Robert Reiner
@waylon18.bsky.social
Retired criminology professor. Democratic Socialist.Written on political economy of crime, criminal justice and policing 1970s until severe COVID 2021. Last book Social Democratic Criminology. Love old mysteries, Westerns, country music, music 1930-70
Pinned
jonn.substack.com/p/no-prime-m...
This shows Starmer’s lack of understanding of our political and moral economy as deeply structural and rooted in capitalism itself, especially in its post Thatcher vulture version
This shows Starmer’s lack of understanding of our political and moral economy as deeply structural and rooted in capitalism itself, especially in its post Thatcher vulture version
No, Prime Minister, Things Weren’t Fine Before
Also this week: some notes on an evil death monkey; and the interactive map of the Roman Empire you’ve always dreamed of.
jonn.substack.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:05 PM
jonn.substack.com/p/no-prime-m...
This shows Starmer’s lack of understanding of our political and moral economy as deeply structural and rooted in capitalism itself, especially in its post Thatcher vulture version
This shows Starmer’s lack of understanding of our political and moral economy as deeply structural and rooted in capitalism itself, especially in its post Thatcher vulture version
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This makes clear that MAGA aims to MEGA - Make Europe Great Again - by destroying not just social but liberal democracy. The Great Debasement! Turning mainstream Judaeo Christian and humanist ethics upside down. The money changers shall inherit the earth
This makes clear that MAGA aims to MEGA - Make Europe Great Again - by destroying not just social but liberal democracy. The Great Debasement! Turning mainstream Judaeo Christian and humanist ethics upside down. The money changers shall inherit the earth
The US is not just Europe’s unwilling ally, but an adversary steeped in far-right ideology | Cas Mudde
Don’t say you weren’t warned: Trump’s new national security strategy seeks to destroy liberal democracy as we know it, says academic and author Cas Mudde
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:40 PM
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This makes clear that MAGA aims to MEGA - Make Europe Great Again - by destroying not just social but liberal democracy. The Great Debasement! Turning mainstream Judaeo Christian and humanist ethics upside down. The money changers shall inherit the earth
This makes clear that MAGA aims to MEGA - Make Europe Great Again - by destroying not just social but liberal democracy. The Great Debasement! Turning mainstream Judaeo Christian and humanist ethics upside down. The money changers shall inherit the earth
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
NHS staff and trainees are best of the best. But they and patients let down by worsening conditions. As with other public services for many years resources have been siphoned up by the ultra wealthy’s orgy of greed
NHS staff and trainees are best of the best. But they and patients let down by worsening conditions. As with other public services for many years resources have been siphoned up by the ultra wealthy’s orgy of greed
Interviewing future medical students gave me that rare thing: hope for the NHS | Devi Sridhar
They face long hours, mediocre pay and, at worst, no job, but their optimism is astonishing – let’s support them better, says Prof Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edin...
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
NHS staff and trainees are best of the best. But they and patients let down by worsening conditions. As with other public services for many years resources have been siphoned up by the ultra wealthy’s orgy of greed
NHS staff and trainees are best of the best. But they and patients let down by worsening conditions. As with other public services for many years resources have been siphoned up by the ultra wealthy’s orgy of greed
www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...
The basis of all our problems is massively multiplying inequality. This should be the main headline 24/7 not rancid racist rants and benefit street lies. Won’t be as media dominated by the minuscule minority of obscenity wealthy. Life chances of world at stake
The basis of all our problems is massively multiplying inequality. This should be the main headline 24/7 not rancid racist rants and benefit street lies. Won’t be as media dominated by the minuscule minority of obscenity wealthy. Life chances of world at stake
Just 0.001% hold three times the wealth of poorest half of humanity, report finds
Data from World Inequality Report also showed top 10% of income-earners earn more than the other 90%
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:15 PM
www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...
