rbreich

rbreich , 2 hours ago to Random stuff

The Biden Admin is requiring airlines to disclose add-on costs like baggage fees upfront.

It's expected to save fliers $500M/year by making it easier to comparison shop.

Would you be surprised if I told you that Trump's Admin fought against efforts to rein in airline junk fees?

rbreich , 10 hours ago to Random stuff

Sunday caption: What? https://robertreich.substack.com/p/sunday-caption-what?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 19 hours ago to Random stuff

The FTC found evidence that a US oil exec colluded with OPEC in 2021 and 2022 to cut production and drive up prices.

The price-fixing scam is estimated to have cost Americans an extra $2,100 per year.

When I say corporate greed is driving inflation, this is what I mean.

rbreich , 22 hours ago to Random stuff

The Biden Admin's rule limiting credit card late fees was set to begin this past week.

But a Trump-appointed judge blocked it at the request of the Chamber of Commerce — costing families an estimated $27 million a day.

MAGA and corporate interests want to keep ripping you off.

rbreich , 1 day ago to Random stuff

Boeing shareholders approved a $33M pay package for CEO Dave Calhoun, despite overseeing huge losses and safety problems.

It's the biggest package ever given to a Boeing CEO.

Calhoun is resigning by year's end. Guess what he gets then?

A $45 million golden parachute.

Unreal.

rbreich , 1 day ago to Random stuff

How to overcome the moral squalor of Trump? | The Coffee Klatch, May 18, 2024 https://robertreich.substack.com/p/how-do-we-overcome-the-moral-squalor?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 1 day ago to Random stuff

How do we overcome the moral squalor of Trump? | The Coffee Klatch with Robert Reich https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UitHpSDJPQ&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 1 day ago to Random stuff

Corporate America’s playbook:

1. Exploit workers to maximize profits
2. Use profits to buy Congress
3. Use Congress to pass union-busting laws
4. Use union-busting laws to further exploit workers
5. Rinse and repeat

How we break this cycle? Build back a powerful labor movement.

rbreich , 1 day ago to Random stuff

The Brown v. Board ruling happened 70 years ago today.

The reversal of the Supreme Court’s previous “separate but equal” decision highlights how it’s possible to overcome bad SCOTUS decisions.

But it took years of activism from brave people to get there.

Keep fighting.

rbreich , 2 days ago to Random stuff

A "Stop the Steal" flag reportedly flew at the home of Justice Samuel Alito, just days after Jan 6.

Alito not being forced to recuse from Trump's immunity case and upcoming Jan 6 cases tells you everything you need to know about the new SCOTUS code of "ethics."

It's a sham.

rbreich , 2 days ago to Random stuff

My "Radical" Position That's Not so Radical Now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho4YOxm8ZAs&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 2 days ago to Random stuff

When an old, dear friend passes https://robertreich.substack.com/p/when-an-old-dear-friend-passes?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 2 days ago to Random stuff

Half of Amazon warehouse workers struggle with food and housing costs.

A third of the workers have had to rely on at least one government assistance program.

Amazon's stock hit an all time high in April. Jeff Bezos is now worth $203 billion.

This is what oligarchy looks like.

rbreich , 3 days ago to Random stuff

50 billionaire families have already spent $600 million on the 2024 elections.

More than half—$416 million—went to Republicans or conservative groups that want to extend Trump's tax cuts for the rich.

Could there be a clearer example of how big money corrupts our democracy?

rbreich , 3 days ago to Random stuff

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is our financial watchdog.

Today, SCOTUS upheld the agency's funding from attacks by shady payday lenders.

This is huge. Why?

Since 2011, the CFPB has put $17.5B back in the pockets of 200 million Americans who have been defrauded.

rbreich , 3 days ago to Random stuff

The loathsomeness of Trump world https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-loathsomeness-of-trump-world?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 3 days ago to Random stuff

S&P 500 companies bought back $181B of their shares in Q1 to pump up their value.

Buybacks are projected to reach $925B this year.

In 2025, they’re estimated to hit over $1 TRILLION.

Why is this driving inequality?

It's simple: the top 1% alone own roughly half of all stocks.

rbreich , 3 days ago to Random stuff

As SCOTUS continues to delay accountability for Trump in his presidential immunity case, remember that we still don't know who suddenly paid off Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s massive $260K+ credit card debt. Our High Court is compromised, and we need answers.

rbreich , 3 days ago to Random stuff

The latest numbers show inflation cooling.

But many still struggle with rent & gas prices — which contributed to 70% of April inflation.

Just so happens that recent investigations have found evidence of price-fixing in both industries.

High interest rates won't fix that.

rbreich , 4 days ago to Random stuff

Will Trump be criminally convicted in his election interference trial? If so, will it affect the election?

rbreich , 4 days ago to Random stuff

Will Trump be criminally convicted in his election interference trial? If so, will it affect the election?

rbreich , 4 days ago to Random stuff

Here's how two of the richest men in the world are trying to bust unions once and for all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9R8z4SiWKg&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 4 days ago to Random stuff

Walmart announced hundreds of layoffs yesterday.

But remember that the company has been hiking prices and raking in big profits.

Its share prices hit a record high in March.

The Walton family's net worth reached $267 billion this year.

Textbook corporate greed.

rbreich , 4 days ago to Random stuff

Office Hours: A convicted criminal for president? https://robertreich.substack.com/p/office-hours-272?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 4 days ago to Random stuff

Apple shares lost 10% of their value.

Then Apple announced plans to buy back $110 billion of its own stock.

