Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff: "Build and Fight: The Resistance Forms"

Release Date: March 18, 2025

In the latest episode of "Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff," host Richard D. Wolff delves into pressing economic and political issues shaping the United States and the world. Titled "Build and Fight: The Resistance Forms," the episode explores the implications of global population decline, scrutinizes former President Trump's strategic interests in Greenland, and highlights the burgeoning resistance against the Trump administration's policies. A significant portion of the episode features an insightful interview with David Cobb, a key organizer in the resistance movement.

Global Population Decline

Richard Wolff opens the discussion by addressing the alarming trend of global population decline. He explains that many countries, including the United States and Japan, are experiencing lower birth rates, leading to a shrinking workforce and an aging population. This demographic shift poses significant economic challenges, particularly for employers who face a dwindling pool of potential employees.

Wolff notes, “Employers are beginning to get upset because they understand that the pool of employees they can approach to hire is shrinking” (04:35). He ties this demographic issue to the capitalist system, arguing that low wages and high living costs are dissuading the working class from having children. This, in turn, undermines the very foundations of capitalism, which relies on a steady influx of new workers.

Trump's Interests in Greenland

Transitioning to geopolitical concerns, Wolff critiques former President Trump's interest in Greenland. Initially joking about Trump's plans to build a golf course in Greenland, Wolff acknowledges a viewer's correction, suggesting that the real motive might be the extraction of natural resources such as oil and gold hidden beneath Greenland's icy surface (09:10).

He emphasizes the colonial implications of Trump's actions, comparing them to historical powers that sought to exploit territories for their resources. Wolff warns, “If the United States is on the way to doing that again, it will also reap the whirlwind when anti-colonialism designates the United States as the new colonial aspiring power” (10:15).

Federal Employee Firings and Economic Resistance

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Trump administration's campaign to reduce the number of federal employees. Wolff critiques the administration's strategy, highlighting the inefficacy of such measures in addressing the nation's economic problems. He states, “Firing them does not solve the economic problems of the United States” (13:20), pointing out that the number of federal employees has remained relatively stable despite significant population growth.

Wolff argues that targeting federal employees serves as a political scapegoat, replacing blame for economic issues with unfounded claims about immigration. He underscores the resilience of federal workers, noting that unlike immigrants, they cannot be expelled and will seek employment in the private sector, thereby increasing competition and potentially driving down wages.

Interview with David Cobb: Organizing the Resistance

Introducing David Cobb

In the second half of the episode, Wolff interviews David Cobb, a prominent organizer in the resistance against the Trump administration. Cobb brings a wealth of experience as a people's lawyer, nonviolent revolutionary, and advocate for systemic change.

Building and Fighting: The Dual Strategy

Cobb outlines his dual approach of "build and fight," emphasizing the creation of autonomous cooperative institutions alongside organized resistance against oppressive systems. He explains, “We are describing our work as build and fight. So it's both, it's not either or” (18:32). This strategy involves promoting grassroots economic self-determination through worker cooperatives and mutual aid while simultaneously engaging in mass mobilization to challenge the administration's policies.

Resisting the Trump Administration

Cobb unequivocally labels the Trump administration and the MAGA movement as fascist, advocating for non-compliance and disruption. He shares examples of local resistance efforts, such as declaring sanctuary cities and leveraging electoral politics to oppose oppressive measures. “[We are] working directly with the municipal government to declare that we are not only a sanctuary city” (21:48).

The Mood of the American People

When asked about the American public's response, Cobb acknowledges the significant support for MAGA but highlights the growing opposition fueled by disempowerment and uncertainty. He expresses optimism, observing that resistance movements are gaining momentum: “I am seeing a level of resistance that is sweeping the country and it is getting its sea legs faster than any other resistance movement I've ever been part of in this country” (24:15).

Government Repression and Protective Measures

Cobb addresses the inevitable government repression, advocating for organized security measures and trust-building within resistance groups. He emphasizes the importance of nonviolent civil disobedience and draws parallels to historical movements. “[The Trump administration] are fascists that you do not treat, you do not merely fight fascists at the ballot box” (28:04).

Critique of the Democratic Party

A critical point in the conversation centers on the Democratic Party's perceived silence and complicity with fascist elements. Cobb asserts, “The Democratic Party leadership's silence is deep, deafening” (31:28), arguing that the party's commitment to capitalism and US imperialism prevents it from effectively opposing the Trump administration. He calls for grassroots movements to take the lead in combating fascism and building alternative societal structures.

Conclusion

Richard Wolff's episode "Build and Fight: The Resistance Forms" offers a comprehensive analysis of current economic and political challenges. By intertwining discussions on demographic shifts, geopolitical maneuvers, and grassroots resistance, Wolff provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the systemic issues at play. The interview with David Cobb further enriches the conversation, shedding light on the strategies and motivations behind the emerging resistance movement. This episode serves as a critical resource for those seeking to comprehend and engage with the pressing economic and political dynamics of our time.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Richard Wolff: “Employers are beginning to get upset because they understand that the pool of employees they can approach to hire is shrinking.” (04:35

• Richard Wolff: “Capitalism, in the words that Karl Marx might have enjoyed, its own internal mechanisms undercut its own survival.” (06:20)

• David Cobb: “We have to resist and be non compliant.” (21:45)

• David Cobb: “We are going to have to create societies, cultures and communities where the seeds of fascism cannot grow.” (28:55)

• David Cobb: “The Democratic Party leadership's silence is deep, deafening.” (31:28)

• Richard Wolff: “Firing them does not solve the economic problems of the United States.” (13:20)

Timestamps

• [00:20] Introduction by Richard Wolff
• [04:35] Discussion on population decline
• [06:20] Capitalism undermining its own survival
• [09:10] Trump's interests in Greenland
• [10:15] Colonial implications of US actions
• [13:20] Federal employee firings critique
• [17:51] Introduction to David Cobb
• [18:32] David Cobb on build and fight strategy
• [21:05] Focus on resisting Trump administration
• [21:48] Examples of local resistance efforts
• [24:15] Mood of the American public
• [28:04] Government repression concerns
• [28:55] Building societies to defeat fascism
• [31:28] Critique of Democratic Party's silence
• [32:57] Conclusion by Richard Wolff