The basis of all our problems is massively multiplying inequality. This should be the main headline 24/7 not rancid racist rants and benefit street lies. Won’t be as media dominated by the minuscule minority of obscenity wealthy. Life chances of world at stake
The basis of all our problems is massively multiplying inequality. This should be the main headline 24/7 not rancid racist rants and benefit street lies. Won’t be as media dominated by the minuscule minority of obscenity wealthy. Life chances of world at stake
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Structure of police forces‘irrational’ in that it’s a historical hodge podge that would never have been created ab initio . Doesn’t follow that restructuring is a major necessity. Problems from contradictions of policing for universal welfare and class hierarchy
Structure of police forces‘irrational’ in that it’s a historical hodge podge that would never have been created ab initio . Doesn’t follow that restructuring is a major necessity. Problems from contradictions of policing for universal welfare and class hierarchy
Biggest reforms to policing since the 1960s ‘being threatened by lack of money’
Home secretary’s plans for a radical reshaping of policing in England and Wales could be delayed due to lack of funds
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:40 PM
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Structure of police forces‘irrational’ in that it’s a historical hodge podge that would never have been created ab initio . Doesn’t follow that restructuring is a major necessity. Problems from contradictions of policing for universal welfare and class hierarchy
Structure of police forces‘irrational’ in that it’s a historical hodge podge that would never have been created ab initio . Doesn’t follow that restructuring is a major necessity. Problems from contradictions of policing for universal welfare and class hierarchy
www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2025/12...
Salutary rap on knuckles to those many commentators who show what’s wrong but not what is to be done. With persuasive checklist of solutions. But why should the powerful who would lose out stop protecting themselves with their media smokescreens?
Salutary rap on knuckles to those many commentators who show what’s wrong but not what is to be done. With persuasive checklist of solutions. But why should the powerful who would lose out stop protecting themselves with their media smokescreens?
Where’s the plan?
Too many campaigners talk about what’s wrong, but never explain what must change or how it could happen.
Real campaigning means finding solutions: identifying causes, proposing reforms, and then doing...
www.taxresearch.org.uk
December 9, 2025 at 10:29 PM
www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2025/12...
Salutary rap on knuckles to those many commentators who show what’s wrong but not what is to be done. With persuasive checklist of solutions. But why should the powerful who would lose out stop protecting themselves with their media smokescreens?
Salutary rap on knuckles to those many commentators who show what’s wrong but not what is to be done. With persuasive checklist of solutions. But why should the powerful who would lose out stop protecting themselves with their media smokescreens?
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
If you have a heart, a brain, compassion, conscience, care about core Judaeo-Christian values beware. The MAGA juggernaut is threatening your annihilation in the name of the Western civilisation it is corrupting
If you have a heart, a brain, compassion, conscience, care about core Judaeo-Christian values beware. The MAGA juggernaut is threatening your annihilation in the name of the Western civilisation it is corrupting
New Trump doctrine identifies ‘weak’ Europe’s problem: not enough racism
A new US national security strategy represents one of the most profound crises for the Atlantic alliance since 1945
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:58 PM
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
If you have a heart, a brain, compassion, conscience, care about core Judaeo-Christian values beware. The MAGA juggernaut is threatening your annihilation in the name of the Western civilisation it is corrupting
If you have a heart, a brain, compassion, conscience, care about core Judaeo-Christian values beware. The MAGA juggernaut is threatening your annihilation in the name of the Western civilisation it is corrupting
Reposted by Robert Reiner
Tonight, UK peers debate Clause 104 of the Crime & Policing Bill.
Together with #VAWG sector colleagues, @filiahaguemums.bsky.social are calling for 104 to be removed in its entirety.
🔗 www.hague-mothers.org.uk/2025/12/08/n...
#NoClause104 #16Days #16DaysofActivism
Together with #VAWG sector colleagues, @filiahaguemums.bsky.social are calling for 104 to be removed in its entirety.
🔗 www.hague-mothers.org.uk/2025/12/08/n...
#NoClause104 #16Days #16DaysofActivism
December 9, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Tonight, UK peers debate Clause 104 of the Crime & Policing Bill.
