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This is EXACTLY how I feel every day. I don’t know how to reach anyone anymore. I have joined Indivisible, Common Cause and RepresentUs here in Austin, Texas. I am now a Precinct Chair in my county. I knew almost nothing about politics 3 years ago. I woke up. I stepped up. I thought I would inspire others to do the same. Now I help create ads and videos for these organizations. This week with Indivisible, we just did a Jan 6th candlelight Vigil at the Texas Capitol. We had amazing speakers, US Reps, State Reps, candidates for AG etc - maybe 50 people showed up. - I put the Ad all over social media. I got 3 likes, no comments. A few weeks ago, I posted a selfie with my wife and I having a cocktail… 100 likes and 30+ comments… I’m starting to lose respect for my friends. I’ve been at this nonstop- I don’t know how to get anyone to step up, to show up, to really pay attention… I’ve tried logic, humor, sometimes anger out of frustration to try and tell people how badly we need them to see that their lives are out of balance. Where is their civic responsibility beyond voting? Why is a Netflix series more important than reality? Some people claim burnout (like you wrote about the other day) but I point out, these are not people doing anything to get burnt out from. These are people like me from three years ago when I was just too self involved to see that I was not paying attention and not doing my civic responsibility. As a result, it was my fault someone like Trump got elected. What’s happening right now is all of our fault. All we have to do is step up. This is fixable if we could reach people willing to change their lives to truly support our democracy. It’s just not happening…. I’m not giving up but I can tell you, while I’ve met some incredible people inside of these organizations I have joined, we’re fighting this fight but we’re not making a tiny dent in waking people up to consider the common good, much less do anything about it. - I feel like I’m such a downer in my comments. I don’t mean to be at all but, I want to be blatantly honest. We’re losing our democracy and it’s our fault, but no one is willing to own it or change it… I hired an immigration lawyer yesterday… broke my heart…. I see the writing on the wall…. I would spend every moment of my time and every single last penny I have to change it but I don’t know how.

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It is shocking to see the extremes to which Republicans are going to demolish the common good. It has blown my mind that there are no safe guards to prevent what is happening now in our country. There are obviously no laws to confront those who don't honor their oaths of office. even before our former guy, there were moments when things were happening that had no remedy. Newt Gingrich and the gang. Mr. Boener and his speakership. Mitch McConnell bragging about being 'the grim reaper' and vowing to not cooperate with anything Democrats want to do. The increasing use of government shut downs. The bail outs with taxpayer's money of entities too big to fail that have used our treasury as a casino. Where was any meaningful pushback? What is the oath of office if those taking it do not have to actually follow it? Why are these people getting paid? Why are those associated with a coup attempt still in office. They are still at it, by taking away votes, using the 'states rights' arguments? If they disenfranchise people, isn't that against the Constitution? Where is the remedy; and most importantly, what's next? Legalized slavery?

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"But if we are to participate in the same society we must agree on how we deal with our disagreements, our obligations under the law, and our commitment to democracy." In the summer of 2013, soon after I established myself in the United States as a Green Card holder, I watched in disbelief a certain Ted Cruz adamantly trying to obtain a government shutdown. I cannot remember what the pretext was at that time but I can say I was utterly shocked. This guy was clearly situating himself out of the realm of politics since if things weren't going his way, the country had to shut down. Because of him and others who did not seem to have the slightest regard for democracy, I wondered for quite some time where I had landed. The only thing that kept my faith alive, beyond the common decency and generosity of the American people, is that I knew a country stands not by its boundaries or its culture (the former can change and the latter evolves) but by its project. I adhere to what the United States is meant to be. (Apologies for saying I and me so much; this is just my testimony as a new comer)

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Jan 8, 2022·edited Jan 8, 2022

