Thank you. The Chicago Sun-Times editorial board issued an urgent call to action on Friday in its first paragraph of an editorial:
“President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are taking aim at Social Security. The signs are there. Those who value a reliable public pension need to make their voices heard. Loudly, in huge numbers, and now.”
Can we stop indulging the language of “Department of Government Efficiency”? All signs are that it is not a legal part of the government and it is not about efficiency but rather slashing the government to benefit people like Musk. I like Department of Ineptitude and Corruption. The word “government” does not belong. Talking here about phrases we should use instead.
Edit addition: I’d go so far to say that by using the language of Department of Government Efficiency we are spreading their disinformation. It is not only not “government,” but it probably doesn’t meet the criteria for being a department, which is an organization that conforms to certain expectations that are formally documented and approved. What is the formal, approved documentation for Musk’s collection of agents/infiltrators? Other than personnel records that ensure they are getting paid with our tax dollars!
We have to be careful about obediently using their language when that language is false and misleading. Otherwise we’re aiding and abetting.
I love DIC in place of DOGE!! But then the whole Trump/Muskrat administration is one of ineptitude and corruption. That is clear from the "Cabinet" nominations and (sadly) from the confirmations.
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are not only taking aim at Social Security, they are looking to take over the country and turn it into an autocratic Fascist state.
And, at this writing they are succeeding admirably. Last night 60 minutes lead story was the success they achieved getting rid of a number of watchdog agencies, watching over, yes you got it, the executive branch.
This country has little time left. No one is standing up for democracy!!
We all must have a role, this includes "We, the People," as Democracy and the Authority of congress is under assault. There are Democrates, journalists, legislative sorts that ARE in this fight. Congressman Adam Smith spoke with Simon Rosenberg of HOPIUM, and expressed the burden on leadership, emphasized a collective effort, new ideas, brainstorming are all welcomed. "Don't (completely tune out)! Build a movement to restrict it! Engage! Put pressure on Representatives to let them know your issues." US Capitol: 202-224-3121.
Perhaps make signs INFORMING TRUTH BOMBS: passing a budget resolution which includes tax cuts for the rich will increase the deficit! Whichever issue raises your ire: attack on the VA, firing numerous veterans, vaporizing health research, disease prevention, economic & national security concerns, various hypocrisy issues: the cost ($3million) of flying deportees around in Military planes. There is so much! Connect with friends, make a visit to a local Rep's office. Turn FEAR into INSPIRATION. Don't DESPAIR!
This is the one defining issue that the Democrats have to address now. They cannot pass anything the Republicans want in the House and Senate, until SS , Medicare and Medicaid are taken off the hit list. We cannot allow our unelected officials destroy the one thing that keeps the poor and most retired folks afloat and our elderly in nursing homes when they cannot fend for themselves. It is not enough in most cases but is all that they have. Trump is taking aim at most of America with his attack on anyone who is not wealthy, and has no compunction about destroying not only our democracy, but the very fabric of our lives that allows us to live in this country without the fear of insurmountable poverty and destitution. To me this is the basis of a very real evil that has swept over America since January 20th. The aim is to destroy, and that is very clear at this moment in time.
Zelda, it's true that the aim is to destroy but the goal is to privatize the government's apparatus, just like in Russia, so the richest people on earth can be even richer. That's the origin of the oligarchs in Russia, our role model.
We must protect Social Security and the dedicated workers there. DOGE’s rolling blitzkrieg on the Federal government has made it hard to keep up, but we must, especially with this. This is a lifeline for millions of Americans and a true success story.
Every contact I have ever had with a Social Security employee, whether by phone or in person, has been incredibly professional and helpful. Remember, being friendly to them goes a long way to getting friendly responses.
How is this not a violation of Amendment 4 of the U.S. Constitution? It feels like the unwarranted search and seizure of my home -- the home that contains my personal information, papers (electronically manifest), and effects? Invading the Social Security Office feels like DOGE is violating the 4th amendment right of every citizen to feel secure in their homes.
Former SSA employee. Many, many of my co-workers worked overtime for free, or for credit hours that would expire before we used them. Or simply signed out and went back to work. We did that to help the people whose SSA business we were handling.
Dedication to work because the work is a public service is something trump, musk & ilk cannot comprehend.
Yes, I so appreciated the SSA employees that have helped me navigate the process, I always had a knowledgeable, patient and kind person, in my experiences. The attitude of "Do more with Less," is exhausting and demoralizing.
Trump HATES America, it's citizens, it's government. The Destroyer Of Government Elon (DOGE) has stolen all of our personal data that has been entrusted to the lawful custody of various agencies. This was done without any warrant or subpoena or congressional approval. This is theft pure and simple. DOGE is just a bunch of hackers. All of these hackers should be arrested for violating numerous laws regarding illegal access of computer data.
How awful for the workers at Social Security ! I am just nine days away from getting my first Social security check at age 70!!!! Sure hope that the check arrives. Otherwise, we will need to be protesting in the steets, on foot, in our wheelchairs, our walkers, mobile devices....
