Robert Reich: How CEOs Are Ruining America

[Newest Reality]

Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich breaks down a core contradiction about corporate executives: In the business of making a profit, they rig our system, then expect to be applauded when they make grand statements about solving the problems they helped cause.

These wealthy business moguls — like Jamie Dimon, head of JPMorgan Chase — claim that they are "patriots before CEOs" because they employ large numbers of workers or engage in corporate philanthropy.

But CEOs are in business to make a profit and maximize their share prices, not to serve America. And yet these CEOs dominate American politics and essentially run the system. Therein lies the problem: They cannot be advocates for their corporations and simultaneously national leaders responsible for the wellbeing of the country.