Robert Reich: Is America Becoming a Third World Country?

[Newest Reality]

I really have to put an emphasis on the series of videos that Robert Reich has been doing.

If you don't have time to really read up on the multitude of complex, (yet essential) factors that are not even addressed often in corporate media, then he is providing a sound, fact-based, and comprehensive collection of information to make things clearer. In that case, knowledge is power and it makes us all far less prone to sensationalism and manipulation.

He also often offers ideas for the ways and means for changing things and rectifying the looming problems we face. The Democratic platform should consider and incorporate his lead and we might do well to consider and promote what is being related, at least when it comes to policies and framing the most pertinent issues.

Don't let this kind of information get lost in the white noise of the daily overwhelm of info. What we have going for us is that we can continue to be information-based, which is the opposite of the misinformed, low-information voters that have supported the politics that are decimating the country. Stay with this and resist mere, emotional reactions by shifting to reasonable responses. There is a big difference and it helps us to stay on focus in the land of distraction.

Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich breaks down what America has in common with developing countries.

[Clarity2]

1. Love Robert Reich

He is another person I wish to see in the next Dem administration.

[Newest Reality]

2. Oh yes!!!!

For sure. And more LIKE HIM! I don't think there is a shortage.

[appalachiablue]

3. K & R The issue is people not having access to the kind

valuable, truthful messages that Reich provides given the fractured nature of media, the lack of time, and ignorance esp. of the new "online media' and all that it offers.

Many folks still resort to following traditional media, newspaper and TV broadcasts, even some that are well educated.

They think of the internet as an instrument for social contact, entertainment and not as a primary news source- at least plenty that I know. And it's a shame, but the way it is.

[Newest Reality]

4. Yup!

That's a good observation.

So, rather than yield to the prevalence of that, it may start with recognizing what you pointed out, first, and in larger numbers.

Then, we might pull back and be a bit more mindful about our approach. If the stakes were not so ridiculously high, then taking a new or better approach might be along the lines of a mere preference. However, that is not the case at all.

I would say that focus, determination, adaptability and flexibility are good traits to cultivate and talk about. Really, the Darwinian perspective is that the most adaptable species survive, that is what makes them fit. I think our party has a better chance at that and we can utilize it to its utmost if we decide to engage that way.

It is also a dialogue and higher degree of relevant interactivity that may be crucial factors these days.

[appalachiablue]

5. The 'most adaptable species survive,' is the obvious truth!

Trying my best to 'survive' and educate others despite the obstacles mentioned.

[Newest Reality]

6. I commend you on that!

And I support that POV fully.

The same here.

I would also add consoling and comforting people when possible. From the way people sometimes describe their reactions to what is going on, there seems to be way too much emotional energy being drained by that. When you observe headlines and posts here that indicate physiological symptoms, confusion, rage, etc. that might be an indicator.

Sure, people can express that and get things off their chest, etc., but, looking carefully into being moved and impacted,,(the how and why) like that from media and politicians is my point. We may want to transcend that only because the tools used work to evoke those responses, distract us and burn us out emotionally. In other words, we are easily played by an expertise used to accomplish more reaction than response. We might not want to think of that as either participation or "normal". I can make us our own worse enemy.

Of course, feeling is important, but the way some of the manipulations are obviously designed is to go for them first, leaving the subject post-rationalizing the propaganda's effects, or suffering various symptoms, rather than being able to digest it and respond well, which is far more empowering. Having more energy is more powerful, plain and simple.

The old saying, cooler heads prevail, is also apropos here.

[Tiggeroshii]

7. Wondering when this former Secretary Of Labor is going to throw his hat in the ring for the nom

[burrowowl]

8. It is not becoming

it is: corruption on high, distribution of wealth, health as a messed of profit, degraded infrastructure, etc.