Together with #VAWG sector colleagues, @filiahaguemums.bsky.social are calling for 104 to be removed in its entirety.
🔗 www.hague-mothers.org.uk/2025/12/08/n...
#NoClause104 #16Days #16DaysofActivism
Together with #VAWG sector colleagues, @filiahaguemums.bsky.social are calling for 104 to be removed in its entirety.
🔗 www.hague-mothers.org.uk/2025/12/08/n...
#NoClause104 #16Days #16DaysofActivism
Reposted by Robert Reiner
Has the British public been tricked about what the Filton trial videos really show?
open.substack.com/pub/jonathan...
open.substack.com/pub/jonathan...
Has the British public been tricked about what the Filton trial videos really show?
Starmer desperately needs the trial of six peace activists who targeted Israeli arms firm Elbit to go his way, and bolster his government's claim that Palestine Action is a terrorist organisation
open.substack.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Has the British public been tricked about what the Filton trial videos really show?
open.substack.com/pub/jonathan...
open.substack.com/pub/jonathan...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Acute analysis of how the promotion of social democratic values against right wing assaults faces network of Catch 22s. Concentrate on bread and butter issues and they go for appealing abstract slogans. Go for stirring principles and seem out of touch and woke.
Acute analysis of how the promotion of social democratic values against right wing assaults faces network of Catch 22s. Concentrate on bread and butter issues and they go for appealing abstract slogans. Go for stirring principles and seem out of touch and woke.
Trump has declared civilisational war on Europe. It won’t be easy – but here’s how to fight back | Paul Taylor
With democratic values under attack from populists within and former allies without, there are no simple solutions, says Paul Taylor of the European Policy Centre
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:15 PM
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Acute analysis of how the promotion of social democratic values against right wing assaults faces network of Catch 22s. Concentrate on bread and butter issues and they go for appealing abstract slogans. Go for stirring principles and seem out of touch and woke.
Acute analysis of how the promotion of social democratic values against right wing assaults faces network of Catch 22s. Concentrate on bread and butter issues and they go for appealing abstract slogans. Go for stirring principles and seem out of touch and woke.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Spot on analysis and policy proposals by the great economist Joseph Stiglitz. The poor getting poorer, the middle stagnating whilst the mega rich soar away. No moral or pragmatic justification. Must fundamentally restructure political economy globally.
Spot on analysis and policy proposals by the great economist Joseph Stiglitz. The poor getting poorer, the middle stagnating whilst the mega rich soar away. No moral or pragmatic justification. Must fundamentally restructure political economy globally.
The Guardian view on the inequality emergency: why a Nobel prize winner’s warning must be heeded | Editorial
Editorial: Rising economic division is destabilising nations and eroding accountability. Joseph Stiglitz’s G20 blueprint offers a way toward global economic renewal
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:07 PM
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Spot on analysis and policy proposals by the great economist Joseph Stiglitz. The poor getting poorer, the middle stagnating whilst the mega rich soar away. No moral or pragmatic justification. Must fundamentally restructure political economy globally.
Spot on analysis and policy proposals by the great economist Joseph Stiglitz. The poor getting poorer, the middle stagnating whilst the mega rich soar away. No moral or pragmatic justification. Must fundamentally restructure political economy globally.
Reposted by Robert Reiner
No good deed, thanks to the vicious propaganda campaigns of the billionaire media, now goes unpunished.
They hate it when anyone tries to make life better for vulnerable people.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
They hate it when anyone tries to make life better for vulnerable people.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
UK charities face ‘culture of fear’ as threats and violence surge
Exclusive: Charity Commission chief condemns public hostility towards staff helping women and refugees and at places of worship
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:57 AM
No good deed, thanks to the vicious propaganda campaigns of the billionaire media, now goes unpunished.
They hate it when anyone tries to make life better for vulnerable people.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
They hate it when anyone tries to make life better for vulnerable people.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
edition.independent.co.uk/edition/uk.c...
