Gee the sun is out, what a nice day. Thanks, Donald!
103
All Americans must encouraged members of Congress to avoid meeting with Trump’s nominees until Trump and his nominees have turned over their tax returns and made other disclosures. Senators should filibuster every bill until Trump turns over his tax returns and full disclosures of foreign debts and holdings. Senator McCain must hold hearings to determine if Trump and his campaign colluded with Putin and the Russian hackers
110
Corporations do what is good for them! They gave big to Hillary because they knew she would take care of them. They support identity politics because they know it distracts from their greedy ways and they help Trump lie because it makes them look good and they believe it will curry favor with him. They don't care who the president is as long as he or she takes care of them and THEY DO!
39
"Thanks, Donald"...disgusting! There isn't a humble bone in that man's body. We have only just begun the serious business of "deal making" and self congratulation that this article describes. It is truly obscene.
76
Don't forget net neutrality - keep your eyes on the prize. Report smart not with your eyes in the rear view mirror.
25
IBM also plays the same game of firing people, and then got on the Donald wagon by announcing a hiring spree. How many will be H1-b holders?
33
Obama has averaged 5,000 NEW jobs a day.
2016 has the employment figures in the 200,000 a month band.
The "liberal" media would do well to remind Americans of these facts.
2016 has the employment figures in the 200,000 a month band.
The "liberal" media would do well to remind Americans of these facts.
105
Obama ranks right up there with Carter on job creation.
9
Do you know, I am beginning to get the impression that Donald Trump is a massive liar.
92
Is anyone left in government or corporate America who will put the good of the country ahead of their own self-interests?
65
Let me see how this will work . Pence strong arms Carrier with 7million of taxpayer money to keep 1500, oops 1000 jobs...ooops 800 jobs...oops less what will be automated to make his boss look like a hero.Thats about 10,000 per job. Thats the worst "negotiation" ever/
81
Your job, NYT, is to stay on top of this kind of news. If there's a merger and jobs are cut, please be there to report it.
79
I'd say DJT is probably the most superficial president-elect in US history.
60
Don't worry people! Nancy Pelosi [76] and Chuck Schumer [66] are ready for the fight! Just after they take their naps..
23
"Follow the money"! Still good advice.
24
It's like the updating of an old joke: "With me as president, the U.S, will not be overrun with Komodo dragons."
"But the ARE no Komodo dragons in the U.S."
"See?!!!"
"But the ARE no Komodo dragons in the U.S."
"See?!!!"
36
Why have you not posted my comment of 3 hours ago?
You guys can dish it out, but you can't take it.
You guys can dish it out, but you can't take it.
8
The simple fact that he thanks himself in his tweet--regardless of the content--is so juvenile, self-involved, and, let's face it--LOW CLASS.
Has social media created a generation of self-promoting narcissists? Every person a "brand"? Every person a fledgling entertainment company? Or is Trump just particularly creepy and annoying?
Obama made me feel like at least SOMEONE was above this base behavior, regardless of his success or failures. Trump makes me wonder if no one is any more.
Has social media created a generation of self-promoting narcissists? Every person a "brand"? Every person a fledgling entertainment company? Or is Trump just particularly creepy and annoying?
Obama made me feel like at least SOMEONE was above this base behavior, regardless of his success or failures. Trump makes me wonder if no one is any more.
67
"... this would be crony capitalism..."
Newsflash: Crony capitalism won the election and takes office in three weeks. This is a small piece in a large reality. Hold on to your hat.
Newsflash: Crony capitalism won the election and takes office in three weeks. This is a small piece in a large reality. Hold on to your hat.
45
It's the nature of the game! And the colleges and universities know that too! Any parent who spends big bucks to send their kid to a supposedly elite college is wasting their money too! It's not necessarily what you know, it's who you know! And the job, is yours!!!
12
It is because of opinion pieces like this--shameless, one-sided, sensationalism--that has discredited news sources like the NY Times--and handed the election to Trump.
You folks do great discredit to journalism--and it's exactly why the media is now held in such great contempt--and by-the-way...it's why the NY Times lost the election.
Report the news fairly--then stand back and let the American people decide.
You folks do great discredit to journalism--and it's exactly why the media is now held in such great contempt--and by-the-way...it's why the NY Times lost the election.
Report the news fairly--then stand back and let the American people decide.
14
"THE HIGHEST LEVEL IN MORE THAN 15 YEARS! Thanks Donald!"
Self flattery, its lowest form. . .
Self flattery, its lowest form. . .
27
How refreshing not to read euphemisms. Thank you, editors, for your accuracy in using the word "lie". All legitimate media need to do likewise, especially when reporting on Trump.
52
Trump's tweet shows him lying (again) and then congratulating himself (again) in the third person.
And in a few weeks he'll be the President of the USA.
Frightened, anyone?
And in a few weeks he'll be the President of the USA.
Frightened, anyone?
89
From an Econ class (a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...) four ideas taught still resonate:
1. Within my lifetime there would be 3-5 participants in every type of business: airline, auto, TV, movie, agriculture, etc. Quality and choice would decline and consumer cost would rise. The über-rich would not be effected and would be catered to
2. Businesses hate competition. Businesses want to avoid competition. Competition is expensive and fraught with danger: One could lose.
3. Businesses like laissez faire, free market capitalism. It can lead to monopoly. Businesses, when left to their own devices, will aggregate to their best advantage, create cartels at best and monopolies at worst. Monopoly is the ultimate goal of any business. A small cartel is not a bad second prize.
4. Businesses like oligarchies and/or plutocracies. They can live with, if they have to, theocracies. Businesses do not like democracies.
Trumpism is nothing new. See also: Gilded Age...
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose...
1. Within my lifetime there would be 3-5 participants in every type of business: airline, auto, TV, movie, agriculture, etc. Quality and choice would decline and consumer cost would rise. The über-rich would not be effected and would be catered to
2. Businesses hate competition. Businesses want to avoid competition. Competition is expensive and fraught with danger: One could lose.
3. Businesses like laissez faire, free market capitalism. It can lead to monopoly. Businesses, when left to their own devices, will aggregate to their best advantage, create cartels at best and monopolies at worst. Monopoly is the ultimate goal of any business. A small cartel is not a bad second prize.
4. Businesses like oligarchies and/or plutocracies. They can live with, if they have to, theocracies. Businesses do not like democracies.
Trumpism is nothing new. See also: Gilded Age...
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose...
62
"Why Corporations Are Helping Donald Trump Lie About Jobs"
Thank you, thank you, thank you for using the correct word — "lie" — for what this disordered man does, incessantly. Please continue to call out his falsehoods at every opportunity. Informed, courageous, in-depth, fact-based reporting from The New York Times will be one of the great forces for sustaining democracy in the U.S.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for using the correct word — "lie" — for what this disordered man does, incessantly. Please continue to call out his falsehoods at every opportunity. Informed, courageous, in-depth, fact-based reporting from The New York Times will be one of the great forces for sustaining democracy in the U.S.
62
Fortunately, the Democrats never "spin" anything to their favor.
11
Trump, the braggart, is so easily manipulated.
17
According to this article, SoftBank told Trump that its $50 billion investment would create 50,000 jobs. That's $1 million (50 billion/50 thousand) to create just one Job. Maybe, Not an economist but doesn't sound reasonable to me. Does Krugman think it is? He doesn't say. He should've.
9
The old Bell system ~ monopoly or utility? ~ was dumped in the name of competition. Goodbye reliability and well-made phones. Hello brought innovation but also mystery fees and higher charges.
A couple more mega-mergers and we'll have one big phone company ~ another way we're turning into Soviet Russia!
A couple more mega-mergers and we'll have one big phone company ~ another way we're turning into Soviet Russia!
11
Time for the press at every level to point out lies, misinformation, fake news. Before it's too late.
38
America is becoming the richest third world country on earth.
24
Every day their is an opinion piece in the New York Times that makes a prediction about Trump. How every appointment he makes, idea he has, or twitter message he sends is a disaster in the making. But the facts are that the New York Times isn't very good at making predictions about Trump, in fact, the opposite tends to happens. Why not just wait until he takes office and actually does something and then you can tell us how you think this is the worse thing that ever happened to America. In the meantime, try saying something nice about the man so we don't think you are so hopelessly biased.
9
Any way we could get Mariah Carey to lip-sync the National Anthem at Trump's Inauguration? It would be so appropriate.
30
re "If Mr. Trump appoints people to the antitrust division and the F.C.C..."
I wasn't aware of there being any reason or basis for the conditional "if"...
as if there was some basis for believing that this would not occur...?
OF course this is going to happen, and it is hopelessly naive to believe
otherwise. Look at whom he appointed to oversee FCC related transition issues, a bunch of telecom lobbyists....there is no one in the telecom
funded (aka bribed) congress with any political weight who will pushback
against any thing that has the remotest chance of having "jobs" appended
to its media packaging raison d'etre.. So who exactly is going to
oppose this with any chance of success?
The main message we will be hearing ad nauseum will be that "job creation"
justifies any and all regulation elimination, all climate change denialist policy implementation, all privatizing of whatever used to be public (education,
infrastructure, health etc etc etc.). All to be duly "reported" by the servile brain dead electronic MSM news readers who dare not do due diligence and provide reasonable context and costs of whatever gets promoted as
"job creation".
Just the way it works in Putin's playground too....
I wasn't aware of there being any reason or basis for the conditional "if"...
as if there was some basis for believing that this would not occur...?
OF course this is going to happen, and it is hopelessly naive to believe
otherwise. Look at whom he appointed to oversee FCC related transition issues, a bunch of telecom lobbyists....there is no one in the telecom
funded (aka bribed) congress with any political weight who will pushback
against any thing that has the remotest chance of having "jobs" appended
to its media packaging raison d'etre.. So who exactly is going to
oppose this with any chance of success?
The main message we will be hearing ad nauseum will be that "job creation"
justifies any and all regulation elimination, all climate change denialist policy implementation, all privatizing of whatever used to be public (education,
infrastructure, health etc etc etc.). All to be duly "reported" by the servile brain dead electronic MSM news readers who dare not do due diligence and provide reasonable context and costs of whatever gets promoted as
"job creation".
Just the way it works in Putin's playground too....
11
Will we, the people, of this fabulous nation stand up for truth and be heard? We must not forget how powerful WE are. We, the people, who understand the horror of a nefarious Trump-stan (per Prof.Krugman), have been saying....but what can I do? Look at history. Throughout our history, we, the people, have been the voices of change. Without the people we wouldn't have the freedoms we hold dear. Look at how we fought for civil rights, for example. In the months to come we will be called to do what is right. We, the people, are expecting, and will be demanding, a tremendous show leadership from Congress. But we can't wait for Congress to coalesce....heaven knows waiting for them has been a colossal mistake. I think when people see the damage Trump and his sycophants inflict on us we, the people, the majority, .... and many of those who voted for Trump ... will join hands more and more. Now is the time we are called to be brave and rally together.
20
Dear Sirs and Mesdames — The editorial board's incessant attempts to get under President-elect Trump's skin by calling him a liar may gladden people in enclaves from Cambridge, Mass., to Ann Arbor, Mich., but for the rest of your paid subscribers it's getting old, and at times pathetic.
Of course Mr. Trump lies at times, but so did President Obama, yet The Times's editors would never focus on the latter's lies.
Moreover, President Obama has made any number of factually or legally incorrect statements—e.g., that the Constitution forbids any religious test for immigrants, which it does not—but fair-minded people would first regard him as ignorant of the law and not rush to call him a liar. You might want to try the same approach vis-à-vis Mr. Trump. As it is, you're on a steep slide into an abyss of editorial irrelevance.
Of course Mr. Trump lies at times, but so did President Obama, yet The Times's editors would never focus on the latter's lies.
Moreover, President Obama has made any number of factually or legally incorrect statements—e.g., that the Constitution forbids any religious test for immigrants, which it does not—but fair-minded people would first regard him as ignorant of the law and not rush to call him a liar. You might want to try the same approach vis-à-vis Mr. Trump. As it is, you're on a steep slide into an abyss of editorial irrelevance.
10
What sense can we attach to these 5k new jobs claimed by Trump? We can put them in context, for starters, by comparing them to the average monthly new job creation in the US since the end of the Great Recession, say, starting in 2011 (see https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/CES0000000001?output_view=net_1mth). Since then, the US economy has produced an average of 201k new monthly jobs. Therefore, even if Trump had created 5k new jobs per day, the resulting 152K jobs per month would be a failure, compared to the 201k that has been created these past five years. Actually Trump should be apologizing for so few jobs, and trying to persuade Americans he will be doing much better, once he really gets going. And, when he gets going, if he ever does, let's hold him to a standard of 200k new jobs per month, in order to brag about success.
19
I second the call for the New York Times to "do your job" - detailing and spotlighting Trump's serial lying in every edition and updating the Web site with hourly with his relentless prevaricating.
"Duh" editorials such as today's are not getting it done. Not at all.
By several orders of magnitude, Trump is the most unfit person to be elected President of the United States and he willingly makes that clear with 140-character proof points throughout the day.
And yet the Times serves up shock and dismay that businesses want to cozy up to a man who is the poster child for self interest.
Please NYT, less Mare a Lago fluff (identical articles on the so-called winter White House published twice on the NYT home page right now) and much, much, much more doing your job.
"Duh" editorials such as today's are not getting it done. Not at all.
By several orders of magnitude, Trump is the most unfit person to be elected President of the United States and he willingly makes that clear with 140-character proof points throughout the day.
And yet the Times serves up shock and dismay that businesses want to cozy up to a man who is the poster child for self interest.
Please NYT, less Mare a Lago fluff (identical articles on the so-called winter White House published twice on the NYT home page right now) and much, much, much more doing your job.
19
Contradictory arguments here: Wireless costs been dropping dramatically, one of the reasons, automation and efficiency as illustrated by "At the end of September, AT&T employed 273,000 people around the world, down from 309,000 in 2007" Do you favor higher wireless prices and more employees?
Are you really outraged a politician takes credit for something that sounds good that they had little to do with?
Are you really outraged a politician takes credit for something that sounds good that they had little to do with?
6
Perhaps you can follow up this story with a piece on how Trump totally faked the Stock Markets (+4.6%) and the consumer and business confidence measures since Nov 8.
This man is a wizard.
This man is a wizard.
9
I live in state that should be called "solid red". We have a little shopper magazine printed front and back ( 1 sheet ) in my immediate, close by area covers, oh say a half dozen communities, it's very popular available at big and small eateries, bowling alleys barber shops. Sure it's an advertising format, but there are prominently displayed notices of local importance, a "lighter side" a few short pieces from around the globe a horoscope and a trivia test. I'm sure there are replicas coast to coast and border to border. Let's come back to this later.
I really like NYT. I could get wordy and proffer my opinion, go on and on. But to those of us left leaning or no, that read the NYT well we each have our reasons.
But the sad fact is that folks, folks defined here as those voters that are at the same time likely to vote Republican because everyone around here does and/or, besides everyone knows Donald has already saved, untold thousands of jobs and the economy is already off of life support and on the mend "for real", ain't he grand they'll say, we told you so they'll go on. With no real way to rebut these fabrications
Now, there are huge regions of the country with small places like mine that could benefit from the "pure" information offered in a condensed form, a sorta' "but did 'ya know".
Just facts with no apparent opinion offered. Formatted in a way that won't offend, it can be done. Then in small places, some folks might..p/u that little "coffee news" and....
I really like NYT. I could get wordy and proffer my opinion, go on and on. But to those of us left leaning or no, that read the NYT well we each have our reasons.
But the sad fact is that folks, folks defined here as those voters that are at the same time likely to vote Republican because everyone around here does and/or, besides everyone knows Donald has already saved, untold thousands of jobs and the economy is already off of life support and on the mend "for real", ain't he grand they'll say, we told you so they'll go on. With no real way to rebut these fabrications
Now, there are huge regions of the country with small places like mine that could benefit from the "pure" information offered in a condensed form, a sorta' "but did 'ya know".
Just facts with no apparent opinion offered. Formatted in a way that won't offend, it can be done. Then in small places, some folks might..p/u that little "coffee news" and....
23
Alfred E Neuman coined the perfect phrase for the intellectually incurious: "What, me worry?" A perfect description for all that's Trump.
11
We need to stop being surprised by Trump's boasting and showmanship---he is a master at it.
We know he will spin all improvements in this country to make it look like he 's the hero.
We know he will spin all the destruction he causes and blame everyone but himself.
The job of the press going forward is to "keep him honest," and not get distracted by all the red herrings with which he likes to bait the public.
We know he will spin all improvements in this country to make it look like he 's the hero.
We know he will spin all the destruction he causes and blame everyone but himself.
The job of the press going forward is to "keep him honest," and not get distracted by all the red herrings with which he likes to bait the public.
25
Of course I have always opposed and disliked him, but I am frankly beginning to just hate this man. He seems to me to be truly bad.
30
Clearly a shell game and the public is continually fooled by this charlatan.
10
I cannot understand why no one on television news explains that Mazza wants Trump to approve the merger between Sprint and T-mobile which Obama's administration was planning to deny. Surely it is one of the most obvious signs of the pay to play and cronyism that we can expect with Trump. Come on, CNN!
13
This is what you get when you elect a man whose brain is utterly subservient to his ego. All you have to do is say something that he wants to believe and he wants us to believe and he runs with it. It's pathetically simple. Unfortunately, the country had enough people who admire empty words and shiny objects no matter how ugly that we are stuck with Trump. He's nothing but a measure of how ignorant a nation we have become.
22
If you think this is bad, wait until he gets to the Peace is War, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength bit.
The media is at fault, too, as is a good portion of the electorate for not questioning what they hear, as is the opposition party for not having a clue as to how to get their message out effectively. Obama was the most gifted orator of his party in decades, and yet he vanished for months at a time and depended on others to produce messages that came back to bite him: the "if you like your doctor you can keep your doctor" should have been "millions of people will have the health care they need to get back to productive work" over and over and over, in the way that Dubya's "stay the course!"
The media is at fault, too, as is a good portion of the electorate for not questioning what they hear, as is the opposition party for not having a clue as to how to get their message out effectively. Obama was the most gifted orator of his party in decades, and yet he vanished for months at a time and depended on others to produce messages that came back to bite him: the "if you like your doctor you can keep your doctor" should have been "millions of people will have the health care they need to get back to productive work" over and over and over, in the way that Dubya's "stay the course!"
8
60 million Americans have no problem with being lied to. Why should this matter.
9
Thanking oneself in a tweet for something he had nothing to do with. That's as bad as pretending to be a PR man extolling himself. No problem with his supporters who still fervently believe Obama is a Muslim born in Africa. Trump has not only brought out the latent prejudice in a high percentage of Americans, he has also exposed their stupidity.
18
Big business and billionaires will profit "bigly" from the Trump years. Hope the media keep us all informed of the score in this high stakes show.
10
If Trump was really concerned about American jobs he would move his factories that are in Mexico, China and other parts of the world home to the USA. He, and he alone can set the example. Why are his supporters and the people who voted for him not demanding this.
And, why doesn't he release his tax returns? Is there something illegal in them? Just asking?
And, why doesn't he release his tax returns? Is there something illegal in them? Just asking?
25
In this case it is pot calling the kettle black, because the NYT has been systematically liying about job creation for the Obama government, with a lot of bombastic headlines, full of hyperbole.
The truth is both the Democrats (center-right) and the Republicans (far-right) lie about jobs. Their rhetoric is that having a job by itself is good for Americans. But what both of them and the economists don't realize is that people don't work because it is good; they work because they need to survive, i.e. for money. It doesn't help if you get a job that doesn't pay a living wage - you don't get a job just because you want to tell your friends you have a job.
The unemployment statistic is only important for the capitalist class, because it is an index of labor productivity and exploitation. E.g. the NYT praised the creation of 150,000 jobs in one month, but they forgot to tell its readers only 4,400 were full time.
The right-wing ideology has many nuances (as is evidenced by the Democrats and Republicans duality). But what every version of them have in common is that they believe in two things: 1) that prosperity and hapiness for humankind is possible - but only to one small portion of humankind and 2) the final goal is personal enrichment (i.e. you must fight to become the select elite of humankind). Since they can't tell it openly, they covert it with this "let's reduce unemployment" rhetoric - they want you to work, but for peanuts.
The truth is both the Democrats (center-right) and the Republicans (far-right) lie about jobs. Their rhetoric is that having a job by itself is good for Americans. But what both of them and the economists don't realize is that people don't work because it is good; they work because they need to survive, i.e. for money. It doesn't help if you get a job that doesn't pay a living wage - you don't get a job just because you want to tell your friends you have a job.
The unemployment statistic is only important for the capitalist class, because it is an index of labor productivity and exploitation. E.g. the NYT praised the creation of 150,000 jobs in one month, but they forgot to tell its readers only 4,400 were full time.
The right-wing ideology has many nuances (as is evidenced by the Democrats and Republicans duality). But what every version of them have in common is that they believe in two things: 1) that prosperity and hapiness for humankind is possible - but only to one small portion of humankind and 2) the final goal is personal enrichment (i.e. you must fight to become the select elite of humankind). Since they can't tell it openly, they covert it with this "let's reduce unemployment" rhetoric - they want you to work, but for peanuts.
5
Good news! The Donald has just tipped his hand on his secret jobs initiative. By advising everyone to stop using a computer for email and instead, send handwritten messages on paper by courier, thousands of new jobs could be created for messengers. No college degree or special experience required, just a car or bicycle and Google maps. In fact, now Uber and Lyft drivers can supplement their incomes by adding courier services. Simply brilliant!
16
How nonsensical is it that a society is happy when people are doing duplicative jobs in different companies in order to produce more varieties of cell phone plans so people can stream Mariah Carey and text while they drive, cheaper? You talk about Trump being attracted to "shiny objects" how about the whole consumption-brainwashed American society. (Oh sorry, "market".) The first step here is to re-create a regulated monopoly. And then nationalize it. That's how to create rational efficiency in this market -- and healthcare too. And ratchet down consumption so that the planet can recover. It's not Trump, it's YOU AND US. Stop focusing on dollars and cents (and cell phone plans) and think about LIFE.
8
Everyone is out for themselves, period. The GOP was moralistic when morality could win them votes, now they elected the antithesis of morality. The DEMs were defenders of varied identity groups, but the DEMs didn't work to help really them, they cozied up to the rich and famous. Corporate leaders have no morality but the bottom line, and they will do what they think they have to do to make more money. And the rabid Trump voters thought (were mislead into thinking) they were voting for their self-interest at the expense of everyone else - and they didn't care. It has been a very disappointing year for the dignity of humanity and culture in the West.
14
I would like to thank the underemployed, the deplorables, the angry white working class for voting in Mr. Trump. As a 5%'er, I will reap the benefits of lower taxes, I will keep my health insurance because my company provides it.
And unlike what you been told, I will bank the money's I save, I won't create another job because the rich stay rich by hoarding their money, not sharing it with you. I'll make sure my folks work harder because I'd rather raise productivity than pay for another employee (you never know when the economy goes down).
Meanwhile, you will most likely not prosper in this new Information technology age, some of the unemployed engineers, software programmers and other college educated tech folks may get jobs, but not many....the unemployment rate for those in high tech is less than 3%.
Hence we will continue to bring people with the H-1B programs. Because people like you think Donald trump will get you job opportunities...It is education that helps get you that (and I'm not talking about a psychology degree from some liberal arts college).
Meanwhile, Trump will give you vouchers for your school and doctors, but because it won't cover you 100%, you will not really get the benefits as if you actually had a good public school system and something like the ACA.
Still, you are completely free to shout "USA! USA!" and "FREEDOM" whenever your leader Donald Trump comes on TV. I'll take the expected 5 figure amount that I will bank due to lower taxes.
And unlike what you been told, I will bank the money's I save, I won't create another job because the rich stay rich by hoarding their money, not sharing it with you. I'll make sure my folks work harder because I'd rather raise productivity than pay for another employee (you never know when the economy goes down).
Meanwhile, you will most likely not prosper in this new Information technology age, some of the unemployed engineers, software programmers and other college educated tech folks may get jobs, but not many....the unemployment rate for those in high tech is less than 3%.
Hence we will continue to bring people with the H-1B programs. Because people like you think Donald trump will get you job opportunities...It is education that helps get you that (and I'm not talking about a psychology degree from some liberal arts college).
Meanwhile, Trump will give you vouchers for your school and doctors, but because it won't cover you 100%, you will not really get the benefits as if you actually had a good public school system and something like the ACA.
Still, you are completely free to shout "USA! USA!" and "FREEDOM" whenever your leader Donald Trump comes on TV. I'll take the expected 5 figure amount that I will bank due to lower taxes.
26
"Lie" the right word.
What side are you on? Every American will face the mirror with this question. The future depends on the right answer.
What side are you on? Every American will face the mirror with this question. The future depends on the right answer.
5
Another day, another NY Times rant about Trump. The jobs market is not good, and if we count discouraged workers (as the government used to), the jobs market looks truly awful. Yes, Trump is posturing but projecting reasons why folks "lie" is simply absurd and pointless, other than feeling self righteous about ourselves.
5
Oh, you have an issue with Trump not being open about jobs? Where was your criticism of Obama constantly bragging about how low the unemployment rate is while conveniently ignoring that it is so low because a record number of adults have completely given up on looking for jobs and are not included in the unemployment rate? The criticism of Trump here is fair, but the blatant bias of the Times makes many people ignore rightful criticism of Trump when Obama was given a free pass for the same type of behavior.
4
The New York Times better get its twitter following boosted. I would start an active campaign to get people signed up including every elected official in every small town in America. Then, when he tweets you can tweet the truth or the facts. He will go wild on twitter if you don't build one to match his. I was shocked to see that Senator Schumer had 5000 twitter followers? If that's correct, how can he counter Trump or get out an alternative narrative. The progressive movement better get organized and get tough. Nice and kind don't get Trump's attention. You may have to launch a sign up campaign.
10
Mr. Trump is as dumb as a fox. And worse is that his supporters know he is pulling a fast one on them as well. They just don't care. As long as the evil Hillary Clinton wasn't elected President.
5
If greed is good, then Trump will be an awesome president. Otherwise, you'd best be looking for shelter from the storm that will come.
9
What is "abundantly clear" is that the Times editorial board (and staff and contributors) are far more interested in insulting and belittling the President elect, and in undermining his chances for success than in informing the public though objective analysis and reporting. Your hypotheses are based on nothing beyond you own tired and prejudiced views (if you even believe them yourselves).
4
The Carrier deal still hasn't gone though and its details are as "secret" as Donald's tax returns.
10
This is not just the false self-aggrandizing of a bloviating buffoonish puffer-fish. Much more sinister and threatening.
Fascism = union of government + industry behind a totalitarian strongman.
Fascism = union of government + industry behind a totalitarian strongman.
9
Complaints about lying on the jobs issue?
Then why hasn't the esteemed Editorial Board been vocal about the monthly lies produced by the Census Bureau and touted loudly by the liberal press highlighting the reduction in "unemployment" when the real unemployment is hidden in the figures of people out of the job market.
There are far more than one or two people who have left the job market because there is no hope of them ever getting a job in the the Obama economy or who are retiring "baby boomers".
Are you going to argue that all lies are not created equal?
How noble of you...
And, how dismissive of a very large segment of our population.
Haven't you learned anything from the 2016 election?
Then why hasn't the esteemed Editorial Board been vocal about the monthly lies produced by the Census Bureau and touted loudly by the liberal press highlighting the reduction in "unemployment" when the real unemployment is hidden in the figures of people out of the job market.
There are far more than one or two people who have left the job market because there is no hope of them ever getting a job in the the Obama economy or who are retiring "baby boomers".
Are you going to argue that all lies are not created equal?
How noble of you...
And, how dismissive of a very large segment of our population.
Haven't you learned anything from the 2016 election?
5
Once a con man, always a con man. The Donald is in it to win it for himself and his family. It's called a kleptocracy. His vanity and greed will be his downfall.
14
Businesses hire people ("create jobs") when the managers think that doing so will increase profits. There is nothing wrong with that, that's how capitalism works.
Mr. Trump, or any President or President-elect, has very little to do with this process.
Mr. Trump, or any President or President-elect, has very little to do with this process.
3
When will we get details on how financially indebted Trump is to the Russian government/mob?
12
A bull market based upon the anticipated corruption.
Capitalism is not a form of government, but it can supplant democracy.
Capitalism is not a form of government, but it can supplant democracy.
12
Therapists are going to have the biggest job gain for the next four years. I know, I won't be able to survive with the abominable turn of events in this country without one.
9
It's really quite simple why corporations are being complicit.
They want their tax break, just like all those that voted republican, They don't care about infrastructure or even patriotism. They don't want to be paying health care premiums and they certainly don't want to be constricted in how they use foreign guest workers. ( Just like the candidate - say one thing and do another )
Money is the bottom line ~ not you or I .
They want their tax break, just like all those that voted republican, They don't care about infrastructure or even patriotism. They don't want to be paying health care premiums and they certainly don't want to be constricted in how they use foreign guest workers. ( Just like the candidate - say one thing and do another )
Money is the bottom line ~ not you or I .
12
Mr. Trump's constant self-congratulation is 'impolite' as my mother would say. I say it makes me want to hurl.
9
The Times should keep a running tally of all of Trumps false statements and lies. Starting with today's editorial with appropriate fact checking. Let's see how many days it takes to fill up a whole page.
10
It's amazing, lying will be a standard normal practice. Donald Trump has made rapid lying an art form. We're going to have a proven, pathological, blatant compulsive liar occupying the White House. Donald Trump is a nightmare that our democracy will not survive. Thank you, ignorant, racist, moronic Trump voters.
9
Sadly, people on half listen to the things Trump says.
Trump says he will 'create jobs', but as the saying goes, the devil is in the details.
It's kind of like the writings in a contract. The dreaded small print is a killer. Trump is a con man.
He's worse than a shady used car salesperson.
And the tactics he uses are the same.
It's like playing the game of Simon said, and in Trump case, people think they have heard a lot of stuff that Simon (Trump) didn't actually say.
He just doesn't correct them and never will.
Trump says he will 'create jobs', but as the saying goes, the devil is in the details.
It's kind of like the writings in a contract. The dreaded small print is a killer. Trump is a con man.
He's worse than a shady used car salesperson.
And the tactics he uses are the same.
It's like playing the game of Simon said, and in Trump case, people think they have heard a lot of stuff that Simon (Trump) didn't actually say.
He just doesn't correct them and never will.
7
There's really not much left to say anymore.
Those of us who realized it would come down to this with Trump tried to warn the rest of those who didn't -- only to be shouted down and disparaged.
Those of us who knew Donald Trump, also knew he's a pathological liar and not a shred of truth ever somes out of his mouth (or tweet).
The others thought those mines were going to re-open.
They thought those jobs were going to come streaming beack to these shores.
They ate up his carnival act, and stayed on to applaud his self-congratulatory "Thank-ME" tour -- all the while not realizing, he left them in the dust as soon as he got the keys to the White House.
And now they think Vladimir Putin is going to reach out his hand in friendship, and we'll all sing 'Kumbaya' as the sun goes own on American Democracy.
How people could vote for a multi-millionaire and not think he's tied to crony Capitalism is beyond me. Too busy hating Clinton, I guess.
But sooner or later they'll get it.
Even though it's too late.
Those of us who realized it would come down to this with Trump tried to warn the rest of those who didn't -- only to be shouted down and disparaged.
Those of us who knew Donald Trump, also knew he's a pathological liar and not a shred of truth ever somes out of his mouth (or tweet).
The others thought those mines were going to re-open.
They thought those jobs were going to come streaming beack to these shores.
They ate up his carnival act, and stayed on to applaud his self-congratulatory "Thank-ME" tour -- all the while not realizing, he left them in the dust as soon as he got the keys to the White House.
And now they think Vladimir Putin is going to reach out his hand in friendship, and we'll all sing 'Kumbaya' as the sun goes own on American Democracy.
How people could vote for a multi-millionaire and not think he's tied to crony Capitalism is beyond me. Too busy hating Clinton, I guess.
But sooner or later they'll get it.
Even though it's too late.
12
A perfect summation. Trumpolini is big on shiny things and taking credit for things that he didn't do. We are in deep trouble and it will take years to untangle after he is gone. Hopefully sooner than later.
6
I guess it's what you decide to term 'hate speech', but it seems to me that the N.Y. Times has indulged in little else for the last year, but most especially since its world was turned topsy--turvy by Mr. Trump's unexpected winning of the election. Since that time, the Times Editors have indulged in just about daily tirades against him, some of them very demeaning (like this one, with its claim that Trump likes 'shiny objects') that they certainly would not have used for the Clintons or Mr. Obama in similar circumstances. The difference, of course, is that in the eyes of the people running the Times, Mr. Trump's presidency has been an absolute disaster in every conceivable way, even though Mr. Trump still has two weeks to go before he even becomes president. Amazing! Mr. Obama is running around doing everything he can in his last weeks to insure his legacy (what a laugh that term becomes), trying all kinds of last-minute efforts to screw up Mr. Trump's taking the reins of government, yet the Times says nothing about that, except maybe that he should have done something sooner. Right-wingers screamed (and perhaps rightly so) when Mrs. Obama claimed that with one of her husband's 'accomplishments' she had for the first time been proud to be an American. Mr. Obama's and Mr. Kerry's recent betrayal of Israel has left me, at a rather late age, ashamed to be an American for the first time in my life. Yet the Times approved their (non-)action at the U.N. Amazing!
7
Considering how badly-not poorly-but 'terribly', 'egregiously' incorrect the NY Times repertorial staff ,editors and all "OpEd" writers-actually, all paid Times "agents", pontificating in a way that superficially appears to be their own thinking, separated from the paper's editorial policies. I think, as a long time reader, that the paper needs to shut up now, most-especially over the interpretation of numbers and facts s easily disputed by politicians of different persuasions. It would serve the Newspaper better, if it returned to the (now) ancient 'grey lady' of 8 columns, 2 sections, few, if any photgraphs , and all of those, in respectably conservative monochrome -sometimes called "B&W". If articles such as the one challenging the GOP claims of increases in job numbers at a few, U.S. industrial firms, it were far better for the paper's future and believability as well as reader's willingness to swallow Times prognostications , if all the news you "fit" in your ever shrinking sections, were presented as a collation of facts collected from outside statistic & news collecting agencies and did not ever claim to have made them itself.
The Times may thus "distance" itself from the facts
& from those who collect/collate them. Few people now, most especially those heading for the White House as "O" goes, ever read the papers beyond the front page. They read or imbibe impressions. So Articles inside the paper will be well armored.
The Times may thus "distance" itself from the facts
& from those who collect/collate them. Few people now, most especially those heading for the White House as "O" goes, ever read the papers beyond the front page. They read or imbibe impressions. So Articles inside the paper will be well armored.
3
The Times is a corporation too. But its lies about President-elect Trump; about the just completed 2016 election cycle; and, about the future of the Democratic Party.
Well, because its the Times telling them, those lies aren't supposed to be lies, or I guess, their not to be counted as lies. Because its the Times that's telling them.
But it is the Times, that is the liar. The words and images in its print and electronic pages are for entertainment purposes only. Any similarities between those words and images found in the Times; and actual people, institutions, situations, or events, is purely accidental and unintended.
Well, because its the Times telling them, those lies aren't supposed to be lies, or I guess, their not to be counted as lies. Because its the Times that's telling them.
But it is the Times, that is the liar. The words and images in its print and electronic pages are for entertainment purposes only. Any similarities between those words and images found in the Times; and actual people, institutions, situations, or events, is purely accidental and unintended.
2
Right along with this article goes the Trump/Republican idea that if they allow big corporations to bring money back to America that they have stashed in foreign countries to avoid paying U. S. taxes, they will use that money to create jobs. Why would they do so? Does American suffer from unfilled working positions? Is there a shortage of products for people to buy? To put it more concretely, if we are looking for a new car, or a new cell phone, or a new refrigerator, do we have trouble finding one? Definitely NO.
So this article is right. If corporations have additional cash, they will use it to buy up other companies and put people out of work. Or they will buy back stock. Or they will increase dividends. Or they will just sit on the cash. If working people think the job market is about to improve dramatically, forget it.