There is a story by Pierre Rabhi whose book I read in French. There was a huge fire that was burning the forest and a hummingbird went and got some water in its beak and threw it on the fire. Everyone laughed and asked him what he thought he was doing by putting so little water on such a great fire. The hummingbird replied, "I'm doing my part." I'm a mentally ill artist. I live in a different world than most people. I am somewhat isolated but I surround myself with good people who believe in the common good. I am very selective about who I let into my life. I can't do much but I do what I can. I vote, I am vegan for the animals and for climate change, I speak up when I don't have to, I participate in organized protests, I am active on social media. I have many issues that I stand behind, like prison reform (à la Michel Foucault), teaching true history to my nephews in school, rethinking many systems of power (Foucault again), mental health as a basic human right, etc. It is not easy being who I am and living at the edge of town in Mississippi. I am half Thai, half Caucasian. I am not included in statistical reporting. Yes, for me it IS all about ME. I live in a bubble of my own making. It is essential for my mental well-being. I write. I cannot blog. It is a disaster. But I can write well. And it will be my tool for social justice. I love writing essays. I like Angela Davis, James Baldwin, Zadie Smith, and others who have used writing to bring about social change. I'm reading The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. I have only just begun to write, so don't expect anything from me yet. Since I went to Paris for the last month, I basically completed my memoir that needs a bit more revision, and I don't know how to end it since I'm still living my life. I have found my tool for preserving the common good. Just give me a bit more time. I graduate in 2024. I hope this hasn't been too self-indulgent, but as an artist I must express myself, and let you know what I am doing to preserve the common good. Thank you, Mr. Reich, for today's newsletter and topic.

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Before I read your email this morning, I was thinking about your essay regarding the despair so many feel as a result of government-facilitated inequality. I then thought that what might add to the despair is the fact that so many in our federal government seem to be using their government positions to enrich themselves, looking out for #1. I'm thinking particularly of members of Congress holding individual stocks that they can buy and sell according to privileged information they receive, and can also enact legislation to benefit businesses in which they hold stock. Some U.S. senators made a considerable amount of money from the pandemic that devastated so many American lives. We have federal judges deciding cases involving businesses in which they hold stock. Even a member of the Federal Reserve got in on the action. There has to be a common good for our society to survive, but it's hard to sustain that message when our purported leaders act in their own interest at the public's expense.

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Jan 8, 2022·edited Jan 8, 2022

It is all well and good to speak about coming together to preserve our democracy and I respect that notion highly but alas there are far too many who have become outliers due to the rampantly persistent propaganda and miscommunication our country has endured, most especially seen throughout the trump years to the present. This goes far beyond the “me” mentality of the ‘70s…the cloak of fascism and dark rhetoric has produced sinister mistrust in our citizens which in turn has caused hatred for their fellow man and I mean real loathing and resentment. I’ve seen it, I’ve spoken to it and it’s ugly and pathetically misguided. We have treasonous politicians advising their constituents to go to the streets and fight for what’s rightly theirs and damn the rest. This idea of a common good doesn’t stand a chance when the citizens of these United states are no longer willing to stand beside each other and work together. I’m sorry if I sound cynical but it’s so palpable as we approach the midterms. You may have heard the idiot Cruz backpedaling to the great white Carlson the other night following his admonishment of the nightmare that was January 6. How can people come together as long as miscreants such as Cruz and all the rest of them continue to speak out of both sides of their mouths?

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My thoughts? You are entirely correct, and that's why I'm here. I always learn something, and you give me hope, you motivate me to participate and trudge on and think positively towards keeping the good things and changing the diapers that Republican have been filling up lately. But, all in to work together to save democracy.

