Thanks for watching. If you found this video informative, be sure to also watch our video on 10 ways to save American democracy: ruclips.net/video/3OUbWJrbzog/видео.html
Close enough. If the typical citizen has no influence and government serves the best interest of an elite then that can only mean one thing. America is not an oligarchy. It is however, the next worse thing, a plutocracy. Unlike systems such as democracy, capitalism, socialism or anarchism, plutocracy is not rooted in an established political philosophy. If Elitism is running the show then we the people must fight for the opposite, Egalitarianism.
This is an excellent explanation of how our system currently works and how some great leaders of the past (Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt) prevented the United States from becoming or remaining an oligarchy. We desperately need that kind of leadership again.
@Joel DeWitt not if government working against power and wealth concentration by a few. What's the difference between oligarchy and dictatorial government if they work for their own interests?? None. At least we have the power to make sure our government work for us through democracy. We can't do the same for oligarchy.
My father taught me at an early age the golden rule; "He who has the gold, makes the rules." I've only known America as an oligarchy. It would be nice if politicians cared about and listened to average Americans.
Almost shocking, but some do. Check Elizabeth Warren as one obvious example. There are quite a few others, too. Unfortunately, and partially conceding your point, they are far too few.
Unfortunately, I was taught the same and it's ashamed that society is like this way. It's also ashamed for me to think that if Bernie doesn't win the primary that no matter who I vote for (Trump vs "Insert name here") that my vote doesn't matter cause both sides of the aisle is pretty much corrupted. Kinda like "Whoever wins, we lose" (we the people)
One of the problems with this is that those in power have convinced Average Americans to vote against their interests. One of the reasons we have fewer unions than we used to have. Also, convincing workings class white people that minorities are the cause for their problems instead of the rich was a useful trick.
It seems one powerful individual or corporation (because they are now people) can turn the will of the people upside down with PAC/SuperPAC and/or lobbying. We also have to put the onus on the people of the US because we are brilliant when it comes to pop culture and stone stupid when it comes to basic understanding of government and law.
Unfortunately, America has become an oligarchy. Many of our elected officials are not responsive to their constituents, but to the big donors who fund their campaigns. We need campaign finance reform. Thank you, Prof. Reich, for pointing this out.
You should read what some of What his critics have to say too, you know to get both sides you wouldn’t want to be fooled if there is a chance that he’s saying is misleading.
@@markbenoit I'm a capitalist. I just believe that the economy has served a diminishing few at the expense of the growing many. In fact Trump ran on the forgotten man.
@@DV-dt9sq : But the final nail in the coffin was Reagan, with his draconian policies of defunding social programs and creating the corporate welfare state, which has continued until this day. Trump is just Reagan without the acting skills.
Putin is dealing with far lower levels of finance than we are. Fortunately, he is a good manager and puts the protection of his people and their well-being first. With leadership like that and Sergei Lavrov running the Dept. of Foreign Relations, things are getting better and most Russians approve. They are coming at democracy from a different angle (with a vastly different past) and they seem more aware of their true situation than we do.
@Frederic Bastiat The context of the time period between 1860-90 is very different to now. The country was welcoming millions upon millions of immigrants to fuel the economy as cheap labor in the Gilded Age. If you read your own linked article, you'd understand that the wealth was built largely on the backs of cheap immigrant labor who packed the industrial cities and lived largely impoverished lives. Today, we are actively hostile toward immigration unless they are highly skilled (as recently said by Trump). The cheap labor of any future gilded age would largely have to come from within our own ranks, or as has been the case lately, outsourced to where the cheap labor is. In either case, this screws the working class out of good paying jobs because they have to choose between having no job or one with suppressed wages jobs that compete with cheap overseas labor.
Larry Sherk mm finally some fresh propaganda-shades-free perspective on whats going on with russian “democracy” from someone who seems to be located in the western hemisphere. Can I somehow subscribe to your books reviews on amazon ? :)
@@larrysherk Different history, but definitely their own uniquely Russian problems. For instance, Putin has had some trouble easing the tensions between subordinates like Бо́ртников and Кады́ров. It got so bad between them he allegedly just took a vacation until they chilled out.