So this article is right. If corporations have additional cash, they will use it to buy up other companies and put people out of work. Or they will buy back stock. Or they will increase dividends. Or they will just sit on the cash. If working people think the job market is about to improve dramatically, forget it.
11
Remember when President Obama asked corporations not to ship jobs overseas. Corporate leaders (who I would bet are mostly Republican) did not oblige.
They cooperate with Republican leaders because they want to shore up this notion that the ideology of neoliberalism (trickle-down, Reaganomics, Ayn Rand, etc.) works. Some Americans buy it. They think that the system works and don't see the crony capitalism. This way, when Republicans are in power, they can get around regulations (i.e. environmental, labor) and make more money for the CEO's and the stockholders. Disgusting! God help us!
They cooperate with Republican leaders because they want to shore up this notion that the ideology of neoliberalism (trickle-down, Reaganomics, Ayn Rand, etc.) works. Some Americans buy it. They think that the system works and don't see the crony capitalism. This way, when Republicans are in power, they can get around regulations (i.e. environmental, labor) and make more money for the CEO's and the stockholders. Disgusting! God help us!
10
Greed and power will always be the lure. Most humans are generally just to weak to resist the endorphins that flow when they get to this thing that they believe will make them happy.
The trick will be, to somehow let trumpy get the glory but still shape the policy so that it truly helps those 99% of us who really could benefit. We need to get into his head and manipulate it so that there's a bit of good that comes out of this debacle. I say this because it seems like if his ego is resisted, he just fights back, no matter how irrational. It's sick, but there's got to be a crazy-different way to approach this impending disaster.
The trick will be, to somehow let trumpy get the glory but still shape the policy so that it truly helps those 99% of us who really could benefit. We need to get into his head and manipulate it so that there's a bit of good that comes out of this debacle. I say this because it seems like if his ego is resisted, he just fights back, no matter how irrational. It's sick, but there's got to be a crazy-different way to approach this impending disaster.
7
"This should greatly worry Americans, especially people who are counting on Mr. Trump to revive the economy and help the middle class."
I am gravely worried.
Worried that your heretofore shilling for President Obama on purely ideological grounds, will now morph into biased coverage on ideological grounds.
Thereby eliminating per from fairly covering the new administration. And once again cloistering your large Leftist readership in self-assured ignorant bliss.
I hope that your coverage of Trump will not be like a "workplace accident."
I hope that your coverage, and even your daily editorials, will decrease the hate .
Then again. you now produce a weekly column on "hate since Trump's election."
Not a good sign for those of us observed the rise of unabated anti-Semitism on American college campuses during the past eight years of Leftist rule with no weekly column to footnote its rise.
I am gravely worried.
Worried that your heretofore shilling for President Obama on purely ideological grounds, will now morph into biased coverage on ideological grounds.
Thereby eliminating per from fairly covering the new administration. And once again cloistering your large Leftist readership in self-assured ignorant bliss.
I hope that your coverage of Trump will not be like a "workplace accident."
I hope that your coverage, and even your daily editorials, will decrease the hate .
Then again. you now produce a weekly column on "hate since Trump's election."
Not a good sign for those of us observed the rise of unabated anti-Semitism on American college campuses during the past eight years of Leftist rule with no weekly column to footnote its rise.
2
I have to admit this editorial states the complete obvious - Trump and republicans will be far too friendly to corporate interests.
6
Sane people continue to be horrified by trump's endless lies, ignorance and insatiable, fragile ego.
Of course he'll appoint people that will approve the merger of these cell phone companies...because as always he'll spin it as helping make America great again. Any lie to get ego strokes will be told.
And his acolytes clearly don't care about truth or facts, anything the fuhrer says is automatically taken as truth. At some point we all know what has to hit the fan, and we'll all suffer. Hope America survives.
Of course he'll appoint people that will approve the merger of these cell phone companies...because as always he'll spin it as helping make America great again. Any lie to get ego strokes will be told.
And his acolytes clearly don't care about truth or facts, anything the fuhrer says is automatically taken as truth. At some point we all know what has to hit the fan, and we'll all suffer. Hope America survives.
9
The gist of this article was a forgone conclusion two years ago, and only exposes America's parochial convention "wisdom" for the ignorant stupidity that it is.
"Let's vote a businessman for president, because, we all know, the country runs like a business." Right.
Here's their "anti-establishment revolution." Way to go, "America."
"Let's vote a businessman for president, because, we all know, the country runs like a business." Right.
Here's their "anti-establishment revolution." Way to go, "America."
3
His conflations are a dangerous game. What will he do when (inevitably) Trump buildings become targets?
2
The NYT is one of the papers in the U.S. on whose reporting one may rely. It helps to read also a good French, Italian, German, Spanish newspaper to get an even more balanced view . i.e. to get info on things the U.S. papers my have left out - for delicacy's sake. We have done that since the Vietnam war.
4
5 days ago, the NYT reported this story on the *front* page of the digital edition under the headline "Trump Takes Credit for Sprint Plan to Add 5,000 Jobs in the U.S.".
That story read more like a press release with quotes from Mr. Trump and a Sprint spokeswomen. There was no mention of the details or context contained in this Op-Ed.
It's getting hard to defend the press when it appears that they can't put together a thoughtful, well-researched story that includes all the facts.
That story read more like a press release with quotes from Mr. Trump and a Sprint spokeswomen. There was no mention of the details or context contained in this Op-Ed.
It's getting hard to defend the press when it appears that they can't put together a thoughtful, well-researched story that includes all the facts.
7
Most of us know Trump is a fraud and a crook, but it will not do any good to tell his followers because they do not care about anything but what Trump says, and many of them cannot understand very much about anything. When Trump said at one of his campaign events that Hillary would import 632 million people in a week, and the clowns that support him does not seem to know, or care, that there are only about 322 million in the U.S. today. We are dealing with a fraud and an ignorant person in Trump and there is no reason to admonish him to make rational decisions because he is not going to do so. He will lie his head off, and then take some stupid action to assuage the unwashed.
8
The Republican party exists solely to serve the financial interests of the very rich. That's it.
17
NYT - thank you for the Editorial.
This reflects the cancerous symbiosis between Corporate America and Trump/ Republicans that is destroying government of the People by the People. With Trump as president, I expect this malignancy will metastasize like a windblown wildfire as the champions of Greed and Power consolidate their hold over America through more lies, propaganda and abuse.
We the People must fight back. Please continue to "speak out against the madness."
This reflects the cancerous symbiosis between Corporate America and Trump/ Republicans that is destroying government of the People by the People. With Trump as president, I expect this malignancy will metastasize like a windblown wildfire as the champions of Greed and Power consolidate their hold over America through more lies, propaganda and abuse.
We the People must fight back. Please continue to "speak out against the madness."
12
More saddening that people actually believe this serial liar. It's just embarrassing how people simply accept most anything this liar says. I simply don't understand why they are not even fact checking his claims.
8
I never thought that the rule of a quasi dictatorship could prevail in this country , but from what I see that could portend , I may be wrong .
The precedence that Trump is establishing by bypassing 17 government intelligence agencies and making up his own intelligence regarding Russian hacking is the first in installments which could pave the road to an autocratic leader rising , all doing so without violating the constitution . In this first test of his presidency ,he has shown that he intends to make decisions based on his own intelligencia which on its face would amount to the office of the president running the country as he sees fit and not beholden to any governmental agencies . All while employing propaganda to bolster his thinly veiled assertions .
Ofcourse there will be his continued defamation of the press in order to delegitimize facts . Only the information that comes out of this one man's mouth should be deemed relevant in his eyes .
Trump's News Years Day message said it all when he referred to his " enemies "'. Those aren't foreign enemies , but the enemies of the US people who do not agree with him . Isn't that straight out of the mouth of a dictator ? It's heavy handed intimidation that's intended to silence his opposition .
Congress must use their power to preserve our democratic institutions . We must prevent this monster from usurping our freedoms .
The precedence that Trump is establishing by bypassing 17 government intelligence agencies and making up his own intelligence regarding Russian hacking is the first in installments which could pave the road to an autocratic leader rising , all doing so without violating the constitution . In this first test of his presidency ,he has shown that he intends to make decisions based on his own intelligencia which on its face would amount to the office of the president running the country as he sees fit and not beholden to any governmental agencies . All while employing propaganda to bolster his thinly veiled assertions .
Ofcourse there will be his continued defamation of the press in order to delegitimize facts . Only the information that comes out of this one man's mouth should be deemed relevant in his eyes .
Trump's News Years Day message said it all when he referred to his " enemies "'. Those aren't foreign enemies , but the enemies of the US people who do not agree with him . Isn't that straight out of the mouth of a dictator ? It's heavy handed intimidation that's intended to silence his opposition .
Congress must use their power to preserve our democratic institutions . We must prevent this monster from usurping our freedoms .
10
I wish the headline clearly included Trump in the lying, as in "Why Corporations and Donald Trump Are Lying About Jobs". The American people need to see clear, plain statements about Trump's bold lies, rather than polite or subtle references to inaccuracies and inconsistencies.
8
Isn't it time our public institutions put executive offices up to some kind of competitive bidding?
This present class of boardroom clown isn't worth all the money they are hogging to themselves.
This present class of boardroom clown isn't worth all the money they are hogging to themselves.
4
It is the duty of every corporate PR department VP to create, conflate, or spin news to reflect positively on his/her employer. Doing so helps bouy stock values and avoids challenges by the press or neighbors. This works consistently in part because of Twitter and cable news which never finds time to do journalistic research or even fact checking.
5
Because that's what corporations do by nature. Ever see their commercials? That's all they do, only they call it advertising. Now with the fox in the Hen House, we're all sitting ducks.
3
Tump is a con man and as president he will conduct himself as a con man. He is already doing it. He won the election by telling lies and so he will continue to do so. And the people that voted for him will believe him.
He is a good con man, no doubt about that.
He is a good con man, no doubt about that.
7
Being from CT, this information resonates with me. But while in Florida for the winter months, not much of this data appears to be relevant. Unless "you" find a way to inform the regions of the country who have bought into the Trump culture of exaggeration and outright lies, that what's been promised may not come to pass. And why. You must attack the tweets that pour out like water from a hose. Good Luck.
10
Let’s see.
Carrier was moving to Mexico on its own dime and closing the plaint in Indiana. They had refused an offer of $7M in tax breaks from the state to stay and keep 2000 jobs there.
Trump intervenes and in classic reaganesque, deception Carrier now has the $7M in its pocket to fund its move and still gets to lay off most of the people they wanted to, leaving only seven hundred something jobs intact with no guarantee that they will stay for any amount of time after they are out of the spotlight. Oh yea 300 of the jobs Trump is taking credit for saving were never going to be lost. He temporarily “saved’ 700 something jobs at a cost to the taxpayers well above what they will earn from the deal.
That is why corporations have been helping the GOP at least since the crook Nixon was in the WH.
Carrier was moving to Mexico on its own dime and closing the plaint in Indiana. They had refused an offer of $7M in tax breaks from the state to stay and keep 2000 jobs there.
Trump intervenes and in classic reaganesque, deception Carrier now has the $7M in its pocket to fund its move and still gets to lay off most of the people they wanted to, leaving only seven hundred something jobs intact with no guarantee that they will stay for any amount of time after they are out of the spotlight. Oh yea 300 of the jobs Trump is taking credit for saving were never going to be lost. He temporarily “saved’ 700 something jobs at a cost to the taxpayers well above what they will earn from the deal.
That is why corporations have been helping the GOP at least since the crook Nixon was in the WH.
13
The corporations are afraid that Trump will tweet something nasty about them. It's that simple. They're trying to dodge the bully.
7
"Individuals and businesses will find wireless service costs a lot more when they have only Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile/Sprint to choose from."
Americans already pay the most for digital services in the world and we pay for inferior services compared with other countries. We have very little anti-trust law protection as it is. In Germany, one would have at least 20 providers to choose from, not 4 or 5 we have here. But this is how we create the top 1% with your votes.
Americans already pay the most for digital services in the world and we pay for inferior services compared with other countries. We have very little anti-trust law protection as it is. In Germany, one would have at least 20 providers to choose from, not 4 or 5 we have here. But this is how we create the top 1% with your votes.
10
We are all on the Titanic now because many failed to voted, or voted third party.
We may or may not hit the iceberg, but the corporate mentality will make sure there aren't enough life boats so it can save money, not lives.
We built this!
We may or may not hit the iceberg, but the corporate mentality will make sure there aren't enough life boats so it can save money, not lives.
We built this!
7
Deception Math is something the GOP and Trump's snake oil team excel in with an endless display of cherry-picking, out of context, Enron accounting and 3 card monty announcements. Get ready for a 2017 calendar filled with falsehoods of the day. Just how much snake oil will the GOP voter consume before they start to toss their cookies?
6
Our president-elect is low-class, not bright, a terrible businessman, an heir whose inheritance has underperformed the S&P 500. Sad.
That said, for all his faults, I hope he makes shaming corporates into keeping and onshoring jobs to the U.S. a permanent part of the president's job, in perpetuity.
Now, do I think his actual policies will make much of a difference? No, I don't.
That said, for all his faults, I hope he makes shaming corporates into keeping and onshoring jobs to the U.S. a permanent part of the president's job, in perpetuity.
Now, do I think his actual policies will make much of a difference? No, I don't.
6
I read the news about Carrier and Softbank and reached a different, equally pernicious conclusion. I could hear Trump saying to these CEO's, "Nice stock price you have there. Pity if something were to happen to it." The CEO's watched what happened to Boeing and Lockheed Martin. One angry, lying tweet, and the stock loses a material part of its value. For most of these CEO's, their compensation is tied to the stock price. So here's the tit for tat. No money changes hands. Way too grubby. Trump gets to claim credit for something he had nothing to do with, and the CEO gets to keep his/her bonus. There is an English word for this, "Extortion".
10
I will consider Trump a success if he stops our foreign military entanglements and our economy does not crash in the next five years.
It should worry Trump voters yes but it doesn't. They are already making excuses for his first failures. Obama took too long to take credit for his successes, but Trump is getting a big jeadstart on trying to. However much we point out the emperor's new clothes, looks like he is still going to be emperor.
6
From Solyndra to Live Nation/Ticketmaster, Obama has provided a clear template for so-called "crony capitalism". Along with implementing last minute regulations and declaring executive orders, these tactics will serve the Trump administration well.
3
Donald Trump can start taking responsibility for jobs and markets in another month. Fortunately for him, President Obama has the economy soaring again and it will sustain him through September. What happens after that we will see.
Pretending that he has helped to create or save jobs is just part of his fantasy. Has he brought any of his own products back to the US for manufacturing? That would show leadership, but that is something he lacks bigly.
Pretending that he has helped to create or save jobs is just part of his fantasy. Has he brought any of his own products back to the US for manufacturing? That would show leadership, but that is something he lacks bigly.
6
Since the Dutch and British East India companies, corporations have thrived on crony capitalism and indeed committed their own atrocities and leveraged the military mights of empires in search of profits (Halliburton as a recent modern example). Is it so shocking that the denizens of the modern business world should cozy up to Trump? Somewhere in the Ronald Reagan era we forgot that markets should be free, but those who run corporations should be hemmed in, else they run roughshod over the public good. We are just pecking around now like chickens, while the hungry foxes suck up to our new guardian-in-chief.
7
Donald Trump should be making phone companies bring customer service jobs back to US, so I won't have to scream and hang up on a Verizon customer service person in India. I refuse to do business with any company that has outsourced customer service jobs.
6
The nyt lies about jobs all the time. Why not report the bls u6 instead of the deeply misleading u3. The monthly unemployment figure misrepresents the employment picture, last i checked unemployment was around 22 percent. How can we have meaningful change when the convention is to report a bogus metric? Write an article on that pls!
3
"The influence of factious leaders may kindle a flame within their particular States, but will be unable to spread a general conflagration through the other States." -- James Madison, Federalist 10.
Looks like Madison was wrong about this--perhaps because he could not have conceived of modern social media.
Looks like Madison was wrong about this--perhaps because he could not have conceived of modern social media.
2
And Trump will undoubtedly orchestrate fake job growth numbers coming out of BLS which will allegedly show "stupendous, amazing" job creation numbers. Watch, he will even falsely report "gigantic increases" in coal mining jobs, even though coal miners themselves will be looking around trying to find where all those new jobs are.
Hopefully the media will to show that, as always happens under every Republican president, job creation under Trump lags sadly behind job creation under Obama, Clinton, Carter, et.al. It will take good research and reporting to accurately challenge Trump's economic lies, but presenting the truth will help counter the damage Trump tries to inflict on the country.
Hopefully the media will to show that, as always happens under every Republican president, job creation under Trump lags sadly behind job creation under Obama, Clinton, Carter, et.al. It will take good research and reporting to accurately challenge Trump's economic lies, but presenting the truth will help counter the damage Trump tries to inflict on the country.
5
"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain - the great and powerful Oz has spoken"
The biggest conman in modern times is about to pull a bait and switch on his fan base. It will be interesting to see how long the romance lasts. Not even his shameless Republican apologists McConnell and Ryan will be able to contain the masses once they find themselves jobless and without healthcare.
The biggest conman in modern times is about to pull a bait and switch on his fan base. It will be interesting to see how long the romance lasts. Not even his shameless Republican apologists McConnell and Ryan will be able to contain the masses once they find themselves jobless and without healthcare.
2
Propaganda on every side. Little attention is being paid to the fact that we have near record numbers of both unfilled job openings and persons employed. Creating more jobs we cannot fill is not the answer. It will push up wages - good. It will make us less competitive - bad.
Trump is a total stranger to the Truth and in the fullness of time the people who voted for him in the rust belt will find this out as jobs do not return to the extent Trump promised .
In the meantime I do hope that the media digs deep on these stories.
For example I would ask Sprint when and where will those 5000 jobs be created and in what kind of venture.
Also if the Sprint and T Mobile do merge what will the job loss be ?
In the meantime I do hope that the media digs deep on these stories.
For example I would ask Sprint when and where will those 5000 jobs be created and in what kind of venture.
Also if the Sprint and T Mobile do merge what will the job loss be ?
1
Foreign potentates will be watching the Sprint case with interest. The Constitution proscribes bribery of public officials by foreign states, but who needs to resort to vulgar bribery when Mr. Trump is so hungry for flattery? The Founding Fathers didn’t think of everything.
1
As his tweet republished in this article demonstrates irrefutably, Trump is an insufferable horse's behind. I may have to cut myself off from all news if I am to make it through the next four years. In all events, I suppose I should also be thankful to Donald--for the daily disgust, nausea, hopelessness, embarrassment and/or shame he has brought to my life.
6
No matter how many times it's said, it still bears repeating: Trump's only concern is Trump. Taking credit for corporate decisions that have nothing to do with him, and lying to make himself appear to be a friend to working people is all part of the self-congratulatory ego boost he appears to require on a daily basis. He doesn't care if jobs are created or not. What's important is that he look good, grab the spotlight and tell everyone he's responsible. This kind of behavior gets old pretty quickly, and it doesn't take long for people to stop listening. I predict that within his first year in office he'll be tweeting his greatness into a void of boredom and disinterest.
96
We seem to go through periods like this from time to time. Where greed sets in and the political and corporate leaders try to deregulate to enrich themselves.
I worked for a company for 23 years back in the 70’s and 80’s. It was publicly traded and the employees were major investors in the company, like many others throughout the country, both big and small. And our leadership had the right moral compass. The employees were the greatest asset according to the CEO’s that lead during that period.
For those that remember “Ma Bell” and IBM (Big Blue) during that time, they were outstanding examples of how a company should run. AT&T was a essentially a monopoly but we had great service and reasonable pricing. Bell Labs was a true innovator. IBM up until the 90’s never laid anyone off.
This has very little to do with regulation. It’s all about “morality”.
I worked for a company for 23 years back in the 70’s and 80’s. It was publicly traded and the employees were major investors in the company, like many others throughout the country, both big and small. And our leadership had the right moral compass. The employees were the greatest asset according to the CEO’s that lead during that period.
For those that remember “Ma Bell” and IBM (Big Blue) during that time, they were outstanding examples of how a company should run. AT&T was a essentially a monopoly but we had great service and reasonable pricing. Bell Labs was a true innovator. IBM up until the 90’s never laid anyone off.
This has very little to do with regulation. It’s all about “morality”.
62
It's an unfortunate truth that lying to the American people about jobs was a specialty of the Obama Administration as well. Cooked unemployment figures, lies about job creation and similar feel-good nonsense are nothing new. Trump will take it to another level, yes, but he did not invent lying.
3
Maybe Trump, Softbank, and Mr. Son are chasing the right tail. Less competition opens the door to increased regulation. Competition stimulates efficiency, but efficiency isn't a friend of job creation. Returning to the monopoly model, like AT&T, means more jobs, stronger unions, higher prices, and more government regulation. Only the stockholders would object. Isn't that just what the rural Trump voters are asking for?
3
What we have acquired here is the first Flim-Flam President and we can expect more of this type of hype in the future as he continues to promote his selfish agenda. This could be destructive to the foundations of all businesses in the country. He will not notice.
3
Wonderful Editorial -- Thank you! I find it sad and rather pathetic at some comments to this editorial, which continue to normalize of Mr. Trump. His shady business deals and self-obsessions will continue during his Presidency. I have no doubt that he will benefit greatly from his lack of service to the American people. Mr. Trump will take these shiny (small picture) moments and take credit for what amounts to "nothing" at the end of the day, but people are so filled with fear that 800 jobs and 5000 jobs sounds like a good deal when clearly in the bigger picture it is anything but a good deal.
3
(Many) other concerns aside -- 50 billion dollars to create 50,000 jobs? That's one million dollars per job! Even if we assume these jobs will pay an average of $100,000 each (it is to laugh), that means 90% of this money, 45 of the 50 billion dollars, will not go to the job holders, but rather, to ... whom? My money (and for US taxpayers, sadly yet inevitably, yours as well) is on the lion's share of it going directly into the amply stuffed bank accounts of the 0.1%.
2
At least 300 of the Carrier jobs that Trumph touted as not moving from Indiana to Mexico were not going to move anyway. These were research and administrative jobs, see http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/300-carrier-jobs-trump-touts-indiana-movi...
So when Carrier got tax benefits for saving jobs Trump and Pence were out smarted in negotiations or just plain wanted to claim a bigger victory - not.
So when Carrier got tax benefits for saving jobs Trump and Pence were out smarted in negotiations or just plain wanted to claim a bigger victory - not.
3
Why wouldn't these Corps play along? They play along, and they get to do what they please...like always. When the regulations loosen even more, these benevolent Corporate citizens will slip thru the loop-holes like the slippery eels they are. There will be no getting them back, unless there's a sudden and very large upheaval in the US from the citizenry that forces the Gov't, forces our elected employees to stop giving the Corp-citizens more then they deserve, and actually do the right and moral thing for the citizenry. But I dont expect that to happen. I dont expect Americans to truly go out and protest in any real way.
Plus, Im not expecting a whole lot moral and ethical, or often legal, behaviors coming from the White House or the GOP. There might be a few members who make a show of it, some might really mean it, but they will be drowned out by the rest of the in-it-for-the-power types.
Plus, Im not expecting a whole lot moral and ethical, or often legal, behaviors coming from the White House or the GOP. There might be a few members who make a show of it, some might really mean it, but they will be drowned out by the rest of the in-it-for-the-power types.
2
Corporations and Trump do not care for truth and lies. They do not care for ordinary people . They care for their own benefit. They want to enrich themselves by hook and crook. They use people to sell and or get power. So Trump and corporations have very similar character and interest. They will help each other by lying, corruption and manipulation. Nest 4 or 8 years will be very rough bumpy ride for ordinary people. Fatten your seat belt.
4
These delusional tweets remind me of that Iraqi General who would go on TV and insist everything was Great! even while tanks were rolling in the background, or of Soviet era insistence that the Union was strong and everyone was happy. Capitalism has reached the same level of gross inefficiency and corruption as communism did in the 80s. Perhaps neither ideology is fit for purpose.
2
Following our Fearless Leader's example, Americans can now lie, misrepresent, and tell falsehoods with impunity. We can only hope Leader Trump doesn't close the IRS Department in anticipation of increased Corporate and Taxpayer's massively increasing level of lies, falsehoods, and blatant misrepresentations of income and deductions.
Fooding the IRS with bogus Tax filings will be a new national sport. Past corporate tax evasions will pale in comparison to the level of evasion from millions of taxpayers boldly encouraged by Leader Trump's example.
Fooding the IRS with bogus Tax filings will be a new national sport. Past corporate tax evasions will pale in comparison to the level of evasion from millions of taxpayers boldly encouraged by Leader Trump's example.
4
I think presidential candidates should have to comply with a couple things.
1. Pass a basics civics test.
2. Release a minimum of last 5 years of tax returns.
This would be a good start.
1. Pass a basics civics test.
2. Release a minimum of last 5 years of tax returns.
This would be a good start.
11
How interesting that in the same time span, the Editor in Chief of the Wall Street Journal stated that the WSJ would be unlikely to call out lies made by Mr Trump and his administration when fact checking statements made by them. Mr Baker of the WSJ prefers only to present (selected? out of context?) facts and let their readers decide whether lies, with their moral implications, have been made by the protagonist.
Seriously.
So what does this juxtaposition of the NYT editors opinion about the characterization of crony capitalism as being "lies," and the WSJ editorial opinion about "lying" imply as to the integrity of our political / economic / propaganda realms of governance in our country?
It means that for conservative rags and hags, objectivity and principles are for moralistic fools. For decades, conservative political leaders and supporters have demanded an arms length relationship between government and the economy. Never mind. That only depends on who's in power. See GWB and deficits and wars of ambition.
Just as Dick Cheney once said that deficits don't matter, neither apparently does any form of intellectual honesty matter when conservatives deal with the intersection of political and economic power.
Just as Newt Gingrich once led the charge for term limits and now really likes the gerrymandered and nearly life time tenured makeup of Congress, conservatives don't walk the talk.
Politics is all about the power to ensure that politicians stay in power.
Seriously.
So what does this juxtaposition of the NYT editors opinion about the characterization of crony capitalism as being "lies," and the WSJ editorial opinion about "lying" imply as to the integrity of our political / economic / propaganda realms of governance in our country?
It means that for conservative rags and hags, objectivity and principles are for moralistic fools. For decades, conservative political leaders and supporters have demanded an arms length relationship between government and the economy. Never mind. That only depends on who's in power. See GWB and deficits and wars of ambition.
Just as Dick Cheney once said that deficits don't matter, neither apparently does any form of intellectual honesty matter when conservatives deal with the intersection of political and economic power.
Just as Newt Gingrich once led the charge for term limits and now really likes the gerrymandered and nearly life time tenured makeup of Congress, conservatives don't walk the talk.
Politics is all about the power to ensure that politicians stay in power.
6
Demagogues and populist all over the world have boasted about their (false) achievements and turn their failures into success by blaming external factors (generally foreign countries) for their failures and boasting that if it wasn't for him, it would be even worse.
3
Republicans have long sought to replace the colonial era with corporate control of our lives where the old, poor, and middle class are thrown on the trash heap like wrinkled rinds. Trump is their pawn, a traitor who encouraged Russia to destabilize our election and said American workers make too much! We must resist Republican efforts, under their illusion of economic revival, to turn our great country into a banana republic.
8
I am not a HRC fan, but it is indicative of the way the NYT has dealt with t e Trump phenomenon. Here is someone who has innovated nothing, who had produced nothing, and who only provide more leisure class venues and given a new slant to the term "casino capitalism." Yet he has been celebrated as a business success. What does that say about American business and how business success is evaluated?
Moreover, it is clear why he doesn't become concerned about the effect of his "policies" on the public debt: he doesn't pay his debts so why shouldn't the country avoid paying as well? He had a winning formula for his business interests and the Presidency is just another acquisition for Trump. It is foolish to expect him to vary from what has been a successful formula.
Moreover, it is clear why he doesn't become concerned about the effect of his "policies" on the public debt: he doesn't pay his debts so why shouldn't the country avoid paying as well? He had a winning formula for his business interests and the Presidency is just another acquisition for Trump. It is foolish to expect him to vary from what has been a successful formula.
10
Supporting a candidate who ran on fake-news, and offered vague prescriptions for complex problems, is one thing.
Investing in a market whose President runs on fake-news, and offers vague prescriptions for complex problems, is where political irony is justly cruel.
Investing in a market whose President runs on fake-news, and offers vague prescriptions for complex problems, is where political irony is justly cruel.
8
It's not really surprising. Since Eisenhower signaled the 'early warning' in the 1950's, corporate America has taken note and expanded the 'defense-industrial-complex across all of American business (with Republican help).
We are now a 'top down' corporate-socialist nation, modeled after the old Soviet Union. Monopoly and oligarchy prevails. Next come straight-out authoritarian-oligarchy, also known as rule by organized crime.
We are now a 'top down' corporate-socialist nation, modeled after the old Soviet Union. Monopoly and oligarchy prevails. Next come straight-out authoritarian-oligarchy, also known as rule by organized crime.
11
The new Infant-In-Chief with characteristic immodesty thanks himself, broadcasting it for the world to see. In arrogant self-absorption and indecency, he daily sets the bar lower than any president-elect in U.S. history. And his term has yet to begin.
The job of President of the United States is one of public service. It's comforting to remind ourselves we are Donald Trump's boss; he is our servant. That will surely come as a rude awakening for a man who has yet to serve anyone but himself.
The job of President of the United States is one of public service. It's comforting to remind ourselves we are Donald Trump's boss; he is our servant. That will surely come as a rude awakening for a man who has yet to serve anyone but himself.
5
We are told we should give Don the con a chance. However, since he started running for office he has clearly shown who he is and his cabinet selections have clearly demonstrated there has been no change. Further his picks tell us his policies will harm rather than benefit the naive voters who believed his meaningless slogans. If his voters were the only ones who would be harmed I would be inclined to say told you so and move on. Sadly, all of us will be living with the catastrophe he will impose on our country and perhaps the world. Sad.
5
The economic trends put in place by the Obama administration and liberal state governments (higher minimum wages) will continue, at least for a while. The unemployment rate has been trending downward for years, now getting close to the frictional full employment level, which will push wages up as it already has started to do.
Trump will take credit for all of it.
Trump will take credit for all of it.
7
I would suggest that the Editorial Board look at the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) in London. It is one of the best measures of where the world economy is headed because it represents an average of what shippers are willing to pay to carry freight. it is a much better indicator than the S&P which has risen since the election. The moment Trump was elected the BDI soared. The higher expectations are very real.
4
One of the biggest problems with the Obama administrations was their lack of understanding or for that matter interest in the private sector. They saw government as the answer regardless of the question. Trump in clueless in many areas but understanding the value of the private sector is one where he is spot on. Corporations see a partner to help deal with excessive regulation and the absurd US corporate tax rate. This is a positive for this country, despite how the NYT editorial board sees it
3
There is so much talk about what Trump, or any other president, is going to do
or not do for the economy. The thing of it is, it looks like the business and
corporations are the ones the population should be pressuring to do the right thing by them (the people). It's the businesses that are paying low and unfair
wages. It's the businesses who are downsizing and moving offshore. The President might make it harder or easier for them, but the businesses are the
ones who do it. If people would consider others as worthy of living as good a
life as they can. we might be a little more generous with each other.
or not do for the economy. The thing of it is, it looks like the business and
corporations are the ones the population should be pressuring to do the right thing by them (the people). It's the businesses that are paying low and unfair
wages. It's the businesses who are downsizing and moving offshore. The President might make it harder or easier for them, but the businesses are the
ones who do it. If people would consider others as worthy of living as good a
life as they can. we might be a little more generous with each other.
3
Definition of fascism: a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.
7
The jobs are gone, long gone. They've been outsourced for over 20 years by every major U S corporation or replaced with technologies that eliminate workers. In a smarter technologically driven world we need better training and millions of opportunities to build careers, not hourly wage earners. By 1000 days we will know whether Mr. Trump is worthy of the salary the taxpayers have given him.
2
M&A's due to economies of scale eliminate good gobs in competing companies. Obama has a point, that competition is reduced, but financial capitalists see that resistance a contrary to the natural order of things - and their main money-making scheme which is M&A. Computer technology has been a great enabler of M&A's since management, sales, accounting and distribution networks are easily managed by fewer and fewer people.
The effort by Trump to create jobs rather than eliminate them through Financial Capitalism will no doubt suffer - which will put Trump at odds with financial capitalists. But I though he already was - and has already lambasted Financial Capitalism as corrupt.
Would not say Trump is lying, so corporations, like in this article, are just promoting their own ends and trying to restrict Trump's agenda to bring more, not fewer, jobs to Americans.
The effort by Trump to create jobs rather than eliminate them through Financial Capitalism will no doubt suffer - which will put Trump at odds with financial capitalists. But I though he already was - and has already lambasted Financial Capitalism as corrupt.
Would not say Trump is lying, so corporations, like in this article, are just promoting their own ends and trying to restrict Trump's agenda to bring more, not fewer, jobs to Americans.
2
Sitting back, having some popcorn and watching Darwinism in action. Should be a hoot as the economic forces about to be unleashed start clubbing the ill adapted like baby harp seals.
There is no way to beat the Republicans willing to knife any and everyone in the back. Possible resistance ended with the words "extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice." There is no concrete agreement on what liberty is, thus justifying extremism regardless of accompanying destruction.
The haves will have more, the rest less. Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of crony capitalism. History is all the more exciting as it is made in the midst of Chaos.
There is no way to beat the Republicans willing to knife any and everyone in the back. Possible resistance ended with the words "extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice." There is no concrete agreement on what liberty is, thus justifying extremism regardless of accompanying destruction.
The haves will have more, the rest less. Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of crony capitalism. History is all the more exciting as it is made in the midst of Chaos.
6
Agreed
You get a sense that privatization will increase in ways that fatten profits and harm citizens
There will be no effective oversight since every government agency that regulates will be intimidated, pared back or scrapped
Tremendously risky time
Very nixonian
You get a sense that privatization will increase in ways that fatten profits and harm citizens
There will be no effective oversight since every government agency that regulates will be intimidated, pared back or scrapped
Tremendously risky time
Very nixonian
7
The Emperor Trump is indeed wearing no clothes. It's important for all of us to puncture every day with intelligence the bubble of impossible President-elect hubris that otherwise will lead all Americans, lemming-like, over the cliff of naïve belief in the circus barker. It's time to head for the egress, as PT Barnum did, pointed lingering circus crowds to the exit, before all Americans are victims of crimes against credulity.
11
Well, thank you for using the word "lie" where it is relevant because we are going to be bombarded with many many lies in the coming months or years if we are so unlucky. The New York Times as well as other "papers of record" need to step up big time for the sake of our Republic. Sowing doubt in our institutions, in our fourth estate, in our scientific findings, etc. is the act of a dictator who wants the population to only rely on his view of reality. I honestly believe that Trump is mentally incompetent or worse. His behavior, words, demeanor and deeds demonstrate a basically evil nature. I must say, millions of WWII vets must be turning over in their graves to see our country being led by a fascist. I hope the gullible among us can see through the smoke and mirrors some day to see what they have done to our country. It's truly heartbreaking to watch and our only hope is that some in the media will grow a spine and deliver truth to our citizens.
13
This has been going on for decades, including with the Obama Administration. Just google "Intercept Obama Google" and you will see but one example of a corporation currying favor and exploiting it through access for obvious political gain. It's been standard operating procedure with the Clintons, as well, yet I can't recall the NY Times editorial board making a point to call it out when Democrats are the culprits unless shamed into doing so.
So while propagandists like Paul Krugman wet themselves over the prospect of President Trump, the corporate media is already vindicating those of us who voted for Trump as a protest against the fraudulent, symbiotic relationship between the establishment politicians and their corporate-media fluffers.
President Clinton would've meant business as usual. President Trump, at least, promised scrutiny.
So while propagandists like Paul Krugman wet themselves over the prospect of President Trump, the corporate media is already vindicating those of us who voted for Trump as a protest against the fraudulent, symbiotic relationship between the establishment politicians and their corporate-media fluffers.
