Look, I get it. You're pissed off about the state of Social Security, and you damn well should be (Im really fucking pissed about it). The system that millions of Americans depend on for their basic survival has become a political football, kicked around by billionaires and their pet politicians who wouldn't know what living on a fixed income means if it bit them in their gold-plated asses. But here's the thing - while we're all busy freaking out about sensationalized headlines, we're missing the real threats to Social Security that have been building for years. So a Reader has asked. And here I come to the rescue. This pub will be included in the guide to starting and finishing a revolution.
Sherry McGuinn - A Wendy the Druid Reader and her big Question:
Excellent, thank you, Wendy. Now, here’s the big question. WTF do we do about it? Musk needs to be hobbled and now. Phone calls to reps aren’t making it. I depend upon SS and will not give up without a fight.
The Reality Check We All Need
Let's get something straight right off the bat - the Social Security Administration (SSA) isn't some tech startup that can be "acquired" or "taken over" by private entities, like Elon ShitRat. It's a federal agency established by the Social Security Act of 1935, operating under Title 42, Chapter 7 of the United States Code. The Commissioner of Social Security, who runs this show, is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a six-year term. No amount of cryptocurrency or Twitter followers can change that fundamental structure. But here's where shit gets real - while direct takeover isn't possible, private sector influence over Social Security is a genuine concern that's been growing like a cancer in our democracy. And yeah, we need to talk about it.
The Actual Threats We Face
Digital Infrastructure Vulnerability
The SSA's modernization efforts have opened up new vulnerabilities. Their systems process over $1 trillion in payments annually, making them a juicy target for both corporate interests and cyber attacks. The real danger isn't some cartoon villain takeover - it's the gradual privatization of critical infrastructure through contractor relationships and "modernization" initiatives.
Data Privacy Concerns
Remember when the SSA started requiring two-factor authentication through private sector partners? That's the kind of subtle privatization we need to watch out for. Your personal data - everything from your work history to your medical records - is increasingly being handled by private contractors. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly raised concerns about this in their reports, but who's reading those boring-ass documents? (Spoiler: I do, so you don't have to.)
Constitutional Protections and Legal Framework
Now, let's talk about your actual rights, because knowledge is power, and you're going to need both:
The Supreme Court case Flemming v. Nestor (1960) established that while Social Security benefits aren't technically "property rights," they are protected by due process under the Fifth Amendment. That means any changes to the system must follow strict constitutional guidelines. The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a) gives you specific rights regarding your Social Security data. Any private entity handling this information must comply with these regulations or face serious consequences. And yes, that includes tech companies trying to "modernize" the system.
What You Can Actually Do About It
Immediate Actions
File Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests about private contractor relationships with the SSA. It's your right under 5 U.S.C. § 552, and it's a pain in the ass for agencies to ignore.
Contact your congressional representatives - but don't just call. Submit formal written requests for oversight hearings on SSA privatization efforts. Reference specific GAO reports and demand responses in writing.
Legal Channels
The Administrative Procedure Act gives you the right to challenge agency decisions that affect your benefits. If you see suspicious changes in how your data is handled or benefits are processed, you can:
File formal complaints with the SSA's Office of the Inspector General
Submit comments on proposed rule changes (they're required to read and respond to these)
Join or initiate class action lawsuits when violations occur
Grassroots Organization
Look, individual action is great, but real change requires collective effort. Some effective strategies that have worked:
Form local Social Security protection groups
Tell Everyone you know Wendy is fucking mad, and ask them to read her crap
Partner with existing senior advocacy organizations
Document and share experiences of privatization impacts
Create pressure through local media coverage and social media campaigns
The Long Game
Here's the bitter pill we need to swallow: protecting Social Security isn't a one-and-done fight. It's a constant battle against the slow creep of privatization and corporate influence. The system was designed to be boring and bureaucratic for a reason - it's harder to fuck with something that's intentionally dull.
Building Sustainable Resistance
The key to long-term protection of Social Security lies in:
Supporting politicians who have consistent voting records protecting Social Security
Demanding regular GAO audits of private contractor relationships
Building coalitions between beneficiary groups and public sector unions
Maintaining public awareness of privatization attempts
Why This Matters More Than Ever
The threats to Social Security aren't coming from dramatic takeovers - they're coming from the quiet insertion of private interests into the system's operation. Every time a tech company gets a contract to "modernize" services, every time a private entity gains access to beneficiary data, we lose a little more control over this crucial public institution.
The Real Stakes
We're not just fighting for monthly checks - we're fighting for the principle that some things shouldn't be for profit. Social Security was created because the private market failed to protect elderly Americans from poverty. Letting private interests weasel their way back in defeats the entire purpose.
Moving Forward
The protection of Social Security requires a combination of vigilance, legal action, and organized resistance. No single approach will be enough, but together, we can maintain the integrity of this crucial system.
Action Items for Tomorrow
Start with these concrete steps:
Set up Google Alerts for SSA contract awards and policy changes
Join or support organizations actively monitoring Social Security privatization
Document any suspicious changes in how your benefits are processed
Build local networks of concerned beneficiaries
Conclusion
The fight to protect Social Security isn't about preventing dramatic takeovers - it's about stopping the death by a thousand cuts that privatization represents. It's about maintaining the fundamental promise that Americans who work hard and pay into the system will be protected in their retirement years.
Your anger is justified, but it needs to be focused on the real threats - the gradual erosion of public control over this vital institution. The good news? We have the tools, the legal framework, and the constitutional protections to fight back. We just need to use them effectively.
Remember, Social Security isn't just another government program - it's a fundamental part of the American social contract. And if there's one thing worth fighting for, it's keeping that contract intact for future generations.
The question isn't just "What do we do about it?" The question is "What aren't we willing to do to protect it?" Because from where I'm sitting, surrender isn't an option. Not when millions of Americans' security and dignity are on the line.
Stay angry, stay focused, and most importantly, stay organized. That's how we win this fight.
I wish I had a comment more profound, but all I can say to this excellent piece is: I ❤️ Ur Content.
Sharing and taking your advice. I’m fucking mad, too.