Rhetoric attempts to use words (and feelings) to argue and persuade because not enough facts (or logic) exist to support what is being said. Rhetoric is not used when the facts are plentiful enough to speak for themselves. You don't have to apply rhetoric (or logic) to convince (or explain) what is already obvious.
I definitely enjoy your videos Mr. Reich. Very informative and out there for Mass consumption. Full of pertinent information that the masses deserve to have. Bravo!
Robert. I would like to say, thank you for this video. Your video has not just helped in my essay about the elite theory, but it also helped me to expand my understanding on the oligarchies, and their role within political and civil society. Thank you again, keep up the good work.
@@larrynix4977 You completely missed the point. In the 70s the Supreme Court legalized bribery. Now Billionaires buy politicians (including 45) and run our country. 45 is a symptom of what is wrong, not a cure for anything. Same applies to Biden and Pelosi. The enemy isn't liberals or conservatives. It is the greedy rich bastards who use their influence to dictate a tax code that kills the poor and shackles the middle class.
Thank you Inequality Media, as Rev. Dr. William Barber always says inequality became again the biggest issue in our nation, and nobody is talking about it! We must make it the most important election issue! And he quotes the statistics about it!
Thankful that I’ve discovered your channel and YT body of work! As painful as the recognition of our brutal reality may be I’m glad I get to observe these critical thinking and integration pieces you present. Bravo!
RR was brilliant in Clinton's cabinet; we need him back in Warren's. Then RR for POTUS. Winner-takes-all is not a formula for long-term prosperity, but it's a built-in defect of capitalism. Enlightened government can mitigate the excesses and keep the engine humming at peak efficiency; see, e.g., FDR.
Thank You Robert Reich for your videos of reality. You speak with great volume and more so people should take the opportunity to learn what have to teach. The world would be a Better Place. Thanks ! .
Thanks for the info Frederick, appreciated. I knew some of this, not all. And all that sounds great, but as far as I know lot of that quickly deteriorated after they went to war. But also it doesn't matter cos OP said 'fascism' not 'nazism'. Nazism is just one version of fascism which is much broader term.
I agree with first and last paragraph ( don't know much about Von Hayek tho), and I don't have energy to argue against the rest right now. Maybe next week... I'll just say for now, you claiming that anarchy is far right baffles me. I looks like you're rather eloquent so if you don't mind explaning, that would be great. Have a nice day.
Excellent presentation,simple,clear,direct,it would enable the least educated to understand where the wealth and political power lies. It has the quality of a moral tale of fairness,justice.morality.
Agree. It's going to be a hard road ahead. Wrestling the political power and wealth free will take close to a revolution to accomplish. Who can unite the people like FDR did to spearhead the movement?
Thank you for your service to this great country Mr Reich. You and your team are hero’s. You give me hope we may yet save this country from the immoral, the corrupt, the inept & the stupid...
THANK YOU AGAIN ROBERT. Please don't stop. You are at the very least the canary in the coal mine that we need. Your contribution is invaluable. The number of views of this video might not reflect it but it seems like 95% of people I talk to see trump for the destructive effects that he wroughts and want him gone.
Just looked you up and was happily surprised to see your friendship with Michael Schwerner. That told me a lot about your commitment to fighting injustice.
4c1dr3fl3x I’m sorry if I appear ignorant, but is your comment referring to an actual book, or, are you being facetious? If it’s an actual book, who is the author, please? I’ve googled and gotten nowhere.
Wow Robert! An artist too?! America needs your knowledge and insight more than ever. I really believe you could make a change. Thanks for all you do. A lifelong fan.
Great presentation, most informative. It would have been interesting to include the original sins of genocide and enslavement into this discussion, and how theae factors influenced the "development" of the US.
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.” like Mr. Ford once said
The best way to describe the situation is of a nation-state where oligarchy (often international power and money) operates outside democracy but with enormous impact on it. Joe Foweraker's recent book Oligarchy and the Americas compares oligarchies in the US with those in Latin America.
I learn so much from Professor Reich. I’m certain we’re an oligarchy. But I’m also very concerned that we are also being moved toward a form of religious fascism. Our democratic republic hasn’t been so imperiled since the civil war.
