by Mary Savage
The Trump-Musk-DOGE unholy trinity is sabotaging Social Security. Have you looked at the current Social Security Administration web site? Have you tried to set up your own account? What a confusing mess of cerebral-techno gibberish. How about a soon-to-be-retiree or a disabled person being able to speak to a live human being over the phone or in person instead of suffering through a confusing web site? The Trump-Musk-DOGE regime has made it difficult for seniors, the disabled and others to access their earned benefits and the services of the Social Security Administration. Watchdog groups and the still-free media are warning that Social Security is targeted for dismantling and privatization to Wall Street. But have you checked the stock market recently? Have you checked your 401(k)? The Trump economy has caused markets to tumble down. Wall Street keeps its fees while nest eggs decline in value. Do you want your Social Security dollars to go to a place of risky business called Wall Street? The answer is simple: NO YOU DO NOT.
Thankfully, high profile names also are sounding the alarm.
Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich recently posted to Facebook: “Trump’s pick to run Social Security [Frank Bisignano] was once the second highest-paid CEO in the country. Do you think a millionaire ex-banker will defend one of our most important social safety nets? Or will he act on behalf of corporate interests that want to see the program gutted?”
Martin O’Malley, former head of the SSA under the Biden administration, said clearly in a recent MSNBC interview: “People need to rise up.” O’Malley traveled to Florida last month on a tour that drew attention to the very real threats to Social Security. Alex Larson from Social Security Works came to Central Florida to sound the alarm, as well. And people rose up – and showed up. Both men spoke before crowds in rooms that were at standing room only capacity. So, word is slowly getting out and Americans are becoming aware.
The recent win by the Democrat in conservative Lancaster County, PA prompted political commentator James Carville to state: “There is an uprising in America. There just is.” Carville talked with commentator Al Hunt on Politicon. Hunt agreed with Carville’s assessment: “I think that’s right. The policies are horrible. It’s authoritarian. It may even be worse. It’s a really sorry lot. … When you are incompetent that really makes it worse. You have these DOGE henchmen throwing people out with important expertise. … in nuclear power, nuclear energy, Social Security. It’s really stunning and there’s going to be a huge price to pay.”
So, let’s all rise up and show up to town halls, meetings, demonstrations and protests. Bring signs and American flags. Keep a cool head and be joyful, but keep writing and keep calling. Who? Your Congressional representative and two U.S. senators. Also talk with friends, family and neighbors. Write letters to the editor. Democracy is not a spectator sport and sitting on the bench these days is not an option. These are perilous times.
User-friendly Web sites for more information: the National Committee to Preserve Social Security (ncpssm.org) and Medicare and Social Security Works (socialsecurityworks.org). Keep up the good work.