President Clinton would've meant business as usual. President Trump, at least, promised scrutiny.
3
This past election turned on Donald Trump's (aided by decades of continuous Republican attacks on the Clintons) ability to persuade voters that Hillary Clinton was so corrupt that under no circumstances should she be elected president.
They thought Hillary was corrupt? They ain't seen nothin' yet. He isn't even bothering to hide that he is about to unleash a level of corruption on Washington unseen in our lifetimes, eclipsing anything she did by several orders of magnitude. Yet still they are in denial.
Electing Donald Trump was like hiring the wolf to guard the chickens. Pretty soon they aren't not your chickens any more, they're his.
They thought Hillary was corrupt? They ain't seen nothin' yet. He isn't even bothering to hide that he is about to unleash a level of corruption on Washington unseen in our lifetimes, eclipsing anything she did by several orders of magnitude. Yet still they are in denial.
Electing Donald Trump was like hiring the wolf to guard the chickens. Pretty soon they aren't not your chickens any more, they're his.
117
So we are going to talk about Federal Anti-Trust Division now after so many mergers and acquisitions that have narrowed competition to only a few large corporations. Left small farmers, retailers, hardwired telephones, broad band i.e. internet servers, drugs, medical, insurance, could go on and on about how competition is killed by these mergers and acquisitions and the little entrepreneurs don't start up or are dead on arrival or never make it to five years.
Oh, did I mention the newspaper business and lamestreet media conglomerate monopolies?
America and we the people pay the highest price for everything that our counterparts in the rest of the world. Our lives have a price tag and it keeps getting higher and higher; harder and harder for us ordinary folks to cover the expenses of living.
Oh, did I mention the newspaper business and lamestreet media conglomerate monopolies?
America and we the people pay the highest price for everything that our counterparts in the rest of the world. Our lives have a price tag and it keeps getting higher and higher; harder and harder for us ordinary folks to cover the expenses of living.
2
Corporations realize that Trump is one of their own & only has their best interests in mind. Up till now, Outsourcing not only afforded Cooperation's
lower labor costs but also helped the Corporations circumvent American Taxes. It was a win win situation for the Share holders.But why go through the trouble of setting up factories over seas if Corporations can receive the same advantages staying in the the US. Under Trump the Corporations will receive low taxes & be subsidize by the tax payer in order to be competitive,Case in point Carrier in Indiana.Obama looks like a winner, by keeping the Jobs here, & the Share Holders reap great profits.The only losers are the middle class taxpayers.
lower labor costs but also helped the Corporations circumvent American Taxes. It was a win win situation for the Share holders.But why go through the trouble of setting up factories over seas if Corporations can receive the same advantages staying in the the US. Under Trump the Corporations will receive low taxes & be subsidize by the tax payer in order to be competitive,Case in point Carrier in Indiana.Obama looks like a winner, by keeping the Jobs here, & the Share Holders reap great profits.The only losers are the middle class taxpayers.
1
"This should greatly worry Americans, especially people who are counting on Mr. Trump to revive the economy and help the middle class."
What happens when "populist" President Trump shows that his populism is only skin deep, but that his self-interest and Plutocratic fervor go all the way to deep within his bones?
He already agrees with establishment Speaker Ryan that financial and environmental deregulation, and tax reduction--especially tax reduction favoring rich corporations and individuals--are major priorities.
Senate Majority Leader McConnell clearly wants to dampen any enthusiasm for "populist" Trump's worker-friendly proposals, like utilizing public-private partnerships to rebuild the infrastructure. The irony of all this, given the pro-investor and pro-business structure of Mr. Trump's proposal, is that the GOP establishment's Mr. McConnell nonetheless states: ". . . infrastructure is not a priority . . . ."
How long before the establishment knocks all semblance of "populism" out of Mr. Trump?
Mr. Trump has sworn to protect Social Security and Medicare. How long, however, before Mr. Trump agrees with Mr. Ryan that Social Security and Medicare need reform, perhaps even that they should be privatized, at least as an option?
The people "counting on Mr. Trump to . . . help the middle class" are, I suspect, soon to learn that it is unwise to buy a loose cannon in a poke.
What happens when "populist" President Trump shows that his populism is only skin deep, but that his self-interest and Plutocratic fervor go all the way to deep within his bones?
He already agrees with establishment Speaker Ryan that financial and environmental deregulation, and tax reduction--especially tax reduction favoring rich corporations and individuals--are major priorities.
Senate Majority Leader McConnell clearly wants to dampen any enthusiasm for "populist" Trump's worker-friendly proposals, like utilizing public-private partnerships to rebuild the infrastructure. The irony of all this, given the pro-investor and pro-business structure of Mr. Trump's proposal, is that the GOP establishment's Mr. McConnell nonetheless states: ". . . infrastructure is not a priority . . . ."
How long before the establishment knocks all semblance of "populism" out of Mr. Trump?
Mr. Trump has sworn to protect Social Security and Medicare. How long, however, before Mr. Trump agrees with Mr. Ryan that Social Security and Medicare need reform, perhaps even that they should be privatized, at least as an option?
The people "counting on Mr. Trump to . . . help the middle class" are, I suspect, soon to learn that it is unwise to buy a loose cannon in a poke.
4
Barack Obama lied to the American people when he promised hope and change. If the hope and change has not happened by now, it will never occur. If he had been such a successful president, the millions of former Democratic voters would never have voted for Donald Trump.
Our country has never been so divided as it is today due to the policies promoted under Obama. With this new election of Donald Trump, there is much jubilation and joy by many. We are ecstatic at the thought of the great things that await this great nation under President-elect Donald Trump.
Our country has never been so divided as it is today due to the policies promoted under Obama. With this new election of Donald Trump, there is much jubilation and joy by many. We are ecstatic at the thought of the great things that await this great nation under President-elect Donald Trump.
1
Havent states and even cities been offerinf incentives and making deals in order to entice companies to stay or move to their area for decades? I mean, companies have been playing the sides of Kansas City off each other for awhile now, moving back and forth and generally abusing the people by demanding more and more tax breaks and even free land.
All Im saying is that Trump didnt invent this whole crony capitalism thing. Liberl and conservative cities and states have been doing it for years. Look at Delaware!
Crony capitalism is wrong, but Trump didnt bring us into a new paradigm. We were already there.
All Im saying is that Trump didnt invent this whole crony capitalism thing. Liberl and conservative cities and states have been doing it for years. Look at Delaware!
Crony capitalism is wrong, but Trump didnt bring us into a new paradigm. We were already there.
1
trump, accidentally elected president of the United States, is well established as an outright liar, a slanderer, a thief, a distorter of fact (same as liar). His supporters, most of whom are ignorant and of limited education, offer opinions which can be ignored. It is of critical importance to bear in mind that he lost the popular vote by more than 2.5 million votes. Of equal importance is the fact that 54% of voters did not vote for trump.
In my view, he deserves neither respect or loyalty. He is not my president and never will be.
In my view, he deserves neither respect or loyalty. He is not my president and never will be.
8
This long national nightmare has been a matter of planned grooming:
Trump likely won due to millions of happily uninformed voters.
Those endlessly in front of Fox News, absorbing right wing themes- fully conditioned from reception to exploitation, lots of repetition catapulting the mix, rendering them ideal suckers for Trump's gambit.
Throw in some racy pictures of a model wife, parade around the adult children....fly everywhere on your own enormous plane...
Salt and pepper the mixture with bumper sticker phrases even a fool would internalize, and that's all she wrote.
Trump likely won due to millions of happily uninformed voters.
Those endlessly in front of Fox News, absorbing right wing themes- fully conditioned from reception to exploitation, lots of repetition catapulting the mix, rendering them ideal suckers for Trump's gambit.
Throw in some racy pictures of a model wife, parade around the adult children....fly everywhere on your own enormous plane...
Salt and pepper the mixture with bumper sticker phrases even a fool would internalize, and that's all she wrote.
3
What should greatly worry the American people is that with our election choice we have bought an administration that, when it comes to public pronouncements and information sharing, will behave just like the worst sort of totalitarian regime. By that I mean that just as Trump lied from one end of the day to the other, day in day out during the election and essentially paid no price for it, so the new administration will do the same once in power and just as shamelessly, as totalitarian regimes do routinely and without blinking an eye.
We as Americans and that includes the media have not even begun to grapple with the implications and consequences of this simple truth and what it means for our democracy.
We as Americans and that includes the media have not even begun to grapple with the implications and consequences of this simple truth and what it means for our democracy.
7
"Sprint’s top executive had told him the company would add 5,000 jobs [“because of what’s happening and the spirit and the hope].... (my brackets).
What exactly does this Gobbledygook of random verbiage mean? The more I listen to this man speak and/or read his words (honestly), I wonder- how has he been able to function in any business environment; or any adult environment without substantial help that only the best money can purchase? Are we actually seeing (and will experience) the Real-life-version of the Tom Hanks character in the movie "Big"?
What exactly does this Gobbledygook of random verbiage mean? The more I listen to this man speak and/or read his words (honestly), I wonder- how has he been able to function in any business environment; or any adult environment without substantial help that only the best money can purchase? Are we actually seeing (and will experience) the Real-life-version of the Tom Hanks character in the movie "Big"?
3
The Editorial Board seemed to be fine with the Obama administration constantly touting shrinking unemployment numbers while failing to talk about the labor participation rate. When Obama took office the labor participation rate was 66.2%. It is now under 63%. During the same period the number of workers who have left the work force to go on disability has steadily increased. Fewer people looking for work - lower unemployment, it's magic. As Mark Twain said - "There are three kinds of lies, lies, damn lies, and statistics" The Editorial board is only concerned with Republican lies.
4
Trump has an additional alliance in his quest to improve employment numbers: half the people believe Trump=Truth. And although he will no doubt try to force the various federal agencies to report only good news on the employment front, his true believers will continue to believe only what they want to believe. These are, after all, the same people who have accepted Trumps's various overstatements about the unemployment rate under Obama, and who never accepted any good news from these agencies under Obama.
We should expect as much tampering with the official numbers as is he can manage. Just as the 58th floor becomes the 68th in Trump's world, hyped-up employment numbers will hoisted up the flag pole. A lot of people will salute, beginning of course with the master tweeter himself.
We should expect as much tampering with the official numbers as is he can manage. Just as the 58th floor becomes the 68th in Trump's world, hyped-up employment numbers will hoisted up the flag pole. A lot of people will salute, beginning of course with the master tweeter himself.
6
Corporate interests are profits, even at the expense of their workers and the society that supports them. Paying the workers more, safety regulations, cleaning up their pollutants before releasing them into the environment, paying any taxes (for schools or national security) all hurt profits.
"Pro-business" is not "pro-worker" or "pro-society".
It is pro-money for the owners and the management.
"Pro-business" is not "pro-worker" or "pro-society".
It is pro-money for the owners and the management.
5
And this is exactly how Trump will distract from mind-boggling corruption, staggering incompetence, and internal damage to the government that we may not learn about for decades - not to mention bankrupting the government with even more tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy (I can't say "for Trump himself" since he already doesn't pay taxes) alongside a complete gutting of environmental protections, already-modest social programs, and civil rights. He may even get re-elected on the strength of these tall tales. God help us.
2
Sadly most working class people I know who voted for Trump do not understand or pay enough attention to sources like the Wall Street Journal or New York Times. They do not understand the importance of antitrust legislation created over a Century ago under Theodore Roosevelt's administrations. Set adrift by globalism and mechanization that continues to increase income inequality, and with most workers not remembering an era of strong unions, they look to a reality TV star who is a classic con man to be their savior. Reality TV is the opiate of the masses.
4
All we have to do is wait for a day yet to come when the Labor Department's unemployment figures will be suspect by the new administration.
The numbers will be hidden from public view because, after all, that public can do little to change those figures and the Commander in Chief knows better. The same fantasy that defines a two million national election deficit as a landslide will create the image of full employment out of any recession. Unfortunately, many will believe it and will ignore the wreck of a train that approaches.
The numbers will be hidden from public view because, after all, that public can do little to change those figures and the Commander in Chief knows better. The same fantasy that defines a two million national election deficit as a landslide will create the image of full employment out of any recession. Unfortunately, many will believe it and will ignore the wreck of a train that approaches.
1
Trump did better than Hilary Clinton not only among white non-college educated but also among white college educated. Obviously, this group which is the largest majority of the US population, has the most wealth, economic and social privileges and wield political influence does not care what Trump does or the impacts of his policies until they are hurting economically. But until that happens, Trump will have served two terms and greatly enriched himself and his buddies.
17
If we had had a robust economy under President Obama, Donald Trump would not have won the presidency. He won the votes of those who were unemployed and underemployed and those who were ignored and left out by the current administration.
Donald Trump has already begun to deliver on his promise to create more jobs and make America great again. Just think of the greatness that is yet to come. I see the hope and change in the attitudes of the people that I meet. Out with the old administration and in with the new. 2017 should be a wonderful year.
Donald Trump has already begun to deliver on his promise to create more jobs and make America great again. Just think of the greatness that is yet to come. I see the hope and change in the attitudes of the people that I meet. Out with the old administration and in with the new. 2017 should be a wonderful year.
3
The human nature of corruption has not changed since the beginning of human history. In one version of the ancient Norse sagas -- the Heimskringla -- we find the Legend of Queen Sigrid, the Haughty. When in the year 998 AD King Olaf (founder of modern Trondheim) sent Sigrid a gold engagement ring -- prized by all who saw it -- she asked her goldsmiths to look it over. As she saw these goldsmiths whispering and smiling to each other, she asked them, "What's so funny?" At first they refused to answer, but when she insisted, they told her that the famed gold ring was a fake. Furious, she smashed the ring into pieces and discovered that the center was made of copper: the precious gold ring was merely gold plated. "If Olaf will cheat me once, he will cheat me again," she said, and, in fact, we find out in later Heimskringla tales that this would be true. The Trump story is merely a modern replica of the ancient King Olaf deception fable. A modern Sigrid (representing all of us) would be correct in assuming that, if it happened once, it will happen again.
2
the problem is that Congress is useless now. Congress has no interest in protecting the interests and welfare of its constituents. Congress is made up of the same Americans who voted for Trump, those who believe the answers are all in the top 1%, going after money, money, money (for themselves) rathe than culture or civics - and even at their expense - and Congress is now conflated with the unhealthy corporate culture we have.
This country now is chasing money much as a heroin addict chases his next fix. Our priorities are all wrong and are very destructive. Trump is but a manifestation of what we have become.
This country now is chasing money much as a heroin addict chases his next fix. Our priorities are all wrong and are very destructive. Trump is but a manifestation of what we have become.
3
Democrats need to start the return to true democracy where the republicans have had the most succes in undermining it, state governments.
At least 23 states, including the swing states, purged voters in part based on a list created by the Crosscheck system which was created by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. All are controlled by republicans. I look forward to an investigation by the NY Times that goes deeper than Greg Palast's report in Rolling Stone.
That is a great example of how republicans have coopted the election system to their own benefit in the name of votor fraud. The only way to stop it is to wrestle control of elections from the highly partisan republicans currently controlling the state houses and secretaries of state.
Democrates need to capture the state governments or continue to be sidelined at all levels.
At least 23 states, including the swing states, purged voters in part based on a list created by the Crosscheck system which was created by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. All are controlled by republicans. I look forward to an investigation by the NY Times that goes deeper than Greg Palast's report in Rolling Stone.
That is a great example of how republicans have coopted the election system to their own benefit in the name of votor fraud. The only way to stop it is to wrestle control of elections from the highly partisan republicans currently controlling the state houses and secretaries of state.
Democrates need to capture the state governments or continue to be sidelined at all levels.
8
Things move quickly when the news is being stage-managed by the Twitterized, permanent campaign staff of Donald Trump. The SoftBank/Sprint/T-Mobile silliness is a good example.
We used to think that Mr. Trump was too ignorant about the way the real American economy (not the hyped world of marketing, brand exploitation and entertainment) worked to make rational decisions.
We used to believe that the attention span of Mr. Trump was too short to allow him to grasp any concept of complexity.
Now, however, we understand the truth.
Donald Trump knows that he is ignorant about how the American economy functions. He also knows that he is incapable of concentrating long enough to learn any complex subject.
The thing is, Mr. Trump simply doesn’t care.
He needs and wants every event to reflect well upon what he considers to be his unique abilities as a problem-solving man of action.
As far as certain actions – like allowing further consolidation of the telecommunications industry -- having bad long-term consequences for the nation, Donald Trump lives exclusively in the short term.
We used to think that Mr. Trump was too ignorant about the way the real American economy (not the hyped world of marketing, brand exploitation and entertainment) worked to make rational decisions.
We used to believe that the attention span of Mr. Trump was too short to allow him to grasp any concept of complexity.
Now, however, we understand the truth.
Donald Trump knows that he is ignorant about how the American economy functions. He also knows that he is incapable of concentrating long enough to learn any complex subject.
The thing is, Mr. Trump simply doesn’t care.
He needs and wants every event to reflect well upon what he considers to be his unique abilities as a problem-solving man of action.
As far as certain actions – like allowing further consolidation of the telecommunications industry -- having bad long-term consequences for the nation, Donald Trump lives exclusively in the short term.
4
Remember Trump successfully exploiting the fiction that he would bring back high paying manufacturing jobs in order to provide rust belt unemployed/underemployment higher wage jobs? Corporations had no problem with Trump's red herring position since it diverted just enough rust belt voters away from seeing the real problem: a non-union service based economy that has permanently replaced assembly line jobs and guarantees underemployment with lower average wages. There are plenty of non-union lower paying available jobs at Walmart and other businesses. Walmart-like jobs that have salaries much lower than a traditional manufacturing job will continue. Trump supporting rust belt worker failed to attribute any of the higher paying manufacturing jobs to labor's ability to collectively bargain with profit making corporations. The manufacturing jobs will return at some point but the salaries will be consistent with those in developing markets (see Southeast Asia). In the meantime, focus is on Trump returning those jobs to Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania while the thought of unionizing private sector service based jobs continues to appear no where in the political discourse of these rust belt states. The realistic option for the unemployed/underemployed of the rust belt states where Trump succeeded in selling the Brooklyn Bridge should be on a method to increase wages for those service based jobs. There's only one way for them to do that. Unionize those jobs!
5
It is great that journalists are starting to hold Trump and his cronies (and the corporations who hope to profit from this administration) accountable by reporting all the details about what is really going on. But, we also need to find a way to make sure that people all over the country are better informed as well. Not everyone reads the NYT. It is clear many of those people get their information from propaganda sites that are probably funded by some of these same corporations. This will perpetuate and expand income inequality over the next four years and we will end up with citizens even angrier than before and still voting against their interests because they have been lied to and radicalized even more than before. We need good reporting and we need to find ways to disseminate information to the masses.
7
It's important to run these types of stories about negative business actions, which do not surprise the commentators. There is a history. But how about some on business actions that show recognition that they are not immune to the huge environmental and social problems we have, and therefore need to take positive, if very unexpected, actions.
We've seen a few of these stories, such as Chobani's support of refugees, and the business support to repeal anti-gay laws. However, many more of these surprises are out there. Why not cover them more routinely?
How about something on the Business for Good development, the progress of "B" Corps, social entrepreneurs, businesses that support efforts to address climate change, or take creative actions to address poverty.
At some point, these actions can become less surprising, and create an argument that the very definition of business is changing.
And along the way, let's re-define "crony capitalism." While we may not see a lot of it at the federal level over the next four years, any government action that helps a company become more socially responsible is not automatically "cronyism." Deep into the article about Chobani, it was an SBA loan that, along with the CEO's ethic and daring, has led to their success.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/01/business/for-helping-immigrants-choban...
Sometimes there really is something new under the sun, if you're open to seeing it.
We've seen a few of these stories, such as Chobani's support of refugees, and the business support to repeal anti-gay laws. However, many more of these surprises are out there. Why not cover them more routinely?
How about something on the Business for Good development, the progress of "B" Corps, social entrepreneurs, businesses that support efforts to address climate change, or take creative actions to address poverty.
At some point, these actions can become less surprising, and create an argument that the very definition of business is changing.
And along the way, let's re-define "crony capitalism." While we may not see a lot of it at the federal level over the next four years, any government action that helps a company become more socially responsible is not automatically "cronyism." Deep into the article about Chobani, it was an SBA loan that, along with the CEO's ethic and daring, has led to their success.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/01/business/for-helping-immigrants-choban...
Sometimes there really is something new under the sun, if you're open to seeing it.
1
How I will miss President Obama's realistic view of the world and ewpecially our capitalist system that recognized our need for realistic regulations and curbing the meanest excesses of our economy. Corporations have often lied to us in so many ways as they try to appear the friend of consumers while raking in the profits, something that is often at odds. Trump as a spawn of that system falls into this model of obfuscating everything., but Trump does not even have the excuse of producing something. He inherits only the ability to produce, lies bankruptcies and obfuscations that like a vulture allow him to feed off of the carcasses. And as this is all he knows that is what he will do in collusion with his corporate cronies.
8
As mentioned in the editorial, Carrier has already signaled that some of the jobs Trump "saved" will eventually be lost to automation. Presumably, the automation to which the company refers will be a part of its upgrade of the Indiana facilities. An upgrade that became a lot less expensive (total cost: $16 million) when Carrier received $7 million in tax benefits to keep the jobs in Indiana. So the people that will eventually be fired by Carrier are actually paying for the privilege. Was it Marx or Lenin who said that a capitalist would sell the rope for his own hanging?
8
"This is crony capitalism, with potentially devastating consequences."
Crony capitalism and its devastating consequences are what American politicians have ardently supported ever since the 1970s. The deregulatory economic and financial policies of both political parties have insured this devastating outcome.
Now the Republicans in general, and Speaker Ryan and President-elect Trump in particular, are all urging further financial and environmental deregulation as the best course for enhancing economic productivity and creating jobs. Once again that policy is being linked with tax "reforms" that for the most part increase the wealth and power of the most self-interested and greediest among us.
How many times do we have to watch a movie with this opening reel? Why continue to buy tickets to this tawdry spectacle? Why stay in the theatre to view the foreordained tragic denouement?
Crony capitalism and its devastating consequences are what American politicians have ardently supported ever since the 1970s. The deregulatory economic and financial policies of both political parties have insured this devastating outcome.
Now the Republicans in general, and Speaker Ryan and President-elect Trump in particular, are all urging further financial and environmental deregulation as the best course for enhancing economic productivity and creating jobs. Once again that policy is being linked with tax "reforms" that for the most part increase the wealth and power of the most self-interested and greediest among us.
How many times do we have to watch a movie with this opening reel? Why continue to buy tickets to this tawdry spectacle? Why stay in the theatre to view the foreordained tragic denouement?
1
In a strange sort of way, perhaps terrifying would better than strange, the quote,"In sum, Mr. Trump’s statement was hot air, just like his tweet in which he thanked himself for an increase in a consumer confidence index last month.", makes sense. The ultimate salesman thanking himself for fueling the ultimate consumers, greedy Americans, to consume ever more.
Debt, the new American Dream. Two of them steaks and a70.00 dollar tie, put it on the card. My Trump Gold Card of course.
Debt, the new American Dream. Two of them steaks and a70.00 dollar tie, put it on the card. My Trump Gold Card of course.
2
It is not just jobs that Corporations are helping Trump lie about but living wage jobs with benefits and increase customer satisfaction and accountability. The reason so many corporations are willing to help the President elect lie is because neither he nor his cabinet members even support a minimum wage no less benefits that help employees. It is not a sharing of the corporate profits but a hording of them to benefit corporate "share holders" (which the management often owns a disproportional share). This theory has been promoted by Wall Street so much and with such intensity that I am surprised corporations have not thought about charging people to work at their companies. Customer satisfaction with most of these merged large corporation is at the very bottom. These corporations see Trump as the scoundrel that always dreamed of so why not help his lying? Think about small companies that have worked with Trump and they way they report how they were treated- non payment, court battles for payment. That is the model that major corporations would like to follow.
2
The first great linguistic victory came with convincing Americans that capitalism was synonymous with democracy. Having made that axiomatic, a great many other realignment of meanings were possible. Welfare comes to mind, and tropes such as "your hard-earned money," or "Government is the Problem." The effect of this linguistic misdirection is to keep peoples attention away from the sad reality that their benefits have been reduced, their health care made less affordable, their retirement options fewer, and more at risk, and, of course, their employment less secure. The English aristocracy wisely supports universal health care and sustenance income, keeping revolution at bay. Our own plutocrats have failed to take a long view, and having taken everything they can get their hands on, are now going after Social Security & Medicare, calling them "entitlements" (another linguistic coup). I hope this will prove to be a bridge too far, and will set reasonable limits on capitalism in the future, keeping its greedy snout out of Health, Education, and Welfare.
11
The press needs to take this deliberate campaign of fraud and omission into account when reporting these facts. Each report should remind the public how Trump has exaggerated if not downright lied in the past, and should present the boast as unsubstantiated and unproven. Even better, don't report the boast until and unless it is proven. This is not "business as usual" and the media has to stop acting like it is. And the media should be continuing to pressure Trump to release his tax returns and full details on his financial interests as we have no reason to trust that his policies aren't motivated primarily by the self-interest of him and his family.
11
Corporate America and, corporations in general, all have Government Affairs VPs or divisions or whatever they call them.
It is part of the job description to develop relationships with incoming Administrations, their cabinets and, Congress. It is in-house, every day lobbying. Executives and analysts go from writing "white papers" that end up in laws and regulations to high-end meetings, including Chairman photo ops with the President.
That is business as usual.
What is not business as usual, is to have a president who considers facts optional, has his own tailor-made version of reality and surround himself with yes-billionaires. Therefore corporations will follow the lead of the president and advance their shareholders interests.
Blue collar workers will have to find their great America by themselves.
It is part of the job description to develop relationships with incoming Administrations, their cabinets and, Congress. It is in-house, every day lobbying. Executives and analysts go from writing "white papers" that end up in laws and regulations to high-end meetings, including Chairman photo ops with the President.
That is business as usual.
What is not business as usual, is to have a president who considers facts optional, has his own tailor-made version of reality and surround himself with yes-billionaires. Therefore corporations will follow the lead of the president and advance their shareholders interests.
Blue collar workers will have to find their great America by themselves.
10
Corporations lie. Once beguiled by a lie facts and truth will not be believed.
Waste management, Enron, World Com, Tyco, Health South, Freddie Mac, AIG, Lehman Bros, Bernie Madoff, Saytam, lied cheated and stole to the tune of $220 billion. Even as the scandals were revealed some refused to acknowledge the evidence, until to late.
The self-esteem of corporate leadership is tied to their lies. Also lies are profitable for them, not necessarily profitable for their shareholders.
Why do lies work? Deception and self-deception. The liars work to deceive. The deceived (the self-deceived) just want to believe whatever fits their opinion (mindset) or to justify their actions.
The psychology of lies.
The corporate lies about jobs will fool those that want to be fooled, so the lies will continue unabated.
Waste management, Enron, World Com, Tyco, Health South, Freddie Mac, AIG, Lehman Bros, Bernie Madoff, Saytam, lied cheated and stole to the tune of $220 billion. Even as the scandals were revealed some refused to acknowledge the evidence, until to late.
The self-esteem of corporate leadership is tied to their lies. Also lies are profitable for them, not necessarily profitable for their shareholders.
Why do lies work? Deception and self-deception. The liars work to deceive. The deceived (the self-deceived) just want to believe whatever fits their opinion (mindset) or to justify their actions.
The psychology of lies.
The corporate lies about jobs will fool those that want to be fooled, so the lies will continue unabated.
10
I understand the frustration of those who didn't use school to better themselves. They expected to slide into their father's job when he left the company. No skills needed. These were the first jobs eliminated by the efficient economy. Without an education, the only hope these people have is a trade which is still needed, i.e. plumber, electrician, etc.
Small hands Donald played them for fools when he promised a return to the economy of the '40s and '50. Automation will relentlessly trim the workforce. It's all in the numbers.
Small hands Donald played them for fools when he promised a return to the economy of the '40s and '50. Automation will relentlessly trim the workforce. It's all in the numbers.
13
The last 8-10 years have been horrible for most Americans.
I get it that the retired, liberal Boomers are doing great financially, are super-pleased with the constant identity politics that soothe their white guilt (after all, who more than they benefitted from black oppression in the 40s and 50s?) and cannot fathom what is really going on outside of this echo chamber.
Also, as we humans age, we tend to become more narrow, more rigid, and far more susceptible to fear-mongering.
But Trump has not even been inaugurated. He is currently not responsible for any of the problems facing this country.
That the NYT and its wealthy Boomer readers spend more hysteria on Trump than the number of murders in Chicago in 2016 alone says it all. A complete lack of awareness about the life-and-death problems facing most Americans.
I get it that the retired, liberal Boomers are doing great financially, are super-pleased with the constant identity politics that soothe their white guilt (after all, who more than they benefitted from black oppression in the 40s and 50s?) and cannot fathom what is really going on outside of this echo chamber.
Also, as we humans age, we tend to become more narrow, more rigid, and far more susceptible to fear-mongering.
But Trump has not even been inaugurated. He is currently not responsible for any of the problems facing this country.
That the NYT and its wealthy Boomer readers spend more hysteria on Trump than the number of murders in Chicago in 2016 alone says it all. A complete lack of awareness about the life-and-death problems facing most Americans.
6
Donald Trump should stop making disingenuous boasts about creating jobs. As an unabashed capitalist with an eye on the bottom line, he should at least have the honesty to admit that businesses are not altruistic enterprises. The payroll is conceived as nothing more than a noisome drain on profit margins. If possible, replace as many employees as technically possible with artificial intelligence and robotics.....
Relatively recent history (late twentieth century) does not portend well for devising a socially acceptable exit strategy for employees who are victim of destructive creation in economics. Who really cared about the fate of blue collar workers whose jobs were blithely outsourced to cheaper labour markets with not a single consideration for these men and women finding themselves jobless overnight?
Relatively recent history (late twentieth century) does not portend well for devising a socially acceptable exit strategy for employees who are victim of destructive creation in economics. Who really cared about the fate of blue collar workers whose jobs were blithely outsourced to cheaper labour markets with not a single consideration for these men and women finding themselves jobless overnight?
46
Trump seems intent on remaking the United States into a corporatist state in which the government works closely with business to regulate pricing, closure and relocation decisions, design and manufacturing specifications and other key decisions that are normally the province of top executives in a private, free enterprise economy.
This may explain why the heads of many large businesses, such as Charles and David Koch, have been wary of Trump.
Trump is also attacking labor unions and their leaders, as was seen in the Carrier incident. We still don't know the important details of that incident.
In sum, we seem to be moving into a kind of authoritarian state capitalism, similar to what has been happening in Russia and what happened in Italy in the 1920s.
Whether traditional Republican orthodoxy in Congress will or can mount an effective response is not clear yet.
This may explain why the heads of many large businesses, such as Charles and David Koch, have been wary of Trump.
Trump is also attacking labor unions and their leaders, as was seen in the Carrier incident. We still don't know the important details of that incident.
In sum, we seem to be moving into a kind of authoritarian state capitalism, similar to what has been happening in Russia and what happened in Italy in the 1920s.
Whether traditional Republican orthodoxy in Congress will or can mount an effective response is not clear yet.
62
As your piece yesterday showed Hillary Clinton would have thought that she would get a major slice of the women's vote because of her historic candidacy. Yet women went for Trump's promise of riches for everybody. Whereas Clinton came across as an elitist that would continue to punish the economy by paying for child care and other more realistic issues that women have. Trump's whole game is to bait and switch with crony capitalism. Promise the world and cynically allow a company like Sprint to get around regulators and concentrate further a highly concentrated sector. Leading to fewer jobs and higher prices. Any one in their right mind seeing Trump's business activities would see that he always veers to the fraudulent. He'll soon be treating his supporters as suckers.
30
Dear C.H.:
Hillary overwhelmingly won the women's vote. She lost but one demo, White Women. She lost women many of whom grew up like her. They couldn't identify with her because they allowed themselves to be swayed by lies. That is indeed deplorable.
These White Women fell into the trap many of their male counterparts did, one of extreme prejudice They let themselves be blinded by Right Wing propaganda. They listened to demagogues, they read the wrong so-called news services, they chose to believe falsehoods when they could have easily ascertained the truth. They chose fear and loathing and ignorance to guide their thinking. They now will get what they deserve though they expect otherwise. Their delusions of Trump are about to be torn asunder. And you know, sometimes I wish I could find some sympathy in my heart for the mess they're going to find themselves, but I can't. They should have known better. Now they will pay for their ignorance.
DD
Manhattan
Hillary overwhelmingly won the women's vote. She lost but one demo, White Women. She lost women many of whom grew up like her. They couldn't identify with her because they allowed themselves to be swayed by lies. That is indeed deplorable.
These White Women fell into the trap many of their male counterparts did, one of extreme prejudice They let themselves be blinded by Right Wing propaganda. They listened to demagogues, they read the wrong so-called news services, they chose to believe falsehoods when they could have easily ascertained the truth. They chose fear and loathing and ignorance to guide their thinking. They now will get what they deserve though they expect otherwise. Their delusions of Trump are about to be torn asunder. And you know, sometimes I wish I could find some sympathy in my heart for the mess they're going to find themselves, but I can't. They should have known better. Now they will pay for their ignorance.
DD
Manhattan
4
When there is intense competition within an industry, the companies within that industry all lose and their customers win as the companies scramble to provide more value than their competitors. To do really well, the companies must win the competition with their customers and provide less value so they can have more profits. They do this by avoiding price wars and instead finding ways to compete with each other that do not weaken their position with respect to their customers by allowing customers to play them against each other. Banks, for example, compete for customers by offering special deals (the value of which customers are not in a good position to assess) rather than lower loan rates and higher rates on deposits. Companies compete by building brands that pay for themselves by fetching high prices, and avoiding producing commodities that compete only on price and quality.
The industries that manage to avoid intra-industry competition will win the inter-industry competition and come to dominate the economy. These days, finance and health care are winning, and in area after area big companies are driving small ones out of business and small companies dream of becoming the next Mickey D's rather than merely locally successful and prosperous.
The industries that manage to avoid intra-industry competition will win the inter-industry competition and come to dominate the economy. These days, finance and health care are winning, and in area after area big companies are driving small ones out of business and small companies dream of becoming the next Mickey D's rather than merely locally successful and prosperous.
24
The other side of this is that the corporations lie to Congress and the public by telling both that there aren't enough Americans with the required skills to fill these jobs. I graduated from college 36 years ago and while I was in college corporations were bemoaning the "fact" that there weren't enough people going into the sciences to fill the positions they had. I loved the sciences enough to major in biology with a minor in chemistry. I wasn't an outstanding student but I was a very hard worker, precise, and fascinated. Yet when I graduated there were no job offers awaiting me, no companies welcoming me and my fellow science graduates with open arms, and often there were no responses to our resumes.
How little things change. While I was still in the sciences the jobs Americans were doing started to be outsourced, changed to temp or contract positions, given to post docs who had no loyalty to the head of the lab or interest in the company, or to immigrants who wanted a green card. I retrained for computer work, started at the bottom of the salary scale, and saw the same thing happen. There is no lack of Americans in the sciences. There is a lack of interest in paying them, hiring them, training them, retaining them, and treating them like human beings. American corporations prefer to hire as many H-1 visa holders, post docs, temp and contract workers as possible so they don't have to pay decent wages to Americans. It's just a game to them.
How little things change. While I was still in the sciences the jobs Americans were doing started to be outsourced, changed to temp or contract positions, given to post docs who had no loyalty to the head of the lab or interest in the company, or to immigrants who wanted a green card. I retrained for computer work, started at the bottom of the salary scale, and saw the same thing happen. There is no lack of Americans in the sciences. There is a lack of interest in paying them, hiring them, training them, retaining them, and treating them like human beings. American corporations prefer to hire as many H-1 visa holders, post docs, temp and contract workers as possible so they don't have to pay decent wages to Americans. It's just a game to them.
242
Both Democrats and Republicans lack the courage and honesty to admit the absence of concern for the livelihoods of most Americans. Donald Trump plays on the xenophobic side of how cheap labour in both the USA and abroad is sapping the American economy. Meanwhile, university degrees are increasingly debased with the rise and expansion of artificial intelligence to fulfill intellectual tasks formerly performed by graduates. It has now become every man and woman for him/herself today.
