Great column, J. C., one of your best, and wow, Linda. You go, girl. I couldn't agree more.
The only thing you guys are missing, and it's a thing no one likes to talk about, is the racism that propells MAGA and is the basis of Trump support. Trump didn't create the racism. It was always there. He just exploited it, or more likely, lucked upon it. He's really not that smart. I don't know what to do about MAGA, other than out-vote it. Meanwhile, I'm scared to death about Iran. I've accepted the fact that gas will rise to $10 a gallon. It's the world-wide recession that will follow that worries me. What's the old saying, "The lunatics are running the asylum?" And don't get me started on Christian Nationalism and Populism and White Entitlement. And, as long as we're coming up with wishlists, how about some term limits for Congress? Yeah, good luck with that. I want my mommy.
Civics education needs to be a part of elementary, middle and high school education. Young people need to know that being a citizen not only comes with rights, but also involves responsibilities.
It sounds like an excellent plan to me. I especially support all people paying their fair share of taxes and removing the obvious exceptions for the wealthy.
Supreme Court yes, Congress, no. Do we really wish we had lost Bernie Sanders like 30 years ago? Term limits on Congress throws the baby out with the bathwater.
Great Bullet List that would keep Congress busy doing something good. Right now, Congressional members are sending email and text messages asking for money. My response: Do something first!
I also suggest as we move beyond today that we impose tiered voting in all elections to get rid of the polarizing binary choice of our current two party system.
Thank you for a very well written and thoughtful article!
Our country and its political system are floundering. Democracy depends on the electorate being educated, informed and wanting the betterment of society as a whole rather than simply one’s universe. Unfortunately what our politics has evolved into is a popularity contest filled with deceit and a desire to tell people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. To move ahead as a society we must stop navel gazing and find genuine empathy and compassion for others. We must be citizens of the world rather than a country, state, locality or political party! As John Lennon sang (and we should all listen to again) “Imagine”!
Yes, I agree with all of your specific suggestions. It's possible that corporate-friendly Democrats could regain some power in upcoming elections. But we the people need a reality embracing party that will encourage progressive candidates and progressive policies. Poor people and workers - well, the 99% or 95% or 90% of us - need to be the central focus of a major political party in the USA. If the Democrats do not put progressive policies front and center, and have likable, believable progressive candidates, little will be accomplished other than stopping the bleeding. And that's not enough.
100% agreed. Thanks for reassuring different generations that not all hope is lost. We have to take a stand and speak clearly on these issues. It’s a pleasure reading your emails.
Re: "In one of the most prosperous periods in our nation’s history following World War II, the tax rate on earnings over $200,000 was 94 percent. In today’s dollars that would be a base of $3.6 million."
That is illusory. People were willing to pay that during the War, grudgingly. Later congress knew that would have to be lowered or it would tank the economy. People wouldn't invest in new factories and jobs, and do all the hard work, if the govt took 96%. But politically they couldn't bring themselves to cut the rate, so congress cheated. This was the era when congress created thousands of tax loopholes so they could still claim high statutory tax rates but people wouldn't actually have to pay them. That's been a pox on the system ever since.
Personally I'd rather see a lower flat tax rate - no deductions or loopholes, more revenue. However congress would never pass that as loopholes for the wealthy have become a big source of contributions for them.
I don't think a flat tax rate would work because each and every American has a different income bracket. Congress allows loopholes because it works best for their own interests - I honestly don't think they care a whit about the American people as a whole and that's across party lines. The solution would be to get people elected who were actually capable and able to do the job and not just reap the benefits of being in office. Party-be-damned - it's not about what party someone is, it's about whether or not they can do the job. Let's start reviewing resumes - we're paying these salaries, are we not?
I believe we are all weary of the drama, the deceit, the obfuscation.
The criminality of it all.......
My 95 year old mother, who has lived in Tampa since 1963, asked me, "How did we get here?".
Through years of neglect and, honestly, blindness, of what was happening.
Ignorance.
Looking the other way.
The "horse with blinders on" mentality.
Don't acknowledge it; it will go away.
VOTE!!!!
Retake the House and the Senate.
IMPEACH and remove this orange impostor.
And all of his sychophants.
VOTE!!!!
Do everything you can to create awareness.
Wake up, People.
