Sat Jul 26 11:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewrite as a news article:
**Summary:**
Robert Reich, former Labor Secretary and inequality expert, reflects on his career, his upcoming memoir “Coming Up Short,” and the state of American democracy in a recent interview. He argues that increasing inequality, fueled by the neglect of his generation and the rise of economic “bullies,” has eroded social trust and created an environment ripe for demagogues like Donald Trump. Reich criticizes Democrats for sometimes being complicit in the problem by accepting corporate money and failing to authentically connect with struggling working-class Americans. While acknowledging figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Zohran Mamdani as potential leaders, he worries that the progressive movement is too focused on educated, urban elites. Despite teaching for 40 years, he states he’s always prioritized teaching the students, not giving them his opinions. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming the cultural snobbery in society.
**News Article:**
**Robert Reich Warns of ‘Culture of Brutality’ and Generational Failure in New Memoir**
**New York, NY** – In a wide-ranging interview, former Labor Secretary Robert Reich discusses the state of American democracy and the themes explored in his upcoming memoir, “Coming Up Short.” Reich, a longtime advocate for addressing economic inequality, argues that decades of neglect by his generation have led to a “culture of brutality” where economic “bullies” thrive.
Reich contends that rising inequality, fueled by unchecked corporate power and political corruption, has eroded social trust and paved the way for divisive figures like Donald Trump. “Trump is the consequence, not the cause, of what we are now experiencing,” Reich stated, adding that he sees the rise of Trump as “the culmination of at least 50 years of a certain kind of neglect.”
While acknowledging the potential of progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Zohran Mamdani, Reich expressed concern that the Democratic Party is too divided and often disconnected from the working class due to its reliance on corporate funding. He argues that Democrats must authentically address the root causes of economic insecurity, rather than simply adopting an “eat the rich” philosophy. Reich also emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and challenging ideological consensus. He noted that he used to engage in friendly debates with Alan Simpson, a former senator from Wyoming, despite their different viewpoints.
First Piper 