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I grew up in the fifties. I raised two adopted children. I stayed home to raise them. They did not have all the advantages of their friends who had working mothers. At story hour, we mothers grimly shared the knowing that we were a “heartbeat” away from welfare. I volunteered in a hospital, the town library, and in my children’s school. Was a founding and active member of our PTO. I went to Board of education meetings and finance board meetings and town meetings. Only once did I not vote, due to illness. I took classes at a community college. It took ten years for me to get a (pretty much worthless in the job market) Associate in Arts degree. I was told if I wanted to finish my education I could mortgage my house to pay for it. The house that my husband and I built with our own hands, as many others in my neighborhood had. I worked part time jobs for years and finally retired after working for 26 years in a non union hospital, that stripped us of our benefits, one year at a time. (When my husband was laid off at the age of 55, along with many others who worked for General Dynamics, Human Resources complained about all the employees that were now adding their spouses to their insurance.). I am proud of the service I gave to our patients. I cared for them the way I would want my family cared for. I spent 6 years caring for my own parents, who had devastating illnesses. Beware, if you choose to serve, you will be considered a fool. And if you work in a non-union business, after two decades, you will be the object of greed that before that you may never saw coming. Thankfully I have a son who is moving me in with him and his wife. If your heart says serve, then serve, but know that in this society you will be looked upon as worthless. Service is not where we are at. Taking care of others is for the foolhardy. And yes, I got all of my COVID shots, and wear masks because it was for the common good, as well as my own. My conscience is clear. When I die I won’t regret how I spent my life. Probably neither will the greedy.

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I'm just going to throw this out there. I love everything I have read here today. I have been reading constantly since Trump got elected. That is when I finally realized my civic duty, no matter how small a difference it makes, is important. I should have realized that 50 years ago. My fault for being self absorbed.

Based on my reading, including a number of Dr. Reich's books, I am coming to believe that the root problem here is systemic racism, which has always existed in the United States, but has now successfully been used by those who think it is their right to own everything, and those people have spread racism to new levels not seen since the Civil War. The simple plan is as always to blame "the others". The poor, mostly people of color, and immigrants, who have always provided a cheap labor source here, are portrayed as the villains. This has pitted the two largest parts of society, the poor and working class, against each other. And because it has been done so subtly over so many years we almost can't see it happening. Especially the marginalized working class who probably have no time to read the many excellent books on the subject because they are too busy working overtime trying to survive.

I have no doubt that the architects of the society we now have are triumphantly and gleefully enjoying their victory. I still have hope that when the time comes the good people, who I think outnumber the misguided angry, will come together. I am hopeful that the human heart is at it's core compassionate. I can only hope that is enough to win the day for the majority. So it's the oldest story, good verses evil. Only now it's sometimes confusing to many people which one is which. Let's all keep doing the best we can.

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As a Christian, I can also tell you where to find the "common good". Paul in his letter to the Church in Rome writes that government should be God's servant for the common good (Romans 13:1-8). Yet, conservative "Christian" pastors ignore the Bible, & try to hijack Christianity for power & money, read "American Fascists" by Chris Hedges.This reminds me of theologian Karl Barth who similarly exposed the "Christians" who supported Hitler in his writings. As Paul warned his Church in Corinth, beware of pastors who "are mere peddlers of God's word", & do NOT "speak in Christ".

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Jan 8, 2022·edited Jan 8, 2022

Here's another - perhaps moronic - notion. The Federal Government has jurisdiction over state lines. State election results of federal elections necessarily cross state lines. The Federal Government should be able to block institutionally falsified Federal election results at the state lines under laws against transporting stolen goods across a state line or crossing a state line to escape justice in the act of committing a felony. Just another thought.

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Thank you for that! Along with all that, it would be interesting to see how the polarization in our politics tracks with the rise in the extreem income/wealth inequality.

America in the past may have been "good" because America was still "expanding" in size, economy and opportunities. Now, with the rest of the World catching up, America and Americans are more "constrained" and hemped in.

As a people, we simply do not know how to deal with such restrains. The people of the World have learned these facts of life by bitter history. We rather blame others and weave conspiracies to explain why life is so difficult.

Add to this mix Reagan and his "government is the problem" ideology, and all radical extremism in our country can be explained. The rise of Trump is not a historical accident!

But what can be done? The country cannot "self-correct"! Only the major political parties can prevent the immediate threat of Trumpism by enacting Party Rules that can "certify" a candidate as being "safe for consumption". We do as much for the food we eat!

But don't expect the Republican Party to do that. Only the Democratic Party can take the lead on this!