This is our last chance to regain our Democracy!
I agree!! Get out and VOTE and make our democracy work!
Great column, J. C., one of your best, and wow, Linda. You go, girl. I couldn't agree more.
The only thing you guys are missing, and it's a thing no one likes to talk about, is the racism that propells MAGA and is the basis of Trump support. Trump didn't create the racism. It was always there. He just exploited it, or more likely, lucked upon it. He's really not that smart. I don't know what to do about MAGA, other than out-vote it. Meanwhile, I'm scared to death about Iran. I've accepted the fact that gas will rise to $10 a gallon. It's the world-wide recession that will follow that worries me. What's the old saying, "The lunatics are running the asylum?" And don't get me started on Christian Nationalism and Populism and White Entitlement. And, as long as we're coming up with wishlists, how about some term limits for Congress? Yeah, good luck with that. I want my mommy.
Civics education needs to be a part of elementary, middle and high school education. Young people need to know that being a citizen not only comes with rights, but also involves responsibilities.
Agree with Reich's recommenfmdations and would add abolishing the electoral college.
It sounds like an excellent plan to me. I especially support all people paying their fair share of taxes and removing the obvious exceptions for the wealthy.
Term limits on Supreme Court justices as well as Congress.
Supreme Court yes, Congress, no. Do we really wish we had lost Bernie Sanders like 30 years ago? Term limits on Congress throws the baby out with the bathwater.
Great Bullet List that would keep Congress busy doing something good. Right now, Congressional members are sending email and text messages asking for money. My response: Do something first!
I also suggest as we move beyond today that we impose tiered voting in all elections to get rid of the polarizing binary choice of our current two party system.
How about term limits for Supreme Court justices?
Thank you for a very well written and thoughtful article!
Our country and its political system are floundering. Democracy depends on the electorate being educated, informed and wanting the betterment of society as a whole rather than simply one’s universe. Unfortunately what our politics has evolved into is a popularity contest filled with deceit and a desire to tell people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. To move ahead as a society we must stop navel gazing and find genuine empathy and compassion for others. We must be citizens of the world rather than a country, state, locality or political party! As John Lennon sang (and we should all listen to again) “Imagine”!
Yes, I agree with all of your specific suggestions. It's possible that corporate-friendly Democrats could regain some power in upcoming elections. But we the people need a reality embracing party that will encourage progressive candidates and progressive policies. Poor people and workers - well, the 99% or 95% or 90% of us - need to be the central focus of a major political party in the USA. If the Democrats do not put progressive policies front and center, and have likable, believable progressive candidates, little will be accomplished other than stopping the bleeding. And that's not enough.
Keep writing!
100% agreed. Thanks for reassuring different generations that not all hope is lost. We have to take a stand and speak clearly on these issues. It’s a pleasure reading your emails.
BRAVO and Thank You!
I agree with you. I would add taking away nearly total immunity for the President, a privilege granted by a very naive and reckless Supreme Court.
I recently saw a proposal for all 18 year olds to sign up for Selective Service. Make that also their registration to vote!
Some very good well thought out proposals which should be carefully considered
Re: "In one of the most prosperous periods in our nation’s history following World War II, the tax rate on earnings over $200,000 was 94 percent. In today’s dollars that would be a base of $3.6 million."
That is illusory. People were willing to pay that during the War, grudgingly. Later congress knew that would have to be lowered or it would tank the economy. People wouldn't invest in new factories and jobs, and do all the hard work, if the govt took 96%. But politically they couldn't bring themselves to cut the rate, so congress cheated. This was the era when congress created thousands of tax loopholes so they could still claim high statutory tax rates but people wouldn't actually have to pay them. That's been a pox on the system ever since.
Personally I'd rather see a lower flat tax rate - no deductions or loopholes, more revenue. However congress would never pass that as loopholes for the wealthy have become a big source of contributions for them.
I don't think a flat tax rate would work because each and every American has a different income bracket. Congress allows loopholes because it works best for their own interests - I honestly don't think they care a whit about the American people as a whole and that's across party lines. The solution would be to get people elected who were actually capable and able to do the job and not just reap the benefits of being in office. Party-be-damned - it's not about what party someone is, it's about whether or not they can do the job. Let's start reviewing resumes - we're paying these salaries, are we not?