Readers of this column know this writer's opinions regarding Social Security make him a more than trustworthy advocate for the program.
It was created on Aug. 14, 1935 by the Social Security Act.
My support for this safety net stems from a strong sense of gratitude for the support provided to my family, back when I was a minor.
To put it plainly and directly, were it not for Social Security Disability — while this writer's father was unable to work, and later Survivor benefits following his passing — I don’t know how my family would have ever made ends meet.
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Yes, although I support Social Security, but am admittedly frustrated by what is seemingly a concerted effort by media and some Democratic congressmen to politicize the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within the long-established program.
In fact, several recent articles suggest that the program now faces its demise due to the actions of the Elon Musk-headed DOGE.
Friends, this is nothing short of blatant fearmongering.
It does nothing constructive, and also solves — nothing.
As an example, two recent articles in The New York Times and The Washington Post criticized DOGE efforts, and carried the mantle of "false" claims, that there are deceased persons receiving benefits.
Yes, the claims were labeled false, but . . . they provide no evidence to back up their contentions other than unnamed "experts."
You may have read, also, about problems which many are experiencing getting through to the SSA by phone, only to later share that the telephone systems of Social Security have been a problem for many years.
Such articles additionally cite the criticisms of changes by the employee union representing Social Security employees.
It's easy to understand why there may be a time and place for labor unions in the private sector; however, I believe most people wonder why government employees, who are there to act as public servants, need union representation?
Unions, after all, represent employees, not citizens!
This is to say, unions are not there to provide ideas and innovation to better serve the public. They are consistently there to serve employees, even if that is at the expense of public service.
Your columnist is not challenging SSA workers, but drivers of public service should be just what the name implies.
Several Democratic lawmakers believe they have finally found in Social Security an issue in which they may gain some traction against the Trump administration.
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Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., recently went so far as to insinuate there are efforts by the administration to destroy one of America's oldest safety nets.
They claim that those leading this charge may actually profit from it.
Note, this emanates from a group of Democrats in Congress recently polling at their lowest levels in history.
Four years ago, their party controlled the White House and both houses of Congress. When they had the opportunity to produce for the American people, they failed, and did so quite miserably.
Today, rather than offer ideas and constructive criticism, they voice little more than unhinged criticism, highlight problems, and offer no solutions.
The preceding doesn't imply things are perfect at Social Security. Of course, they aren't.
The agency has its share of issues, surely. It has issues, such as the previously mentioned phone system problems.
Despite this, there are reasons for optimism.
The first being that President Trump and his nominee to run the program, Frank Bisignano, have both pledged to protect Social Security.
During his first term, and in the early days of his second term, President Trump has proven to be a man of his word, therefore we have no reason to doubt his pledge.
Another reason for optimism is that Frank Bisignano should be confirmed by the U.S. Senate soon. This is encouraging. He may well institute much-needed innovative leadership.
Mr. Bisignano has had an exceptional business career, serving in key roles at JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup, prior to becoming CEO of Fiserv.
Each of these companies are highly successful.
That success should bring equally successful leadership to Social Security.
If you carefully read The New York Times and Washington Post stories referenced above, the underlying message seems to be pulling for the Trump administration to fail.
The same is true of messaging from Congressional Democrats.
Not to digress, most conservatives I know suspect the mainstream media and Congressional Democrats are two sides of the same coin. Despite their efforts to color their messages as concern for Social Security, this writer believes the real concern of the media and Democrats is that the Trump administration will succeed in improving the program.
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As of late, Democrats are seemingly unable, or unwilling, to understand that they are completely out of touch with the needs and wants of average Americans.
Is it that they don’t care if America succeeds, only that Trump fails?
The political left must begin putting America and Americans first.
If not, Democrats will continue to have low approval numbers and struggle at the ballot box. A good start for them would be to support Frank Bisignano’s confirmation, then work with him to improve Social Security so that it better serves current and future retirees.
In the final analysis, this is not hard.
It can be done!
Joe from Texas is a family man with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He's experienced tremendous success and lived the American Dream. His beliefs are both straightforward and deeply held. He believes in God, his family, and the United States of America. For more information, please visit www.JoeFromTexas.com. Read Joe Penland's Reports — More Here.
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