Robert Reich
39 mins · Richmond, CA ·
Last Friday, a federal appeals court rules that billionaire Carl Icahn, who now controls the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, doesn’t have to honor the labor agreement the casino has with its workers.
That’s how bankruptcy now works -- courtesy of legal changes in the federal bankruptcy code favoring big investors like Icahn and Donald Trump (who, when the casino he founded filed for bankruptcy, gleefully praised himself for his “great timing” in selling most of his investment beforehand).
But if you’re a worker, you’re screwed. And if you’re a homeowner who can’t make your mortgage payments (say, because you lost your job or wages at the Trump Taj Mahal), the current bankruptcy law doesn’t allow you to reorganize your mortgage debt. And if you’re a college graduate who can’t make payments on your student loan (say, because you lost your job or wages at the casino), the bankruptcy law doesn’t allow you to reorganize your student debt.
Why? Because Icahn, Trump, the big banks, mortgagors, and major student loan creditors have had the political power to get the bankruptcy law they want. Workers, mortgagees, and student debtors have not.
That’s what this election is all about: Getting the power back.
@edgarblythe,
I know a woman who was a card dealer at our much loathed new casino 'Maryland Live', she makes $6 an hour and the casino trusts winers will tip big. Last year, she broke her hip at the casino when she slipped on a wet floor, so she can't work. Almost anywhere else, the company would cover her medical and other expenses. Anybody want to guess how the casino is taking care of her?
@edgarblythe,
Quote:Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Warren won't be endorsing Clinton.
The Boston Globe and the Mayor of Boston, Martin Walsh have both endorsed Clinton . So....cares about Warren, anyway?
@glitterbag,
They probably put her in a cab to drop her off at the charity hospital.
@edgarblythe,
edgarblythe wrote:
They probably put her in a cab to drop her off at the charity hospital.
They did call 911, and then the County billed her $500 for the ambulance ride.
@glitterbag,
I just realized that if they called her a cab it would have cost her a lot less, dang!
@edgarblythe,
Bernie is so damn sexy. I never thought I'd (and millions of progressives would) find the ******* truth so alluring.
He doesn't care who is dirty. He calls it.
<3
I'm sending more money tonight just because of this.
@Lash,
I think he is a nice guy, though mostly because of his relatively straight talk (compared to other candidates), his Brooklyn accent and the wry, irony he projects. If I thought he REALLY believed all that stuff could actually be enacted, or would really work, then I might change my mind.
@georgeob1,
Most of the time, they talk about what they're going to do, then learn it's not that easy to keep promises.
@cicerone imposter,
I agree with you and George. That's what makes him more acceptable than the others. I realize 'acceptable' is not the glowing endorsement Lash is looking for.
The main thing in Bernie's favor, for me, is, he was saying this long before he decided to run. And I had been thinking along the same lines, since the early '70s.
@roger,
(LOL) Man, I'm on my own trip. I don't expect anyone else to see things the way I do. I'm thrilled when it happens.
If you just believe, based on what you've seen, that he's a pretty honest guy, I can smile about that.
I love that you've been pretty open-minded. THAT is gratifying. It increases my respect.
@Lash,
I think he's honest and I honestly like him. Frankly, given what Trump says, I'm hoping he's lying in his teeth.
I now see that Trump isn't planning to participate in the preIowa debate. He's scared of women, which is reasonable but not especially admirable.
ETA: I have to say I would probably have has some enthusiasm had Biden decided to run.
@roger,
I like Biden, but prefer Sanders.
One thing I have been pondering tonight: All the incremental changes backed by Hillary supporter: I ask them to think back to the way this country was before Bill Clinton got elected, compared with the way it is now. How did the incremental stuff work out for you?
@roger,
I've always liked Bernie, and I thought he did very well last night. I think I know what you mean by 'acceptable' and it's really not faint praise, because those who do support Bernie think he can actually do the job. We have to stop looking for pretty boys, or drinking buddies or regular joe's because the guys who pretend to be regular joe's usually aren't. So Bernie has a different style, he's not GQ, but he is very bright, he says what he means and he fights for the things he believes in. All f that is fine by me, if he wins the election I will feel comfortable.
And as much as I hate to add a 'but', I don't know if those who like Trump's 'refreshing arrogance' or Cruz's creepy obsequious manner will accept him. I'm thinking Hillary will probably get the nomination but I don't know if she can bring it home. We will see, and the election is still around 10 months out.
I can't accept that a Trump or Cruz can be elected, but I said the same thing about GW Bush.
I feel that there is a small window of opportunity here, represented by Sanders. In eight years, the oligarchy in my opinion will be consolidated and unshakable.
@edgarblythe,
I didn't think George 43 had a prayer. I was wrong.
@edgarblythe,
edgarblythe wrote:
I feel that there is a small window of opportunity here, represented by Sanders. In eight years, the oligarchy in my opinion will be consolidated and unshakable.
Good point. My hope was that Clinton would, over the next 8 years, appoint enough judges to allow us to change campaign finance laws in a way that would make runs be people like Sanders more realistic. Perhaps that was far-fetched.