2
It's not so much that they're lying about training--they are technically right in that the lack of trained people to fill jobs is a serious and widespread problem--it's that they're refusing to take on their traditional responsibility in providing that training. Any way they can get out of it, they do, sloughing it off onto community colleges, school districts, universities, economic development corporations, local and state governments or just plain old outsourcing to somewhere else that's "ready to go."
5
Precisely, share holders run the show. There are several corporations that have outsourced to india and India in turns sends the jobs back to America for a cheaper rate while giving HB1 Visas to Indians to do the job in America while hiring few Americas. Bannon is right the American Middles class has been gutted to create the Asian Middle Class all for the sake of Share Holders.
"analysts are warning that the excitement may be running ahead of reality . . . based on the idea that while regulators appointed by President Obama opposed a Sprint-T-Mobile merger, Trump appointees would allow such a deal . . . The problem is that since initial rumors of a deal in 2013, T-Mobile has been gaining in value, while Sprint remains somewhat troubled and over-leveraged . . . the growing price tag for T-Mobile, now trading at a market value of $48 billion, is beyond Sprint. "The chances are slim given T-Mobile’s high market cap and the presence of other potentiality deeper-pocketed bidder,"
http://fortune.com/2016/12/08/sprint-t-mobile-speculation/
The Editorial Board does readers no favor by picking out boogeyman deals to attack Trump for "what he will do."
It also does itself no favors, nor its role. There will be time soon enough that the new Administration proposes things that need opposition. Credibility spent now on ill founded fears will not be there when needed later.
As for government manipulating employment numbers, that has been an abuse in which the media has been complicit, ever since the U-3 short term unemployment numbers started to be cited instead of the more complete U-6 numbers that are just as easily available, but have been running twice as high and so politically unpalatable. "[t]he U-6 rate is much truer to a natural, non-technical understanding of what it means to be unemployed." www.investopedia.com
http://fortune.com/2016/12/08/sprint-t-mobile-speculation/
The Editorial Board does readers no favor by picking out boogeyman deals to attack Trump for "what he will do."
It also does itself no favors, nor its role. There will be time soon enough that the new Administration proposes things that need opposition. Credibility spent now on ill founded fears will not be there when needed later.
As for government manipulating employment numbers, that has been an abuse in which the media has been complicit, ever since the U-3 short term unemployment numbers started to be cited instead of the more complete U-6 numbers that are just as easily available, but have been running twice as high and so politically unpalatable. "[t]he U-6 rate is much truer to a natural, non-technical understanding of what it means to be unemployed." www.investopedia.com
39
Many informed people would strongly disagree with your perspective. The article pointed out an example of why corporations may be happy to go along with Trump's fictions - because they intend to take advantage of the situation. It is a very reasonable approach to highlight these dynamics early in order to apply pressure against the likely crony capitalism that is coming. Your comment about credibility clearly has little relevance to the actual state of political discourse in this country.
1
Allowing trump to get away with lying is wrong, even if no one who supports him cares what he does. we will need to remember one day, when everyone is denying ever being a support of trump or of celebrating his predator narcissism.
It may be too late, however, as the republic will have been maimed beyond healing.
It may be too late, however, as the republic will have been maimed beyond healing.
3
Couldn't agree more. When I was looking at the top who wrote it, I couldn't believe it. Maybe an intern had to write it while the board is still on vacation. It doesn't matter really.
The editorial board recommends a call to action like "This should greatly worry Americans, especially people who are counting on Mr. Trump to revive the economy and help the middle class."
Now let's worry. Ridiculous.
The editorial board recommends a call to action like "This should greatly worry Americans, especially people who are counting on Mr. Trump to revive the economy and help the middle class."
Now let's worry. Ridiculous.
2
Casinos gonna gamble. Looters gonna loot. Exploiters gonna exploit.
In the growing kleptocracy Trump is a gift from heaven for conscienceless power brokers who want to join the growing ranks of millionaires and billionaires, stealing pennies from the poor.
They do it because they can. We are witnessing a complete breakdown of the social contract, and an acceleration of "man's inhumanity to man" (women as well, of course, in this old fashioned phrasing).
How anyone trying to get by in our difficult world thinks enabling a bunch of power brokers and a con man master TV illusionist is not going to make things worse has me scratching my head.
The repressive instincts of a vengeful amoral self-worshipper who wants to be treated as god are dangerous to all of us.
There is, however, one bully much bigger than Trump and his Republican allies. The planet is based on reality, and it is already showing us who's boss. Handing all the goodies to the rich is not going to help. Claiming expertise is not based on hard work and an open mind, but on arrogant elitism, is not going to help.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put humpty-dumpty back together again.
In the growing kleptocracy Trump is a gift from heaven for conscienceless power brokers who want to join the growing ranks of millionaires and billionaires, stealing pennies from the poor.
They do it because they can. We are witnessing a complete breakdown of the social contract, and an acceleration of "man's inhumanity to man" (women as well, of course, in this old fashioned phrasing).
How anyone trying to get by in our difficult world thinks enabling a bunch of power brokers and a con man master TV illusionist is not going to make things worse has me scratching my head.
The repressive instincts of a vengeful amoral self-worshipper who wants to be treated as god are dangerous to all of us.
There is, however, one bully much bigger than Trump and his Republican allies. The planet is based on reality, and it is already showing us who's boss. Handing all the goodies to the rich is not going to help. Claiming expertise is not based on hard work and an open mind, but on arrogant elitism, is not going to help.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put humpty-dumpty back together again.
150
Susan A,
Well said. We have been absorbed by the climax of the holidays for a few weeks, nesting and eating and celebrating the season, but now the final countdown. It won't be pretty.
Every candidate in the GOP primary clown car denounced Trump as unfit for POTUS. Most former national security officials, politicians, business leaders, etc., all said the same.
Most have fallen in line behind Trump, thinking they can 'control Trump' to their advantage.
Someone needs to conduct a seance and ask Von Papen how that worked out.
Well said. We have been absorbed by the climax of the holidays for a few weeks, nesting and eating and celebrating the season, but now the final countdown. It won't be pretty.
Every candidate in the GOP primary clown car denounced Trump as unfit for POTUS. Most former national security officials, politicians, business leaders, etc., all said the same.
Most have fallen in line behind Trump, thinking they can 'control Trump' to their advantage.
Someone needs to conduct a seance and ask Von Papen how that worked out.
2
It is amazing to me that these people cannot see their own behavior as that of rats in an over-crowded cage.
There should be national outrage that The Con Don is making US pay for HIS secret service security at HIS Tower and is making money from it. Now his off-site white house is going to be HIS golf course in Florida and he'll make money off that, too - to say nothing about HIS hotel in D.C. right on the national mall. He is nothing but a sick, greedy parasite with plans to put his Robber Baron sick, greedy parasites in OUR government at the highest levels.
Good People of Florida please go out in force every time he comes down there and protest the corporate robbery that is taking place - right now and for as long as WE allow them to have power.
Good People of Florida please go out in force every time he comes down there and protest the corporate robbery that is taking place - right now and for as long as WE allow them to have power.
191
Don't worry. The Trump years will soon resemble a replay of the turbulent 1960s sans an outstanding soundtrack for the protests and possibly riots which will characterize the Trump Administration. I simply Wonder what will be the reaction of his current supporters when they realise that they have been hoodwinked by an apolitical, opportunistic privateer.
3
The Con Don and his Robber Baron Party are giving gigantic corporate welfare donations to these companies - which they own/control the stock in - with OUR taxpayer $$$.
BIG, ugly welfare queens - all of them.
BIG, ugly welfare queens - all of them.
160
This editorial makes a good point about the dangers of personalization of power but it is not very effective on the merger issue. Where there are network externalities, fragmentation may very well not take us to nirvana, even with competitive behavior. For example, regulation is an alternative, including regulation that protects new entry in aspects of the service that add value. The editorial comes off as supporting featherbedding rather than as helping its readers understand the issues in this industry. (Or is it several industries?)
Instead of inadvertently jumping on Trump's "saving jobs" bandwagon (whose only gear is "reverse"), the editors need to give more serious thought to how government policy, regulation, and corporate governance can be structured so that employees can share the benefits of efficiencies, instead of letting the financial benefits all go to a handful of wealthy.
Instead of inadvertently jumping on Trump's "saving jobs" bandwagon (whose only gear is "reverse"), the editors need to give more serious thought to how government policy, regulation, and corporate governance can be structured so that employees can share the benefits of efficiencies, instead of letting the financial benefits all go to a handful of wealthy.
110
First we have to regain the benefits that have been taken away from us all by corporations whose interests are external to the USA.
A very large part of reagan's de-regulation was to destroy the system in which the corporations shared the wealth the got by being here with their employees and this nation to ensure that the employees were well off and the public institutions and infrastructure were properly funded to maintain themselves and continue us on into the future.
The myth of government being a bad thing is propaganda used to justify this deception and intentional destruction of our government and perversion of how our government works. How no one has been arrested for it is beyond me. I can't even imagine how the stuff David Daley wrote up in his book about gerrymandering hasn't been prosecuted. It is all of it clearly treasonous and seditious.
A very large part of reagan's de-regulation was to destroy the system in which the corporations shared the wealth the got by being here with their employees and this nation to ensure that the employees were well off and the public institutions and infrastructure were properly funded to maintain themselves and continue us on into the future.
The myth of government being a bad thing is propaganda used to justify this deception and intentional destruction of our government and perversion of how our government works. How no one has been arrested for it is beyond me. I can't even imagine how the stuff David Daley wrote up in his book about gerrymandering hasn't been prosecuted. It is all of it clearly treasonous and seditious.
4
Regulation is anathema to the Republican Congress. In fact de-regulation and the repeal of Obama's regulations is near the top of their list for the first days of the new administration.
I wish the hosts of the TV news shows would ask the Trump representatives what kinds of regulations are on their list, but so far NONE have. Probably mostly protections for workers, clean air & water, and general environmental issues.
I wish the hosts of the TV news shows would ask the Trump representatives what kinds of regulations are on their list, but so far NONE have. Probably mostly protections for workers, clean air & water, and general environmental issues.
2
Aren't mergers just schemes where the crown jewels wind up in private empires while the dregs get sold back to the public hocked to the gills to pay the bonuses due to the brilliant financiers who organized the rip-off?
And Trump supporters just swallow the koolaid anyhow....They're hooked on it and don't really care about the ramifications or the truth.
Sounds like the making of an addiction, doesn't it?
Sounds like the making of an addiction, doesn't it?
48
Thank you NYT for your diligence, but your last paragraph says it all: "This should greatly worry Americans...."
IF ONLY. What about Trump shouldn't have already worried Americans yet we pulled the lever anyway. And I suspect with the aid of the craven GOP Congress and the utterly inept Democrats, we'll pull it again in 2020. If I've learned anything this past year is that "we" are just not that smart.
IF ONLY. What about Trump shouldn't have already worried Americans yet we pulled the lever anyway. And I suspect with the aid of the craven GOP Congress and the utterly inept Democrats, we'll pull it again in 2020. If I've learned anything this past year is that "we" are just not that smart.
54
The utterly inept people who run the so-called Democratic Party are not the same people who, taking a look at their options, overwhelmingly voted for HRC.
Our stupidity was in thinking our votes mattered.
Our stupidity was in thinking our votes mattered.
There is no way to go but "UP" to people who believe any change whatsoever will inevitably be for the better.
Trump's sense of insecurity is a major issue for us all. He wants to be loved, but failing that, he’ll take approval. Maybe he’ll spend time visiting all those factories he’s attracted to America, to shake hands and to control the news cycle. He’ll hold campaign rallies in order to bask in the cheering adulation. He’s knows more about ISIS than the generals; he knows things about hacking that no one else knows; and like his tax returns and his wife’s immigration and employment history, he’ll soon reveal all.
He’ll spend time in NYC and in Florida, in man-caves he’s built himself; he’s too insecure to trust himself to the White House. An absentee POTUS? His insecurity is also a threat: his diplomacy amounts to bluster and an even more bloated Pentagon budget.
He’ll spend time in NYC and in Florida, in man-caves he’s built himself; he’s too insecure to trust himself to the White House. An absentee POTUS? His insecurity is also a threat: his diplomacy amounts to bluster and an even more bloated Pentagon budget.
85
So happy to know I am not the only person to see a trend in the Trump "reveals" that never occur. Stay tuned for the Russian hacking reveal or not. My money is on or not.
1
Maybe Trump wonders when overpaid CEOs will become an endangered species.
Corporations are the problem. So let's attack CHINE-a and Mexico for "taking" our jobs. Hey trump, you had Tim Cook sitting right next to you last week. What about the 700,000 manufacturing jobs Apple moved to china? Why bother with that when you can brag about a couple thousand call center jobs for sprint?
I really wrote to comment on the hillbilly apologist's column on how he despite the odds is really like Prez Obama and that his fellow racist republicans hate Obama and now seek to erase him from history not because of race but because he had a poor leadership style. Dude, enough with the white washing of white racist supremacy. Acknowledge your privilege and deal with reality.
I really wrote to comment on the hillbilly apologist's column on how he despite the odds is really like Prez Obama and that his fellow racist republicans hate Obama and now seek to erase him from history not because of race but because he had a poor leadership style. Dude, enough with the white washing of white racist supremacy. Acknowledge your privilege and deal with reality.
54
Those jobs will disappear too as cell phones are reduced to half a dozen ICs made from start to finished phone without touch by human hands.
1
Mr. Trump never seems to mention bringing HIS manufacturing jobs back to the US. Or have I missed something?
1
Or as Trump has accused HRC, "pay for play".
42
Trump will never bring back lost jobs. He already obtained what he wanted: Millions of unemployed workers voted him into office. He and his children will now use the power of the Presidency to fatten their bank accounts.
Businesses do not exist to employ Americans. Businesses exist to make a PROFIT for their owners/shareholders. Companies hire workers only when they absolutely need them, because payroll is an expense. If companies can be profitable without hiring new workers--then nobody gets hired.
Through the hideous distortion of television, Trump convinced his supporters that up is down, black is white, and the truth is whatever HE says it is. When he can't deliver on his promises, he will find a way to blame his "enemies," "illegal aliens," and of course, "liberals and Democrats." And his supporters will keep on buying what he's selling--illusions. #NotMyPresident #RESIST
Businesses do not exist to employ Americans. Businesses exist to make a PROFIT for their owners/shareholders. Companies hire workers only when they absolutely need them, because payroll is an expense. If companies can be profitable without hiring new workers--then nobody gets hired.
Through the hideous distortion of television, Trump convinced his supporters that up is down, black is white, and the truth is whatever HE says it is. When he can't deliver on his promises, he will find a way to blame his "enemies," "illegal aliens," and of course, "liberals and Democrats." And his supporters will keep on buying what he's selling--illusions. #NotMyPresident #RESIST
190
Non-profit businesses just pay out all the profits to management.
Corporations that automate will bring back a few, very few, jobs because automation is cheaper than outsourcing, that is, it is a bottom line motivation, not corporate citizenship.
2
75 percent of America's high-poverty neighborhoods in 1970 still classified that way four decades later. Racial and class inequality is very much alive. A "progressive politics" apartheid where blacks who have voted Democratic for almost 50 years are now being driven from their neighborhoods that have been their home for generations. We gave the Democratic Party our votes and they "took us for granted" leaving us living with social tension, unrest, and the worst GUN VIOLENCE AND VIOLENT CRIME . . . A diminished hope and no opportunities while the Democratic Party's upscale hipster real estate speculators prosper.
President-Elect Donald Trump wants to enable states with dedicated grants and implementation standards related to diversity, inclusion, and targeted hiring the resources necessary to spur investment in under served black neighborhoods. Stopping gun violence, revitalizing education, creating jobs, replacing substandard housing, and strengthening black families is a mandate we secured for him.
That is, Mr. Trump owes his victory to "predominately black Democratic strongholds" who were convinced to give him more votes than the previous Republican candidates. African Americans (like Todd Elliott Koger) convinced hundreds of thousands blacks to “boycott” the vote and/or voting "straight" Democrat.
President-Elect Donald Trump wants to enable states with dedicated grants and implementation standards related to diversity, inclusion, and targeted hiring the resources necessary to spur investment in under served black neighborhoods. Stopping gun violence, revitalizing education, creating jobs, replacing substandard housing, and strengthening black families is a mandate we secured for him.
That is, Mr. Trump owes his victory to "predominately black Democratic strongholds" who were convinced to give him more votes than the previous Republican candidates. African Americans (like Todd Elliott Koger) convinced hundreds of thousands blacks to “boycott” the vote and/or voting "straight" Democrat.
17
Give people nothing to do but play with guns and have sex while withholding contraception and abortion sure is stupid public policy.
Well Todd, we will see how that works out for Blacks in your area. You can read today about Republican plans for massive corporate tax cuts being planned and reductions in the social safety net including SNAP benefits being reduced to help offset them. Along with those great developments we have the Republican Congress looking to reduce Social Security benefits and increasing the retirement age. Your constituents should be so happy of your accomplishments. Or maybe you were foolish and lack any political understanding of what was at stake. Or maybe you got a check on the side for your efforts? Maybe we should all take a look at how your life changes in the near term. The Republicans are traitors and anyone who knowingly helps them I also classify as traitors. Black Lives Matter only did one thing - make sure they matter less, not more. If you guys had an ounce of political brains you would of said "Black Lives Matter Too", but no , that would have been too difficult to fathom. You could of though, considered that "All Lives Matter" as a mantra which is really what the heart of the issue is, isn't it? But that wasn't the real purpose was it? The real purpose was to reduce Black voting and for that we have Trump, and millions of Blacks will suffer for it. Millions of Whites, Latinos and Asians will suffer. I don't believe in coincidences and the fact is I haven't seen a "Black Lives Matter" activity since the election. Just how many pieces of silver did they pay you?
Good luck with that. I hope it happens. But I highly doubt it. It sounds like you've been snookered - along with everyone else.
1
Ah yes, crony capitalism. Reminds me of the time Obama's DOJ waved through the merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation. It was funny that Rahm Emanuel was in the White House at the time and his brother Ari was on the Board of Live Nation. Everybody knows how much competition there is in the primary ticketing market, right? Well it's now close to zero. Thanks Obama DOJ for showing us what crony capitalism is all about!
46
And the cronyism in that deal was completely ignored by the mainstream media.
The anger at the Clinton loss, given that the loss denies the cabal access to tens of billions of dollars for Clinton, and her associates, during the next eight years, is palpable.
The editorial board, several of the columnists, and especially Paul Krugman, will continue to whinge and engage in whatever it takes, to undermine Trump.
The wild decades long corruption, throughout the Democratic establishment, corruption which can be clearly identified as the prime cause of the electorate swing to the Republican alternative, the only other alternative, Bernie Sanders, having been successfully destroyed by the out of control corporate owned Hillary, her corrupt DNC, aided by the NY Times, and other complicit liberal mainstream media, has finally blown up in their faces.
This papers' attempt to absolve the Democrats of the most egregious blunder in the partys' history, a blunder wholly committed to, because of unbridled avarice, and the attempt to ignore vast numbers of suffering Americans, while fixated on preserving, and enhancing, the fortunes of the elites, is accomplishing nothing.
Change cannot occur if one refuses to admit to any culpability; introspection is needed, now.
The anger at the Clinton loss, given that the loss denies the cabal access to tens of billions of dollars for Clinton, and her associates, during the next eight years, is palpable.
The editorial board, several of the columnists, and especially Paul Krugman, will continue to whinge and engage in whatever it takes, to undermine Trump.
The wild decades long corruption, throughout the Democratic establishment, corruption which can be clearly identified as the prime cause of the electorate swing to the Republican alternative, the only other alternative, Bernie Sanders, having been successfully destroyed by the out of control corporate owned Hillary, her corrupt DNC, aided by the NY Times, and other complicit liberal mainstream media, has finally blown up in their faces.
This papers' attempt to absolve the Democrats of the most egregious blunder in the partys' history, a blunder wholly committed to, because of unbridled avarice, and the attempt to ignore vast numbers of suffering Americans, while fixated on preserving, and enhancing, the fortunes of the elites, is accomplishing nothing.
Change cannot occur if one refuses to admit to any culpability; introspection is needed, now.
3
I'd be willing to bet that the NYTimes covered this story extensively with the same degree of angry liberal cynicism as this Trump "hit piece". Right? Wrong. The NYtimes provided 86% negative coverage of Trump to 61% negative coverage for Hillary during the presidential election cycle. Clearly, the NYTimes is a tabloid that is incapable of objectivity and a modicum of neutrality with its attempt at "the news".
1
Ah yes, the $5 billion, 540 company primary ticket market, vs the $1.4 Trillion telecom with att vz tmo ile sprint. Whever you play the et tu Brute game with Dem vs Republican egregious behavior, as in this instance, you'll always be off by a magnitude of 300..but yes, both are bad.
Congress has announced their plans to throw consumers and the working classes under the bus of Corporate Greed...and with unrepentant Avarice moving into the White House, we can forget about that 'veto' safe guard.
"Making America Great Again"...you fell for it.
"Making America Great Again"...you fell for it.
42
We tried to warn Kool-Aid drinking American voters that this would be the first thing to happen with a Trump win -- only to be insulted and derided with the usual limited vocabulary of right-conservative tropes.
Too late, now....
Too late, now....
1
How soon will Trump be impeached for lying....that is my question;
How soon will Trump be exposed as an ally to Vladimir Putin, because of his
financial ties to Russian financiers aka Vladimir Putin who is worth ..all of
Russian wealth...the 2nd richest man in the world Vladimir Putin ..$70 billion
First Richest Man is Bill Gates: $90 Billion...so perhaps Bill Gates should
save the world from the take over of our election by Vladimir Putin who
obviously has Trump in a conflict of interest/and blackmailing Trump.
Well....this is the actual ...chess game...is it not...Editors...
This is fairly clear...without the .....intense ridiculous equivocations by all
the media...
Gates could set the media straight....and put Twitter out of Business ...as
a news media...digital ..incendiary liar's tool...
Just do some real reporting for a change...and perhaps the Fourth Estate
might just regain its stature it once had in the age of Harrison Salisbury or
Henry Luce...do your JOBS !!! dammit.
How soon will Trump be exposed as an ally to Vladimir Putin, because of his
financial ties to Russian financiers aka Vladimir Putin who is worth ..all of
Russian wealth...the 2nd richest man in the world Vladimir Putin ..$70 billion
First Richest Man is Bill Gates: $90 Billion...so perhaps Bill Gates should
save the world from the take over of our election by Vladimir Putin who
obviously has Trump in a conflict of interest/and blackmailing Trump.
Well....this is the actual ...chess game...is it not...Editors...
This is fairly clear...without the .....intense ridiculous equivocations by all
the media...
Gates could set the media straight....and put Twitter out of Business ...as
a news media...digital ..incendiary liar's tool...
Just do some real reporting for a change...and perhaps the Fourth Estate
might just regain its stature it once had in the age of Harrison Salisbury or
Henry Luce...do your JOBS !!! dammit.
25
Hillary wasn't indicted so I guess he won't either
CBRussell - "How soon will Trump be impeached for lying....that is my question;"
That bar was set very, very low: "If you like your health care plan, you can keep it." "If you make less than $250,000, this new health care law will not cost you one thin dime." "The Benghazi attack was inspired by an online viral video." "The Iran deal was negotiated with moderate Iranians, not the radical mullahs." etc.
That bar was set very, very low: "If you like your health care plan, you can keep it." "If you make less than $250,000, this new health care law will not cost you one thin dime." "The Benghazi attack was inspired by an online viral video." "The Iran deal was negotiated with moderate Iranians, not the radical mullahs." etc.
Most capitalism is "crony".
13
Corporate control of Congress has been evident for years in failures to reign in corporate excess and irresponsibility. The Ryan-McConnell machine has blockaded Congress for years now, and the Supreme Court passed Citizens United placing corporations before voters. Congress hasn't made any effort to fix it.
2
What is wrong with you people?
Corporations are folks just like the rest of us (SCOTUS said so)and, consequently, have all the good and bad baggage that people always tote around.
To help understand these "new" people, I suggest we use titles like "Mr. Sprint" or "Ms. SoftBank" and if Mr. Sprint wants an accommodation with Ms.T-Mobile, well, maybe we can all receive "invitations" to the wedding, at least the wealthiest of us.
For in this new, GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE, Trumpian Era, the corporations are the rulers and the rest of us just live to receive the "benefits" of these corporate entities, such as they are (Monopoly is such a nasty word, isn't it?).
Okay, we're pretty much skewered (Can't use the REAL word) and the fact of the matter is that wealth will flow even quicker upwards under the "administration"(?) of the great, "Bankruptcy King Himself", the Donald!
Wait until he finds out that backed into a corner, one really can't declare the country "bankrupt" nor can he just yell "You're fired" at the poor, elderly and the sick. In fact, the work load may just make this man decide to quit the office altogether in which case I would agree with the last line of his tweet;
"Thanks Donald"!
Corporations are folks just like the rest of us (SCOTUS said so)and, consequently, have all the good and bad baggage that people always tote around.
To help understand these "new" people, I suggest we use titles like "Mr. Sprint" or "Ms. SoftBank" and if Mr. Sprint wants an accommodation with Ms.T-Mobile, well, maybe we can all receive "invitations" to the wedding, at least the wealthiest of us.
For in this new, GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE, Trumpian Era, the corporations are the rulers and the rest of us just live to receive the "benefits" of these corporate entities, such as they are (Monopoly is such a nasty word, isn't it?).
Okay, we're pretty much skewered (Can't use the REAL word) and the fact of the matter is that wealth will flow even quicker upwards under the "administration"(?) of the great, "Bankruptcy King Himself", the Donald!
Wait until he finds out that backed into a corner, one really can't declare the country "bankrupt" nor can he just yell "You're fired" at the poor, elderly and the sick. In fact, the work load may just make this man decide to quit the office altogether in which case I would agree with the last line of his tweet;
"Thanks Donald"!
53
Corporations are created to become immortal, or failing that, to outlast any of their original key personnel.
Be careful what you wish unless you think Mike Pence's politics are better than Trump's. better to work at all levels of government to elects Dems and 3rd party progressive/ center left politicians to block them.
1
Clown's lies (like his bluster) are clear-underscore-clear to any of us paying attention to him. Thank you for using the word "lie". Seen enough, the "liar" this man is will finally seep through to that brain-addled minority group of voters who pushed him over the line in WI-MI-PA (if indeed those votes were not also hacked by his patron, Putin). Thank you.
38
It's sad to see the next POTUS is the ultimate Welfare King of the United States.
I say that because DJT apparently pays little or no personal income taxes yet uses more governmental services from roads, our court systems to sue, police protection at costs to us taxpayers beyond what most of us could ever imagine. Thus using such services without being a taxpayer paying his fair share truly make him the USA's WELFARE KING. That's sad for us in the middle class that are thus economically supporting via our taxes the billionaire DJT.
I say that because DJT apparently pays little or no personal income taxes yet uses more governmental services from roads, our court systems to sue, police protection at costs to us taxpayers beyond what most of us could ever imagine. Thus using such services without being a taxpayer paying his fair share truly make him the USA's WELFARE KING. That's sad for us in the middle class that are thus economically supporting via our taxes the billionaire DJT.
126
Nobody can demand subsidies more loudly and persistently than the extremely wealthy.
2
Meanwhile in France, Teodorin Obiang, the son of the president of Equatorial Guinea, is on trial for plundering $115 million worth of the former Spanish colony's wealth. Among other toys he owns, a crystal studded glove once belonging to Michael Jackson. I wonder whether we will ever see the day when the Trump Clan will be a similar target of lawsuits for misappropriation of state funds and property someday, notwithstanding his naive supporters' belief that a rich man is 'above' corruption.....
1
HE DOESN'T CARE !!!
... he cares about perceptions.... for the 'gilded' elevator doors to his gilded hair....
... my new year's wish ? that he quits before he starts....
... folks, when a person treats the truth with so little regard, little else matters...
... he played you all like a slot machine plays a baby.... flashing lights and music... and is going to empty your pockets...
... he made you think he would 'punish' the 'elites'.... hah !! look at his appointments, his family, his $million inauguration...
... you've been had, 'angry people'... because he 'allowed you' to vote your anger.... FOOLS !!
... he cares about perceptions.... for the 'gilded' elevator doors to his gilded hair....
... my new year's wish ? that he quits before he starts....
... folks, when a person treats the truth with so little regard, little else matters...
... he played you all like a slot machine plays a baby.... flashing lights and music... and is going to empty your pockets...
... he made you think he would 'punish' the 'elites'.... hah !! look at his appointments, his family, his $million inauguration...
... you've been had, 'angry people'... because he 'allowed you' to vote your anger.... FOOLS !!
29
Working class white people: there will be another recession. Many of you will lose your jobs and homes. You will go hungrier than normal. Well off immigrants like me will stop donating to charities that help you. Hate works both ways. Oh, and my advanced degrees from MIT and Stanford ensures I am never unemployed.
27
Well, I get your point, but your degrees may not help especially as you get older than 50.
I agree many poorer white folks convince themselves that the charity they accept is earned, but wasn't by the "other" guy. I hope folks don't discriminate the help they provide, much as so many do now.
Two wrongs will never make a right, but we do have to fight for what is right. Fight on!
I agree many poorer white folks convince themselves that the charity they accept is earned, but wasn't by the "other" guy. I hope folks don't discriminate the help they provide, much as so many do now.
Two wrongs will never make a right, but we do have to fight for what is right. Fight on!
America "elected" the Liar in Chief. All hail the nation's Chief Liar! Herald of all liars! Let the lies flow (bigger the better); we have entered the Age of Post-truth.
President-select Don Tramp "is easily distracted by shiny objects, especially if they reflect back on him. He’s more interested in boasting about..." himself than attending intelligence briefings or solving real problems. Huh! Real problems? What is "real"? What are "Problems? In the Age of Post-truth meaning is putty in the hands of the Liar in Chief.
NMP Don Tramp will make America gross (oops! I mean grrrreat)...because "grrreat" is what HE says it is...and his supporters will never know the difference between "great" and "gross".
Here's my BIG lie (after all, it is the Age of Post-truth): Don Tramp is a great man. A man of integrity. A man of dignity. A man of honor. A man.
Now that is a WHOPPER.
President-select Don Tramp "is easily distracted by shiny objects, especially if they reflect back on him. He’s more interested in boasting about..." himself than attending intelligence briefings or solving real problems. Huh! Real problems? What is "real"? What are "Problems? In the Age of Post-truth meaning is putty in the hands of the Liar in Chief.
NMP Don Tramp will make America gross (oops! I mean grrrreat)...because "grrreat" is what HE says it is...and his supporters will never know the difference between "great" and "gross".
Here's my BIG lie (after all, it is the Age of Post-truth): Don Tramp is a great man. A man of integrity. A man of dignity. A man of honor. A man.
Now that is a WHOPPER.
16
So you think the POST-ELECTION surge in consumer confidence is due to the current administration? Um, okay.
8
Let's make this real simple...
The corporations = Management...
The working class = labor...
The corporations have taken over our government and out media lock, stick and barrel and so that means...
...Boss Hogg's foot is going to be on the necks of American workers until American workers figure out a way to get him off them...
The End
Bob
The corporations = Management...
The working class = labor...
The corporations have taken over our government and out media lock, stick and barrel and so that means...
...Boss Hogg's foot is going to be on the necks of American workers until American workers figure out a way to get him off them...
The End
Bob
42
You get a sense no one will challenge him.
I heard an interview with spokesman Sean Spicer who implied Trump's getting national security briefings from his own alt-right inner circle--that would be Brietbart's Bannon of fake news fame, General Flynn, and former Fox News show hosts.....
Morning Joe Scarborough, during the interview, simply let that pass into the wind.
Wish I could shake off this sense of doom.
I heard an interview with spokesman Sean Spicer who implied Trump's getting national security briefings from his own alt-right inner circle--that would be Brietbart's Bannon of fake news fame, General Flynn, and former Fox News show hosts.....
Morning Joe Scarborough, during the interview, simply let that pass into the wind.
Wish I could shake off this sense of doom.
66
Unbelievable!!! DJT claims victory after saving 800 jobs in Indiana using tax payer $$ (so much for small government) and his fans are ready to grant him a gold medal. In the meantime, 10+ million jobs have been created since the collapse of 2008 and the same fans are not willing to even give a bronze medal to Mr. Obama. The same fans are sitting at home and are happy to see their 401K balance as compared to 2008. In DJT words.. Sad!!! DJT better have a bigger chest for all the gold medals that he will get for every 100 jobs created in the coming months along with a tweet to go with it...
63
From a War on TERROR, under Bush, we need a War on ERROR with Trump.
=========================================================
And Trump's insanity may have a "silver lining" in the long run. Hopefully some of this corporate greed can be reversed at some point in the future. As Churchill once said:
"You can always count on the Americans to do the right thing, after they have tried everything else." We can only hope!
=========================================================
And Trump's insanity may have a "silver lining" in the long run. Hopefully some of this corporate greed can be reversed at some point in the future. As Churchill once said:
"You can always count on the Americans to do the right thing, after they have tried everything else." We can only hope!
30
To me the most important thing about this piece is the headline "Helping Donald Trump LIE about jobs". The word lie needs to be used every time he lies. Every paper needs to stop the political correctness and call a spade a spade and if that means using the word LIE or LIAR, so be it. Besides, it will get into his thin skin.
116
Need to oppose Trump on everything to demonstrate illigetimacy of Trump presidency.
1
"The word lie needs to be used every time he lies ". That would be pretty much whenever he opens his mouth. it's pathological.
2
Running unsupported conclusions as headlines lurches into Enquirer territory.
1
Of course companies go in the trendy direction, while privately doing whatever they want.
How many companies have been saying that diversity is wonderful, and we're a green company, for the past eight years? Now they have a new song to sing, and they will sing it. The point is that they have to at least appear to be doing what they are saying. But business conditions and reality have not changed all that much, so they can't really hire all that many workers immediately. At least they will have to stop blatantly outsourcing thousands of jobs, and try to cover up any layoffs.
The voters are patient, and will be satisfied for a while with a change in direction. They realize it would take a long time to really turn things around.
How many companies have been saying that diversity is wonderful, and we're a green company, for the past eight years? Now they have a new song to sing, and they will sing it. The point is that they have to at least appear to be doing what they are saying. But business conditions and reality have not changed all that much, so they can't really hire all that many workers immediately. At least they will have to stop blatantly outsourcing thousands of jobs, and try to cover up any layoffs.
The voters are patient, and will be satisfied for a while with a change in direction. They realize it would take a long time to really turn things around.
7
Most are also smart enough to know that if you work in an industry work most workers do physical labor your jobs are in danger. Corporations would rather buy and install automation, they feel it is more reliable, less expensive in the long run, cant go on strike (yet, wait for AI), doesnt get sick or even have to be given holidays. So where does that leave people who have worked in factories for generations? The older workers nowhere. For those just coming along, stay in school, if available switch to technology high schools, then upon graduation continue in tech colleges. Learn, learn, learn. Get good grades, be enthusiastic. As automation takes place be the first in line for the new jobs, which will be better paid than Dads old job. Companies will be able to make a lot more profit, with fewer, well trained employees that they will pay better, so they dont get stolen by other companies. Be loyal, hard working, and interested in both the company and its products. Oh, office workers? You better start looking toward what will happen to your jobs through automation too. All you cubical workers are destined to be replaced by computers. Same as call centers, there its already happening, though the customers at this point hate it. Corporations are rushing toward oblivion. Automate everything, then sit back and wonder where the customers are. They are at home, unemployed, unemployable, broke, and not buying. That is a major glitch.
Outsourcing will be replaced with artificial intelligence and automation. Don't expect more jobs as workers will be replaced at a far greater rate than jobs are added to keep the machines working. It's time to insist upon Corporate Citizenship: address the damage being done and don't focus 100% upon the bottom line. And stop asking for weaker regulation, the only thing standing between corporations and mayhem.