Thank you for a very informative and interesting video Dr. Reich. I will appreciate an example of a non-oligarchy nation or country. It will be interesting to know this nowadays. Is there any?
Ill tell you what I think Bob... I say we have to come to our senses and get rid of capitalism, rather than repeating history again and again, in this never ending class war!
I love this man! Mr. Reich, you bring such important topics to the average person, and you synthesize them so well. What will it take for Americans to understand?
Prof. Reich, is there any chance of you and Prof. Wolfe having a discussion or debate on practical economics? I have learned a lot from both of you and respect you both.
Thank you for talking about, "Concentrations of Wealth". "Too Big to Fail" is worship of the monopolistic burden. What are your suggestions for reversing the concentration of wealth trend? Good job.
Honestly, I don't in any way feel myself qualified to comment on anything Mr. Reich says on any topic, but as a member in good standing of the 99%, I have to totally agree with his point of view that we are an oligarchy. No doubt about it. In fact, I believe the process started going back to the Nixon Administration and was accelerated by the Reagan Administration leading to the mess we got with the Trump Administration. We don't need billionaire presidents or millionaire representatives doing favors for their rich friends. That's a third world oligarchy.
Mr. Reich, I like what you say. I think that we need a new vision. I am backing Andrew Yang. I think his ideas about the future and what is coming are very important. He is the future if America is to survive as a democracy. "By the people, for the people, with liberty and justice for all".
I’ve felt this way about our system for so long, but didn’t know the word for it!! My mind is blown to visually see what I’ve been seeing if that makes sense lol.
I have been preaching that the US is a plutocracy for the past four decades, after Carter left office. Being that I am not a professor , heck I don't even have a high school diploma , what is the objective difference between a oligarchy and a plutocracy? Thanks in advance , preach on brother Robert 🤙✊
We can disagree on how to resolve this but every American should stand together in agreeing that we are an oligarchy disguised as a democratic republic
Elizabeth Warren has called for a wealth tax on all accumulated wealth over 50 million dollars. I support this idea, it is the same thing as the property tax most of us pay on our homes . . . so it is a fair thing to do. However I would go further than Elizabeth Warren by supporting a wealth cap at 50 million dollars. The wealth cap would forever eliminate the oligarchy and prevent our grand children from having to deal with this problem again in another 100 years.
100% Oligarchy in America, or for that matter any nation-state that is shifting towards increasing wealth disparity. So happy people like you are talking about it.
This is one of the few times I would agree with Reich. His thesis is similar to the one in Thomas Piketty's book 'Capital in the Twenty-First Century. The book is currently available and is worth a read.
Thanks for watching. If you found this video informative, be sure to also watch our video on 10 ways to save American democracy: ruclips.net/video/3OUbWJrbzog/видео.html
Oligarchy bad. Choose Communism ☭. YAY MY FAVORITE COMMIE MADE A NEW VIDEO!! ❤️❤️😍
Over half a million people homeless in this country. And more destined to be homeless. And we ask if America is an oligarchy. The answer is yes
Close enough. If the typical citizen has no influence and government serves the best interest of an elite then that can only mean one thing. America is not an oligarchy. It is however, the next worse thing, a plutocracy. Unlike systems such as democracy, capitalism, socialism or anarchism, plutocracy is not rooted in an established political philosophy. If Elitism
is running the show then we the people must fight for the opposite, Egalitarianism.
Tech Oligarcs: Alphabet, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft. All Democrats🤔
Sir you need to be the next President. Thank you for your insights.
This is an excellent explanation of how our system currently works and how some great leaders of the past (Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt) prevented the United States from becoming or remaining an oligarchy. We desperately need that kind of leadership again.
Bernie 2020!
@Jonssoni921, you are exactly right. The Roosevelts cared more for their country than they cared for their own personal interest.
Bernie is the only one that could do it again!
@Joel DeWitt So what? Every year, new terms emerge *to illustrate our reality* . What's your point?
@Joel DeWitt not if government working against power and wealth concentration by a few. What's the difference between oligarchy and dictatorial government if they work for their own interests?? None.
At least we have the power to make sure our government work for us through democracy. We can't do the same for oligarchy.