After that, Apple shares had their best day since 2022.

There's a reason stock buybacks used to be considered illegal stock manipulations.

They should still be banned.

rbreich , 4 days ago to Random stuff

A new DoT rule will require airlines to disclose more fees upfront.

The rule will save passengers $500M a year by making it easier to comparison shop and avoid hidden fees.

Major airlines are up in arms and have sued.

Their power to rip us off is being challenged. About time.

rbreich , 4 days ago to Random stuff

4 years ago, an exec for a top PPE producer testified to Congress that in Jan 2020 (as fear of covid began to spread) his firm offered to ramp up production to make 1.7 million N95 masks available to the public per week.

The Trump admin said no.

rbreich , 5 days ago to Random stuff

The latest CBO estimate shows that extending the Trump tax cuts for the next 10 years would add $4.6 trillion to the deficit.

Remember this the next time Republicans propose cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

The "party of fiscal responsibility" is full of it.

rbreich , 5 days ago to Random stuff

For Nat'l Police Week, Speaker Johnson is hosting a candlelight vigil tonight to honor fallen police officers.

But first he's in New York to support Trump, who has promised to pardon the violent criminals who brutally assaulted about 140 Capitol Police on Jan 6.

rbreich , 5 days ago to Random stuff

Will Billionaires Destroy Worker Rights? | Robert Reich https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO1Q3yyXJ7E&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 5 days ago to Random stuff

How to make $50 million a year while your corporation goes down the tubes https://robertreich.substack.com/p/how-to-make-50-million-a-year-while?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 5 days ago to Random stuff

Trump's administration weakened or wiped out more than 125 environmental rules over four years.

Now, he's promised to do whatever Big Oil wants if they give him $1 billion for his campaign.

That's the thing with Trump: He'll sell us all out for his own gain.

Be warned.

rbreich , 5 days ago to Random stuff

Unionized Apple store workers in MD voted to authorize a strike.

Apple has been accused of not bargaining in good faith over pay.

But since contract talks began, Apple has announced ~$150 BILLION in stock buybacks.

I don't want to hear that Apple can't afford to pay workers.

rbreich , 5 days ago to Random stuff

The Biden Admin's rule limiting credit card late fees was set to begin tomorrow.

But a Trump-appointed judge blocked it at the request of the Chamber of Commerce — costing U.S. families an estimated $27 million a day.

MAGA and corporate interests want to keep ripping you off.

rbreich , 6 days ago to Random stuff

Trump referred to himself as “the builder president" who would fix America's roads and bridges.

The only thing he built was a tax code rigged for the rich.

Meanwhile, the Biden Admin has announced $454 billion in infrastructure projects in all 50 states.

The contrast is clear.

rbreich , 6 days ago to Random stuff

America’s second civil war? It’s already begun https://robertreich.substack.com/p/americas-second-civil-war-has-already?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 6 days ago to Random stuff

Lack of affordable childcare forces working moms to take unpaid time off & pass up good jobs, costing the average working mom of two ~$94,000 in lost income over their career.

Republicans (and Manchin & Sinema) have repeatedly blocked investments in childcare. Do they hate moms?

rbreich , 6 days ago to Random stuff

Did student protesters affect Biden's decision? https://robertreich.substack.com/p/student-demonstrators-and-bidens?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 6 days ago to Random stuff

Many of same Republicans in Congress sharing Mother's Day wishes also oppose paid family leave and universal childcare. Hello?

rbreich , 7 days ago to Random stuff

73% of mothers with kids under 18 are in the workforce. More than flowers or brunch, working moms need:

• Paid family leave
• Equal pay
• Universal childcare

(But get your mom flowers, too)

rbreich , 7 days ago to Random stuff

Sunday caption: His thoughts? https://robertreich.substack.com/p/sunday-caption-his-thoughts?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 7 days ago to Random stuff

Wondering if wealth inequality is out of control?

Well, Jeff Bezos made over $7.9 million an hour last year.

In just 13 minutes, he made the equivalent of what a typical person earns in a lifetime.

Don't tell me that the rich can't afford a wealth tax.

rbreich , 7 days ago to Random stuff

Stock buybacks don't just line the pockets of CEOs and shareholders — they're dangerous.

Boeing failed to implement a $7B redesign of its 737 Max while spending that much per year on buybacks.

A dollar spent on buybacks is a dollar less spent to upgrade equipment and safety.

rbreich , 8 days ago to Random stuff

Each of Trump's 34 criminal counts of false business filings in the New York case carries a penalty of up to four years in prison.

If Trump is convicted, what should the sentence be?

rbreich , 8 days ago to Random stuff

In 2023, @UAW stood up to the Big Three automakers and won big pay bumps.

Now it's launching organizing campaigns at more than a dozen non-union automakers.

VW workers in Tennessee unionized in April. Mercedes workers in Alabama vote on a union next week.

This is a huge deal.

rbreich , 8 days ago to Random stuff

Is this for real? The Coffee Klatch, Saturday, May 11, 2024 https://robertreich.substack.com/p/is-this-for-real-the-coffee-klatch?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 8 days ago to Random stuff

Is this for real?! | The Coffee Klatch with Robert Reich https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avk3c7XkmNE&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

rbreich , 8 days ago to Random stuff

Reminder that Trump is floating cuts to Social Security and Medicare — supposedly to address the debt — yet supports extending his tax cuts for the rich, adding $4.6 trillion to the deficit.

This isn't about the debt.

It’s about doing the bidding of his wealthy donors.