1
How many of these communications jobs are actually in the US? The call centers are no longer in the US. Where are the routers, phones, and cables manufactured? How many of these jobs are low salaried or part time? I need to see the real information and stats on what these jobs represent. Are these good jobs or Walmart jobs?
2
I learned about this in junior high school.
The shark doesn't eat the remora because the remora eats by cleaning the shark. And the remora sticks by the shark for protection.
"Symbiosis."
The shark doesn't eat the remora because the remora eats by cleaning the shark. And the remora sticks by the shark for protection.
"Symbiosis."
20
About 2 years ago Sprint closed one of its call centers in NYC and shipped those jobs overseas to save money. My sister-in-law and her fiance were 2 of the many people who lost their jobs. They were fortunate and have moved on to better jobs, ironically working in the public sector. Sprint and SoftBank are not interested in keeping or adding jobs in America. They are concerned with maximizing profits. If a merger is approved, you won't hear about how many jobs are gutted. And numbers don't mean anything without context. People are quick to vilify Obama because of the low paying, dead end jobs that provide no decent quality of life or room for advancement during the recovery.
So why are we just willing to let Trump take so much credit for 5000 nameless jobs? If we are going to give Trump credit for creating jobs, then should we not hold him accountable for creating good jobs like he promised his supporters, especially when we are talking about a few hundred or a few thousand jobs? Especially when he promised that he will be the "greatest jobs president that God ever created"?
So why are we just willing to let Trump take so much credit for 5000 nameless jobs? If we are going to give Trump credit for creating jobs, then should we not hold him accountable for creating good jobs like he promised his supporters, especially when we are talking about a few hundred or a few thousand jobs? Especially when he promised that he will be the "greatest jobs president that God ever created"?
63
Offshore call center jobs are even more insidious than those taken by illegal aliens. The foreign call center worker pays no taxes here and doesn't even buy a cup of coffee on their breaks, whereas that illegal worker at least has to buy food, gasoline, and pay rent. It is analogous to having huge numbers of our military stationed overseas; they spend their meager salaries where they are stationed.
One simple and effective cure; make it a legal requirement that anyone who needs online or telephone assistance can insist on speaking to someone here in the United States. Such a rule has been rumored, but does not yet exist.
One simple and effective cure; make it a legal requirement that anyone who needs online or telephone assistance can insist on speaking to someone here in the United States. Such a rule has been rumored, but does not yet exist.
1
People forgot to ask what these jobs would pay.
First, Trump doesnt give God any credit for "creating" him. He did it himself.
Second when the job market is undergoing a major change, as now, that will we all know make major changes in work, will cause major layoffs sitting at home doing nothing until the "right" job comes along is suicide. First, so you can eat, you take any job you can get (maybe even several of them) dead end or not. Its called "money therapy". Then after some research you go back to school to upgrade your education. In your field if you find that your field is going to survive, if not find another and learn. Get good grades, be enthusiastic (your teachers maybe the only people to give you recommendations and you want good ones). If all you do is work (eating is a pastime you cant do without), and study, it is what is necessary. Go into an interview after studying the company you are interviewing at. What do they make, what service do they provide, what direction are they going in? Answer their questions honestly, ask intelligent questions of your own about what you learned in your research. Show them how you can help them achieve their goals. Even if its on the bottom level, get into a good company, keep asking questions, learning, going to night classes, after finding out what courses will help you in that job, when added to the ones already taken. Ask what you can do for your company, not what your company can do for you!
Second when the job market is undergoing a major change, as now, that will we all know make major changes in work, will cause major layoffs sitting at home doing nothing until the "right" job comes along is suicide. First, so you can eat, you take any job you can get (maybe even several of them) dead end or not. Its called "money therapy". Then after some research you go back to school to upgrade your education. In your field if you find that your field is going to survive, if not find another and learn. Get good grades, be enthusiastic (your teachers maybe the only people to give you recommendations and you want good ones). If all you do is work (eating is a pastime you cant do without), and study, it is what is necessary. Go into an interview after studying the company you are interviewing at. What do they make, what service do they provide, what direction are they going in? Answer their questions honestly, ask intelligent questions of your own about what you learned in your research. Show them how you can help them achieve their goals. Even if its on the bottom level, get into a good company, keep asking questions, learning, going to night classes, after finding out what courses will help you in that job, when added to the ones already taken. Ask what you can do for your company, not what your company can do for you!
Trump will continue to use bright shiny baubles to distract from the real issues and the news media will go along with the farce.
At the end of 4 long years, those left behind by Trump's scattershot approach will feel even worse and be even angrier, especially when their federal benefits start evaporating.
I'll believe Trump when he shows us legally binding agreements with corporations that provide long term jobs for a period of years. And when he pushes for tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations only if they enter into legally binding obligations to use their beneficence in the US to promote the economy.
Until then Trump and the corporations are just playing a shell game and the American people are the marks.
At the end of 4 long years, those left behind by Trump's scattershot approach will feel even worse and be even angrier, especially when their federal benefits start evaporating.
I'll believe Trump when he shows us legally binding agreements with corporations that provide long term jobs for a period of years. And when he pushes for tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations only if they enter into legally binding obligations to use their beneficence in the US to promote the economy.
Until then Trump and the corporations are just playing a shell game and the American people are the marks.
80
It's telling that he'd rather talk about a relative handful of jobs (5,000 is a rounding error these days) than make any meaningful statement about eliminating corporate sleight-of-hand. Where is he on inversions? How many companies (and which ones) does he plan to go after for moving their headquarters out of the U.S. to avoid taxation?
2
Why? Nothing new. It is called, in the vernacular, sucking up.
10
The fact that it's not new IS the problem.
3
At least we all know that we can count on this principled publication to provide truthful, fair reporting on Mr. Trump. Yeah, right...
12
There's no need for reporters anymore in the new world of twitter.
Just read The Donald's tweets if you want truthful and principled.
It seems like you have not lived in New York in the '80's. Then, you would know more about The Donald.
Just read The Donald's tweets if you want truthful and principled.
It seems like you have not lived in New York in the '80's. Then, you would know more about The Donald.
I'm sure if Mr. Trump ever becomes truthful and fair it will be worldwide breaking news!
Welcome to Corruptistan.
66
These companies get good press too. These are corporations who want to get in the good graces of the coming administration--especially given its high likelihood tit-for-tat nature. Moreover, corporations might hope to increase their shine in the eyes of the public. This is essentially free advertising. These companies get credit for doing good works--making out like having any employees in the United States is an act of sacrifice.
33
David Q--Have you seen one of those KOCH ads, recently? Oh, right. They stopped running on November 9. According to the eds, KOCH is just filled with do-gooder patriots, who are only the salt of the earth, each trying to do a responsible job. Comedic entertainment from the fascist, Hitler loving, Trump supporting Koch Brothers.
10
These companies also have seen the bullying tweets that Trump has sent to others who have not agreed with him.
2
Actually, the Koch brothers were not big Trump supporters, but why let facts get in the way of your rhetoric?
I am not eager to point the Fascist finger at anyone, but this reeks of 1930's Germany. Then, German companies practically became extensions of the Nazi regime. Jews, gypsies, political prisoners, and other "undesirables" became slave labor for these firms.
Don't believe that? I suggest you read Agnès Humbert's first person account of her time as a French prisoner, sent to Germany as slave labor in a rayon factory. It's called Resistance: A Frenchwoman's Journal of the War. Perhaps reading that will open some eyes to this dangerous game.
Don't believe that? I suggest you read Agnès Humbert's first person account of her time as a French prisoner, sent to Germany as slave labor in a rayon factory. It's called Resistance: A Frenchwoman's Journal of the War. Perhaps reading that will open some eyes to this dangerous game.
113
Using the power of the state to undermine workers' wages for the big industrialists, the Nazis' main targets were the trade unions. For example, Volkswagen's original factory was built by the Nazi government with funds confiscated from the auto workers' unions.
22
We already have slave labor in our prisons, where prisoners are making jeans and other products and services without wages over a small amount for the commissary. The corporations are making more money than on the Chinese-made products, because the Chinese get wages.
2
Glad to see that you are continuing to demean the "deplorables". Happy New Year!
One of the reasons the US has been a leader in the world of business is that it has the stability of the rule of law.
Now our legal, political, and economic systems will be led by an impetuous low-information narcissist who is easily swayed by smooth talking, and who believes every move he makes is exempt from the law simply because, by definition, it is "presidential."
This unpredictability portends huge possible losses for US workers when businesses start looking elsewhere for stability.
Now our legal, political, and economic systems will be led by an impetuous low-information narcissist who is easily swayed by smooth talking, and who believes every move he makes is exempt from the law simply because, by definition, it is "presidential."
This unpredictability portends huge possible losses for US workers when businesses start looking elsewhere for stability.
164
Trump is not a cause. He is a symptom. As soon as the government started making exceptions for huge transnational corporations, giving them better tax deals, deregulation, targeted regulations, access to government research, and bailouts for being too big to fail, we made the rise of Trump inevetable.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996, passed by a congress controlled by Democrats, and signed by Bill Clinton, deregulated media in this country so that the same corporation could own multiple media outlets across multiple platforms. The same company can now own the newspaper, radio stations, cable provider, and phone company. They can make and broadcast content.
The news has been centralized the world over. Murdoch owns Fox and the Wall Street Journal and radio.
Search on a big news story, and read all of the different versions of it, across different outlets. Most likely it is the same story written either by Reuters or Associated Press. (Remember when AP called the results of the Democratic Primary the night before California and four other states plus DC was to vote, based on secret calls to superdelegates?)
The Trump supporters voted for a lying billionaire. The Clinton supporters voted for a lying tool of the billionaires. You vote against your own self interests just as the "deplorables" do. Soon Chuck Schumer, instead of blocking everything the Republicans try to do, will be saying how reasonable Paul Ryan is compared to Trump, and so we must support his legislation.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996, passed by a congress controlled by Democrats, and signed by Bill Clinton, deregulated media in this country so that the same corporation could own multiple media outlets across multiple platforms. The same company can now own the newspaper, radio stations, cable provider, and phone company. They can make and broadcast content.
The news has been centralized the world over. Murdoch owns Fox and the Wall Street Journal and radio.
Search on a big news story, and read all of the different versions of it, across different outlets. Most likely it is the same story written either by Reuters or Associated Press. (Remember when AP called the results of the Democratic Primary the night before California and four other states plus DC was to vote, based on secret calls to superdelegates?)
The Trump supporters voted for a lying billionaire. The Clinton supporters voted for a lying tool of the billionaires. You vote against your own self interests just as the "deplorables" do. Soon Chuck Schumer, instead of blocking everything the Republicans try to do, will be saying how reasonable Paul Ryan is compared to Trump, and so we must support his legislation.
110
Accurate. Government is corporate controlled and, unfortunately, corporations have abandoned all sense of citizenship and are narrowly focused upon the bottom line and benefiting the 1/4%. Corporate control over Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Presidency is now complete, along with the majority of state legislatures and governors. The facade of responsibility can now be dropped altogether.
2
I agree. I don't know which is more unnerving-- elected officials changing the laws to self-deal and enrich their cronies, or elected officials treating our legal system as if it is a nuisance, openly flouting laws and brazenly lying because they have the mistaken belief that, like Trump seems to believe, they are above the law.
1
The notion industrial jobs could come back to the nation's heartland in meaningful numbers is simply fatuous. A fantasy. Manufacturing no longer requires personnel. You don't even need a guy with an oil can to oil the robots. A robot does that now.
99
Right now hundreds of miners with black-lung are marching on Washington to get their jobs back....
15
So when all of the jobs are done by robots and artificial intelligence, what will humans do? How will we be able to afford any of the things the robots make?
If we need to people to design and maintain the robots that design and maintain the robots [not a typo] why are we letting corporations import foreign workers to replace American workers in high tech jobs at far below the prevailing wage?
The misuse and abuse of the H1-b visa program, which is only supposed to let corporations hire foreigners for jobs that cannot be filled, is instead being used to bring in entire departments, who are trained by the people they are replacing, just to cut wages.
The biggest problem with this is that it takes the incentive away from young people to get STEM educations, because the pay is low compared to the decades it takes to train in them. I went to enroll in the Brooklyn College Mathematics Masters program a decade ago, but it had been cancelled do to lack of students. Why go into math, when there is so much money to be made manipulating markets in finance with an MBA?
The CEOs are all about markets until the markets cost them money, than they lobby for exceptions. And they get them, despite it being bad for the overall economy, because they make large political donations.
In the face of an economy that favors robots (capital) over humans, maybe we should be taxing capital at a higher rate than work, especially because we are already not using 25% of the capital we have.
If we need to people to design and maintain the robots that design and maintain the robots [not a typo] why are we letting corporations import foreign workers to replace American workers in high tech jobs at far below the prevailing wage?
The misuse and abuse of the H1-b visa program, which is only supposed to let corporations hire foreigners for jobs that cannot be filled, is instead being used to bring in entire departments, who are trained by the people they are replacing, just to cut wages.
The biggest problem with this is that it takes the incentive away from young people to get STEM educations, because the pay is low compared to the decades it takes to train in them. I went to enroll in the Brooklyn College Mathematics Masters program a decade ago, but it had been cancelled do to lack of students. Why go into math, when there is so much money to be made manipulating markets in finance with an MBA?
The CEOs are all about markets until the markets cost them money, than they lobby for exceptions. And they get them, despite it being bad for the overall economy, because they make large political donations.
In the face of an economy that favors robots (capital) over humans, maybe we should be taxing capital at a higher rate than work, especially because we are already not using 25% of the capital we have.
I work in the media and remember years ago going to a steel mill where it was almost totally automated. It still haunts me that I walked in, no people around where 10 years earlier thousands of people had worked. That mill , and many others like it, have been torn down. In their place are shopping centers, technical facilities, housing. The steel mills are not coming back.
I was in China last summer and was told manufacturing jobs range from $10 / day (DAY) in the big cities of Shanghai and Beijing to $6 / day in the outer provinces where factories have been moving to over the last ten years.
What Trump knows that all of us who live in the real world is that his voters don't care about facts. They just like the rhetoric.
And it is likely those Trump voters won't even be aware many of the problems from the Trump / Ryan / Corporate America alliance until after Trump is gone.
Similar to Republicans and Fox never complained about the huge deficit from Bush until Obama took office.
Good luck to those Trump voters and their children and grandchildren.
What Trump knows that all of us who live in the real world is that his voters don't care about facts. They just like the rhetoric.
And it is likely those Trump voters won't even be aware many of the problems from the Trump / Ryan / Corporate America alliance until after Trump is gone.
Similar to Republicans and Fox never complained about the huge deficit from Bush until Obama took office.
Good luck to those Trump voters and their children and grandchildren.
58
The same tactics that fooled the Trump supporters will continue with a degree of success since those voters will not want to admit that they were played for suckers.
Within a year or two, when it really hits home for the US public most of the damage will already have been done, covered over by more clever lies.
Hold on for a rough ride!
Within a year or two, when it really hits home for the US public most of the damage will already have been done, covered over by more clever lies.
Hold on for a rough ride!
1
They are all looking at inevitable loss of value at the margin of diminution.
For Trump supporters, luck will be all they can hope for.
Why do corporations lie and say tax cuts will create jobs? Why do corporations lie and tell us environmental controls will cost jobs? Why do corporations tell any of the lies they do? Because their single motivation, more profits, requires them to do so.
76
Why do people believe them? Why is there no counter argument in newspaper, tv or school or churches or radio or advertisement or out of politicians' mouths?
I can only speak from my own experience. My republican parents, both dead, never spoke of politics, economics, justice, and never went to church. Nor was anything talked about in public school. I wonder how many other people grew up with a bag over their head.
I can only speak from my own experience. My republican parents, both dead, never spoke of politics, economics, justice, and never went to church. Nor was anything talked about in public school. I wonder how many other people grew up with a bag over their head.
1
And the follow-up question/s; Why does the majority of the electorate believe those lies?
Its become apparent that being suckered is what a large number of Americans prefer. There's a deep and collective apathy about these lies, that goes way beyond echo-chambers and faux news. Why in the face of the truth about these lies, do so many voters keep gulping them down like free-soda...? Its not a recent phenomenon, as the very same demographics who voted for DT, have voted against their own best interests long before the internet echo-chamber-effects.
Personally, I'm of the opinion that a lot of it has to do with our education system, that has for the most part abandoned teaching logic, as a curriculum, and how to use it to evaluate the world. Its not the whole cause, but its a part of it...
Its become apparent that being suckered is what a large number of Americans prefer. There's a deep and collective apathy about these lies, that goes way beyond echo-chambers and faux news. Why in the face of the truth about these lies, do so many voters keep gulping them down like free-soda...? Its not a recent phenomenon, as the very same demographics who voted for DT, have voted against their own best interests long before the internet echo-chamber-effects.
Personally, I'm of the opinion that a lot of it has to do with our education system, that has for the most part abandoned teaching logic, as a curriculum, and how to use it to evaluate the world. Its not the whole cause, but its a part of it...
2
What profits are left for anyone else after executive bonuses are paid out?
1
American corporations avoid their social responsibility. Don't be bored by that statement.
When I lived in Chicago in 1979 I often read about gang violence in Chicago, shooting at one another from across the street or avenue, lie in the Wild West. Now, we read 2017 headlines like: "Chicago Ends Year With 762 Killings, the Most in 2 Decades" --- Nothing has changed in America in 37 years. It's getting worse and Trump will make it worse for those who are not wealthy.
We have a governing cancer headed for the White House on Jan 20, 2017, and no one in the press is questioning why we still have cancers like this in the inner city. Some blame the Tyranny of Capitalism for this. Some blame "liberal" Americans for aspiring to Democratic Socialism. Corporations should not run our country. Trump will not solve Chicago's problems, they are going to get worse. The evidence has been clear for 37 years.
When I lived in Chicago in 1979 I often read about gang violence in Chicago, shooting at one another from across the street or avenue, lie in the Wild West. Now, we read 2017 headlines like: "Chicago Ends Year With 762 Killings, the Most in 2 Decades" --- Nothing has changed in America in 37 years. It's getting worse and Trump will make it worse for those who are not wealthy.
We have a governing cancer headed for the White House on Jan 20, 2017, and no one in the press is questioning why we still have cancers like this in the inner city. Some blame the Tyranny of Capitalism for this. Some blame "liberal" Americans for aspiring to Democratic Socialism. Corporations should not run our country. Trump will not solve Chicago's problems, they are going to get worse. The evidence has been clear for 37 years.
17
Business ethics has been tanking since the election of President Reagan. Now the process will go into overdrive.
1
So you point out how more people are getting killed in Chicago as were killed 30 years ago and somehow you bemoan Trump??/ Typical liberal blindness and hypocrisy.
Anyone who trusts the private sector is just ignorant about the facts of how they work. Their primary concern and their only concern is squeezing larger profits from the people. Those profits always include getting rid of workers, or lowering wages and benefits. Those lower wages usually mean sending jobs overseas to low wage countries, and some like Trump, requests H2 visa workers.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/trump-vineyard-se...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/trump-vineyard-se...
27
"You can fool some of the people...etc"
We are in for the perfect test!
Wise up, Us voters!
We are in for the perfect test!
Wise up, Us voters!
5
This is the concern of the executive suite, not the private sector as a whole. They are the folks who garner all the profits these days.
If someone made an equally sweeping comment about any identity group, they'd be (rightly) excoriated for it.
It's just not that simple. The private sector is not all good, and I'm no apologist for its greed, but that doesn't mean it's all bad. And I am not ignorant.
It's just not that simple. The private sector is not all good, and I'm no apologist for its greed, but that doesn't mean it's all bad. And I am not ignorant.
My dismay at the media and Democrats rises daily.
Where is the box on page 1 of the Times with the headline: "Today's Trump Lies"?
When he says he has information about the hacking that no one else has why doesn't the Times immediately call him out on it? Where is the reporter who is hounding Trump for answers?
When he claims he saved 5000 jobs why is the story noted with a small headline and a buried editorial? Where is the reporter who is hounding Trump and Sprint for answers?
When Trump is going ahead with a project in Indonesia which clearly presents a conflict of interest - among so many others - where is the reporter calling him daily and hounding him for answers?
And where are the Democratic leadership voices which should be shouting from the rooftops every time Trump tells another fib which is every single day? Yes, they'll go hoarse very quickly but there are enough of them to take turns. Where are they?
Commenters like myself shout into an echo chamber. Trump should wake up every single morning to screaming headlines about his latest fabrications and corruptions.
New York Times - do your job!
Where is the box on page 1 of the Times with the headline: "Today's Trump Lies"?
When he says he has information about the hacking that no one else has why doesn't the Times immediately call him out on it? Where is the reporter who is hounding Trump for answers?
When he claims he saved 5000 jobs why is the story noted with a small headline and a buried editorial? Where is the reporter who is hounding Trump and Sprint for answers?
When Trump is going ahead with a project in Indonesia which clearly presents a conflict of interest - among so many others - where is the reporter calling him daily and hounding him for answers?
And where are the Democratic leadership voices which should be shouting from the rooftops every time Trump tells another fib which is every single day? Yes, they'll go hoarse very quickly but there are enough of them to take turns. Where are they?
Commenters like myself shout into an echo chamber. Trump should wake up every single morning to screaming headlines about his latest fabrications and corruptions.
New York Times - do your job!
283
There are no Democratic leadership voices. The Democratic "leaders' have no idea why they lost the election and are going on as before, oblivious to the workers' pain and beholden to corporate campaign contributors.
1
It's tough to survive in the news business under an advertiser boycott.
1
Absolutely, Where are the democrats? Not calling out Don's horrible traits, but focus on the issues and FACTs/Truth. There are enough fake news sites spreading the lies. The free press will no longer be free, if the issues and facts are not highlighted. His tweets will win, if sane people stay silent.
1
Thank you for putting the word "lie" in the headline. While public corporations have to make SEC filings which in general prevent them from outright lies, too many are eager to obfuscate the truth about how many jobs they are shedding and are eager to tout any new hire as a net new job. Trump will be their eager ally in creating a false reality.
47
They shed the obsolete worker, those jobs no longer exist and never will again. So when they hire for a new job (different skills, training, education needed to secure it) it is a new job. As of now the only thing the government can do to help the obsolete worker (some still quite young, but, lazy, uninterested in upgrading themselves) is to set up training programs. Trump wont do that. He will just get rid of everyones safety net as fast as possible. The rich firmly believe that if you do away with the safety net the workers will flock to work for very low salaries, just to eat.
You can see what the problem is by looking at the graphic with this article. The people going into the "building" are carrying what they used in their now obsolete work. The building should be a bustling training facility, but, its a sham. Workers must now find, pay for, and actually learn from their own training for new jobs. The old ones are going, going... gone.
You can see what the problem is by looking at the graphic with this article. The people going into the "building" are carrying what they used in their now obsolete work. The building should be a bustling training facility, but, its a sham. Workers must now find, pay for, and actually learn from their own training for new jobs. The old ones are going, going... gone.
Simply getting paid will be a growing problem under the Chiseler in Chief.
34
I don't use social media, so perhaps I've missed a trend here. Is it really normal -- or cute or charming or something -- to address one's own self in a tweet? Is it OK, for example, for Sr. Fulano to say, "Gracias, Sr. Fulano" in a message he sends to the entire world?
Isn't there a condition mentioned in the DSM covering this?
Isn't there a condition mentioned in the DSM covering this?
43
Referring to yourself in the third person is not diagnostic of anything and is present in a number of DSM diagnoses. It is a common feature of narcissistic personality disorder though..
15
Actually doing it just makes the person look dumb and without anyone who cares about, or likes him enough to do it for him. The only one who could possibly get away with it not looking dumb is God. And He doesnt do it. He lets us do it for Him. That tells you how dumb Trump is, he thinks he is on a par with (or actually IS) God. Then proves he isnt by being a half twit, and patting himself on the back.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, Chump and the extremist Republicans, are
going to set us back years!
going to set us back years!
23
Yet, you refuse to point out the true unemployment rate, as defined by U6 criteria, and go along with this administration in saying the unemployment rate is around 4%, when it's closer to 10%.
Why is it ok for you, the NYTimes, and its editorial board, to spout this nonsense, but, not Trump to spout his nonsense?
Ever heard the phrase two wrongs don't make a right?
You have no credibility anymore and you don't see it. Sad.
Why is it ok for you, the NYTimes, and its editorial board, to spout this nonsense, but, not Trump to spout his nonsense?
Ever heard the phrase two wrongs don't make a right?
You have no credibility anymore and you don't see it. Sad.
9
U6 includes those who have jobs and so are employed, albeit part time. Just because I want to work more hours doesn't make me unemployed. In my entire working life, since 1969, I have ALWAYS wanted to work more hours. 90% of the time it did not happen.
Most of my neighbors are over the age of employment. they are now collecting Social Security, SSI disability or some other government subsidy. Many of the workers who lost jobs in the Great Recession back in 2008-9 tried but could not find work, especially the ones over 50. So, they are not considered part of any workforce.
The real question and the other half of the equation is why aren't there more good jobs?
Most of my neighbors are over the age of employment. they are now collecting Social Security, SSI disability or some other government subsidy. Many of the workers who lost jobs in the Great Recession back in 2008-9 tried but could not find work, especially the ones over 50. So, they are not considered part of any workforce.
The real question and the other half of the equation is why aren't there more good jobs?
For the same reason that other papers use the U-3 rate, it is the rate that has been reported for decades and allows us to track data over time. The U-6 rate was also cut in half under president Obama
2
Randy, the measure for unemployment is the SAME as it has been for decades. Even by using your false standards, the unemployment would still have dropped massively, because it would have been 20% when Obama took office.
By the way, we have nearly 6 million unfilled jobs in the US. You need work?
By the way, we have nearly 6 million unfilled jobs in the US. You need work?
2
Donald Trump is bewitched by shiny objects like big dollar figures and promised new hires. Earlier, he was enticed because Vladimir Putin sported poll numbers of 80% in Russia. He is a small minded, fat kid in their presence.
OK Donald, Christmas is over.
OK Donald, Christmas is over.
12
Let Mr. Trump get into office and do something before all of the verbal attacks on "what if" before it has not happened.
5
Why wait? We have the signs before our very noses. If the patient has a temperature of 101, it is reasonable to consider infection a potential diagnosis.
1
We'll shut up about Trump when he stops his ridiculous Tweeting, threatening and acting like he's already running the country. Let him stay silent til 1/20.
1
The mouth that foams has already started, so what's your point.
1
Either the hyper link is incorrect that the NY Times Editorial Board is referencing or the board is attempting to misguide the public once again since the referenced article from October does not indicate that the $50 billion Softbank would invest in the US is part the $100 billion investment.
Does the NY Board even fact check their own op-eds against articles they publish?
Does the NY Board even fact check their own op-eds against articles they publish?
7
Mislead? Hardly. Any regular reader will carry the context of the 12/28 article with the headline: Trump Takes Credit for Sprint Plan to Add 5,000 Jobs in U.S. In that article, Sprint clearly states that the jobs are indeed part of the earlier deal.
“I was just called by the head people at Sprint, and they are going to be bringing 5,000 jobs back to the United States,” Mr. Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. “They have taken them from other countries. They are bringing them back to the United States.”
Sprint later said that the jobs were part of a previously announced commitment by Japan’s SoftBank, which owns a controlling stake in the mobile phone carrier, to invest $50 billion in the United States and create 50,000 positions.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/28/us/politics/donald-trump-sprint-jobs.html
“I was just called by the head people at Sprint, and they are going to be bringing 5,000 jobs back to the United States,” Mr. Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. “They have taken them from other countries. They are bringing them back to the United States.”
Sprint later said that the jobs were part of a previously announced commitment by Japan’s SoftBank, which owns a controlling stake in the mobile phone carrier, to invest $50 billion in the United States and create 50,000 positions.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/28/us/politics/donald-trump-sprint-jobs.html
1
Or somebody goofed. Fact checking in journalism used to be called proofreading. But, that was back in the days when every paper (and there were only papers) was typeset, letter by letter (backwards), by human beings. Those typesetters did the proofreading. When it was all computerized (automated) they were all fired as obsolete. Which made proofreading obsolete. They have never made any attempt at figuring out how to proofread anything in type. Not newspapers, not magazines, not books. The quality of all has plummeted and we have all gotten used to it. A few papers seem to have started using their comment column posters (US) as unpaid proofreaders. Unpaid being the key word. Mistakes are something we have and will always have with us. Expecting anything different is insanity. So, now you youngns call it "fact checking". Of course that predisposes that the database they check has no flaws.
Our country is about to hand the keys to the car to an intoxicated 16-year-old on a snowy, icy night.
'Nuff said.
'Nuff said.
44
Donald Trump is a Prince Potemkin for our age, erecting castles in the air to amaze and delight his followers. He "saves" Atlantic City and his casinos fail. Through bribery crafted by his sidekick Pence, he "saves" jobs in Indiana at the expense of its taxpayers. The root principle of Mr. Trump's "saves" is their design to disproportionately end up in his safes.
When you meet a con man, watch your wallet.
When you meet a con man, watch your wallet.
35
The moment one engages a con-artist, one is on a slippery slope to destitution.
1
Next Trump will announce he met with Joe Maddon and successfully negotiated the Cubs winning the World Series for the first time in 108 years.
21
He wouldn't just stop there. He'll claim the Cubs "could have won" every World Series had they really wanted to.
1
When politicians end lying then that will signify the end of times. Hillary is the only one who never told a lie. As a matter of fact no Democrat ever told a lie.
Grits kill fire ants. Did you know that?
Grits kill fire ants. Did you know that?
4
It is the medias job to expose false narratives. Why is this not in the news section? How many people in Wisconsin read the OpEd page?
24
You got that right! All those rural, less educated Trump supporters out there in the midsection of the country are in for a rude awakening. The question is "How long will it take for them to figure out they've been taken for a ride?"
The media--broadcast and print--needs to step up and not give up on exposing what Trump is trying to do, and what it will do to all those "less educated" and "rural" voters who got him elected.
Right now we're just preach'en to the choir!
The media--broadcast and print--needs to step up and not give up on exposing what Trump is trying to do, and what it will do to all those "less educated" and "rural" voters who got him elected.
Right now we're just preach'en to the choir!
How many unskilled, semiskilled laborers (and that is what factory work is) read the news, even watch the news, not including weather and sports?
Good point, et.al. To that notion, the editor-in-chief of the Wall Street Journal said yesterday he doesn't want to use the term "lie'" because it might affect the delicate sensibilities of the paper's readers. Good grief.
Only 800 jobs? That was 800 more than anyone else was interested in saving. If you were one of the people that is not having to face an unemployment line this New Year, (and let's face it a bleak employment picture) because you still have your job, it isn't "only" 800 to you. I guess some people never learn. It may seem like a pittance to you, but to some people it is a lifeline.
12
Nonsense. We are creating 9,000 jobs every working day.
And, layoffs are at historic lows.
Fact is that actions like Carrier - Indiana, where a loss of 2,000 is announced and, after negotiations with state officials "only" 1,200 will leave --- these are routine.
And, layoffs are at historic lows.
Fact is that actions like Carrier - Indiana, where a loss of 2,000 is announced and, after negotiations with state officials "only" 1,200 will leave --- these are routine.
30
Yes, every job saved is great for that worker. But the scary thing here is the manner in which it was done. Enacting policies which will help create or save thousands of jobs under a clear set of rules would help our economy. Saving a few here or there, based on deals with the "great negotiator" is not only less effective, but puts our entire economy at risk - as the success of companies becomes reliant not on the merits, but the whims of a president. A president, I might add, who may stand to gain personally from some of these deals.
2
Supposedly those workers have a family to support, too. Some probably have teenagers who depend on a stable family and parental income to finish high school successfully and may get into college. The benefit is not just one worker, but a family and inter-generational. The tax incentive was about 700/worker/year over a period of ten years. Try destroy their jobs, see at least some of them on welfare, and calculate that cost. Oh, don't forget to count the costs of children whose lives get disrupted and may go downhill from there and end up on welfare in the near future.
Soullessness loves company.
12
We keep talking about supporting new legislation and voting the right people into office to fight back at the trump presidency when there is another way: demand to know more about trump's tangled web of business connections, of large corporations that supported this ludicrous presidency-to-be, and take your business elsewhere. Vote with your feet and your wallet. Do without if you have to, or help the beloved small business person by shifting your business away from a larger one now bowing and scraping to the incoming trump administration.
35
Only Congress can impeach, try, and remove presidents from office.
Its time for Congress to step up to the plate and investigate Donald Trump's business ties. We, the American people have a right to know. If he doesn't like it, too bad. After all the majority of Americans did not vote for him.
Maybe Chinese hackers can find Trumps tax returns.
2
Will our White House become our "House of Horrors" when Donald J. Trump and his corrupt band of cronies lays siege to the people's House? I still can't believe what has transpired over these past few months.
How many of us thought that Donald J. Trump would actually win our election? I'm sure that a clear majority thought it next to impossible...that Hillary was a shoe-in to be our nation's first woman president. She had the smarts and the breadth of experience to begin her first day in office with a gallop.
Admit it, we all thought that Donald J. Trump didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning the election. Clearly, the American people would reject such a fraud and a scoundrel to be their next president, wouldn't they? ...I still remember his public appeal to Putin to hack into Hillary Clinton's email account to find more fodder to feed his political cannon...I mean, appealing to a Russian dictator for help?! How outrageous! Certainly the American people would have the good sense not to elect such a man to its highest office, right?
I mean, how could they elect someone who has a history of cheating people out of their money to its highest office, right?...I remember hoping that Hillary would run a series of hard-hitting campaign ads on Trump's "Trump University" scam...Now that would be the proverbial nail in his political coffin, right?
...I so dread these next four years. I'm not sure what to expect other than I know I won't like it whatever it is.
How many of us thought that Donald J. Trump would actually win our election? I'm sure that a clear majority thought it next to impossible...that Hillary was a shoe-in to be our nation's first woman president. She had the smarts and the breadth of experience to begin her first day in office with a gallop.
Admit it, we all thought that Donald J. Trump didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning the election. Clearly, the American people would reject such a fraud and a scoundrel to be their next president, wouldn't they? ...I still remember his public appeal to Putin to hack into Hillary Clinton's email account to find more fodder to feed his political cannon...I mean, appealing to a Russian dictator for help?! How outrageous! Certainly the American people would have the good sense not to elect such a man to its highest office, right?
I mean, how could they elect someone who has a history of cheating people out of their money to its highest office, right?...I remember hoping that Hillary would run a series of hard-hitting campaign ads on Trump's "Trump University" scam...Now that would be the proverbial nail in his political coffin, right?
...I so dread these next four years. I'm not sure what to expect other than I know I won't like it whatever it is.
73
Trump is a culmination of the complete breakdown of business ethics that began under Nixon and accelerated under Reagan.
Trump's voters admire and respect Trump's MO. They see him as ratification of their own ways of doing business.
Trump's voters admire and respect Trump's MO. They see him as ratification of their own ways of doing business.
1
So, find the Resistance, join it, take risks. At the same time research your job and company, find out what education you need to prosper in your field (even burger flippers have a field). Find the education, learn, grow. See if your company pays for continuing education, if so take advantage of it, even if your research shows you must, after learning, go to another company to prosper. It will mean longs days, no leisure to speak of, stress. If nothing else it will make the 4 years go by faster. Hopefully it will help us get rid of the Con in Chief sooner, and make you more prosperous.
Trump had lots of help, people who used the media to send out his message. They took a page from Putin's manual of now to manipulate the press.
1
"Why Corporations Are Helping Donald Trump Lie" ...
That question almost answers itself. Corporations and trump do it because they can get away with it, and there is a pile of money in it if you can pull it off. It is really not that hard to pull off. We just saw a demonstration of this in the last election. Corporations finance ALEC and PAC's after all. PT Barnum put it more colorfully: "there is a sucker born every minute". The people who vote for guys like trump are these people. The same people that watch FOX, listen to Rush, go to mega-churches for christian entertainment (certainly no serious religious activity of any kind occurs in these places), or tithe 10%, etc.