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"My thoughts" are that I don't of course agree with everything you say but that I agree with enough and respect you enough that I want to be your teammate and mentee which our modern technology allows me to do. Perhaps, no definitely, I think that I can even mentor (for lack of a less presumptuous word) you in some way. My admiration for you was validated by a friend who knew you at Berkeley and vouched that you were kind and helpful on a personal level. I add to your comments that there is a growing body of scientific knowledge and logic showing that true "selfishness" (i.e. happiness, fulfillment, etc.) includes a great deal of "selflessness", that it is truly often "better (not only for others but for oneself) to give than to receive." I am enjoying the conversations and the actions flowing from them. Thanks to you and all others commenting!

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How do we protect democracy when its potential destroyers are no longer fringe groups but institutions like state legislatures? I fear it is too late. If the 2024 election is decided by these institutions, we’re goners. But I see no way to stop them. The Supreme Court? How can that work if they are asked to choose the President every four years? That’s not democracy either.

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I think we do have common ground but we are being distracted from it. I suspect that a white Christian male with fascist leanings and black lesbian with communist leanings want a fruitful economic life, dignity in old age. We want the well being of those we love most—education for are children, a comfortable retirement for are parents. We want respect.

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I agree but I also fear: (forthcoming in my Myth Busters column, Columbus Free Press)

The Constitution begins, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Prosperity.” All states endorse this “founding,” if aspirational, text. American history, even before 1776 and 1787 and long after those dates, has been devoted to making those aspirations a reality for all Americans.

A dominating conception of “the public” is central to the U.S. in theory and centuries-long struggles. Today represents an extraordinary retreat, especially for people other than white males. For the partly empowered peoples from 1863-65 “emancipations” through women’s suffrage in 1920 and civil and voting rights legislation in 1965, an inclusive public has always been contested. The battle increases anew with the combined and interconnected assaults on public health, public education, public safety, genuine choice and freedom, right to vote, right to control one’s body, right to gender determination, right to....

Yet the actual text of the Constitution, like the letter of the laws and the Declaration of Independence, is a surprise to many right-wing ideologues and their followers. In sharp contradiction to the founding texts and the abundance of court case histories, they “promote” ignorant and false notions of “freedom” and “rights.” Genuine conservatives—who respect facts, honor debate, support tolerance, and campaign for limited government, not banning everything with which they disagree—have always endorsed the Constitution. They argue over more subtle, interpretative issues.

What today’s false “freedom fighters” share with their book-banning and free-speech-curtailing co-conspirators is a willful lack of knowledge of—a refusal or perhaps an inability to read—the texts that they alternatively wish to enshrine or “cancel,” to use one of their favorite terms. To a historian, this is unprecedented.

To a significant extent, this challenge results from the right-wing assault on strong public education, rigorously trained teachers, and broadly and deeply educated youngsters prepared for maturity and citizenship—and on the free speech of these parties. (See Graff, “The new illiteracy and the banning of books, past and present,” Publishers Weekly, Jan. 3 (online Dec. 31 https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/columns-and-blogs/soapbox/article/88195-harvey-j-graff-examines-the-history-of-book-banning.html); Graff, "Testing can save democracy," Inside Higher Education, Oct 10, 2021 [https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2021/10/21/civics-test-should-be-required-hold-public-office-opinion]; Graff, “There is no debate about critical race theory,” Washington Monthly, Sept. 4, 2021 [https://washingtonmonthly.com/2021/09/04/there-is-no-debate-about-critical-race-theory/]; Graff, “The new white fright and flight and the critical race theory nondebate,” Academe Blog, Sept. 30, 2021 [https://academeblog.org/2021/09/30/the-new-white-fright-and-flight-and-the-critical-race-theory-nondebate/].)

In the place of our once-proud tradition of “We the People,” “more perfect Union,” and “general Welfare,” we have inconsistent, contradictory, and selfish campaigns against commonsense public health, such as regular vaccinations that were accepted practice and whose success is unquestioned. This is the new, radical individualism and selfishness. It includes arguments that amount to the purported “right” to catch and spread disease and death to oneself, one’s loved ones, and the public.

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