I don't think that the plan is to eliminate any of those programs. The plan, if you look at the business media, it is "privatize" most of the government services. While they will likely exist, moving forward, they will definitely NOT serve those most in need, like your sister. There are several realities that led to this situation, but this is not the time for a review of American history. If Americans want to survive the current situation, they need to salvage what they can of the safeguards for the poor, and regain control of the legal infrastructure. Aside from that, a lot of luck will be needed. Mobsters now run the country and threaten the world. Reason is not going to help. Determination to do what's needed to regain control is the only hope, and that's slim odds, at best. Be well.
What a poignant illustration of what we can and can’t control. You’ve navigated what you can control with love and compassion, and it’s so disheartening to see none of that same spirit in those who make the decisions involving the things we cant control. Thanks for sharing.
This is where I want my tax money to go- to people like your sister. Not to people like Elon Musk to prop up his shitty companies bc they can’t make it on their own….or to Trump so he can go to the Super Bowl for 15 minutes or play yet another round of shitty golf. Thanks for sharing your families story. There’s so many more just like you in the US. I worry about them everyday. I really loathe those MAGA fucks for putting us in this position.
I applaud your mom and Elaine for their service. As someone who just retired from SSA last week after 33 years, I can tell you the fraud being talked about lately is infuriating. SSA provides a vital social safety net, and your family story is one excellent example.
Beautiful, as always. Just as potentially tragic a story as you are wryly funny on a screen. The measure of a country is in how it treats its elders, its indigent, those who cannot help themselves. Having been a pretty safe haven since the 60’s it’s never been more perilously balanced on the edge of the cliff. Never been threatened like this. I truly hope this all ends well for your sister and everyone else who depends on these lifelines to, literally, live.
Thank you for sharing . No this administration clearly doesn’t know/care what the impact of their actions will do and clearly it’s not cost savings. It’s real stories of humanity that might get through to people what needs to STOP.
It takes love & courage for you and these other folks for sharing and caring- let’s hope so 🥹.
Michael, this is a beautiful picture and thank you for sharing this part of your life and story. I had no idea about your family when we met at theater camp all those years ago.
Thank you for posting such a lovely story. It intrigued me that your mom started a group home!
These people in charge know about the benefits people get from a safety net. They are just pretending they don't so they can justify their callousness and achieve their ends. "Are there no prisons? are there no workhouses?" Dickens really had it right when he trashed the cruelly oblivious wealthy. Let us all hope that reason and altruism prevail...
This is so moving. Thank you for sharing.
I have been a huge fan for ages. I did not know that we both have a person who has Down Syndrome in our lives. My son is 11 and has DS.
I really appreciate you sharing this story.
John
I love this, and you.
I had never heard of you until Have I Got News for You with Roy and Amber thrilled my soul.
I am a MAJOR ADMIRER now, dude.
This??? MAJOR RESPECT.
I don't think that the plan is to eliminate any of those programs. The plan, if you look at the business media, it is "privatize" most of the government services. While they will likely exist, moving forward, they will definitely NOT serve those most in need, like your sister. There are several realities that led to this situation, but this is not the time for a review of American history. If Americans want to survive the current situation, they need to salvage what they can of the safeguards for the poor, and regain control of the legal infrastructure. Aside from that, a lot of luck will be needed. Mobsters now run the country and threaten the world. Reason is not going to help. Determination to do what's needed to regain control is the only hope, and that's slim odds, at best. Be well.
What a poignant illustration of what we can and can’t control. You’ve navigated what you can control with love and compassion, and it’s so disheartening to see none of that same spirit in those who make the decisions involving the things we cant control. Thanks for sharing.
This is where I want my tax money to go- to people like your sister. Not to people like Elon Musk to prop up his shitty companies bc they can’t make it on their own….or to Trump so he can go to the Super Bowl for 15 minutes or play yet another round of shitty golf. Thanks for sharing your families story. There’s so many more just like you in the US. I worry about them everyday. I really loathe those MAGA fucks for putting us in this position.
Well gall darnit this one choked me up. Your family’s social security story is a moving one. My grinchy heart just grew a wee bit.
The juxtaposition of your story and the clip of the Commerce Secretary says it all.
I applaud your mom and Elaine for their service. As someone who just retired from SSA last week after 33 years, I can tell you the fraud being talked about lately is infuriating. SSA provides a vital social safety net, and your family story is one excellent example.
Thank you for writing this. Sending love to your sister Susan who have the mensch-iest of brothers.
Beautiful, as always. Just as potentially tragic a story as you are wryly funny on a screen. The measure of a country is in how it treats its elders, its indigent, those who cannot help themselves. Having been a pretty safe haven since the 60’s it’s never been more perilously balanced on the edge of the cliff. Never been threatened like this. I truly hope this all ends well for your sister and everyone else who depends on these lifelines to, literally, live.
Thanks for sharing and for “penury”
Thank you for sharing . No this administration clearly doesn’t know/care what the impact of their actions will do and clearly it’s not cost savings. It’s real stories of humanity that might get through to people what needs to STOP.
It takes love & courage for you and these other folks for sharing and caring- let’s hope so 🥹.
Michael, this is a beautiful picture and thank you for sharing this part of your life and story. I had no idea about your family when we met at theater camp all those years ago.
You mean my performance as The Pirate King didn't convey my family history? So much for Method acting.
Thank you for posting such a lovely story. It intrigued me that your mom started a group home!
These people in charge know about the benefits people get from a safety net. They are just pretending they don't so they can justify their callousness and achieve their ends. "Are there no prisons? are there no workhouses?" Dickens really had it right when he trashed the cruelly oblivious wealthy. Let us all hope that reason and altruism prevail...