]

That important point was overlooked in the conversation.

[@robertchamberlain3481]

@@MarinCipollina Exactly. And landing on the Moon was a piece of cake compared to what the NASA OSIRIS-Rex mission did when it landed on an asteroid, collected a sample of it, and then returned that sample to Earth on September 24, 2023, at the end of a seven-year mission. There are at least twenty-five space mining companies and startups scattered around the world (such as Dereum Labs, The Coring Company, Meraki Space Systems, and Planetary-AI). What have they done lately? Oh, and when is SpaceX going to launch another super heavy booster so that we can all experience another "rapid, unscheduled disassembly"?

[@kayedebona4576]

Excellent!

[@patsymoore-ff2gz]

Robert your the best! I have learned more watching your classes Hang in there an be sure to keep your health ❤❤❤😊

[@jeancast7798]

The six parts in the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution are: 1) to form a more perfect union; 2) establish justice; 3) insure domestic tranquility; 4) provide for the common defense; 5) promote the general welfare; and 6) secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.Aug 25, 2023

[@mjnyc8655]

What happened on Aug 25, 2023?

[@TheRealBlueValhalla]

"We are domestic terrorists" banner at CPAC

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

What?

[@TheRealBlueValhalla]

@@UnashamedCaliforniagirl just quoting thevright

[@user-fj1nz9on2n]

We citizens of the United States of America need to operate on the premise that, until individuals who identify as republican (or anything else for that matter), stand up and proclaim (especially those elected to public office) that Russia is an adversary, NOT an ally, then by default, the assumption is they are a Russian asset, whether they know it or not. Does not matter if it’s based on fear, ideology or peer pressure. I’m still a proud republican, and while registered as “other” due to state requirements, I’m not a fan of the previous feckless behavior (does appear to be improving) of the left, or their less than effective policies. Quick example, during the past couple of administrations, zero has been done about McConnell’s abuse of senatorial discretion, dark money in politics, protecting women’s rights or mandating a national policy on voting. What good is broadband, healthcare, roads and bridges when our democracy has been cut 997 times (Lingchi). Yes Biden is old, they don’t know how to play hardball with questionable individuals, they castigate their own, while allowing others to run rip-shot over the people and our society, etc. That said, none of that matters now. As a republican, I will NEVER vote for a single non-democrat (given a two-party) system, as long as there is a refusal by the right to openly and honestly defend this Democracy. To be clear, the people flying the Republican Banner, ARE NOT republicans (not even R.I.N.O.s, they are M.A.G.A., whatever that is). This 2024 election is not about age, policy, party or political preference...it is about preserving our Democracy. What is most concerning to me is that one party is trying to protect, and one party is trying to destroy, and everything else is just noise, but, people are unsure (seriously) or want to both-sides, as if this is what passes for a normal election cycle. Pick a side people and defend our US Constitution at the ballot box, now and forever!

[@kevinviner5420]

If its between Biden or Trump/Hailey, please protect Democracy by VOTING BLUE THIS ONE TIME ON THE BALLOT. GET THE TRUE REPUBLICANS BACK. NOT THIS ABOMINATION.

[@MarinCipollina]

Precisely.. This election is NOT a referendum on any particular BIDEN policy or set of policies... THIS election is Democracy VS fascism. Choose wisely !

[@ianbrown7552]

"If people don't have money in their pockets, how are they going to buy from Amazon, how are they going to buy Teslas?" - Nail hit on head Mr Reich!

[@shirleed1936]

Thank you Robert for telling the truth about the crazies

[@user-ji4yo9nn4c]

Thank you both for educating the public. I'll be listening!

[@trentpettit6336]

Such a shame this guy never ran for President!

[@darkfalcon7856]

This kind of thing is why some of the Founding Fathers were against having a two-party system. Also, the applause that senator got when he was going on about the change to a theocracy was perfectly stated by Padme: "So this is how Democracy dies. With thunderous applause..."

[@HarryStyer-rf8gv]

I'm TERRIFIED every day....i live in San Fran, and The A.C.A. saved my life..

[@Nemesisnxt]

Her forced smile makes me smile.

[@Cindy-wm5lg]

Always look forward to Saturdays Coffee Klatch!! Thanks much for the good discussion.

[@gregbenac9429]

It's so simple and been told since this country began! Don't let the government tell you how to pray and don't let the church tell you how to vote!

[@caroljackson9363]

Great information!

[@user-um9rf5el1q]

I'm so glad we still have intelligent people, that's you two

[@richardb1949]

Get angry Robert we old men have to get angry at the injustice.

[@petervizzini8239]

So why don't you support Trump then

[@splatzec]

Humans like this man are setting positive and actionable examples for the youth, and I’m all for it. Humanity will not forget the time you’ve put in, in one America’s darkest hours.

[@ronaldallen2713]

Thank you very much for your presentations. This one was a very good one I look forward to more...... Some words of encouragement. Let's keep our eyes on the prize and move forward peacefully. Yours always Ronald.

[@betsysoderquist9954]

This intelligent conversation is such a relief from the corporate media pandering - thank you both!! Considering the imbalance of power and the rise of authoritarianism, it is the LEAST I can do to boycott Starbucks, Amazon and Tesla; add to that list the many Koch family products and Fox, so-called news! If we all made these small concessions, we could reach them where their hearts are... their PROFITS!

[@C-Span222]

Thank you again for another informative podcast. 😊

[@elizabethnorton261]

Why doesn't the Supreme Court step in and throw a monkey wrench on MAGA's plans to destroy Democracy by kicking Trump off the ballot or at the least let the election interference case proceed???

[@RobotShlomo]

Because this is what they want.

[@divinewon73]

Because the federalist society provided most of the right wing judges, and we have an attorney general who has dragged his feet by not even appointing a special counsel until November 2022 with Jack Smith. He waited 22 months and did nothing! BTW, Merrick Garland is a member of the Federalist Society so figure it out.

[@Nemesisnxt]

Because constitution

[@MarinCipollina]

Your query presumes this corrupt court is acting in good faith. I assure you that is not the case.

[@yourdaddy-mq4km]

It's not Trump's plan, it's the deep states plan.

[@user-ef3lx1sd4r]

Great to see and hear from two distinct generations speaking as one to educate listeners to the danger of religion in government. History counts, memories count. Truth, more than ever, must be spoken. Thank you and keep up the great work! Vote blue