My father taught me at an early age the golden rule; "He who has the gold, makes the rules." I've only known America as an oligarchy. It would be nice if politicians cared about and listened to average Americans.
Almost shocking, but some do. Check Elizabeth Warren as one obvious example. There are quite a few others, too. Unfortunately, and partially conceding your point, they are far too few.
Unfortunately, I was taught the same and it's ashamed that society is like this way. It's also ashamed for me to think that if Bernie doesn't win the primary that no matter who I vote for (Trump vs "Insert name here") that my vote doesn't matter cause both sides of the aisle is pretty much corrupted. Kinda like "Whoever wins, we lose" (we the people)
One of the problems with this is that those in power have convinced Average Americans to vote against their interests. One of the reasons we have fewer unions than we used to have. Also, convincing workings class white people that minorities are the cause for their problems instead of the rich was a useful trick.
It seems one powerful individual or corporation (because they are now people) can turn the will of the people upside down with PAC/SuperPAC and/or lobbying.
We also have to put the onus on the people of the US because we are brilliant when it comes to pop culture and stone stupid when it comes to basic understanding of government and law.
@@dasher607 With your comment I'm starting to think you need to be on the presidential ballot. You have great insight and understanding of life
Unfortunately, America has become an oligarchy. Many of our elected officials are not responsive to their constituents, but to the big donors who fund their campaigns. We need campaign finance reform. Thank you, Prof. Reich, for pointing this out.
Yes it is an oligarchy. By definition. I have read much of your work Robert. And really appreciate you.
You should read what some of What his critics have to say too, you know to get both sides you wouldn’t want to be fooled if there is a chance that he’s saying is misleading.
@@markbenoit I'm a capitalist. I just believe that the economy has served a diminishing few at the expense of the growing many. In fact Trump ran on the forgotten man.
I agree with you. The few are forcing poverty on more and more people. 👍👍🥺
Progressive Socialism its called and the Democrats preach this in the government. America is already socialist next is communism.
Thank you for your videos. Very well researched and presented. Keep up the great work!
You know who he is right?
@Frederic Bastiat :- cut & paste much???
@Frederic Bastiat Wow, another seriously confused comment.
So well researched by using a filter to block all info that goes against what he wants to be true.
America has been an Oligarchy since the early 1980s. Ronald Reagan made sure of that.
And before him. Eisenhower, Truman, Nixon, Johnson... ;)
@@DV-dt9sq : But the final nail in the coffin was Reagan, with his draconian policies of defunding social programs and creating the corporate welfare state, which has continued until this day. Trump is just Reagan without the acting skills.
@@danvol3835 : Yes, I agree.
Trickle Down Economics; the monster that just won't die!
That is right. Lower level wages flat-lined in the early seventies. By 1980, businesses saw they were marketing not products but ideas and dreams.
Thank you Professor Reich, very insightful. 🇺🇸 🌈😎🤓🌈
@Frederic Bastiat :- cutting & pasting all over this conversation !!!
@Frederic Bastiat Nonsense.
@Frederic Bastiat So you are a Nazi sympathizer? FIGURES.
Oligarchy, it appears so. During the next Washington change we need you back there working for us Robert and to put things back correctly.
Bernie's Treasury Secretary (:
@Ronie Lavon Bullshit.
Thank you for doing what you do!
Top marks, Mr. Reich, for both communication and education. Your videos continue to be very appreciated by me. Please keep up the excellent work!
Thanks for the good references so we can all follow, the best!
I suddenly see why Donald Trump admires Putin.
Putin is dealing with far lower levels of finance than we are. Fortunately, he is a good manager and puts the protection of his people and their well-being first. With leadership like that and Sergei Lavrov running the Dept. of Foreign Relations, things are getting better and most Russians approve. They are coming at democracy from a different angle (with a vastly different past) and they seem more aware of their true situation than we do.
@Frederic Bastiat The context of the time period between 1860-90 is very different to now. The country was welcoming millions upon millions of immigrants to fuel the economy as cheap labor in the Gilded Age. If you read your own linked article, you'd understand that the wealth was built largely on the backs of cheap immigrant labor who packed the industrial cities and lived largely impoverished lives.