That question almost answers itself. Corporations and trump do it because they can get away with it, and there is a pile of money in it if you can pull it off. It is really not that hard to pull off. We just saw a demonstration of this in the last election. Corporations finance ALEC and PAC's after all. PT Barnum put it more colorfully: "there is a sucker born every minute". The people who vote for guys like trump are these people. The same people that watch FOX, listen to Rush, go to mega-churches for christian entertainment (certainly no serious religious activity of any kind occurs in these places), or tithe 10%, etc.
350
"these people" didn't attend the $150,000 plate luncheon with Warren ($75Billion to play with) Buffet. "these people" did not karaoke with Jon, Paul and Jimmie at the Hamptons. "these people" did smooze at Timeberlake's party in Hollywood. "these people" did not vacation on Martha's vineyard. "these people" did not cozy up to Silicone Valley. "these people" did not flock to private parties on Wall Street. "these people" did not pay $10,000 for an intimate "family portrait".
"these people" were not in that basket. You people were, however.
"these people" were not in that basket. You people were, however.
Perfectly explanatory editorial.
3
Donald Trump did in fact save, 800-1000 jobs at Carrier.
It was a campaign promise, which he made 7 months before he won the Presidency. Donald Trump was responsible for the Sprint deal to create 50,000 jobs in the United States.
Softbank’s chief executive, Masayoshi Son, never committed to 50,000 jobs or the 50 Billion dollars, until Donald Trump won the Presidency.
Trump was the difference.
The author attempts to “read Masayoshi Son’s mind”, cynically concluding that Mr. Son is only doing the deal, for favors to complete a merger.
Donald Trump does not have the authority to pass a Sprint/T-Mobile merger. The author again, assumes the President- elect will appoint people to the FCC, to get a merger done.
The bottom line is, Donald Trump means it when he says “buy American/Hire American”.
Companies are at his feet, because he won. Let’s support the President-elect, and celebrate that 51,000 people will have jobs.
https://donaldtrumptwitternews.blogspot.com/2016/12/donald-trump-and-sto...
It was a campaign promise, which he made 7 months before he won the Presidency. Donald Trump was responsible for the Sprint deal to create 50,000 jobs in the United States.
Softbank’s chief executive, Masayoshi Son, never committed to 50,000 jobs or the 50 Billion dollars, until Donald Trump won the Presidency.
Trump was the difference.
The author attempts to “read Masayoshi Son’s mind”, cynically concluding that Mr. Son is only doing the deal, for favors to complete a merger.
Donald Trump does not have the authority to pass a Sprint/T-Mobile merger. The author again, assumes the President- elect will appoint people to the FCC, to get a merger done.
The bottom line is, Donald Trump means it when he says “buy American/Hire American”.
Companies are at his feet, because he won. Let’s support the President-elect, and celebrate that 51,000 people will have jobs.
https://donaldtrumptwitternews.blogspot.com/2016/12/donald-trump-and-sto...
29
"Companies are at his feet because he won." Are we now in a monarchy?
You have captured perfectly the spirit of crony capitalism.
You have captured perfectly the spirit of crony capitalism.
40
It chills me that Trump supporters revel in the image of people, institutions or anything "at his feet".
I don't recall this kind of autocratic, conquest imagery ever being used with such relish by the ordinary supporters of a candidate. It's scary how they think of themselves, supposedly proud citizens, as subjects of this vacuous game-show host.
I don't recall this kind of autocratic, conquest imagery ever being used with such relish by the ordinary supporters of a candidate. It's scary how they think of themselves, supposedly proud citizens, as subjects of this vacuous game-show host.
40
What you are celebrating is an illusion, but if it keeps you happy, proceed.
In general, business people do what they want to do and what they believe is in the best interests of their company, their shareholders and themselves (not necessarily in that order). The "free market" conservatives who have hounded Obama for eight years claim that there should be no government intervention in business decisions because, they say, "let the market decide".
By the way, Trump himself said that he had forgotten about any commitment on Carrier and was only reminded when he saw a clip, after the election, of his previous pledge, so he then made telephone calls.
The ability of any president to reverse the decisions of business executives, or to encourage them to act favorably, is very limited when those same executives see that their backs are against a wall. What we are seeing now is what we are likely to witness with Trump in the White House: big, exaggerated claims of victory without much, or any, clear tie to reality. The actual hard work of trying to reignite lost businesses and industrial production will take a long time and be accomplished only with get effort, rarely with Twitter blasts.
In general, business people do what they want to do and what they believe is in the best interests of their company, their shareholders and themselves (not necessarily in that order). The "free market" conservatives who have hounded Obama for eight years claim that there should be no government intervention in business decisions because, they say, "let the market decide".
By the way, Trump himself said that he had forgotten about any commitment on Carrier and was only reminded when he saw a clip, after the election, of his previous pledge, so he then made telephone calls.
The ability of any president to reverse the decisions of business executives, or to encourage them to act favorably, is very limited when those same executives see that their backs are against a wall. What we are seeing now is what we are likely to witness with Trump in the White House: big, exaggerated claims of victory without much, or any, clear tie to reality. The actual hard work of trying to reignite lost businesses and industrial production will take a long time and be accomplished only with get effort, rarely with Twitter blasts.
6
Don't you understand? Donald Trump has information that no one else has, so whatever he says is substantiated by the information only he has. Remember his birther binge. . . . had his people on it who were uncovering some unbelievable stuff, and once everyone else knew what only he knew, well, it's was going to be amazing! How about this Russian hacker matter? Once again, Donald had some 'inside info' that even the CIA, FBI, Homeland Security, the NSA, and likely even Russia don't know about. And it's secret! Stuff that nobody has but Donald. I am thinking he must be getting this information from the little voice in his head that has all those amazing ideas, and huge plans, and where everything is going to be great every day with images of (only) beautiful women are waiting in line to get their genitals grabbed by the president-elect . For the rest of us, maybe, someday, Donald will confide in us and supplement the already amazing information we already get from the National Enquirer, which is part of the CIA, right?
30
Trump probably gets his secret information from the current counterpart of the KGB. After all a Putin Puppet Poodle only knows how to jump through hoops.
Again, you print fake news. President Trump has made a good start, and will only do better once he assumes the powers of the office.
Mr. Obama helped US exports alright, he exported jobs from the Rust Belt to Mexico. His party paid for that.
Mr. Obama helped US exports alright, he exported jobs from the Rust Belt to Mexico. His party paid for that.
4
You're saying if a newspaper criticizes Trump it's "fake news?"
Buy a dictionary and look up the word "fascism."
Buy a dictionary and look up the word "fascism."
5
With respect to your perspective and the right to have one-, there are times, 'sometimes' - when the core issues (values) are bigger and broader than an American job -or even 800 of them.
1
Unbridled and giddy with greed, Trump and corporations will frolic
in profits at the American consumers expense.
in profits at the American consumers expense.
8
The PE will say anything to make himself look good. You've seen it before in middle school. The incredibly insecure individual saying whatever it takes to make himself look superior to the other kids.
Most corporate hierarchy in America cares about one thing - profits - and if colluding with the devil helps toward that end, expect lies about saving or creating jobs to be the norm.
What should scare America most is The PE and his minions privatizing whatever they can get their hands on and saying it's in our best interest.
Most corporate hierarchy in America cares about one thing - profits - and if colluding with the devil helps toward that end, expect lies about saving or creating jobs to be the norm.
What should scare America most is The PE and his minions privatizing whatever they can get their hands on and saying it's in our best interest.
15
Mr. Trump might feel good about the way things are going, or at least how his entourage is telling him things are going, but they can lie just as well as he can. They know that he is narcissistic, belligerent, and vindictive, so it is in their best interest to go along to get along.
Mr. Trump should read Plato's "Republic", especially chapter 8, which describes how tyrants gain and keep power. He might recognize himself; he seems to be living the dream.
Unfortunately for him, I don't think he will ever get what he really wants, and what we all want, which is respect.
Last night CNN interviewed a man, who is an ex-coal-miner, in Kentucky. This man is suffering from black lung disease, which is a consequence of working in coal mines. He is worried that his medical coverage will be withdrawn if (when) the ACA is repealed. Yet, he voted for Trump because of the promise to bring coal mining jobs back. He rolled the dice, and I think he is going to lose. No coal mining jobs, and no health care.
As Trump would say, "sad".
Mr. Trump should read Plato's "Republic", especially chapter 8, which describes how tyrants gain and keep power. He might recognize himself; he seems to be living the dream.
Unfortunately for him, I don't think he will ever get what he really wants, and what we all want, which is respect.
Last night CNN interviewed a man, who is an ex-coal-miner, in Kentucky. This man is suffering from black lung disease, which is a consequence of working in coal mines. He is worried that his medical coverage will be withdrawn if (when) the ACA is repealed. Yet, he voted for Trump because of the promise to bring coal mining jobs back. He rolled the dice, and I think he is going to lose. No coal mining jobs, and no health care.
As Trump would say, "sad".
1
Could you stay with this issue? Report on it in detail? Could you explore the fact that Mr. Trump's talk does not equate to structural changes in laws that would discourage off-shoring of jobs by formerly American companies and that absent such structural change, Mr. Trump's pronouncements are so much hot air?
18
The many salient similarities between Trump-world and Mussolini-world are chilling. Even the more mundane observation that their countenances and gestures notably match negatively strikes those of us familiar with Il Duce.
Trump is no Mussolini in the sense that Mussolini had a real intellect and committed himself to a complex and somewhat noble populist philosophical school (rightly and wrongly applied). He was actually personally committed to better Italy overall. He did purposely prepare Italy for the modern World - arguably much faster and smoother than otherwise one could have imagined.
But alas, though his philosophical foundation was rational it had many serious pitfalls. These pitfalls, his own narcissism and brutality, and the corruption and turmoil around him combined to cause an absolute nightmare and not the sweet dream he promised for Italy.
If Trump's actions align to a philosophical school it is by happenstance not planned. Still it does align.
For example: (a) definitely and absolutely opposed to the doctrines of liberalism, both in the political and economic sphere, (b) State intervention in economic production arises ONLY when private initiative is lacking or insufficient, or when the POLITICAL interests of the State are involved, (c) the State [read my party lead by a charismatic authoritarian personality not subject to liberal constitution ] by definition must be totalitarian in all matters private and public and (d) savior required [me!]
Trump is no Mussolini in the sense that Mussolini had a real intellect and committed himself to a complex and somewhat noble populist philosophical school (rightly and wrongly applied). He was actually personally committed to better Italy overall. He did purposely prepare Italy for the modern World - arguably much faster and smoother than otherwise one could have imagined.
But alas, though his philosophical foundation was rational it had many serious pitfalls. These pitfalls, his own narcissism and brutality, and the corruption and turmoil around him combined to cause an absolute nightmare and not the sweet dream he promised for Italy.
If Trump's actions align to a philosophical school it is by happenstance not planned. Still it does align.
For example: (a) definitely and absolutely opposed to the doctrines of liberalism, both in the political and economic sphere, (b) State intervention in economic production arises ONLY when private initiative is lacking or insufficient, or when the POLITICAL interests of the State are involved, (c) the State [read my party lead by a charismatic authoritarian personality not subject to liberal constitution ] by definition must be totalitarian in all matters private and public and (d) savior required [me!]
7
Smearing Trump as a "liar" because he stated that 1000 carrier jobs were saved when it was only 800, wreaks of desperation.
7
Claiming that 1000 jobs were saved at Carrier, when the true number is only 800 that will soon be rendered obsolete by automation and will disappear long before the end of Trump's four year tenure as president, doesn't wreak of desperation. It's just an outright lie.
I think they've caught on. This tactic no longer works.
That's not why the word "liar" is being used. Reducing the issue to a mathematical error makes you the liar.
The Liar in Chief will not not stop his distortions and lies. The depth of Trump's unsuitability is bottomless.
25
"In sum, Mr. Trump’s statement was hot air".
The printed version of this piece has the title "Sprint and Mr. Trump's Fictional Jobs", with no use of the word "lie" anywhere. I logged on because I wanted to ask when you were going to start referring to Trump's lies as "lies", instead of using bland euphemisms such as "hot air", "untruths", etc. It's encouraging to see you at least tiptoeing in that direction online.
The printed version of this piece has the title "Sprint and Mr. Trump's Fictional Jobs", with no use of the word "lie" anywhere. I logged on because I wanted to ask when you were going to start referring to Trump's lies as "lies", instead of using bland euphemisms such as "hot air", "untruths", etc. It's encouraging to see you at least tiptoeing in that direction online.
22
What difference does it make if the word "lie" is used? A discerning reader doesn't need this word in a NEWS article. The word is best utilized in an opinion piece.
I am most gratified to see this paper term the actions of Donald Trump as 'lies'.
Our president-elect is an admitted sexual predator; he mocks the disabled; disdains prisoners of war; is an adulterer; has expressed sexual designs on his eldest daughter; and - last, but not least, is a serial, compulsive liar.
Thank you for stating this plainly. Donald Trump is an opportunistic liar.
NOT my president. NEVER.
Our president-elect is an admitted sexual predator; he mocks the disabled; disdains prisoners of war; is an adulterer; has expressed sexual designs on his eldest daughter; and - last, but not least, is a serial, compulsive liar.
Thank you for stating this plainly. Donald Trump is an opportunistic liar.
NOT my president. NEVER.
59
It must really irk you limo liberals that business is positive on Trump. After years of an administration openly hostile to small and large business, companies are finally crawling out from their bunkers to the promise of a pro-business administration.
Who knows, maybe even the NY Times will begin making money again under a Trump administration.
Who knows, maybe even the NY Times will begin making money again under a Trump administration.
10
Proof of claim please! I notice people of all political make ideological claims without any evidence. It's easy to say Obama was a bad president and some will agree wholeheartedly. But by itlself it's a meaningless statement. So zi did a bit of research and found an article in Forbes from 1-13-2016 "Rating The Obama Years for Small Business Growth". It basicaly said that during the Obama years there was steady gtosth in the small biz sector. Not huge growth, but still consistent. One impediment they faced was not from gov't, but the banks most whom were reluctant to lend cash as easy as they had been. Thst reluctancy attributable to the financial crisis created during a Republican presidency.
2
Is the purpose of the new american society to create and honor additional profit? Americans used to care about social ills and aiding those in need. The new model stresses corporate profit at any cost. God help us all.
2
The jobs were promised in October as reported in the NYT on 12/28.
What really irks me is the willingness to name-call, label and attack before having a reasonable command of the facts.
What really irks me is the willingness to name-call, label and attack before having a reasonable command of the facts.
1
"Donald" is a liar. It is really that simple. The American people are too lazy to check his lies. It is really that simple.
44
So the Donald is taking credit for the Obama Recovery? We've seen this movie before. Two term presidencies are just long enough to steer the ponderous economic ship of state into sunny or stormy climes. There is a that much delay in the cause and effect of economic policies. In the last six decades, Democratic administrations have generally better economic records than Republican administrations. The prosperity and surpluses of the Clinton years were squandered by the 2nd Bush administration, whose finale was the Great Recession of 2008. Obama did as much as he could to save our bacon, even in the face of Republican Obstructionism. Now Trump wants to take the credit. It looks like a credulous public may, once more, swallow the Trump Kool-Aid.
50
If we look at his Cabinet appointments it becomes abundantly clear that Mr Trump and they believe that workers , jobs, unions and environmental concerns take a backseat to corporate profits. As we learned through the election , Mr Trump makes up his own facts and truths. His supporters will wake up from this hangover and ask themselves " what did we do?" .Now more than ever we need a free press that will expose this group of modern day Robber Barrons and Carpetbaggers. Mr. Trump has no mandate, he won a key number of Electoral votes . People will tire of his bravado and immature sophomoric tweets. The good news is there will be a mid-term election and another Presidential election in 4 years. Until then, a Republican lead Congress , Executive Branch and a new Supreme Court can crush the middle and lower classes with the weight of their greed and motto of " Corporations First."
22
No, they won't ask, "What did we do?". They will ask, "Who shafted us?". They won't accept responsibility for their own misfortune.
And then his supporters will be told by Breitbart, Fox and Alex Jones that Democrats are to be blamed and his supporters will believe it. Facts are no longer important
1
I remember studying about trust busting in school and have wondered how monopolies continue to exist and get even bigger. It is stunning how little control the average person has over the nation's economic policy, and quite discouraging.
18
Ms. Cagle,
Yes, in the decades since St. Ray-gun, I have wondered if the anti-trust laws had been rescinded without anyone telling me.
Yes, in the decades since St. Ray-gun, I have wondered if the anti-trust laws had been rescinded without anyone telling me.
Trust busting is just another left wing method to punish success and allow liberal administrations to pick winners and losers.
Isn't it endearing the way the President-elect Trump thanks himself in the Tweet? And his base loves it. The GOP disinformation media outlets will echo his every word. Of course, the jobs momentum built in the last eight years had nothing to do with the present strength in the economy--with or without these dubious, recent job announcements.
Through Facebook, I can keep up with the phony news memes that demonize Obama and the Democrats. You can bet if the economy falters, it will be the Democrat's fault. It's a brave new world. Hitch your wagon to the Trump star.
Through Facebook, I can keep up with the phony news memes that demonize Obama and the Democrats. You can bet if the economy falters, it will be the Democrat's fault. It's a brave new world. Hitch your wagon to the Trump star.
17
In 100 years (or perhaps even 50), middle and high schoolers studying history will look back on this period and time and ask themselves with some justified condescension how Americans could have been so stupid. Just like we look back on the Industrial Age and time before unions, like when we read books like "The Jungle" and wonder why people put up with such horrible conditions. And yet we keep not learning from history and trying to reinvent the wheel with Trump and his big business policies. It's very sad.
65
If Donald Trump wanted to create new jobs in every one of the 50 states he might propose the following renewable energy policy. Yes this would contradict his and certain cabinet members' beliefs that only coal, natural gas, and oil should be used to produce electricity and keep the nation warm or cold. But perhaps when he realizes that he cannot provide jobs for coal miners he could find excuses for the following:
1) A national program to inform, encourage, and set in motion a program to install heat-pumps in every location that needs a new system for heating and cooling. This would require a national increase in the number of qualified technicians. Ground-source geothermal heat-pump systems would also require drillers and system installers.
2) A national program to inform, encourage, and set in motion a program to end the practice of landfilling, state by state, replacing that practice by using solid waste as a natural resource to produce hot water and/or electricity. Food waste is separated and becomes biogas as fuel for vehicles.
Since the New York Times never, yes never, mentions these technologies, Trump would not be recommending doing anything the Times recommends. If he could show by examining the man and woman power required in countries where these practices are standard then the programs might be welcomed wherever potentially qualified but out of work people are to be found.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
1) A national program to inform, encourage, and set in motion a program to install heat-pumps in every location that needs a new system for heating and cooling. This would require a national increase in the number of qualified technicians. Ground-source geothermal heat-pump systems would also require drillers and system installers.
2) A national program to inform, encourage, and set in motion a program to end the practice of landfilling, state by state, replacing that practice by using solid waste as a natural resource to produce hot water and/or electricity. Food waste is separated and becomes biogas as fuel for vehicles.
Since the New York Times never, yes never, mentions these technologies, Trump would not be recommending doing anything the Times recommends. If he could show by examining the man and woman power required in countries where these practices are standard then the programs might be welcomed wherever potentially qualified but out of work people are to be found.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
23
Larry, possibly the NYTimes never mentions these technologies because they are woefully ineffective.
Your other country, Sweden, has recognized the potential of carbon-free nuclear energy to eliminate fossil fuel emissions. When that's viewed as a threat by Trump and his cabinet, the job of environmentally-conscious Americans becomes one of vigorously defending it.
Your other country, Sweden, has recognized the potential of carbon-free nuclear energy to eliminate fossil fuel emissions. When that's viewed as a threat by Trump and his cabinet, the job of environmentally-conscious Americans becomes one of vigorously defending it.
Because the Supreme Court of The United States decided in cases like Citizen's United that money is speech and that corporations are people.
Because we do not know who Donald Trump and his business "empire" owe money to and therefore own him. Nor do we know who Donald Trump and his business "empire" depend upon for income and increased value in order to continue to operate at a profit, pay off their debts and pay their employees.
Beginning at noon on January 20, 2017 the question is will President Donald John Trump aka the secretive, lying and crooked natural born rich, white and wealthy real estate mass media Big Boss Hog turn the Oval Office of we the American people's White House into his own personal pig sty and trough?
And what are we the people going to do about the arrogant, ignorant, immature and intemperate actions of our temporarily elected hired help?
Because we do not know who Donald Trump and his business "empire" owe money to and therefore own him. Nor do we know who Donald Trump and his business "empire" depend upon for income and increased value in order to continue to operate at a profit, pay off their debts and pay their employees.
Beginning at noon on January 20, 2017 the question is will President Donald John Trump aka the secretive, lying and crooked natural born rich, white and wealthy real estate mass media Big Boss Hog turn the Oval Office of we the American people's White House into his own personal pig sty and trough?
And what are we the people going to do about the arrogant, ignorant, immature and intemperate actions of our temporarily elected hired help?
75
Apparently not much blackmamba, but i do see hope in some of thee comments. People are in a rage and they should be in a red hot burning rage and taking to the streets to show the media and the world exactly how they feel.
Tomorrow the holiday season will be over and hopefully more people will let their feelings show. We simply cannot roll our eyes and play dumb. Our country, our world is as we know it, is about to change. In the 30's this happened only we did not have nuclear weapons. This time we do and the Donald is itching to use them.
We are in great peril at this point in history. I am fighting for my grown grand kids and soon to be, i suppose, my great grand kids, and their babies. I fight from my wheelchair and will until i turn permanently blue.
Tomorrow the holiday season will be over and hopefully more people will let their feelings show. We simply cannot roll our eyes and play dumb. Our country, our world is as we know it, is about to change. In the 30's this happened only we did not have nuclear weapons. This time we do and the Donald is itching to use them.
We are in great peril at this point in history. I am fighting for my grown grand kids and soon to be, i suppose, my great grand kids, and their babies. I fight from my wheelchair and will until i turn permanently blue.
1
I know we are leery to throw around words like fascist, with good reason. Fascism and democracy cannot coexist. But let's be clear that Trump, based on his words and actions (before he is even President!), deserves the label of fascist. A fascist needs absolute control over "the message", which is often at odds with the truth. We already have people in the conservative media debating whether or not we can ever know that something is really "true" or "not true". (Maybe millions of people did vote illegally. . . You can't prove it didn't happen! Etc.) And we have Trump undermining government, including the national security apparatus, when it does not suit him, which further consolidates power and feeds the cult of personality. Just as importantly, a fascist needs to have power over major corporations in order to Marshall their support in the implementation of policy and message. Trump knows money is power. Why would a corporation disagree with Trump's public assertions, knowing he is willing to undermine their business? (I should say, Why would money-grubbing corporations disagree . . .? There are many humane businesses and corporations out there, just not enough). I don't believe Trump is "following" a fascist's playbook; rather, I think fascism is the natural outgrowth of someone with Trump's personality: insecure, vengeful, a megalomaniac, possibly a sociopath, plus a lot of other things. When he becomes President, he will have the military at his disposal.
100
What do you expect when reality TV meets the white house?
Here's the playbook for a big corporation: announce some job cut, meet with Trump and let him take credit for saving the jobs in exchange for getting tax credits or being let off the hook for some pesky consumer or environment protection regulation.
Here's the playbook for a big corporation: announce some job cut, meet with Trump and let him take credit for saving the jobs in exchange for getting tax credits or being let off the hook for some pesky consumer or environment protection regulation.
7
Too little, too late in reporting the important news about what goes on behind the scenes in those political/business deals. A whole year was spent pitting Donald against Hillary for sensational headlines more suitable for a tabloid while Bernie Sanders and his message of corporate/political greed languished with very little or condescending press coverage. The NYT failed its readers at a critical time in the history of this country.
7
Thank the apathy the non-voters, third party nihilists, and Bernie dreamers. They stuck the knife, twisting it, into America's back.
The Trump voters, of course, deserve the bitter fruit of their passion.
The Trump voters, of course, deserve the bitter fruit of their passion.
6
Dump knows that the people who elected him don't care what he does. They have no clue what a good economic jobs policy is. They just want their china bound job back at $40 per hour, benefits, and a pension. Ain't gonna happen. Most of his horrible base will not even qualify for the jobs that will be created over the next four years. But, it won't matter to them. He has given them their psychic opiods and they will follow der leader regardless.
4
Trump is a great showman who bends every fact and action to make him look great. If that means bold face lying, so be it. He subscribes to the method that if you talk very loud and say the same thing over and over it becomes a fact. Corporations help him do this because they want his favor and its great, free, PR. You will never see trump talk about policy because he and his fans want instant gratification. The next 4 years will be a act of the story "The Emperors new cloths"
2
We all fail at things we promised to do. Trump, though, instead of owning up like a man, will blame his failures on the very people who voted for him or worse yet, will paint them as successes...as this editorial says, we have seen enough of this already to be forewarned. The NYTimes, though, is preaching to the choir. If Trump voters didn't do their due diligence before the election, they're surely not going to do it after.
7
The last line of the American national anthem will be: " In the land of the fleeced and the home of the betrayed".
6
How self-righteous the Times can be - and how far from anything close to objectivity!
Yes, Trump is taking credit for things he doesn't deserve, but that's what politician's do. After all, Bill Clinton supposedly was an economic miracle worker but he did that by repealing Glass Steagall and by pushing banks into making housing loans to people who couldn't afford them. But then Obama came into office blaming the great recession on failed republican policies.
Yes, Trump is taking credit for things he doesn't deserve, but that's what politician's do. After all, Bill Clinton supposedly was an economic miracle worker but he did that by repealing Glass Steagall and by pushing banks into making housing loans to people who couldn't afford them. But then Obama came into office blaming the great recession on failed republican policies.
5
Mr. Trump is not the only one who is "easily distracted by bright objects". So are millions of American voters. With Fox News to back him up, along with Rush and the other right-wing talk radio bloviators and fake news, I can easily imagine Trump being re-elected on having created or saved millions of jobs while in reality having lost millions of them.
Never again will I underestimate the power of people in large groups.
Never again will I underestimate the power of people in large groups.
5
This is all perfectly predictable. The USA has sunk and it will get worse for the great majority of people. What fools you are Trump voters - all you had to do is spend 15 minutes looking at his life and how he has devastated economies of those around him, those who work for his companies, while he enriches himself. Adieu America, was nice while it lasted.
3
Mitt the muckraker told us about companies, as well as every Republican since Reagan.
People love to be fooled, until their jobs are gone.
People love to be fooled, until their jobs are gone.
1
Amazing how the Nytimes continues to simply adhere to its anti-business position on just about everything. During the Obama administration when the government instituted policy and regulation on a presumption that business is inherently evil, the Nytimes lauded the work. It was the opposite of crony capitalism and generated the slowest recovery in modern times. Yet, Trump isnt even in office and the Times is its greatest critic.
4
Chris, the republicans and tea party bigots obstructing everything they could for the last 8 years had no impact in your world?
1
What is more disturbing about Trumps lies is that they are initially reported in the media as fact. Then, sadly the truth comes out in an editorial such as this, that the original report was misleading or simply not true.
3
Not true, there was an article 2 days ago pointing out the sprint jobs lie. Try reading the paper.
1
Calling trump out out on a lie is like calling out a blind person for picking colors wrong.
trump's statements are all about message, any connection to reality is inconsequential.
That works on an electorate raised on TV.
trumps every action is to enhance trump, he is the epitome of selfishness
We are in so much trouble.
trump's statements are all about message, any connection to reality is inconsequential.
That works on an electorate raised on TV.
trumps every action is to enhance trump, he is the epitome of selfishness
We are in so much trouble.
9
In a graduate course on public finance, there was a short couple paragraphs of why Capitalist dislike the welfare state, which many like to refer to as socialism, which it isn't. The rich like big government as long as they control it. They scream for small government if the people control it. Through that lens you can pretty much guess who serves who. Republicans scream about big government when democrats are in power, then the minute they take over, and corporations have most seats at the table, the deficit skyrockets.
The irony is the rust belt really needs help, and the only party that has any desire to do so is the democrats, and instead they elect Trump.
On a side note, corporations hate competition, and free markets. The most onersous regulations have to do with maintaining fee markets, not to be confused with the laizze faire concept of "free enterprise." Environmental standards don't stand in the way of large Duopolys from merging, its antitrust laws. P.s. Foxconn the iPhone producer plans to automate all production in china. China is about to loose hundreds of thousands of jobs to the even cheaper robots. This is the chance to get apple to bring that manufacturing technology back here. What rules and or incentives, could we put in place?
Plus, when I went through a chefsworks type store I couldn't find a single thing to buy that said made in U.S.A. At least give me a chance as a coastal elite to buy made in America so I can support middle American jobs.
The irony is the rust belt really needs help, and the only party that has any desire to do so is the democrats, and instead they elect Trump.
On a side note, corporations hate competition, and free markets. The most onersous regulations have to do with maintaining fee markets, not to be confused with the laizze faire concept of "free enterprise." Environmental standards don't stand in the way of large Duopolys from merging, its antitrust laws. P.s. Foxconn the iPhone producer plans to automate all production in china. China is about to loose hundreds of thousands of jobs to the even cheaper robots. This is the chance to get apple to bring that manufacturing technology back here. What rules and or incentives, could we put in place?
Plus, when I went through a chefsworks type store I couldn't find a single thing to buy that said made in U.S.A. At least give me a chance as a coastal elite to buy made in America so I can support middle American jobs.
3
Early on in his campaign, Trump told a cheering throng that "we're going to sue the media and make a lot of money." It was a shockingly obvious ploy to make the working class feel included and sadly, it was effective. Now those who cheered will see that they're hardly included in the machinations of the person they elected. They're about to learn first-hand about the danger to their own lives of crony capitalism.
10
keep at it guys! despite all the year end self-examination it looks like you haven't learned anything from the republican nullification of a presidency, you're putting the next one in a box before he has a day in office...nothing he does or is likely to do is right or will be right...never mind roosevelt, our imperfect but still sainted model president (who actually did lock up an entire population of "others," by the way) asking us to save our ammunition for the enemy, the times persists in cultivating the kind of negative/ divisive sentiment that is turning this country from a "can-do" chorus to a flock of chicken littles.
the implication that hillary clinton would have been a beacon goes against the facts of our disastrous trade and foreign policy recent history and is, in fact, a denial of the kind of critical oversight that is the obligation of the fourth estate (if anyone is left there who still remembers where that is).
the implication that hillary clinton would have been a beacon goes against the facts of our disastrous trade and foreign policy recent history and is, in fact, a denial of the kind of critical oversight that is the obligation of the fourth estate (if anyone is left there who still remembers where that is).
6
Were you listening to the Trump trash everyone in sight during his campaign sacrificing his honor for personal gain? Have you been watching him flirt with Putin like a blushing bride? Have you watched him make appointments to cabinet positions for which they are unqualified or are pledged to destroy? I do not see him as suddenly becoming capable or even sane. perhaps you are one of those people pledged to destroy our government so anything this man will do must be terrific. Best wishes on your experiment with chaos and corporate greed.
1
It's up to the media to expose this charlatan. Not on the op-ed page, but on the front page. The more you distract him by having him defend his ego, the more you keep him at a distance from damaging institutions at home and with our allies. The more he tweets, the more he exposes himself as being unqualified for any position in government.
22
Fascism is the new face of the USA. Wealth inequality like never before and after the country is gutted, the coddled wealthy can just move somewhere else.
9
The Trump Administration already feels slimier than anything President Obama and his Administration has done. In 8 years.
And the Trump Administration hasn't even started yet.
And I already need my morning shower after reading this.
And the Trump Administration hasn't even started yet.
And I already need my morning shower after reading this.
7
Those who voted for the great job creator probably don't read The Times or its editorials. Even if some of them do, they probably view its revelations as propaganda from a partisan liberal machine. The more The Times speaks truth to power, the more power will paint it as a failed, biased relic that must be marginalized, something the Trump team does with relish.
13
Great illustration accompanying your editorial. Maybe that's the way to get the message across to those whose hopes rest mainly on trump's rhetoric. When I was in Germany, visiting towns whose history goes back to the Middle Ages, illustrations helped illiterates figure out what an establishment was selling. A pretzel hanging over the entrance to a shop meant it was a bakery. trump supporters need pictures. Just like first books for young children. So let's replace the Elephant of the GOP with a skull and crossbones. Might work.
10
Once again Trump supporters will end up getting the short stick and scratch their heads wondering why their world has not changed...they remain woefully ignorant about politics, economics, and in general how the world works. They will continue to follow leaders who promise them the world and deliver nothing but rhetoric, and continue to be made the fool as their lives and the lives of their children fade away.
13
This does not worry Trump Americans because savior Trump will bring manna.
That is the beauty of the Cult of Personality.
The other thing is the power of the propaganda and it's abuse already while Trump supporters scream at us to join their...whatever it is. This is the historically scary part. The part that can enable anything including the worst in people.
That is the beauty of the Cult of Personality.
The other thing is the power of the propaganda and it's abuse already while Trump supporters scream at us to join their...whatever it is. This is the historically scary part. The part that can enable anything including the worst in people.
9
Trump has taken a page out of the Nazi playbook: Repeat the same lies over and over again until they are perceived as the truth. It's called the Big Lie. The Nazis convinced the German people that Jews were responsible for all the ills of their society, post World War One. Trump has managed to convince his supporters that he and he alone can pull us out of the morass created by Obama. Then, after the election, in which Trump was defeated in the popular vote, he has stated over and over again that his victory was a landslide. The Big Lie. Trump is now creating crony capitalism on steroids by orchestrating a series of lies regarding his coming in on his white horse and saving jobs. That's a smokescreen that corporations will use to their advantage, as stated in this editorial.
15
The republican party has been repeating the lies over and over for years, and have the media to contribute as well. I wish the democrats would start daily speaking the truth over and over. They are the party of Social security, Medicare and Civil rights!!
There are lots of reasons to be cynical and pessimistic, but, regardless of whether the credit is deserved or undeserved, let's hope that things work out for the better anyway --- in spite of every effort from our leaders to stop it.
5
They old pay and play.
A corporation gives the pres elect a sound bite and he will let them make billions through warping the law in their favour.
The man is a cad through and through.
He works for "we the corporation", jobs be damned. A merger in the telecom industry is not job creation. It creates a near monopoly and job losses and price rises to consumers.
When will America figure out that one party has only one interest, fleecing "we the people". A bunch of slick con men who are lead by a the biggest con of all.
Imagine where 4 years of this goes?
A corporation gives the pres elect a sound bite and he will let them make billions through warping the law in their favour.
The man is a cad through and through.
He works for "we the corporation", jobs be damned. A merger in the telecom industry is not job creation. It creates a near monopoly and job losses and price rises to consumers.
When will America figure out that one party has only one interest, fleecing "we the people". A bunch of slick con men who are lead by a the biggest con of all.
Imagine where 4 years of this goes?
18
It might greatly worry Americans if Americans actually read newspapers and had a clue that Trump is not on their side, despite what he said during the campaign. Guess they'll learn the hard way, but sadly it will have an impact on all of us.
18
Fascism by any other name. Crony capitalism is a term describing an economy in which success in business depends on close relationships between business people and government officials. It may be exhibited by favoritism in the distribution of legal permits, government grants, special tax breaks, or other forms of state interventionism.
11
Trump isn't the only one to get distracted by shiny objects - I think most of his voters are also. If they start to become aware of the con, he throws them some red meat, generally demonizing someone else, and they are immediately distracted.
29
Unfortunately, we've had "crony capitalism" for decades as both political parties have relied on corporate campaign funding to win increasingly expensive elections. Our inability to rid our political system of outside money has been a cancer on our democracy. Now with the triumph of the Trump the corporate takeover of government may be completed with education and health care privatized with the continued assistance of a pro-corporate Supreme Court willing to ratify the actions of our new Russian-style oligarchy.
20
The entire renewable energy industry is nothing more than a crony capitalist feast at the taxpayers' expense. When your industry relies on mandates, subsidies and tax credits to survive, you don't need a good product, just good government contacts.
And don't complain about companies like GE paying little in taxes when it reduces those taxes by earning credits for building "Energy Star" appliances and wind turbines.