Social Security belongs to us , not our government.
Time is already here to be protesting in the streets, in wheelchairs (involve healthy teens to join in), this is a generational thing, WE ARE ALL BEING AFFECTED, Spring is around the corner, it can be a colorful event, invite musicians, friends with the voices to belt out songs. First they destroy the services, fire half the workers, make the wait time 3 hours to get someone on the phone to help...the aim of privatization is in process.
Republicans have been determined to destroy and/or privatize Social Security since its inception. Many also cannot abide the USPS. In their minds non-profit/social good programs mean lost money from a capitalist pocket, which appears to be intolerable for them. People in our local community elected to pay more money out of pocket for personal street lighting rather than half the cost public lighting to benefit a neighborhood. The selfish, irrational mindset can be confounding.
Don’t lose heart, go to your representative’s or senator’s town hall meeting to either encourage them to fight back or hold them accountable! My Howard county Maryland rep is holding a town hall with the two Maryland senators tomorrow and so many people signed up to come they had to change venue to accommodate the demand, and encouraged people to remotely access the meeting! There are lots of people who are angry and indignant and turning to the democratic process and insisting it work for them. Jen Rubin and Ezra Levin have it right—show up and claim your right to hold your congress person accountable to US! Millions of people’s lives depend on us standing together and not letting them intimidate us into inaction and despair. Don’t let the bastards break your heart.
The Felon, DOGE, and muskrat are inside our Social Security system. They’re doing it so I have no clue how what or why . But we’re the ones that will suffer.
How are we going to f###ing pay our bills, or eat?.
This is truly frightening. I am 92; my legs don't work well and I need my upright walker to walk more than a very few feet. I have two small State pensions, which I earned and paid into as a teacher and as a County worker in Social Services. I also have 78 quarters of employment, paying into Social Security. If I lose my EARNED Social Security checks I will be unable to pay my twp credit cards, buy groceries, or feed and keep my cat. Yes, it will hurt.
How is this not a violation of Amendment 4 of the U.S. Constitution? It feels like the unwarranted search and seizure of my home -- the home that contains my personal information, papers (electronically manifest), and effects? Invading the Social Security Office feels like DOGE is violating the 4th amendment right of every citizen to feel secure in their homes.
Thank you. The Chicago Sun-Times editorial board issued an urgent call to action on Friday in its first paragraph of an editorial:
“President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are taking aim at Social Security. The signs are there. Those who value a reliable public pension need to make their voices heard. Loudly, in huge numbers, and now.”
Can we stop indulging the language of “Department of Government Efficiency”? All signs are that it is not a legal part of the government and it is not about efficiency but rather slashing the government to benefit people like Musk. I like Department of Ineptitude and Corruption. The word “government” does not belong. Talking here about phrases we should use instead.
Edit addition: I’d go so far to say that by using the language of Department of Government Efficiency we are spreading their disinformation. It is not only not “government,” but it probably doesn’t meet the criteria for being a department, which is an organization that conforms to certain expectations that are formally documented and approved. What is the formal, approved documentation for Musk’s collection of agents/infiltrators? Other than personnel records that ensure they are getting paid with our tax dollars!
We have to be careful about obediently using their language when that language is false and misleading. Otherwise we’re aiding and abetting.
I have taken to calling it Department of Government Extermination.
I pronounce it "dodgy."
I love DIC in place of DOGE!! But then the whole Trump/Muskrat administration is one of ineptitude and corruption. That is clear from the "Cabinet" nominations and (sadly) from the confirmations.
How about "the orange felon's illegal human bulldozers?"
Doge bags
DOGE is double speak.
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are not only taking aim at Social Security, they are looking to take over the country and turn it into an autocratic Fascist state.
And, at this writing they are succeeding admirably. Last night 60 minutes lead story was the success they achieved getting rid of a number of watchdog agencies, watching over, yes you got it, the executive branch.
This country has little time left. No one is standing up for democracy!!
We all must have a role, this includes "We, the People," as Democracy and the Authority of congress is under assault. There are Democrates, journalists, legislative sorts that ARE in this fight. Congressman Adam Smith spoke with Simon Rosenberg of HOPIUM, and expressed the burden on leadership, emphasized a collective effort, new ideas, brainstorming are all welcomed. "Don't (completely tune out)! Build a movement to restrict it! Engage! Put pressure on Representatives to let them know your issues." US Capitol: 202-224-3121.
Perhaps make signs INFORMING TRUTH BOMBS: passing a budget resolution which includes tax cuts for the rich will increase the deficit! Whichever issue raises your ire: attack on the VA, firing numerous veterans, vaporizing health research, disease prevention, economic & national security concerns, various hypocrisy issues: the cost ($3million) of flying deportees around in Military planes. There is so much! Connect with friends, make a visit to a local Rep's office. Turn FEAR into INSPIRATION. Don't DESPAIR!