Trump’s business thrives on bullying weaker democratic allies and cosying up to brutal dictators. What happened to truth, justice and the American way? Superman stuck in his telephone box
Trump’s business thrives on bullying weaker democratic allies and cosying up to brutal dictators. What happened to truth, justice and the American way? Superman stuck in his telephone box
Trump is cashing in on his allies while he still has time
edition.independent.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 12:37 PM
edition.independent.co.uk/edition/uk.c...
Trump’s business thrives on bullying weaker democratic allies and cosying up to brutal dictators. What happened to truth, justice and the American way? Superman stuck in his telephone box
Trump’s business thrives on bullying weaker democratic allies and cosying up to brutal dictators. What happened to truth, justice and the American way? Superman stuck in his telephone box
Reposted by Robert Reiner
Disabled people driving luxury cars on your dime? Just the latest rightwing lie peddled by Labour.
Govts stigmatize people claiming benefits as scroungers, claim fraud is rife.
Silence on corporate welfare, tax abuse by corporations/rich. HMRC failed to collect over £500bn tax since 2010.
Govts stigmatize people claiming benefits as scroungers, claim fraud is rife.
Silence on corporate welfare, tax abuse by corporations/rich. HMRC failed to collect over £500bn tax since 2010.
Disabled people driving luxury cars on your dime? Just the latest rightwing lie peddled by Labour | Frances Ryan
Starmer’s ailing government is happy to pursue ideas like cutting Motability, but all ministers will do is damage lives and themselves, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Disabled people driving luxury cars on your dime? Just the latest rightwing lie peddled by Labour.
Govts stigmatize people claiming benefits as scroungers, claim fraud is rife.
Silence on corporate welfare, tax abuse by corporations/rich. HMRC failed to collect over £500bn tax since 2010.
Govts stigmatize people claiming benefits as scroungers, claim fraud is rife.
Silence on corporate welfare, tax abuse by corporations/rich. HMRC failed to collect over £500bn tax since 2010.
Reposted by Robert Reiner
If poor people knew how rich rich people are,” Chris Rock once quipped, “there would be riots in the streets”
So, I wonder, what would average taxpayers do if they knew they’re currently paying income tax at triple the rate our richest megabillionaires are paying?
So, I wonder, what would average taxpayers do if they knew they’re currently paying income tax at triple the rate our richest megabillionaires are paying?
Be Outraged: Your True Income Tax Rate May be Triple the Rate the Richest Billionaires Pay
“If poor people knew how rich rich people are,” Chris Rock once quipped, “there would be riots in the streets.” So, I wonder, what would average taxpayers
www.counterpunch.org
December 9, 2025 at 11:11 AM
If poor people knew how rich rich people are,” Chris Rock once quipped, “there would be riots in the streets”
So, I wonder, what would average taxpayers do if they knew they’re currently paying income tax at triple the rate our richest megabillionaires are paying?
So, I wonder, what would average taxpayers do if they knew they’re currently paying income tax at triple the rate our richest megabillionaires are paying?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The cruelty of our still Thatcherite culture is shown by the attacks on Motability, the latest front in the war on welfare. The only beneficiaries are the super rich, whose media blame the vulnerable for the majority’s insecurity as wealth streams upwards
The cruelty of our still Thatcherite culture is shown by the attacks on Motability, the latest front in the war on welfare. The only beneficiaries are the super rich, whose media blame the vulnerable for the majority’s insecurity as wealth streams upwards
Disabled people driving luxury cars on your dime? Just the latest rightwing lie peddled by Labour | Frances Ryan
Starmer’s ailing government is happy to pursue ideas like cutting Motability, but all ministers will do is damage lives and themselves, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:21 PM
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The cruelty of our still Thatcherite culture is shown by the attacks on Motability, the latest front in the war on welfare. The only beneficiaries are the super rich, whose media blame the vulnerable for the majority’s insecurity as wealth streams upwards
The cruelty of our still Thatcherite culture is shown by the attacks on Motability, the latest front in the war on welfare. The only beneficiaries are the super rich, whose media blame the vulnerable for the majority’s insecurity as wealth streams upwards
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Punchy demonstration of the cruelty of austerity policies pursued over last fifteen years. Nearly half a million excess deaths, or as Engels put it bluntly social murder. The only gainers are the ultra wealthy oligarchs.
