DanFeb 20, 2023
Robert Reich

The typical CEO of a company listed on the S&P 500 earned $18.8 million last year — up roughly 21% from 2021.

Meanwhile, people working full-time minimum wage jobs can’t afford a two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the United States.

Folks, this is what oligarchy looks like.

Feb 19, 2023 at 11:42pmWeb
Show threadKJBFeb 19, 2023
@rbreich
I would find it hard to believe they could EARN those amounts
reward themselves with - yes but earn
Show threadEric LawtonFeb 20, 2023

@kevinJB

@rbreich

Exactly. And they're not "worth" millions.

Their "net worth" to humanity is probably negative.

#WordsMatter

Show threadGlenda SmithFeb 19, 2023
@rbreich Shameful!
Show threadLewisFeb 19, 2023
@rbreich The social contract is broken. The rich want modern debt slavery for everyone.
Show threadBouriquetFeb 20, 2023
@rbreich Those millions are not “earned”. Created from unfair profits made ripping off workers to give to stockholders and CEOs. That’s extortion.
Capitalism run amok.
Show threadJasmineFeb 20, 2023

@bouriquet @rbreich

*Capitalism.

Show threadBenderIsGreat34Feb 20, 2023
@rbreich Americans will accept this and anything else thrown at them so long as it’s wrapped in a flag and the word “freedom” is bandied about.
Show threadJames GlueckFeb 20, 2023
@rbreich tax #billionaires to oblivion
Show threadgavinisdie Feb 20, 2023
@rbreich honestly with all this shit going on for the last few years, supeised I haven't seen "Hoovervilles"
Show threadFlorrieFeb 20, 2023
@gavinisdie @rbreich I think these days they're just called homeless encampments.
Show threadUHitMeInTheEarFeb 20, 2023
@rbreich but don’t eat the rich, that would solve a problem. We could tax them to solve the problem but they would rather be dead than middle class.
Show threadDoctor of ElectricityFeb 20, 2023

@rbreich

What amazes is me is that the proletariat (former middle class) seems willing to put up with anything. Is there any point at which we'd start a revolution, or can they just keep screwing us forever?

Show threadHerefordrobFeb 20, 2023
@rbreich "We hold their capital hostage in our unpaid debt..." - #WeThePeople can end wage/debt slavery. working 2 create/develop #Unity #Justice #Equality.
The elite are hanging on by their fingernails. True freedom is waking/standing up together we are not commodities we are the majority.
Show threadTheBarefootSage ☑️Feb 20, 2023
@rbreich A two bedroom? No one can even afford a "microapartment" in my city with that wage.
Show threadBuy nothing newFeb 20, 2023
@rbreich There is some sort of guideline for an economically and social best level of difference between the top and bottom levels
Show threadBlippy the Wonder Slug (MOVED)Feb 20, 2023
@rbreich
Eat the rich.
#EatTheRich
Show threadAndrew WebsterFeb 20, 2023
@rbreich Much the same in the UK
Show threadRickFeb 20, 2023
@rbreich "Whether it is the unwillingness of Congress to reauthorize the assault weapons ban, or the inability of the same to allow for the negotiation of prescription drug prices by Medicare (both popular with a majority of Americans), we have to arrive at the obvious conclusion that America is no longer either a democratic republic or a constitutional democracy, but, rather an oligarchy of multinational corporations, like pharmaceutical companies, and...https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/letters/ct-congress-supreme-court-nra-medicare-20180316-story.html
Is America an oligarchy?

We are in danger have of our government controlled by corporations and lobbying groups.

Chicago Tribune
Show threadJacobsen1974Feb 20, 2023
@rbreich isn't that what they call the American dream?
Show threadJoeyFeb 20, 2023
@rbreich Why are two full grown adults taking minimum wage jobs in the first place?
Show threadDeanBaker13Feb 20, 2023
@rbreich yeah, and if corporate boards did their jobs, CEOs would not be making $18.8 million https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/smj.3320 Can we start talking about how to change things instead of just whining because they are bad?
Show threadBeanieFeb 20, 2023
@rbreich
My job pays well over minimum wage and I can’t afford a two-bedroom apartment either. 🤷‍♀️
Show threadBioteachFeb 20, 2023
@rbreich agree.
Housing costs are ridiculous even in backwater places. Rent is sky high and builders often won't build small houses. Not enough profit.
Show threadMarshal GrouchyFeb 20, 2023

@rbreich 'Stocks traded, total value (current US$) in United States was reported at 23192148690000 USD in 2019, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources.

That's almost 232 trillion! So if stock trading was taxed at the meager rate of 1% that would bring in revenue of 232 billion per year!

Show threadTQdemocratFeb 21, 2023
@rbreich we need a revolution in the US.
Show threadsteve9936Feb 20, 2023
@rbreich
Show threadsteve9936Feb 20, 2023
@rbreich
Show threadsteve9936Feb 20, 2023
@rbreich
The worst of it is that these billionaires seldom donate any of money to benefit the needy, they use it to amass billions more. These people have a serious addiction to money. They are hoarders and never get enough. As far as I know this is the only addiction that isn't condemned by society.
Show threadAviva GarySep 3, 2023
@rbreich indeed