Today, we are actively hostile toward immigration unless they are highly skilled (as recently said by Trump). The cheap labor of any future gilded age would largely have to come from within our own ranks, or as has been the case lately, outsourced to where the cheap labor is. In either case, this screws the working class out of good paying jobs because they have to choose between having no job or one with suppressed wages jobs that compete with cheap overseas labor.
Admires; it's a bromance!!!
Larry Sherk mm finally some fresh propaganda-shades-free perspective on whats going on with russian “democracy” from someone who seems to be located in the western hemisphere. Can I somehow subscribe to your books reviews on amazon ? :)
@@larrysherk Different history, but definitely their own uniquely Russian problems. For instance, Putin has had some trouble easing the tensions between subordinates like Бо́ртников and Кады́ров. It got so bad between them he allegedly just took a vacation until they chilled out.
Bernie &/or E. Warren POTUS 2020 with Rbt Reich as part of their administration. Then Rbt Reich POTUS 2024. Def got my vote.
"Is America an oligarchy?", is possibly a borderline rhetorical question these days.
Rhetoric attempts to use words (and feelings) to argue and persuade because not enough facts (or logic) exist to support what is being said.
Rhetoric is not used when the facts are plentiful enough to speak for themselves.
You don't have to apply rhetoric (or logic) to convince (or explain) what is already obvious.
Yes! A big HELL YES, and this time they’ve got the damn courts on their side.
With Bernie the USA will become a democracy once again instead of an oligarchy
Instead of the United States of Koch Bros.
Power to the people ☭!!
@@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing and The Mercers and the Murdochs
Rothschilds and Rockefellers
@Jeff Jones
Why do people have so much hope and faith in political parties and candidates?
We're sure heading that way. Excellent video, Robert and friends!
Excellent, professor. Thank you
Absolutely an oligarchy.
Top 1%=40% of wealth.
How much of the countries wealth does the top 10-20% control?🤔
They control it all
I definitely enjoy your videos Mr. Reich. Very informative and out there for Mass consumption. Full of pertinent information that the masses deserve to have. Bravo!
You a truly a great teacher. Thank you for sharing your wisdom in such a clear and effective way!
Great video as usual Robert! Always excited to see when you post a new video!
I second that. 👍
Wat is your favorite video tho?
Robert inspires me to not give up on this cesspool of a country right now.
Thanks, Robert.
Thanks for Educating the public school systems no longer teach.
Thank you for the work you are doing to expose our government's corruption!!!
Are you from USA?
@@question7685 Yes
@@question7685 Are you from reality?
Thanks for your insight and research... Very informative...keep them coming....
Right on Professor; keep it coming. Learning a lot from you.
Thank you for the videos, Robert!
Robert. I would like to say, thank you for this video. Your video has not just helped in my essay about the elite theory, but it also helped me to expand my understanding on the oligarchies, and their role within political and civil society.
Thank you again, keep up the good work.
Spot on
Get money out of politics
Or lose it all.
Re elect trump our money is gone
@@larrynix4977
You completely missed the point.
In the 70s the Supreme Court legalized bribery. Now Billionaires buy politicians (including 45) and run our country.
45 is a symptom of what is wrong, not a cure for anything. Same applies to Biden and Pelosi.
The enemy isn't liberals or conservatives. It is the greedy rich bastards who use their influence to dictate a tax code that kills the poor and shackles the middle class.
Thank you Inequality Media, as Rev. Dr. William Barber always says inequality became again the biggest issue in our nation, and nobody is talking about it! We must make it the most important election issue! And he quotes the statistics about it!
a lot of ppl in the media are talking about it under many diff names
I wish you would run for president Mr. Reich. That's what I think.
In 2016, Robert Reich was on my short list for president (joke totally stolen from... Robert Reich! :-)
I totally agree with your comments. This needs to change.
But the oligarchy has promised us a wall.
Thankful that I’ve discovered your channel and YT body of work! As painful as the recognition of our brutal reality may be I’m glad I get to observe these critical thinking and integration pieces you present. Bravo!
America is an oligarchy. Thank you for raising the conciousness of this society.
Excellent video - thank you for these brief bursts of clarity.
How has this not had more views?
