The Brian Lehrer Show Robert Reich's Critique of Fellow Boomers
Aug 5, 2025
Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor and author known for his insights on economic policy, delves into his view that the baby boomer generation has 'come up short.' He shares personal experiences with childhood bullying, linking them to wider issues of economic inequality. Reich critiques the corporate profit-driven ideology while advocating for social responsibility within businesses. He also examines the impacts of NAFTA and discusses the need for accurate economic data, especially under politically charged circumstances.
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Reich's Bullying Impact Story
- Robert Reich was bullied as a short boy and felt powerless and humiliated.
- This experience shaped his lifelong awareness of bullying in society, from personal to systemic levels.
Powell Memo Changed Business Role
- The 1971 Powell memo urged corporations to gain political power to counteract activists and unions.
- This shift led to growing inequality and dissolution of the post-WWII social compact in the late 1970s.
Manufacturing Jobs Lost to China and Tech
- The loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs was mainly due to China joining the WTO and technological advancements.
- Trade deals like NAFTA played a smaller role, and union decline reduced job quality.