And don't complain about companies like GE paying little in taxes when it reduces those taxes by earning credits for building "Energy Star" appliances and wind turbines.
4
You do realize that coal, oil, nuclear (basically all other energy sources in the modern world) developed with the aid of government subsidy, right?
5
Waddell
I get that you despise alternative energy, because money.
I don't get that you don't seem to care at all about the planet or the lives which depend upon it. Actually, no, I do get that. Because, again, money.
What really don't get is your failure to look beyond your own Columbus horizons and see that the rest of the world wants and is investing in and buying alternative energy. We are already being left behind in battery research, hydro electric and wind turbines. We are losing jobs and we are hobbling many start-ups.
Why are we doing this? Because of you, and people like you, who don't really mean "free market" when they speak; who don't really want business to innovate and create; who don't care at all about start-up companies. People like you who want Exxon to get ever bigger, whop believe BP when they say "No. Nope. We don't really see need for wind power. And we'll spend mightily to prevent it." And brilliant companies like GE which you cite above, who are, according to your bizarre rantings, presently engaged in perpetrating a massive fraud on the market by producing wind turbines just to get badly designed tax credits.
And that's OK with you, obviously, because money.
So, to sum you up: anything anybody but government does is always fine as long its produces maximum income or saves taxes. There is no other behavior of corporations or investors that means anything. Government should just shut up.
I get that you despise alternative energy, because money.
I don't get that you don't seem to care at all about the planet or the lives which depend upon it. Actually, no, I do get that. Because, again, money.
What really don't get is your failure to look beyond your own Columbus horizons and see that the rest of the world wants and is investing in and buying alternative energy. We are already being left behind in battery research, hydro electric and wind turbines. We are losing jobs and we are hobbling many start-ups.
Why are we doing this? Because of you, and people like you, who don't really mean "free market" when they speak; who don't really want business to innovate and create; who don't care at all about start-up companies. People like you who want Exxon to get ever bigger, whop believe BP when they say "No. Nope. We don't really see need for wind power. And we'll spend mightily to prevent it." And brilliant companies like GE which you cite above, who are, according to your bizarre rantings, presently engaged in perpetrating a massive fraud on the market by producing wind turbines just to get badly designed tax credits.
And that's OK with you, obviously, because money.
So, to sum you up: anything anybody but government does is always fine as long its produces maximum income or saves taxes. There is no other behavior of corporations or investors that means anything. Government should just shut up.
8
Hey there
So you support the repeal of all the subsidies that oil companies get? And all the tax breaks they get?
Oh right that doesn't fit your narrative
So you support the repeal of all the subsidies that oil companies get? And all the tax breaks they get?
Oh right that doesn't fit your narrative
1
Ahh, the wonderful salve of corporate greed. It will heal all economic wounds, spread a little on the uneducated, unskilled older worker with zero chance at the middle class and voila, the good life. A little dab on the kids graduating with worthless degrees and huge debts, poof they are managers. The electorate has a very very poor memory, removing the brakes from capitalistic greed yields economic disaster. Republicans destroy economies, democrats fix them. They will never learn.
39
Well, let's hope this time the good Democrats and the good Republicans know how to put up a fight? Look, I'm sorry, but I have seen both parties trod on the poor. Both parties gave away the middle-class because they just couldn't find a soft spot in their heart for the poor, the ones holding up the rest of us. They are/were, worthless! Yet, the warning against such has been since the beginning of time. It appears Bernie was in there hollering for decent wages for the bottom - to no avail. (I once watched Republicans turn down a 50 cent raise over several years? FIFTY-CENTS! SEVERAL YEARS! What kind of business are they being allowed to run these days? I told my kids, that is not a business, it's a plantation.) When I finally blew my stack, GA was allowed to pay $5.15 and hour. And then they have the anti-abortion policy --- they ought to be charged with cruel and unusual punishment once the baby is born. Like I said, both parties let the bottom fall out and from Bush to Clinton they are all guilty. (Where I live it was like watching a tag team match! What one didn't take, the other did!) (And, it sure would be nice, if the EPA had some teeth?) (But. I am thankful for President Obama - he has done more for my community than Clinton and Bush combined!)
1
Voters who believed his campaign promises are too divorced from reality to realize they've been duped. Those of us expecting them to see the light within four years (or ever) should start bracing for Trump's reelection now.
28
Trump, Conway, Bannon could be thought of as ConElites. No one has conned the population better than this elite group of cons (see the fact check statistics to confirm).
Now we will have ConCorpElites working with Trump.
With deteriorating corporate ethics we also have organizations such as Ethisphere, which are suppose to help corporations maintain ethics.
My experience with Ethisphere was that it backed the corporate con.
Calling out the ConElites, and the ConCorpElites lies is a solid beginning to the new year.
Now we will have ConCorpElites working with Trump.
With deteriorating corporate ethics we also have organizations such as Ethisphere, which are suppose to help corporations maintain ethics.
My experience with Ethisphere was that it backed the corporate con.
Calling out the ConElites, and the ConCorpElites lies is a solid beginning to the new year.
6
The "people who are counting on Mr. Trump to revive the economy and help the middle class" have already demonstrated that they don't care about inconvenient details such as the truth. They'll fall for his false claims and hyperbole time and time again because most people in this country lack the critical thinking skills to tell the difference between reality and fiction.
13
So will anyone - especially the media, please - tell us that the hoped for merger eventually cost more jobs than were created? Or will the only headlines be those Mr. Trump tweets and speaks affirming his lies about employment growth?
4
Loss of redundancy is not a reason to stop a merger. It may well be good for the industry by making the new company more competitive and more able to compete.
Sprint and T-Mobil combined would still be considerably smaller than Verizon and AT&T. You could make the argument that the Obama administration should have broken up the two largest players instead of stopping a merger of two secondary players.
Does scale matter? Will the merger prevent future entrants into the market? Is there evidence of monopoly pricing? The article really only got into the loss of employees which may well be necessary in this industry?
Trump is operating in a disgraceful manner and using these corporations as a PR tool. That doesn't mean this merger is good or bad.
Sprint and T-Mobil combined would still be considerably smaller than Verizon and AT&T. You could make the argument that the Obama administration should have broken up the two largest players instead of stopping a merger of two secondary players.
Does scale matter? Will the merger prevent future entrants into the market? Is there evidence of monopoly pricing? The article really only got into the loss of employees which may well be necessary in this industry?
Trump is operating in a disgraceful manner and using these corporations as a PR tool. That doesn't mean this merger is good or bad.
4
Americans do not worry about realities behind the shiny objects that so captivate President-elect Trump. That is why we elected him. Probing bebeath the surface of loud bluster tries our patience beyond toleration. As a result, it is hard to know if corporations are the pigs feeding at the public trough or the new administrarion will be the pig feeding at the corporate trough.
Most likely, the feed bag will be shared, but not with the public.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Most likely, the feed bag will be shared, but not with the public.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
7
But will they notice? It's not clear yet whether the Trump voters that expect to get their jobs back will care that they are remain poor with no health care, Social Security or Medicare. Will they accept it as long as those brown people are worse off, he builds the wall, and immigrants are deported? Will the evangelicals, who are also not doing well economically, accept it if they get their nearly permanent right-wing SCOTUS, and abortion and gay marriage is again illegal? And will they vote for Trump again in 2020 as the country is in deep poverty or even a depression?
8
In the past week I read many articles about the 5,000/50,000 new jobs that trump is taking credit for and very few stated the facts correctly. Most were so muddled that it was difficult to determine from what they said whether trump deserved the credit for these jobs or not.
Journalists are not doing their jobs when it comes to trump and his lies. Please, please, please find a better way to tell the American people the truth. Otherwise we will be stuck with this orange clown for 8 years instead of 4 because people will believe every lie he tweets.
Journalists are not doing their jobs when it comes to trump and his lies. Please, please, please find a better way to tell the American people the truth. Otherwise we will be stuck with this orange clown for 8 years instead of 4 because people will believe every lie he tweets.
8
D..J. Trump, the Embodiment of Greed, has set his pattern, successfully, for daily and chronic visual Presidential Presence through Frittering Twitter. Meanwhile, this totally "Unvetted" President-Elect-in-Pretense has also "succeeded" in fulfilling a dramatic pathological presence throughout the months of "candidacy" toward "Serving" the People of his beloved Land.
This old and average man is grateful for articles like this one and grateful to Be part of "Average" in this Still Great Land. I lament the growth of the Need for more Cynicism and Sarcasm regarding so much of our "Leadership". I will Never resort to Violence in this malaise, but I hold dear the right to a Voice, though menial and meager, as well as the right to hang a Black Flag. (A White Flag would symbolize Surrender!)
This old and average man is grateful for articles like this one and grateful to Be part of "Average" in this Still Great Land. I lament the growth of the Need for more Cynicism and Sarcasm regarding so much of our "Leadership". I will Never resort to Violence in this malaise, but I hold dear the right to a Voice, though menial and meager, as well as the right to hang a Black Flag. (A White Flag would symbolize Surrender!)
1
I’m shocked – shocked! – that mega-rich corporate fatcats who take in hundreds of times the income of their employees would let Donald lie about them. After all, life is about nothing more than making gobs of money and self-serving PR. Values such as honesty, gratitude, fairness, kindness, charity, compassion – those are for their indentured servants and the rest of the dimwitted government employees (teachers, police, firemen, military) who enabled them to engage in this legalized graft in the first place. Hey – they deserve it. They’re America’s “job creators"! This country just couldn’t get by without all of these smirking, entitled executive plutocrats donating to their Republican friends and stashing away the rest of their trillions in luxurious hedge funds and overseas accounts while the rest of us struggle to pay for the daily necessities.
At some point – hopefully by 2018 – the minority of Donald voters who are capable of looking at the hard facts and drawing reasonable inferences will realize that the guy who promised them a fair shake was really just in it for himself and his fellow millionaires and billionaires, only a small minority of whom genuinely earned it on their own. While Republicans claim to revere Lincoln, they have turned his philosophy of government on its head. Instead of government of, by, and for the people, it’s now government of the deserving 99% by and for the very lucky and undeserving 1%.
At some point – hopefully by 2018 – the minority of Donald voters who are capable of looking at the hard facts and drawing reasonable inferences will realize that the guy who promised them a fair shake was really just in it for himself and his fellow millionaires and billionaires, only a small minority of whom genuinely earned it on their own. While Republicans claim to revere Lincoln, they have turned his philosophy of government on its head. Instead of government of, by, and for the people, it’s now government of the deserving 99% by and for the very lucky and undeserving 1%.
10
Trump continues to demonstrate that he will be the "headline" president. He favors whatever policy will generate a positive headline (or tweet), whether the details or long-term implications make sense for America as a whole. He will leave the details to his cabinet, his minions, or even Congress, as long as the deal appears good on the surface and makes him look good. It's all about him, him, him, and not about the common good required for a functioning democracy.
8
The jobs aren't coming back. China, India, and the rest are just the last stop before the jobs disappear altogether, the result of artificial intelligence (AI) and mechanization. Human labor on a large scale is on its way to becoming obsolete. That is the elephant in the living room that hardly anyone is talking about. Robots manufacture automobiles, but they don't buy them. The handful of technicians who replace thousands of workers can't create the market, and the tax base, that was the bedrock of a democratic consumer society.
Time for a new model.
Time for a new model.
11
We havent even started with his term of office and already we can tell it will just be made up of a bunch of lies and exaggerations. It will be difficult for people with brains that read to tolerate this behavior for four years. We just have to hope that the media isnt cowed by Trump's open hate of them and that they continue to report accurate news. This is all a game to him, it will increase his bottom line and so what if the people get the shaft. They love him - right?
15
This is only the tip of the iceberg going forward. Trump supporters in rural areas actually believe that jobs are coming to their doorsteps. They won’t have to move, they won’t have to be re-trained, the “jobs” will be at least 50% higher in pay with full medical benefits. Each time the rumor spreads the jobs get better. Trump is the master of fantasy: Casinos, Trump University, his game show, beauty contests - to mention just a few. What will be the fate of these folks when the realization hits that it was all a con to obtain their votes?
29
They will continue to vote Republican.
Its truly astounding that so many NYT readers believe the liberal media hype about Trump. Our government needs rightsizing, our borders need protecting, our immigration laws need to be enforced, our companies need to be investing here for US jobs, our healthcare costs need to be more affordable, our parents need choices where their children go to school, our national debt needs to be reduced - Trump's administration is going to address these real issues . . . and we should all be behind this effort as we are ALL affected.
9
You know, TMD, I guess some of us would feel JUST a tad more comfortable about all that if Trump would just release his tax returns.
2
Please go back to sleep!
2
The NYT readers believe in the same things you do. We just think you're delusional if you believe self-interested Donald Trump and the power-hungry Republicans are the ones to accomplish those things.
6
That business interests are cozying up to demagogue Trump comes as no surprise, as those CEO's are "putins" trying to enhance his ego for personal gain. Unfortunately, to great loss to the economy in general, and to jobs in particular. Trump will, as of Jan. 20, become effectively the "liar-in-chief", whose self-congratulatory nonsense for the illusion of benefit to his misinformed, and hapless, supporters, will become the order of the day. Trump is a big-mouthed fraudster, and crony capitalism for him is just 'business as usual'. Incidentally, we are still awaiting Trump's tax returns to be made public; meanwhile, he must b considered a crook, hiding mischief from public's scrutiny, while enriching himself, and his family, at out expense. Glad to see the news media, even if belatedly, pounce on his sneaky ways to betray the public office, meant to serve the nation, not to help himself and his cronies first.
12
The great confidence and employment boost resulting from the Trump election is a myth, a facade. It is in the same vein as his great wealth and "tremendous success".
14
Is the pattern of "going along" with Trump's lies to gain economic advantages or an attempt not to be publicly bullied a in a tweet storm that could cause stocks to drop and right wing boycotts to develop? With other news organizations (WSJ) Publically stating their unwillingness report the truth and call out Trump's lies, why should any company take the chance of standing up for the truth? At least less than 1/2 of Americans have no regard for the truth, the majority of us still do and it will take continually investigating and reporting it to keep those of us still informed so we can work to delegitimize the Trump presidency.
10
Great article. Problem is the people that need to read this (many of the people who voted for Trump on the basis of more jobs and a better economy) will never read it and if they do, they will not believe it. Even when your article is proven to be true (in a few short months) those same people will not believe it.
13
In several years the numbers on unemployment will reveal if Mr Trump policies accompanied by all his self promotion of creating jobs is actually bearing fruit. But here is the problem; when Obama took office unemployment was close to 10%, when he left under 5%. Yet if you listened to conservative news outlets like Fox you would think he was one of the worst Presidents for the economy we had. The crony capitalist, Lou Dobbs, blasted him everyday. When Obama saved the auto industry and around 1 million jobs (with a Republican Party that wanted to let Detroit go bankrupt) the gratitude the Democrats received from the Mid West was to hand the Republicans nominee the Presidency. Brownback in Kansas is another example of a politician who devastated his states economy and was rewarded by being re=elected. When gullible and easily manipulated people abound reality evaporates into thin air.
26
I am not a betting woman, but I would bet that management is lying to Trump about both how many jobs will be created (overstating) and how many jobs will be eliminated (understating). CEOs lie to presidents. The CEO of my ex-company lied to President Obama (my jaw dropped as I watched this "story" on TV news), saying he was going to create more US jobs. In reality, he was laying off US and non-US employees every quarter in a system of stealth lay offs designed to fly below the SEC and government reporting regulations.
Trump lies. Perhaps he will not be taken in by CEO lies because he lies himself, but, again, I am betting that he will be taken in. He is just a developer, leader of a family owned business. I don't think he has any notion of how non-family owned corporations operate. Because of cut throat executive competition within publicly owned corporations, these men and women operate in a fiercer environment than Donny does. Donny will be lied to. He will believe the lies. He believed Carrier, didn't he? He still believes Carrier. He is not immune to lies.
Trump lies. Perhaps he will not be taken in by CEO lies because he lies himself, but, again, I am betting that he will be taken in. He is just a developer, leader of a family owned business. I don't think he has any notion of how non-family owned corporations operate. Because of cut throat executive competition within publicly owned corporations, these men and women operate in a fiercer environment than Donny does. Donny will be lied to. He will believe the lies. He believed Carrier, didn't he? He still believes Carrier. He is not immune to lies.
11
Wrong. It's more like the media lying about unemployment stats in order to appear Obama actually accomplished something. No one believes the media anymore as they have been exposed many times as fabricating "fake news".
Only 18 days left of the most incompetent president in U.S. history. Obama will go down in history as the biggest failure both in domestic, and foreign policy.
Only 18 days left of the most incompetent president in U.S. history. Obama will go down in history as the biggest failure both in domestic, and foreign policy.
4
One correction to your statement: You said, "No one believes the media anymore." *You* choose not to believe the legitimate media of this country. That's your choice.
11
You don't believe the Department of Labor statistics? Sure, they've been making it up for years.
6
Let us know when you're back from Greece, we've got a bridge we'd like to sell you.
2
Leaving aside the story, which as a T-Mobile subscriber horrifies me, I want to commend the editorial board for using the word "lie" appropriately.
It is clear by this point that an active disinformation campaign, through questioning the validity of major sources, sharing spurious theories and, yes, outright lying is part of the strategy of this administration. This needs to be countered by a fourth estate that is committed to having the integrity and courage to call it what it is rather than be cowed.
It is clear by this point that an active disinformation campaign, through questioning the validity of major sources, sharing spurious theories and, yes, outright lying is part of the strategy of this administration. This needs to be countered by a fourth estate that is committed to having the integrity and courage to call it what it is rather than be cowed.
34
Yes, there is back-scratching in business. What Richard Luettgen fails to recognize is: at what point are business ethics swept aside for profit, fame and power? Just look at the mortgage crisis that help lead us into the great depression. Trump is the ultimate con man...just ask many of his former employees and contractors that he stiffed.
It is downright scary to think that many will look the other way, while Trump makes money at the taxpayers expense. The Carrier deal in Indiana: where is the 7 million dollars the state is paying Carrier (United Tech) over ten years for how many jobs to stay in IN coming from?
It is downright scary to think that many will look the other way, while Trump makes money at the taxpayers expense. The Carrier deal in Indiana: where is the 7 million dollars the state is paying Carrier (United Tech) over ten years for how many jobs to stay in IN coming from?
14
I'm sure you know the answer about the money for the Carrier deal - it will come from taxpayers like me, a single older person who made a sub-poverty-level income last year and who still is liable for state income tax. State income taxes are typically highly regressive, so the burden of this little Trump jolly will fall mostly on us poorer folks. We'll help pay to automate away those jobs as well. Thanks, T.
14
In four years, there will be one wireless company, one oil and gas company, etc. The future of business is no business in Trump's yellow America. It's too much work for our new billionaire cabinet and President-elect. Employment is for fools.
10
So if the number of competing telecom companies were reduced from 4 to 3 by a Sprint/T-Mobile merger, why would this automatically lead to less competition and higher prices for telecom customers? 3 companies could underprice each other as fiercely as 3, couldn't they?
3
Because it happened with airline mergers, cable mergers, bank mergers, energy company mergers...
6
I meant to say "as fiercely as 4". Do you believe that such a merger would not have gone through under a different U.S. President?
The U.S. economy is a slow train wreck that began not with Trump's election but back in 1980 with "Trickle-Down Economics". Any economy that depends for growth over 70 % on the consumer, instead of production, is hostage to cycles of boom and bust: Witness Bush Jr.'s second term in which he urged consumers to "Get down to Disney World in Florida ...... Take your families and enjoy life, the way we want it to be enjoyed.”
Trump is no different from Ronald Reagan. In the end the sharks (Goldman Sachs et al.) will recommend stocks that they themselves are in fact shorting. No one will go to prison: N ot the head of GS, nor any of the other banksters. This is not going to end well.
Trump is no different from Ronald Reagan. In the end the sharks (Goldman Sachs et al.) will recommend stocks that they themselves are in fact shorting. No one will go to prison: N ot the head of GS, nor any of the other banksters. This is not going to end well.
32
Dear Hamid - I couldn't have said it any better myself. Spot on and very sad for America. I hope you are well!
The president elect does seem to forget that the buck stops in the Oval Office.
At some point what goes round comes round. That will probable end the presidential twits.
At some point what goes round comes round. That will probable end the presidential twits.
6
Anyone able to read a couple of paragraphs without becoming bored or falling asleep by now knows exactly how read the president elect, a sad individual whose colossal insecurity only becomes more in your face with every tweet and who therefore reads more like a brief operating pamphlet than a book. What an odd twist of fate that the only thing more powerful than the president elect himself at this point are the president elect's feelings of insecurity. Then shall we pray? It sure seems like it, especially since no one including the Editorial Board who helped create this mess with its demolition of Hillary for her private server - her private server! seems to have a clue.
10
Will crony capitalism ever be recognized for what it is; the newest fundamentalist religion? A flourishing off-shoot of 19th century revivalism that espouses free-for-all markets controlled by special interests in the name of profit and supremacy. Now that Russia and China have adapted the new think to their respective political and cultural norms, we are in for a new century of change.
9
Trump is merely an opportunistic shaman who takes credit for the sun rising in the east but, when it suits him, blames others for eclipses and natural disasters (that only he can fix). It's one thing to be a smart con-man who knows his limitations, and quite another to be so self-delusional that he believes his own cons. Trump is the latter, and self-serving business interests simply feed his god complex.
70
Might as well turn this article into a word-processing template. We're in for four long years of cronyism, corruption and conceit.
12
There's a more accurate description than crony capitalism for what has been going on, and is aptly described - the word begins ' f - a - s - c.... ' and we don't use it lightly.
We certainly never thought we would see its rise in our lifetime, believing (like most we suppose) it couldn't happen here.
A new world every day.
We certainly never thought we would see its rise in our lifetime, believing (like most we suppose) it couldn't happen here.
A new world every day.
128
I know, I know, R. Law! "[F] - a - s - c..."
The word you're looking for is "fascinating," isn't it?
The word you're looking for is "fascinating," isn't it?
1
It's not just Donald Trump who is distracted by shiny objects. Sixty two million American voters set aside substantive reasons to reject a charlatan in part because they were distracted by fake news, insignificant details, false claims disseminated in staccato 140-character self-congratulations. Given the fact that millions of Americans are just as ill-equipped to concentrate on hard policy strategies as the President-Elect, the ineffectiveness of explanations such as these to call out lies by the Trump administration emphasize the challenge we face over the next four years. Short of catastrophic failure, what will remove the scales from the eyes of those same millions?
17
Mr. Trump won the presidency by leveraging a series of opportunistic lies into an overwhelmingly complex narrative that defied clear analysis. He obviously intends to try and run the country using the exact same blend of demagoguery and distraction. Executives and dictators alike know the game they need to play in order to survive and thrive during a Trump administration. Just how long will the public continue to give Trump the benefit of the doubt? Unlike running a campaign, this is a fundamentally unsustainable way to govern. A serious national trauma of some type is almost inevitable. With the looming start of a Trump presidency, America may be about to experience the ultimate slow-motion train wreck.
14
This is a perfect example of crony capitalism. In an accompanying column Prof. Krugman makes the same point and notes that we are not all that different from the many stans that came out of the erstwhile Soviet Union.
The editors also note that "It has become abundantly clear that Mr. Trump is easily distracted by shiny objects," but that is only half true. The media which fawns on every Trump move and the American public that waits and swallows his tweets are just as easily distracted by shiny objects.
Those of us who really want America to be an exceptional country must not fall for such baubles and stay focused and push back at The Donald and the media at every opportunity. This should be our New Year's resolution.
I am reminded of JFK's famous statement exhorting us to do something for the country and not ask what the country can do for us. Well, the country is asking for us not to be distracted by the shiny objects thrown our way by The Donald and stay focused on progressive policies. It is up to us to hold his feet to the fire!!
The editors also note that "It has become abundantly clear that Mr. Trump is easily distracted by shiny objects," but that is only half true. The media which fawns on every Trump move and the American public that waits and swallows his tweets are just as easily distracted by shiny objects.
Those of us who really want America to be an exceptional country must not fall for such baubles and stay focused and push back at The Donald and the media at every opportunity. This should be our New Year's resolution.
I am reminded of JFK's famous statement exhorting us to do something for the country and not ask what the country can do for us. Well, the country is asking for us not to be distracted by the shiny objects thrown our way by The Donald and stay focused on progressive policies. It is up to us to hold his feet to the fire!!
13
I am retired. My company was once a Fortune 500 company. I worked as a computer programmer. I worked on projects that were internal (used to run the company) and external (products sold to customers). It was a very big corporation. I learned much of what I know about lay offs from my work on internal financial applications. I had access to confidential company databases that contained financial and human resources data.
I started working at the company in the late 1970s. I saw an evolution of attitude in upper and lower management during the 30 years I worked there. During that time period the company policy changed from one that valued its non-management employees to one that didn't give a damn about its non-management employees.
My company bought many other companies. The vast majority of employees in the companies they took over were layed off in small batches every 3 months. The lay offs started with acquisitions employees, but soon spread to the employees hired by my company. They became a permanent feature: every 3 months, new lay offs. There were attrition goals for management areas. I once fixed a bug in an executive quarterly bonus application that was based on meeting attrition goals. Lay offs were about executive compensation, not automation, not idle workers. Stripped of employees who developed and sold services and products, the greatly reduced company is messed up. I doubt it can be fixed. Mismanagement due to greed crippled a once great company.
I started working at the company in the late 1970s. I saw an evolution of attitude in upper and lower management during the 30 years I worked there. During that time period the company policy changed from one that valued its non-management employees to one that didn't give a damn about its non-management employees.
My company bought many other companies. The vast majority of employees in the companies they took over were layed off in small batches every 3 months. The lay offs started with acquisitions employees, but soon spread to the employees hired by my company. They became a permanent feature: every 3 months, new lay offs. There were attrition goals for management areas. I once fixed a bug in an executive quarterly bonus application that was based on meeting attrition goals. Lay offs were about executive compensation, not automation, not idle workers. Stripped of employees who developed and sold services and products, the greatly reduced company is messed up. I doubt it can be fixed. Mismanagement due to greed crippled a once great company.
62
That's capitalism. You screw up, your business vanishes, and you go broke. New companie who aren't screwed up come along and prosper - for a while.
Where are all the top companies of fifty years ago? Most are gone or going. Out with IBM, GM, AT&T, in with Amazon, Google, and Apple.
Where are all the top companies of fifty years ago? Most are gone or going. Out with IBM, GM, AT&T, in with Amazon, Google, and Apple.
It is as if the 20th century never happened. We are quickly sliding back into the Gilded Age of the late 19th Century. All of the gains that workers had achieved Post New Deal are being eroded into nothing. Corporations care for one thing only. The bottom line. That in itself is understandable, but without regulations they will never do the right thing by the people who make them succeed. The workers. The Republican Party cares naught for the working people, and yet they are too stupid or uniformed to understand that reality because they keep putting them in power. They will destroy every safety net like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and of course the ACA. The reality star that they elected president has filled his cabinet with questionably qualified self serving billionaires. The President elect has no clue on how to solve problems, much less govern. Let the man who would be king take credit for anything and everything his narcissistic ego will compel him to. When things start to deteriorate and they will, perhaps he'll do what he always does. Declare bankruptcy, protect his assets and walk away.
22
Corporations are the center of, the driver of corruption and deception leading to the weakening of our country. This article points to one incident where they will lie to game the system for their personal game. If the president elect is a liar, a proven fact, and a corporation becomes part of and complicit to that lie for their individual gain at the expense of ethics and damages the credibility of our government, this is a sign of the imense corruption to follow.
You are right to highlight this fraud on the American people. Please continue to do so for our survival as a democracy.
You are right to highlight this fraud on the American people. Please continue to do so for our survival as a democracy.
12
Mr. Trump was duly elected under the electoral rule in place at the time of the election and now we need to take our medicine. It's not helpful for people who voted for another candidate or didn't vote to say that I didn't vote for him. In addition, we duly elected a Republican Congress. Whether aware or not we voted for taking away health care for millions, cuts in entitlement programs, cuts in taxes for millionaires and billionaires, etc. If these things are not done our incoming President and Congress will be breaking faith with the people that put them in office. Let the disaster commence!
6
It took me about an hour to deconstruct the nightmare I had last night. Most people will recall the painting, 'The Scream', a ghostly image of a body in the middle of a primal scream. If a picture is worth a thousand words, that picture sums up this election.
A faction of our society lacking the economic mobility is horrified they have lost the ability to stay relevant plus a faction of our society horrified their country largely founded by white guys is close to being comprised of mostly non white guys and they are horrified this reality is reflected by the ascension of the first non white president who will be followed by the first woman president.
And these groups unwittingly conspired to pull the proverbial pin to share their collective psychological state by giving all of us Donald Trump, the candidate universally considered to be a horrifying choice for president.
Can we hear them now?
A faction of our society lacking the economic mobility is horrified they have lost the ability to stay relevant plus a faction of our society horrified their country largely founded by white guys is close to being comprised of mostly non white guys and they are horrified this reality is reflected by the ascension of the first non white president who will be followed by the first woman president.
And these groups unwittingly conspired to pull the proverbial pin to share their collective psychological state by giving all of us Donald Trump, the candidate universally considered to be a horrifying choice for president.
Can we hear them now?
12
Most leaders of corporations are smart enough to know that we have an incoming president who is damaged goods. His behaviors and reactions, his mental conditions are not normal. They know that, and have decided that they have to deal with it to survive it. They consider it their fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders to maximize corporate performance. You can't do that if you get into an argument with the leader of the (used to be) free world. They are used to selling the American public half-truths or less in their advertisements so Trump's complete lies are a short step for them. I predict that as things go horrendously wrong you will have leaders who will stand up and say the emperor has no clothes, but will that be before the entire nation comes down with a life threatening pneumonia?
33
B-School graduates and Financial "Engineers" (An insult to all the real engineers who helped build America, but what can we do?) have been lying about the role of their activity in Job Creation for a generation, and the Republican party is captive to this Donor Class. There used to be jokes about how a basic part of any M&A plan was to loot the Pension Plan, transferring as much as possible to the Executives pockets as a Bonus for all the efficiency he has brought us.
The working class is beginning to confront this stark reality that they don't have the vested defined benefit plans their parents and grandparents had, as they approach their retirement years. So they voted in a confidence man and a party whose stated goals is to destroy the safety net they will be dependent on, because, you know, he promised to make it better.
Springtime for the Team of Cronies indeed.
The working class is beginning to confront this stark reality that they don't have the vested defined benefit plans their parents and grandparents had, as they approach their retirement years. So they voted in a confidence man and a party whose stated goals is to destroy the safety net they will be dependent on, because, you know, he promised to make it better.
Springtime for the Team of Cronies indeed.
28
T-Mobile is the one cell/smartphone provider that has kept the rest of them somewhat honest and somewhat concerned about their competitive position. T-Mobile has been aggressive in being competitive, since they have the smallest network and fewest subscribers. Naturally, Sprint would like to remove this thorn in the side of the remaining cell companies.
I write this as a long time T-Mobile user, but with no love whatsoever in my heart or anywhere else for the company. When I had a contract with them, mysterious "one time charges" kept appearing on my bill and I came to understand that getting a matter before the Supreme Court would likely be less trouble than getting one of those charges removed. I don't bother with a contract now and I have had a monthly bill so low for years that even most people at T-Mobile had never heard of one so low. No pop-up charges appear on the bill, either.
We can expect that Trump will hold 20 to 40 news events and announcements for every one that actually contains even modest progress on jobs. He is not about the actual business of helping to slowly reconstitute America's workforce, but fully engaged in putting on the best show possible. No announcement from his Twitter feed should be taken seriously on a factual level. None. The assumption should be that he is exaggerating or outright lying until proven otherwise. And that's the way it is. Get used to it.
I write this as a long time T-Mobile user, but with no love whatsoever in my heart or anywhere else for the company. When I had a contract with them, mysterious "one time charges" kept appearing on my bill and I came to understand that getting a matter before the Supreme Court would likely be less trouble than getting one of those charges removed. I don't bother with a contract now and I have had a monthly bill so low for years that even most people at T-Mobile had never heard of one so low. No pop-up charges appear on the bill, either.
We can expect that Trump will hold 20 to 40 news events and announcements for every one that actually contains even modest progress on jobs. He is not about the actual business of helping to slowly reconstitute America's workforce, but fully engaged in putting on the best show possible. No announcement from his Twitter feed should be taken seriously on a factual level. None. The assumption should be that he is exaggerating or outright lying until proven otherwise. And that's the way it is. Get used to it.
24
A lot of companies have jumped on the bandwagon. One company that plays a big role in my local scene has claimed that they will hire 25000 new employees. They haven't promised not to layoff 25000 old employees, or sell a division or two, so that the new owners can layoff 25000.
Why make waves?
The fundamentals have not changed. Automation, consolidation, global competition, quarterly profit-taking, and maximizing short term gains rather than long term stability are still the foundation of business practices. Jobs will keep going away. But there is no reason to shove all that in Trump's face, or give his administration a reason to be on the defensive, before he is even inaugurated.
And voters are not going to escape Washington insiders, power brokers, corporate cronies, and all the other things they voted to get rid of. They will just believe they did, because they will hear on FOX or read on the internet that every bad thing that happens is Obama's fault, or the fault of liberals.
We put the Sherman anti-trust act in place for a reason. We put labor laws in place for a reason. Environmental laws got a little push when we saw a river burning. Social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the hated ACA were all put in place to solve huge problems. None of it happened in a vacuum.
It would help if people read a little history.
Why make waves?
The fundamentals have not changed. Automation, consolidation, global competition, quarterly profit-taking, and maximizing short term gains rather than long term stability are still the foundation of business practices. Jobs will keep going away. But there is no reason to shove all that in Trump's face, or give his administration a reason to be on the defensive, before he is even inaugurated.
And voters are not going to escape Washington insiders, power brokers, corporate cronies, and all the other things they voted to get rid of. They will just believe they did, because they will hear on FOX or read on the internet that every bad thing that happens is Obama's fault, or the fault of liberals.
We put the Sherman anti-trust act in place for a reason. We put labor laws in place for a reason. Environmental laws got a little push when we saw a river burning. Social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the hated ACA were all put in place to solve huge problems. None of it happened in a vacuum.
It would help if people read a little history.
78
It is appalling to read the disinformation in the readers comments that arises in a legitimate exposition of the principles of free market capitalism couched as a defense of Donald Trump. He is a profoundly illegitimate fraud, a self centered liar who may prove to be not only the worst president in our history but the one who destroys our Nation. We are engaged in a battle for dominance of the elite who are not at all appalled by the likelihood of vast degradation of our environment through the continued and unjustified exploitation of fossil fuels when alternative sources are far friendlier to our environment. The window is closing for responsible stewardship of our planet. Most disconcerting is that Trump is a con man whose dishonesty imperils the very survival of a representative democracy. His only concern is self enhancement achieved through lying to those who cannot discern nor challenge his deceits while serving the interests of the financially elite who wish to be completely unburdened of any social and environmental responsibility. The transformation of a representative democratic form of government into an oligarchy is almost completely assured amidst a blizzard of lies and deceit. Obama sought to govern on behalf of all of us and was pilloried by cynical bigots mostly under the leadership of Mitch McConnell. The loss of our freedoms and the theft of our democracy may go unnoticed by most amidst a siege of tweets. God help us for we know not what to do in response.
152
"Most disconcerting is that Trump is a con man whose dishonesty imperils the very survival of a representative democracy......The loss of our freedoms and the theft of our democracy may go unnoticed by most amidst a siege of tweets. God help us for we know not what to do in response."
Well said. We are now in a time when a sustained, nationwide effort will be needed to protect (and restore) representative democracy in the U.S. You might like to read the "Indivisible" publication. Prepared by a group of former Congressional staffers, it offers many practical ideas for how "We, the People," can respond to this crisis.
"Indivisible: A Practical Guide for Resisting the Trump Agenda"
Former congressional staffers reveal best practices for making Congress listen.
https://www.indivisibleguide.com/
Well said. We are now in a time when a sustained, nationwide effort will be needed to protect (and restore) representative democracy in the U.S. You might like to read the "Indivisible" publication. Prepared by a group of former Congressional staffers, it offers many practical ideas for how "We, the People," can respond to this crisis.