RR was brilliant in Clinton's cabinet; we need him back in Warren's. Then RR for POTUS.
Winner-takes-all is not a formula for long-term prosperity, but it's a built-in defect of capitalism. Enlightened government can mitigate the excesses and keep the engine humming at peak efficiency; see, e.g., FDR.
Thank You Robert Reich for your videos of reality. You speak with great volume and more
so people should take the opportunity to learn what have to teach. The world would be a
Better Place. Thanks ! .
Yes, America is an oligarchy, with leanings of fascism taking root. Thank you Professor.
Thanks for the info Frederick, appreciated. I knew some of this, not all. And all that sounds great, but as far as I know lot of that quickly deteriorated after they went to war. But also it doesn't matter cos OP said 'fascism' not 'nazism'. Nazism is just one version of fascism which is much broader term.
I agree with first and last paragraph ( don't know much about Von Hayek tho), and I don't have energy to argue against the rest right now. Maybe next week... I'll just say for now, you claiming that anarchy is far right baffles me. I looks like you're rather eloquent so if you don't mind explaning, that would be great.
Have a nice day.
Excellent presentation,simple,clear,direct,it would enable the least educated to understand where the wealth and political power lies. It has the quality of a moral tale of fairness,justice.morality.
Agree. It's going to be a hard road ahead. Wrestling the political power and wealth free will take close to a revolution to accomplish. Who can unite the people like FDR did to spearhead the movement?
Bernie
Thank you for your service to this great country Mr Reich. You and your team are hero’s. You give me hope we may yet save this country from the immoral, the corrupt, the inept & the stupid...
Heck yes, we’re an oligarchy bordering on fascism...
THANK YOU AGAIN ROBERT. Please don't stop. You are at the very least the canary in the coal mine that we need. Your contribution is invaluable. The number of views of this video might not reflect it but it seems like 95% of people I talk to see trump for the destructive effects that he wroughts and want him gone.
2:40 that quote could easily have come from Bernie Sanders 😉
Bernie dropped out unfortunately
Agree: American oligarchy accomplished. But the story's not over. We can still vote!
Thanks for this. Confirms I'm on the right path. Artists for Bernie.🕛
Just looked you up and was happily surprised to see your friendship with Michael Schwerner. That told me a lot about your commitment to fighting injustice.
"As the founding fathers intended"
- Standardized Conservative Excuse Handbook for Oligarchy in America, volume 1, pg. 7
4c1dr3fl3x I’m sorry if I appear ignorant, but is your comment referring to an actual book, or, are you being facetious? If it’s an actual book, who is the author, please? I’ve googled and gotten nowhere.
What book ? Trump university?
@@Canteluta1022 It's one of William F Buckley's lesser known works
4c1dr3fl3x thanks! 🙏✨
Well that sounds exactly like what's been going on! Thnx for making it so clear!
Oligarchy is the title of James O'Keefe's new song.
THANK YOU!!!, Dr. Reich. Clearly stated and important information.
We effectively are an oligarchy
Wow Robert! An artist too?! America needs your knowledge and insight more than ever. I really believe you could make a change. Thanks for all you do. A lifelong fan.
#Bernie2020
Excellent. This has been developing for 40+ years.
Oligarchy? Sadly yes. Keep coming with those super informative videos. Maybe work with represent.us to make some more as well.
Great presentation, most informative. It would have been interesting to include the original sins of genocide and enslavement into this discussion, and how theae factors influenced the "development" of the US.
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.” like Mr. Ford once said
Wow
First to view, share, and comment! Thank you Robert Reich!
The best way to describe the situation is of a nation-state where oligarchy (often international power and money) operates outside democracy but with enormous impact on it. Joe Foweraker's recent book Oligarchy and the Americas compares oligarchies in the US with those in Latin America.
I agree 100% it is that’s why we need a real progressive FDR 5.0 Sanders 2020 💪
You (Robert Reich) have been good to the country and good for your country! Keep the videos coming! Thank you!
Yes, this has been obvious for quite some time.
I learn so much from Professor Reich. I’m certain we’re an oligarchy. But I’m also very concerned that we are also being moved toward a form of religious fascism. Our democratic republic hasn’t been so imperiled since the civil war.