This is the one defining issue that the Democrats have to address now. They cannot pass anything the Republicans want in the House and Senate, until SS , Medicare and Medicaid are taken off the hit list. We cannot allow our unelected officials destroy the one thing that keeps the poor and most retired folks afloat and our elderly in nursing homes when they cannot fend for themselves. It is not enough in most cases but is all that they have. Trump is taking aim at most of America with his attack on anyone who is not wealthy, and has no compunction about destroying not only our democracy, but the very fabric of our lives that allows us to live in this country without the fear of insurmountable poverty and destitution. To me this is the basis of a very real evil that has swept over America since January 20th. The aim is to destroy, and that is very clear at this moment in time.
Zelda, it's true that the aim is to destroy but the goal is to privatize the government's apparatus, just like in Russia, so the richest people on earth can be even richer. That's the origin of the oligarchs in Russia, our role model.
We must protect Social Security and the dedicated workers there. DOGE’s rolling blitzkrieg on the Federal government has made it hard to keep up, but we must, especially with this. This is a lifeline for millions of Americans and a true success story.
Every contact I have ever had with a Social Security employee, whether by phone or in person, has been incredibly professional and helpful. Remember, being friendly to them goes a long way to getting friendly responses.
I’ve had the same positive experience with them as well.
How is this not a violation of Amendment 4 of the U.S. Constitution? It feels like the unwarranted search and seizure of my home -- the home that contains my personal information, papers (electronically manifest), and effects? Invading the Social Security Office feels like DOGE is violating the 4th amendment right of every citizen to feel secure in their homes.
Former SSA employee. Many, many of my co-workers worked overtime for free, or for credit hours that would expire before we used them. Or simply signed out and went back to work. We did that to help the people whose SSA business we were handling.
Dedication to work because the work is a public service is something trump, musk & ilk cannot comprehend.
Yes, I so appreciated the SSA employees that have helped me navigate the process, I always had a knowledgeable, patient and kind person, in my experiences. The attitude of "Do more with Less," is exhausting and demoralizing.
Trump HATES America, it's citizens, it's government. The Destroyer Of Government Elon (DOGE) has stolen all of our personal data that has been entrusted to the lawful custody of various agencies. This was done without any warrant or subpoena or congressional approval. This is theft pure and simple. DOGE is just a bunch of hackers. All of these hackers should be arrested for violating numerous laws regarding illegal access of computer data.
How awful for the workers at Social Security ! I am just nine days away from getting my first Social security check at age 70!!!! Sure hope that the check arrives. Otherwise, we will need to be protesting in the steets, on foot, in our wheelchairs, our walkers, mobile devices....
Social Security belongs to us , not our government.
Time is already here to be protesting in the streets, in wheelchairs (involve healthy teens to join in), this is a generational thing, WE ARE ALL BEING AFFECTED, Spring is around the corner, it can be a colorful event, invite musicians, friends with the voices to belt out songs. First they destroy the services, fire half the workers, make the wait time 3 hours to get someone on the phone to help...the aim of privatization is in process.
Republicans have been determined to destroy and/or privatize Social Security since its inception. Many also cannot abide the USPS. In their minds non-profit/social good programs mean lost money from a capitalist pocket, which appears to be intolerable for them. People in our local community elected to pay more money out of pocket for personal street lighting rather than half the cost public lighting to benefit a neighborhood. The selfish, irrational mindset can be confounding.
This might be the very thing that ends Musk and Trump. We must hang on tight and know that this will end.
Don’t lose heart, go to your representative’s or senator’s town hall meeting to either encourage them to fight back or hold them accountable! My Howard county Maryland rep is holding a town hall with the two Maryland senators tomorrow and so many people signed up to come they had to change venue to accommodate the demand, and encouraged people to remotely access the meeting! There are lots of people who are angry and indignant and turning to the democratic process and insisting it work for them. Jen Rubin and Ezra Levin have it right—show up and claim your right to hold your congress person accountable to US! Millions of people’s lives depend on us standing together and not letting them intimidate us into inaction and despair. Don’t let the bastards break your heart.
The Felon, DOGE, and muskrat are inside our Social Security system. They’re doing it so I have no clue how what or why . But we’re the ones that will suffer.
How are we going to f###ing pay our bills, or eat?.
Damn good question. Rhoda. I'm really scared. Not sleeping much these days that's for sure.
You and me both, Lisa…
You can't spell "Felon" without "Elon"
#truth
There will be blood if they start messing with our SS payments!
We don't want blood, for now, boycott!
This is truly frightening. I am 92; my legs don't work well and I need my upright walker to walk more than a very few feet. I have two small State pensions, which I earned and paid into as a teacher and as a County worker in Social Services. I also have 78 quarters of employment, paying into Social Security. If I lose my EARNED Social Security checks I will be unable to pay my twp credit cards, buy groceries, or feed and keep my cat. Yes, it will hurt.
How is this not a violation of Amendment 4 of the U.S. Constitution? It feels like the unwarranted search and seizure of my home -- the home that contains my personal information, papers (electronically manifest), and effects? Invading the Social Security Office feels like DOGE is violating the 4th amendment right of every citizen to feel secure in their homes.