Punchy demonstration of the cruelty of austerity policies pursued over last fifteen years. Nearly half a million excess deaths, or as Engels put it bluntly social murder. The only gainers are the ultra wealthy oligarchs.
Austerity is in the air again – from ‘overdiagnosis’ to the benefits bill. Here is what's at stake | Zoe Williams
A mindblowing new show reveals the human cost when the political system turns against the people, putting stories and faces to the hundreds of thousands of citizens thought to have died due to austeri...
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:11 PM
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Punchy demonstration of the cruelty of austerity policies pursued over last fifteen years. Nearly half a million excess deaths, or as Engels put it bluntly social murder. The only gainers are the ultra wealthy oligarchs.
Punchy demonstration of the cruelty of austerity policies pursued over last fifteen years. Nearly half a million excess deaths, or as Engels put it bluntly social murder. The only gainers are the ultra wealthy oligarchs.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Emergency’Dirty Harry’ moments should not be the only perspective on the ethics of war
Emergency’Dirty Harry’ moments should not be the only perspective on the ethics of war
Does Pete Hegseth even believe that war crimes exist? | Sidney Blumenthal
The US defense secretary’s belief that the military should not be held to account has been a defining factor in his career
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 12:27 PM
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Emergency’Dirty Harry’ moments should not be the only perspective on the ethics of war
Emergency’Dirty Harry’ moments should not be the only perspective on the ethics of war
edition.independent.co.uk/edition/uk.c...
If government wants to save money and human misery by cutting counter productive imprisonment it can’t be done on the cheap. In first place must boost probation expenditure. And then on getting tough on causes of crime
If government wants to save money and human misery by cutting counter productive imprisonment it can’t be done on the cheap. In first place must boost probation expenditure. And then on getting tough on causes of crime
Risk of the ailing Probation Service being ‘set up to fail’
edition.independent.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 12:15 PM
edition.independent.co.uk/edition/uk.c...
If government wants to save money and human misery by cutting counter productive imprisonment it can’t be done on the cheap. In first place must boost probation expenditure. And then on getting tough on causes of crime
If government wants to save money and human misery by cutting counter productive imprisonment it can’t be done on the cheap. In first place must boost probation expenditure. And then on getting tough on causes of crime
www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/soteria-show...
Glimmer of hope for wicked problem of sexual offences against women
Glimmer of hope for wicked problem of sexual offences against women
Soteria shows early promise in transforming rape investigations | End Violence Against Women
The police inspectorate has today (22nd August 2024) published its report on progress in delivering a new model for investigating rape and serious sexual offences, known as Operation Soteria. Operatio...
www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk
December 8, 2025 at 11:50 AM
www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/soteria-show...
Glimmer of hope for wicked problem of sexual offences against women
Glimmer of hope for wicked problem of sexual offences against women
open.substack.com/pub/jujuliag...
Important call to arms for left
Important call to arms for left
Is arrogance holding back the left?
Call To Action
open.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 6:04 PM
open.substack.com/pub/jujuliag...
Important call to arms for left
Important call to arms for left
jacobin.com/2025/12/beck...
Panoramic view of history of capitalism
Panoramic view of history of capitalism
Sven Beckert’s Chronicle of Capitalism’s Long Rise
Capitalism is a global economic system, so a proper chronicle of its rise to dominance has to examine the entire world, as historian Sven Beckert does in his massive new book, Capitalism: A Global His...
jacobin.com
December 7, 2025 at 3:49 PM
jacobin.com/2025/12/beck...
Panoramic view of history of capitalism
Panoramic view of history of capitalism