I take it the question
"Is America an Oligarchy?"
is rhetorical, right?
Are there seriously still some people who think it isn't?!
The "tipping point" is long past.
As always, Robert Reich hits the nail on the head!
America is in trouble
Everytime we get a republican in office thteirs some type of turmoill when democrats get in we have a balanced budget
This pandemic is trumps 911 thing dont let him fool you
Thank you for the explanation... I was lost and trying to keep up with current events.
Oligarchy, kakistocracy, KKKristofascism (:-(
Thank you for a very informative and interesting video Dr. Reich.
I will appreciate an example of a non-oligarchy nation or country. It will be interesting to know this nowadays. Is there any?
Ill tell you what I think Bob... I say we have to come to our senses and get rid of capitalism, rather than repeating history again and again, in this never ending class war!
I love this man! Mr. Reich, you bring such important topics to the average person, and you synthesize them so well. What will it take for Americans to understand?
Prof. Reich, is there any chance of you and Prof. Wolfe having a discussion or debate on practical economics? I have learned a lot from both of you and respect you both.
Thank you for talking about, "Concentrations of Wealth". "Too Big to Fail" is worship of the monopolistic burden. What are your suggestions for reversing the concentration of wealth trend? Good job.
Excellent, transparent situation description! We need a powerful executive to replace FDR in 1936. Vote for Tulsi2020 ! !
Thank you Robert Reich, excellent explanation in a historical context...we must protect our democracy
Honestly, I don't in any way feel myself qualified to comment on anything Mr. Reich says on any topic, but as a member in good standing of the 99%, I have to totally agree with his point of view that we are an oligarchy. No doubt about it. In fact, I believe the process started going back to the Nixon Administration and was accelerated by the Reagan Administration leading to the mess we got with the Trump Administration. We don't need billionaire presidents or millionaire representatives doing favors for their rich friends. That's a third world oligarchy.
Thank you from South Africa
Great historical reminder. Thank you Robert.
Mr. Reich, I like what you say. I think that we need a new vision. I am backing Andrew Yang. I think his ideas about the future and what is coming are very important. He is the future if America is to survive as a democracy. "By the people, for the people, with liberty and justice for all".
Was hoping they would talk of the history. Every country is owned by these families
Oligarchy yes, democracy not so much. If only people would educate themselves and really get involved. Thanks Robert!
I’ve felt this way about our system for so long, but didn’t know the word for it!! My mind is blown to visually see what I’ve been seeing if that makes sense lol.
If you have concentrated wealth, you have concentrated power: Oligarchy!
I have been preaching that the US is a plutocracy for the past four decades, after Carter left office. Being that I am not a professor , heck I don't even have a high school diploma ,
what is the objective difference between a oligarchy and a plutocracy? Thanks in advance , preach on brother Robert 🤙✊
Yes, I do!! Perpetuated by our representatives in all offices across this country.
This is why I have been saying for years that public financing of campaigns is the reform that makes all other reforms possible.
We can disagree on how to resolve this but every American should stand together in agreeing that we are an oligarchy disguised as a democratic republic
Yes I agree, no doubt, thanks for presenting. I hope more people become aware and act, for example VOTE!
Great video. This pattern from democracy to oligarchy not only applies to USA, but several countries have also been taking this (unfortunate) path.
Elizabeth Warren has called for a wealth tax on all accumulated wealth over 50 million dollars. I support this idea, it is the same thing as the property tax most of us pay on our homes . . . so it is a fair thing to do. However I would go further than Elizabeth Warren by supporting a wealth cap at 50 million dollars. The wealth cap would forever eliminate the oligarchy and prevent our grand children from having to deal with this problem again in another 100 years.
100% Oligarchy in America, or for that matter any nation-state that is shifting towards increasing wealth disparity. So happy people like you are talking about it.
Oligarchy is very real in America.
Big business interests are what run this country and I can't believe they don't teach this in America
This is one of the few times I would agree with Reich. His thesis is similar to the one in Thomas Piketty's book 'Capital in the Twenty-First Century. The book is currently available and is worth a read.
Excellent explanation of an oligarchy and the situation we find ourselves in now.