"Indivisible: A Practical Guide for Resisting the Trump Agenda"
Former congressional staffers reveal best practices for making Congress listen.
https://www.indivisibleguide.com/
6
Hilarious comment!
The northern parts of the US are seeing record low temperatures and record snowfalls this year. Conclusion #1: Global warming/climate change is a hoax.
Business decisions that were in the works as a consequence of months to years of planning are announced in the weeks after Trump gets the majority of the Electoral College votes while coming up 3 million short in the popular vote. Conclusion #2: The US economy is on a rocket ride because Trump was elected President.
Analysis: Weather and climate are not synonymous; therefore Conclusion #1 is a fallacy. Announcements are neither product nor are they jobs and to conflate the two is to put the horse not behind the cart, but in it; therefore Conclusion #2 is fallacy also, and a dangerous one in the bargain.
Business decisions that were in the works as a consequence of months to years of planning are announced in the weeks after Trump gets the majority of the Electoral College votes while coming up 3 million short in the popular vote. Conclusion #2: The US economy is on a rocket ride because Trump was elected President.
Analysis: Weather and climate are not synonymous; therefore Conclusion #1 is a fallacy. Announcements are neither product nor are they jobs and to conflate the two is to put the horse not behind the cart, but in it; therefore Conclusion #2 is fallacy also, and a dangerous one in the bargain.
14
When these false stories occur, the media really needs to do its job here by not immediately giving Trump the positive headlines he craves and instead help the public understand the falsehoods behind these announcements as well as put the numbers into context like this opinion piece does. It would behoove papers to beef of their journalist pools by hiring more reporters with serious labor and consumer economic backgrounds who can research and write on these issues in a timely manner. And the advocacy community should also start forming a plan of action to find ways for the public to pressure companies willing to collude in the lies to help Trump look good in exchange for favors from his administration.
90
"When these false stories occur, the media really needs to do its job here by not immediately giving Trump the positive headlines he craves and instead help the public understand the falsehoods behind these announcements..."
True, but "the media" is not a coherent entity. Journalists and commentators serve various masters, some of whom are a part of the system that created Donald Trump. As such, there will never be an entity that uniformly follows the ethics taught to students in journalism school, i.e.: that what is reported must reflect the facts and should uncover subterfuge of the sort that Mr. Trump and all other authoritarian liars like him engage in.
Therein lies the vulnerability of the modern democracy and the modern, supposedly "free" press.
True, but "the media" is not a coherent entity. Journalists and commentators serve various masters, some of whom are a part of the system that created Donald Trump. As such, there will never be an entity that uniformly follows the ethics taught to students in journalism school, i.e.: that what is reported must reflect the facts and should uncover subterfuge of the sort that Mr. Trump and all other authoritarian liars like him engage in.
Therein lies the vulnerability of the modern democracy and the modern, supposedly "free" press.
6
"It would behoove papers to beef of their journalist pools by hiring more reporters with serious labor and consumer economic backgrounds who can research and write on these issues in a timely manner."
Yes — a thousand times yes! This regime will be a severe test of American democracy, and a chance for a heroic era of journalism.
Yes — a thousand times yes! This regime will be a severe test of American democracy, and a chance for a heroic era of journalism.
4
I’m shocked – shocked! – that mega-rich corporate fatcats who take in hundreds of times the income of their employees (i.e., indentured servants), would let Donald lie about them. After all, life is about nothing more than making gobs of money and self-serving PR. Values such as honesty, gratitude, fairness, kindness, charity, compassion – those are for their indentured servants and the rest of the dimwitted government employees (teachers, police, firemen, military) who enabled them to engage in this legalized graft in the first place. Hey – they deserve it. They’re America’s “job creators"! This country just couldn’t get by without all of these smirking, entitled executive plutocrats donating to their Republican friends and stashing away the rest of their trillions in luxurious hedge funds and overseas accounts while the rest of us struggle to pay for the daily necessities.
At some point – hopefully by 2018 – the minority of Donald voters who are capable of looking at the hard facts and drawing reasonable inferences, will realize that the guy who promised them a fair shake have was really just in it for himself and his fellow millionaires and billionaires, only a small minority of whom genuinely earned it on their own. While Republicans claim to revere Lincoln, they have turned his philosophy of government on its head. Instead of government of, by, and for the people, it’s now government of the deserving 99% by and for the very lucky and undeserving 1%.
At some point – hopefully by 2018 – the minority of Donald voters who are capable of looking at the hard facts and drawing reasonable inferences, will realize that the guy who promised them a fair shake have was really just in it for himself and his fellow millionaires and billionaires, only a small minority of whom genuinely earned it on their own. While Republicans claim to revere Lincoln, they have turned his philosophy of government on its head. Instead of government of, by, and for the people, it’s now government of the deserving 99% by and for the very lucky and undeserving 1%.
51
I agree with Paul Krugman that the George W. Bush administration was horribly corrupt, especially in the conduct of the Iraq War. The incoming Trump administration led by a narcissistic huckster who has surrounded himself with wealthy ideologues with no government experience will probably be worse. But the Obama administration is to blame for its failure to make clear distinctions by cracking down on corruption. War crimes? No one was prosecuted. War profiteering? No one went to jail. Some thought trials would be too divisive.
With the Republican leadership vowing to make Obama a one-term president and the Tea Party base holding pictures of Obama with Hitler’s mustache, the White House should have quickly realized it was at war and fought its hardest. Instead, the apparent rule was no banker, businessman, or politician is legally accountable. Banks paid billions in fines for their behavior in the subprime mortgage crisis which caused the Great Recession. But bankers who made the decisions were not indicted. Banks were bailed out; homeowners weren’t.
FDR went after the corruption which preceded him. Just quietly being less corrupt is not enough. Vigorously prosecuting corruption is the best way to show you are different and mean business.
With the Republican leadership vowing to make Obama a one-term president and the Tea Party base holding pictures of Obama with Hitler’s mustache, the White House should have quickly realized it was at war and fought its hardest. Instead, the apparent rule was no banker, businessman, or politician is legally accountable. Banks paid billions in fines for their behavior in the subprime mortgage crisis which caused the Great Recession. But bankers who made the decisions were not indicted. Banks were bailed out; homeowners weren’t.
FDR went after the corruption which preceded him. Just quietly being less corrupt is not enough. Vigorously prosecuting corruption is the best way to show you are different and mean business.
624
While I would have loved to see a bunch of bankers, businessmen, and politicians go to jail, Imagine what this country would have made of "that angry Black man." I would have loved to see President Obama get mad but understand completely his measured reluctance to do so - I live in a progressive area but it is still the South. And we've found out that not all racists live in the South.
10
Shareholders and bank depositors paid to bail out the banks while all the crooks got golden parachutes.
5
Was the Obama administration corrupt about Libya? Remember the story about the YouTube video? Using the IRS against the Tea Party? Fast and Furious? How soon we forget.
2
Big medicine supported ObamaCare because they knew they would become more profitable and Americans would pay more for health care.
Obama got the FCC to issue "net neutrality" rules that favor his campaign contributors and raise costs to consumers.
The NLRB creates regulations out of whole cloth that raise consumer prices and deny individuals the right to not pay union dues.
The EPA creates regulations that raise energy costs and do not improve the environment, while allowing the water in Flint Michigan to be poisoned.
Obama's energy policy makes his contributors wealthier and raises electricity cost for the consumer. [Buffett, Musk, Immelt, Soros] Soros buys up coal assets at pennies on the dollar.
Profitable hospital chains, like the one that paid Michelle Obama $350,000 for a part time job raise their rates.
Obama tries to figure out how to raise revenue for colleges and universities so they can pay him $175,000 to teach two classes and $350,000 to Elizabeth Warren to teach two classes.
Donald Trump can hardly do more than Obama to increase wealth inequality.
The only thing worse than the crony socialism practiced by the Democrats is the crony philanthropy they practice.
Obama got the FCC to issue "net neutrality" rules that favor his campaign contributors and raise costs to consumers.
The NLRB creates regulations out of whole cloth that raise consumer prices and deny individuals the right to not pay union dues.
The EPA creates regulations that raise energy costs and do not improve the environment, while allowing the water in Flint Michigan to be poisoned.
Obama's energy policy makes his contributors wealthier and raises electricity cost for the consumer. [Buffett, Musk, Immelt, Soros] Soros buys up coal assets at pennies on the dollar.
Profitable hospital chains, like the one that paid Michelle Obama $350,000 for a part time job raise their rates.
Obama tries to figure out how to raise revenue for colleges and universities so they can pay him $175,000 to teach two classes and $350,000 to Elizabeth Warren to teach two classes.
Donald Trump can hardly do more than Obama to increase wealth inequality.
The only thing worse than the crony socialism practiced by the Democrats is the crony philanthropy they practice.
48
The US will permanently suffer from the lead and mercury poisoning that made it stupid enough to fall for Trump.
10
Each time the Republicans assumed office in force they drove the economy off the fiscal cliff. Can't wait for the next Republican financial disaster. Short the stocks going down, ride the wave on the way up.
I have just been "bumping along" in the Obama economy making a good deal of money in the Market, but thanks to you @ebmem, and other like you, I cannot wait to do much better in a Republican economy when it crashes while people like you complain.
I have just been "bumping along" in the Obama economy making a good deal of money in the Market, but thanks to you @ebmem, and other like you, I cannot wait to do much better in a Republican economy when it crashes while people like you complain.
8
Surprising that the NYT's staff printed your sagacious observations during their all out effort to elevate President Obama to sainthood.
3
I have a little trouble believing that a man who lives at his golf courses and profits from vast overseas propert investments, supplies his businesses from goods made in China, is surrounded by billionaires and pays no taxes (and boasts about it) really understands real workers and their needs. I expect that those of us who came from blue collar backgrounds and worked their way through three degrees in science and are paid less than a living wage are tired of hearing the term liberal elite. I tire of hearing how a real estate developer whose profits depend on shafting the average American is the country's savior. His corporate cronies include members of Congress who will be the ones to profit. Mr. Vance of "Hillbilly Elegy" fame thinks that he is of the Trump circle. Trump admits he capitalized on the recent depression buying foreclosed properties. Obama rescued the economy, the banking community responsible for the depression, and the American auto industry that Trump wanted to fail. The lies about the healthcare system, the lies about Hillary Clinton (fun to Trump), the grungy facts about his Trump's personal behavior - and he is the shining example of the working class? Your arguments fall on deaf ears.
1064
A person of privileges cannot understand those who struggle, which, if true, will discredit all the columnists and pundits. Funny so many are reading them as if secular gospel.
Obama did not "rescue" the economy, anymore than Bush rescued the economy after 9/11 by telling us to "all just go shopping". The economy became hyper-inflated after about 2012-2013, and housing is now up to pre-2008 levels....the stock market is higher than ever in history. Yet my bank, as of last Friday, is paying me 0.05% interest (THAT IS NOT A TYPO) on my retirement savings.
If you are honest, or know anything about economics....THAT is why the economy is overheated. Cheap, cheap money obtained by ripping off seniors and saviors. I know many senior relatives who have to now dig into their principal, as they earn virtually no interest -- are now dependent on SS, instead of their yearly interest earnings.
What happens when that source of cheap, cheap money ends? Will the housing market still be "hot" when mortgages are 8% and not 3.5%? Will the stock market still be "hot" if seniors can put their money into safe CDs and not into risky stock investments to simply earn a little interest?
Everything is about to crash and big time. And the only difference here between Bush and Obama (besides the color of their skin pigmentation) is that Bush was so unlucky that it happened (like 9/11) on his watch -- the last 4 months -- and Obama appears to have dodged yet another bullet.
But the postman always rings twice.
If you are honest, or know anything about economics....THAT is why the economy is overheated. Cheap, cheap money obtained by ripping off seniors and saviors. I know many senior relatives who have to now dig into their principal, as they earn virtually no interest -- are now dependent on SS, instead of their yearly interest earnings.
What happens when that source of cheap, cheap money ends? Will the housing market still be "hot" when mortgages are 8% and not 3.5%? Will the stock market still be "hot" if seniors can put their money into safe CDs and not into risky stock investments to simply earn a little interest?
Everything is about to crash and big time. And the only difference here between Bush and Obama (besides the color of their skin pigmentation) is that Bush was so unlucky that it happened (like 9/11) on his watch -- the last 4 months -- and Obama appears to have dodged yet another bullet.
But the postman always rings twice.
1
It will take decades to restore our democracy from the devastation Trump will cause in his first twelve months in office.
But it may well go further than that. Trump may weaken America by deferring to his idol Putin, or by giving in to China to protect his own financial obligations. He may hurt the lower and middle classes by allowing corporate mergers and cutting environmental protections. He may cripple our public education system. Then there is the prospect of his bullying tendencies and his willingness to get into new wars in Syria, or to escalate Israel's militarism. Then there's his fascination with having a nuclear arsenal under his personal command.
America will probably never be "great again" after his term, much in the same way the reigns of Caligula and Nero signaled the decline of the Roman Empire. King Louis XIV declared "Apres moi, le deluge" and the French monarchy fell shortly thereafter. Only a century ago, the sun began to set on the British Empire. The United State of Amerca will probably survive Trump, but we will be a nation in decline instead of the beacon of Liberty and freedom we had once been.
But it may well go further than that. Trump may weaken America by deferring to his idol Putin, or by giving in to China to protect his own financial obligations. He may hurt the lower and middle classes by allowing corporate mergers and cutting environmental protections. He may cripple our public education system. Then there is the prospect of his bullying tendencies and his willingness to get into new wars in Syria, or to escalate Israel's militarism. Then there's his fascination with having a nuclear arsenal under his personal command.
America will probably never be "great again" after his term, much in the same way the reigns of Caligula and Nero signaled the decline of the Roman Empire. King Louis XIV declared "Apres moi, le deluge" and the French monarchy fell shortly thereafter. Only a century ago, the sun began to set on the British Empire. The United State of Amerca will probably survive Trump, but we will be a nation in decline instead of the beacon of Liberty and freedom we had once been.
179
There is no democracy to restore. The Electoral College is democracy-poison.
2
I take your point, but Nero and Caligula did not signal the decline of the Roman Empire. It continued for more than a thousand years when it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453.
The corporations all completely understand Trump's mental defects, even if the news media continues to refuse to acknowledge what just blew into into Washington. Trump is a narcissist which makes him extremely easy to manipulate. Being successful in business requires the ability to get others to go along with your plans. This can be done through power and coercion, or it can be accomplished through manipulation.
They all realize that any dealings that can be made that showcases Trump as the great hero, will be approved. This reminds me of a Marx Brothers movie where they toy with a lunatic dictator. Trump isn't a funny movie. This is deadly serious. Liberty is for sale.
They will pull puppet Trump's strings for all the profit they can. Then when the impotent news media finally raises the specter of manipulation and mental defect, such claims will be dismissed as fake news and lies. If the public no longer believes anything, then why not come out and say what needs to be said? Moderation no longer works. News, or the truth, must now be marketed like propaganda. It has to be repeated 1000 times over to get people to accept it.
Corruption has always existed, but the perpetrators carried out their acts in secret. Trump has introduced a new level of corruption. He will do crooked deals out in the open and claim everything is fine. This level of corruption undermines all of our values and principles. Trump leads us to subservience, to serfdom.
They all realize that any dealings that can be made that showcases Trump as the great hero, will be approved. This reminds me of a Marx Brothers movie where they toy with a lunatic dictator. Trump isn't a funny movie. This is deadly serious. Liberty is for sale.
They will pull puppet Trump's strings for all the profit they can. Then when the impotent news media finally raises the specter of manipulation and mental defect, such claims will be dismissed as fake news and lies. If the public no longer believes anything, then why not come out and say what needs to be said? Moderation no longer works. News, or the truth, must now be marketed like propaganda. It has to be repeated 1000 times over to get people to accept it.
Corruption has always existed, but the perpetrators carried out their acts in secret. Trump has introduced a new level of corruption. He will do crooked deals out in the open and claim everything is fine. This level of corruption undermines all of our values and principles. Trump leads us to subservience, to serfdom.
268
Trump is a narcissistic fraud who duped low-information voters (even "educated" ones) into believing he alone could solve their problems. He can't and won't, but the ensuring chaos of his presidency will come as a surprise to them anyway. There's sufficient ignorance among all parties regarding economic realities to guarantee Trump's ego will be untouched by any of this. Blaming trade for the plight of workers who simply have become irrelevant in a vastly changed world economy is not going to make things better, but they could become far, far worse. He won't take credit for that, of course.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
126
Nobody was duped. Your party ran a very poor candidate who was under investigation by the FBI. Think BleachBit.
3
You don't get it, just like others who think competence is less important than simply dispensing with socio-political norms. Too add to the cluelessness, there's a pointless focus on the opposition candidate, not the incompetent-in-chief who will be making many decisions separated from reality, facts and complexity. Your analogy is irrelevant. Try intellectually vacuous. pathologically dishonest, narcissistic. And apparently you voted for him. He thinks he's smart, but he's the dumbest guy in the room.
8
Luckily there were plenty of high information voters who saw Clinton for what she was. But that's rather irrelevant to this topic. Trump's cabinet is full of high-information businessmen, something that never occurred to Obama, given that the president never worked for a profit-making enterprise in his life. I expect Trump to delegate much to these people. Taking credit is what elected people do; that's why there's press conferences.
2
This appears to be a trend of the Trump presidency, claim credit for any morsel of good news regardless of whether he or his policies are responsible and deny any factual reporting as fake news or any fact checking that prove him wrong. In my career, I had at least one supervisor who would claim credit for my work and then deny anything that reflected poorly on him. When the truth came out to my supervisor's supervisor, it was not pretty. Trump is responsible only to one supervisor, the public. It will be interesting to see if and when the public or his policies catch up to him.
280
America the Stupid only doubles down on mistakes. It never acknowledges them.
7
Trump is a snake-oil salesman and a terrific salesman. To his fans, who distrust any reasonable news source, this must seem like Nirvana. Their guy isn't even in the Oval Office yet and look at the way he is bringing companies to heel, pushing that horrible Obama aside, and bringing hope to the rest of the world (Russia, Israel). Even Britain's PM has lectured Secretary Kerry in an attempt to worship at the altar of Trump. What's not to love?
Sadly, it's all smoke and mirrors along with a huge dose of braggadocio. The GOP will likely continue the myth that Obama destroyed the country and the economy (which Trump claims is in "terrible" shape), even though the unemployment rate is down, wages are up, and the economy is growing. It will take a while for the scales to fall from the eyes of Trump fans, but fall they will. Let's hope it's in time for the mid-term elections.
Sadly, it's all smoke and mirrors along with a huge dose of braggadocio. The GOP will likely continue the myth that Obama destroyed the country and the economy (which Trump claims is in "terrible" shape), even though the unemployment rate is down, wages are up, and the economy is growing. It will take a while for the scales to fall from the eyes of Trump fans, but fall they will. Let's hope it's in time for the mid-term elections.
479
There is a 1992 WaPo article, "Trump Went Broke, But Stayed On Top," that discusses his massive debt (his personal debt of $900million was established then -- several years before the 1995 tax return that went public) and how he was too big to fail at that point.
All the banks and investors who were losing bigly to enrich him were forced to keep propping him up to salvage any ROI.
The article provided a single quote that seemed to sum up the concession of investors who regretted being conned:
"He's a great salesman."
And since "Trump" is his only product, and selling himself his only skill, one understands why the self-aggrandising campaign continues to create cover for the corrupt cronies below him who are actually running the show.
All the banks and investors who were losing bigly to enrich him were forced to keep propping him up to salvage any ROI.
The article provided a single quote that seemed to sum up the concession of investors who regretted being conned:
"He's a great salesman."
And since "Trump" is his only product, and selling himself his only skill, one understands why the self-aggrandising campaign continues to create cover for the corrupt cronies below him who are actually running the show.
4
To supporters of the Elect: do you know South Carolina has a vibrant manufacturing economy, operating auto plants for BMW, and soon for Volvo and Daimler-Benz; building planes for Boeing (with plans for 9,100 planes in the next 20 years!) currently supporting over 400 local manufacturing suppliers?
Which sounds like a plan for growth: Tax breaks for Carrier, saving less than half the jobs exported; recycling PR releases to claim credit for previous announcements, announcements of empty claims which fail to materialize (like AT&T!)--or the use of infra-structure, community colleges, and quality of life appeal to build real plants with real jobs at real wages for goods in global demand?
Note to the Elect's supporters: soon, you will have to decide whether the promises made have real "hope." Or you can enjoy the PR circus and claim success by myth.
In either case, you will be ignoring the master plan China is rolling out: a trillion + dollar global infrastructure to capture 60% of global GDP and the majority share of middle class expansion which will double to 5 billion people (mainly in Asia!) by 2030.
Do you think tariffs, dirty air and water, arctic drilling, defense spending, and stagnant wages and poor schools will restore America's competitive advantage? How will recycled fights over the past prepare for the evolving future?
Which sounds like a plan for growth: Tax breaks for Carrier, saving less than half the jobs exported; recycling PR releases to claim credit for previous announcements, announcements of empty claims which fail to materialize (like AT&T!)--or the use of infra-structure, community colleges, and quality of life appeal to build real plants with real jobs at real wages for goods in global demand?
Note to the Elect's supporters: soon, you will have to decide whether the promises made have real "hope." Or you can enjoy the PR circus and claim success by myth.
In either case, you will be ignoring the master plan China is rolling out: a trillion + dollar global infrastructure to capture 60% of global GDP and the majority share of middle class expansion which will double to 5 billion people (mainly in Asia!) by 2030.
Do you think tariffs, dirty air and water, arctic drilling, defense spending, and stagnant wages and poor schools will restore America's competitive advantage? How will recycled fights over the past prepare for the evolving future?
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we have an American electorate that is essentially functionally illiterate, they are easily mislead and mistake bluster and tweets for leadership.
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Let me sure I understand you, Walter. If a company threatens to leave and take 2000 jobs....and you manage to save HALF of those jobs....it's worse to have half than to lose everything?
You must lose a lot at gambling.
Yes, we should be taking China seriously -- but so far, the left and Obama and most previous Administrations have laughed off their threat -- we are called paranoid and "xenophobic" for even talking about it!
At least Trump is TALKING. And TRYING. That is more than Obama did in 8 years.
You must lose a lot at gambling.
Yes, we should be taking China seriously -- but so far, the left and Obama and most previous Administrations have laughed off their threat -- we are called paranoid and "xenophobic" for even talking about it!
At least Trump is TALKING. And TRYING. That is more than Obama did in 8 years.
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To all: thanks for reading/replies!
These are jobs we are talking about, paychecks, family income--not just simple math: you take the states that lose half and I'll take the states that are doubling. You call yours successful policy and never mention mine (or the 9,100 787s in the next two decades! The convertible BMWs, the Michelin tires, the Borsch electrical components, Cummings Engine, et al) and never develop a plan to actually increase jobs. Are we gaining or losing? (I bet on sure things--not half loaves!)
Incidentally, Obama took China's trade expansion very seriously! In an unprecedented move, he pivoted foreign trade policy toward both sides of the Pacific Rim (South America and SE Asian and the Pacific Island nations), putting forth TPP, a legally binding document that took away any advantage and leverage China is developing by creating and guaranteeing open trade among a majority of Pacific nations.
And for the first time (a real loss in its defeat!), the TPP addressed workers rights regarding wages, conditions, and safety, with standards and legal recourse! (Although incomplete, it was a very good first step; it ended divide and conquer; it offered means to improve labor wages/benefits which in turn would make American labor more competitive and increase demand for American goods and services.) Incidentally, Buick is the best selling car in China; Chinese tourism increases each year, and many Americans are finding challenging work in China in all fields.
These are jobs we are talking about, paychecks, family income--not just simple math: you take the states that lose half and I'll take the states that are doubling. You call yours successful policy and never mention mine (or the 9,100 787s in the next two decades! The convertible BMWs, the Michelin tires, the Borsch electrical components, Cummings Engine, et al) and never develop a plan to actually increase jobs. Are we gaining or losing? (I bet on sure things--not half loaves!)
Incidentally, Obama took China's trade expansion very seriously! In an unprecedented move, he pivoted foreign trade policy toward both sides of the Pacific Rim (South America and SE Asian and the Pacific Island nations), putting forth TPP, a legally binding document that took away any advantage and leverage China is developing by creating and guaranteeing open trade among a majority of Pacific nations.
And for the first time (a real loss in its defeat!), the TPP addressed workers rights regarding wages, conditions, and safety, with standards and legal recourse! (Although incomplete, it was a very good first step; it ended divide and conquer; it offered means to improve labor wages/benefits which in turn would make American labor more competitive and increase demand for American goods and services.) Incidentally, Buick is the best selling car in China; Chinese tourism increases each year, and many Americans are finding challenging work in China in all fields.
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Anyone "counting" on Donald Trump to fulfill a campaign pledge should be concerned--IF they are reading articles like this.
The problem is, however, that many simply don't. It was easy enough to do due diligence on Trump and his economic "philosophy" if once can call it that. His record is out there, open for anyone to see.
And the simple fact is this: Trump will renege on any promise as long as he has some plausible alternative he can brag about.
Such as the "promise" of how a merger will affect consumers. For Trump, it's enough to say this merger will make investments and create jobs in the US. Corporate PR can be very compelling.
It's not until jobs data rolls in and the negative effects of reduced competition are clear that people might see this deal for what it is: a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing. By then it's too late.
Because of the blind trust Trump supporters have put in him, he'll be able to get away with a lot. Until it's too late. Anyone reading the tea leaves of the Trump effect on their lives only need look at his cabinet appointments to see this "populist" is nothing more than a crony capitalist out to enrich himself and his family while pretending he's creating millions of jobs.
The problem is, however, that many simply don't. It was easy enough to do due diligence on Trump and his economic "philosophy" if once can call it that. His record is out there, open for anyone to see.
And the simple fact is this: Trump will renege on any promise as long as he has some plausible alternative he can brag about.
Such as the "promise" of how a merger will affect consumers. For Trump, it's enough to say this merger will make investments and create jobs in the US. Corporate PR can be very compelling.
It's not until jobs data rolls in and the negative effects of reduced competition are clear that people might see this deal for what it is: a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing. By then it's too late.
Because of the blind trust Trump supporters have put in him, he'll be able to get away with a lot. Until it's too late. Anyone reading the tea leaves of the Trump effect on their lives only need look at his cabinet appointments to see this "populist" is nothing more than a crony capitalist out to enrich himself and his family while pretending he's creating millions of jobs.
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Trump doesn't need a "plausible alternative" to speak about when the truth is different than what he says. At that time, any lie will suffice, plausible or totally outrageous. Doesn't matter. "I won in a landslide."
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And in gratitude, wouldn't those cronies capitalists like to keep that franchise indefinitely? Is there a possible military/ industrial complex that might support that?
If we don't like the answers, what next?
If we don't like the answers, what next?
Christine, they don't see that Trump's financial empire is a house of cards. The reason he doesn't sleep is because when he closes his eyes, he knows his empire is an empty shell; he is waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Now, however, as president, he gets to "generate" more money to stay afloat. He ran out of credit and his presidency is his latest scheme to remain "very rich" - and the American people are going to pay for it. He's like the circus performer twirling plates with poles, he's got to constantly keep them turning or they'll crash to the ground.
Let's see his tax returns! What is he afraid of? He is afraid that they will expose him, his ultimate dread, the ultimate dread of a puffed up ego. This is the life only a sociopath can live, going from scheme to scheme by scamming. This is his "scam the American people" phase.
Now, however, as president, he gets to "generate" more money to stay afloat. He ran out of credit and his presidency is his latest scheme to remain "very rich" - and the American people are going to pay for it. He's like the circus performer twirling plates with poles, he's got to constantly keep them turning or they'll crash to the ground.
Let's see his tax returns! What is he afraid of? He is afraid that they will expose him, his ultimate dread, the ultimate dread of a puffed up ego. This is the life only a sociopath can live, going from scheme to scheme by scamming. This is his "scam the American people" phase.
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Alas, the rubes will learn too late that you get what you vote for.
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They are like Southerners Whistling Dixie after the Civil War.
I have a tremendous amount of false Pride invested in Trump, and are so unable to admit that he is essentially a fraud and a failure.
I have a tremendous amount of false Pride invested in Trump, and are so unable to admit that he is essentially a fraud and a failure.
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If they learn at all.
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"Rubes" is name calling. Those who want a progressive future will need to help heal the rural-urban divide. Divided we were conquered.
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SoftBank’s commitment of a $50 billion investment in America was made at Trump Tower for a reason. Something was in the works, but Trump claimed that he was the one to get SoftBank to nail it down – before the election. It was announced in October so that Trump could benefit electorally from the announcement; and why shouldn’t he?
This dismissal by liberals of a process of mutual back-scratching that goes on every day and always has between government and business to serve mutual interests is simply testimony that liberals should stay well-away from anything to DO with business in America. You really don’t understand it at all. Business often has profit interests that conflict with social interests, and it’s by this means that we drag it back and assure that what’s good for General Motors continues to be good for America.
I know that such an idea is anathema to the left – our business leaders should be found on that mountain-top, arms linked with Bernie and the Times editors, singing “Kumbaya” and “We Are the World”. But that has as much to do with reality as a Hillary Clinton presidency.
President Obama convened a business advisory council back in the day, but promptly stopped attending sessions – obviously because he didn’t understand the motivations that make the world run and that create good jobs. At least partly as a consequence, the last recovery was the most painful since The Great Depression. Americans can be confident that Trump won’t make the same mistakes.
This dismissal by liberals of a process of mutual back-scratching that goes on every day and always has between government and business to serve mutual interests is simply testimony that liberals should stay well-away from anything to DO with business in America. You really don’t understand it at all. Business often has profit interests that conflict with social interests, and it’s by this means that we drag it back and assure that what’s good for General Motors continues to be good for America.
I know that such an idea is anathema to the left – our business leaders should be found on that mountain-top, arms linked with Bernie and the Times editors, singing “Kumbaya” and “We Are the World”. But that has as much to do with reality as a Hillary Clinton presidency.
President Obama convened a business advisory council back in the day, but promptly stopped attending sessions – obviously because he didn’t understand the motivations that make the world run and that create good jobs. At least partly as a consequence, the last recovery was the most painful since The Great Depression. Americans can be confident that Trump won’t make the same mistakes.
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Richard: I think we liberals understand way too well how business runs in this country!
How do you think Trump got elected? He's threw red meat bait to the jobless that only he, successful tycoon, could stop corporations from harming the little guy. It sounded good then and it still sounds god now. But did you even read this article?
When has monopoly business power ever helped consumers? Unfettered capitalism created the very conditions that drive voters to Trump.
You, Richard, aren't the typical Trump voter. You sit there in a plush NJ home vcounting your corporate dividend checks. Of course you cheer crony capitalism that makes you richer. But please don't try to "lecture" us about why Donald is good for the economy and why capitalists sometimes sacrifice public good for private profit. Not when there are so many believing that mergers will create jobs when that's never been true since corporate greed (mergers and acquisitions, et al) took off under Reagan.
Fabulous balance sheets help the titans of industry and shareholders--not the little guy.
How do you think Trump got elected? He's threw red meat bait to the jobless that only he, successful tycoon, could stop corporations from harming the little guy. It sounded good then and it still sounds god now. But did you even read this article?
When has monopoly business power ever helped consumers? Unfettered capitalism created the very conditions that drive voters to Trump.
You, Richard, aren't the typical Trump voter. You sit there in a plush NJ home vcounting your corporate dividend checks. Of course you cheer crony capitalism that makes you richer. But please don't try to "lecture" us about why Donald is good for the economy and why capitalists sometimes sacrifice public good for private profit. Not when there are so many believing that mergers will create jobs when that's never been true since corporate greed (mergers and acquisitions, et al) took off under Reagan.
Fabulous balance sheets help the titans of industry and shareholders--not the little guy.
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Christine:
Thank you for making my point. Where "monopoly power" enters into this discussion is beyond me; and "fabulous balance sheets", properly countered by the back-scratching that has gone on since well before this republic was founded, has lifted ALL boats.
Thank you for making my point. Where "monopoly power" enters into this discussion is beyond me; and "fabulous balance sheets", properly countered by the back-scratching that has gone on since well before this republic was founded, has lifted ALL boats.
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Richard: what point? Capitalism used to provide benefits for many. But somewhere along the way, during the 80s, the focus was on profit to the exclusion of the many. I don't need to tell you these things: you are a smart man who has blissfully bought into the new corporate contract: all the spoils go to the top, workers arexexpendsble, business efficiencies led to widespread job loss, CEOs off shored profits. Graf Crystal outlined the rising multiples of CEO compensation to worker pay, currently around multiples of 350 to 400 times.
We already have oligarchy: 400 families own 90% of the wealth of this country. We are a nation of serfs ruled by billionaires. Capitalism lost its was long ago. Lift all boats indeed--that's no longer true and you know it.
We already have oligarchy: 400 families own 90% of the wealth of this country. We are a nation of serfs ruled by billionaires. Capitalism lost its was long ago. Lift all boats indeed--that's no longer true and you know it.
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Driven primarily by the profit motive the corporate business has always gamed the system, specially when the system and its regulatory mechanism having lost their social perspective and sensitivity to common good have instead allowed themselves to be subject to the corporate machinations and maneuverings simply to survive and benefitted accordingly. The crony capitalism with its ugly manifestations would continue to bedevil and rob society of its due until the systemic bluff is called and countered through available democratic means. This seems difficult for the moment, given the success of the Trumpian phenomenon and its seductive impact on the American society.
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Professor:
The "profit motive" has been the impelling force dragging more people out of abject poverty than any other influence in history, most assuredly including in your own India.
As just one example, former Exxon chief Lee Raymond, 20 years ago, predicted that poor countries would and should choose economic growth over suppressing fossil fuel use. They did, and some one billion fewer people today are living in extreme poverty (as defined by the World Bank).
I have absolutely no hesitation facing the world's poor and defending the profit motive to them. You should hesitate profoundly in facing the same hosts and seeking to defend YOUR worldview.
The "profit motive" has been the impelling force dragging more people out of abject poverty than any other influence in history, most assuredly including in your own India.
As just one example, former Exxon chief Lee Raymond, 20 years ago, predicted that poor countries would and should choose economic growth over suppressing fossil fuel use. They did, and some one billion fewer people today are living in extreme poverty (as defined by the World Bank).
I have absolutely no hesitation facing the world's poor and defending the profit motive to them. You should hesitate profoundly in facing the same hosts and seeking to defend YOUR worldview.
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I have no problem with profit motives, as long as all costs are assigned and deducted from revenues. Aside from direct and operating costs that involve invoices and remittances, there are costs related to the environment and social dislocation, to name a prominent pair, that businesses somehow need to pay for. That's where government plays a role. On their own, businesses will ignore those costs and retain unjustified profit.
In the examples, cited in the editorial, there are certainly social dislocations. With weak government oversight, the result will be a sellout of working people. Carrying the analysis a little further, reducing safety nets and health service access will increase early mortality in dislocated populations, with commensurate cost decreases across society.
While I'm not accusing anybody (yet) of a master plan, the incremental components are open for all to see.
In the examples, cited in the editorial, there are certainly social dislocations. With weak government oversight, the result will be a sellout of working people. Carrying the analysis a little further, reducing safety nets and health service access will increase early mortality in dislocated populations, with commensurate cost decreases across society.
While I'm not accusing anybody (yet) of a master plan, the incremental components are open for all to see.
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Surely even you can admit that the "profit motive" should be tempered with some degree of responsibility towards society. After all, the profit motive has not only brought people out of abject poverty, it has also brought disease and death when profit is the only thing that is considered. GM decided that profit was more important than people's well-being and lives when it chose not to fix their ignition problem. Some factories in China are not considering their worker's physical and mental health as they worry more about profit. A building collapsed in Bangladesh because corporate owners were more worried about profit than in their workers' lives. Examples can go on and on. Profit must be considered alongside responsibility towards the consumer, employees, and the community at large.
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