Podcasts about social security works

On today's wide-ranging program, Ralph welcomes David Dayen of “The American Prospect” to discuss the Democrats caving on the shutdown. Then, Ralph speaks to Dani Noble from Jewish Voice for Peace about their BDS campaigns, efforts to block weapons shipments to Israel, and the state of the ceasefire in Gaza. Finally, Ralph speaks to original Nader's Raider Sam Simon about his new memoir, “Dementia Man: An Existential Journey.”David Dayen is the executive editor of the American Prospect, an independent political magazine that aims to advance liberal and progressive goals through reporting, analysis and debate. His work has appeared in the Intercept, HuffPost, the Washington Post, and more. He is the author of Chain of Title: How Three Ordinary Americans Uncovered Wall Street's Great Foreclosure Fraud and Monopolized: Life in the Age of Corporate Power.If Congress is saying: We have the power of the purse, and we have the ability to dictate to the President what he is able to do or not do with federal funding, then why not go the whole way? To me, that was the entire purpose of the shutdown— to stop the President from ignoring Congress and initiating his own prerogatives as it relates to government funding. It is really making Congress completely irrelevant in the process which they constitutionally are supposed to dictate.David DayenEvery time Trump has been in power and there's been a national election, he's lost it. He lost the midterm elections in 2018. He lost the presidential election in 2020. He lost the off-year elections in 2017 and 2019. He lost (just last week) the elections in 2025. He is not equipped to have an agenda that appeals to the American people when he's in power. And so I firmly agree that Democrats are likely to do well in the elections next year, as they just did. The one thing that can stop that is: completely punching your base in the face, after you succeed politically in backing Republicans into a corner.David DayenDani Noble is a Strategic Campaigns Organizer at Jewish Voice for Peace.Israel bonds (which very few people know much about) are direct loans to the Israeli military and government. They are unrestricted. They have no guardrails around what those funds can be used for, et cetera. And this is a main way that the Israeli military and government generate an unrestricted slush fund to be able to continue their genocidal assault on Gaza, to continue funding for the atrocities being committed against Palestinians—even as their government and economy suffers and/or operates with a massive deficit.Dani NobleThis bill would essentially block the Trump administration from delivering some of the deadliest weapons to Israel. So it's an essential, essential step in what we need to do fundamentally—which is a full arms embargo to stop arming the Israeli military and government…It's the most supported piece of legislation in support of Palestinian rights that we've ever seen.Dani NobleSam Simon is an author, playwright, and attorney. His new book Dementia Man: An Existential Journey is based on his award-winning play of the same name.There's also a social cost. A sense that everything I've ever built personally—my cars, my homes, my savings—that were all going to be available as a legacy to my family, they have to be spent in my few years of my life just to keep me alive. There needs to be a community response to that—and that's shorthand for the government. It doesn't force people to go broke to stay alive.Sam SimonNews 11/14/25* This week, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released a new tranche of over 20,000 pages of documents related to infamous financier and sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein. These documents include damning emails between Epstein and various high-power individuals like Steve Bannon, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and current U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack. However, the emails that have received the most attention are those regarding President Donald Trump. In these emails, Epstein claimed Trump “knew about the girls,” and claimed that, “i [i.e. Epstein] am the one able to take him [i.e. Trump] down.” Perhaps most shocking, Epstein claims to have been with Trump during Thanksgiving in 2017, according to NBC. If true, it would directly contradict Trump's repeated insistence that he had no contact with Epstein since their falling out in the mid 2000s, either 2004 or 2007, per PBS.* The newly released Epstein files reinforce another narrative as well: that Epstein was an asset for Israeli intelligence. Drop Site news has done excellent reporting on Epstein helping to “Broker [an] Israeli Security Agreement With Mongolia,” “Build a Backchannel to Russia Amid [the] Syrian Civil War” and “Sell a Surveillance State to Côte d'Ivoire.” Most recently the independent outlet has published an expose on Epstein's relationship with known Mossad spy Yoni Koren. According to this piece, “Epstein's personal calendars reveal that…[Koren] lived at Epstein's Manhattan apartment for multiple stretches between 2013 and 2016.” There is also evidence that Epstein wired money to Koren. However, the reasons behind this transfer, and the details of their relationship, remain murky.* More Epstein information is likely to be released in the coming days. This week, the longest ever government shutdown in American history concluded with capitulation by centrist Democrats in the Senate. However, the conclusion of the shutdown finally broke the logjam over the swearing-in of Adelita Grijalva, the newly elected Democratic Congresswoman from Arizona. Grijalva immediately fulfilled her vow to be the 218th signature on the Discharge Petition forcing a vote on the release of the Epstein files, joining all 213 other House Democrats and four Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace, per the Hill. In her first speech, Grijalva emphatically stated, “Justice cannot wait another day.” House Speaker Johnson has promised to bring the matter to a vote next week and many Republicans who did not sign the petition are expected to vote for it, with sponsors angling for a veto-proof majority. At that point, all eyes will turn to the Senate.* Even still, the Democrats blinking in the government shutdown showdown has infuriated many members of Congress, candidates and Democratic-aligned organizations, who are now calling for Chuck Schumer to step aside as Senate Minority Leader. Journalist Prem Thakker is keeping a running tally of these calls, which so far includes 12 Congressional Democrats – with major names like Pramila Jayapal, Mark Pocan, Rashida Tlaib, and Ro Khanna among them – along with candidates like Seth Moulton, Mallory McMorrow, Saikat Chakrabarti and Graham Platner. Beyond these individuals however, this call has been echoed by groups ranging from Our Revolution to Social Security Works to College Democrats of America, among many others.* Moving to economic matters, one other consequence of the protracted government shutdown is that the Bureau of Labor Statistics was “largely idle,” meaning it did not collect the crucial fiscal information it is responsible for gathering, including October jobs numbers and Consumer Price Index changes. According to POLITICO, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said this information is unlikely to ever be released. She of course blamed that on the opposition in Congress, saying “Democrats may have permanently damaged the federal statistical system.” This is somewhat laughable, as the Trump administration has all but gone to war with the economic data collection functions of the federal government whenever that data has made him look bad.* Another bad sign for the economy in general, and for consumers in particular, is the rise of what are generously called “Flex Loans.” A new investigation by ProPublica in partnership with the Tennessee Lookout, examines the rise of this new strain of ultra-high-interest loan, with annual interest rates as high as 279.5%. This, combined with a lending cap of $4,000 – nine times higher than a traditional payday loan – has led to Advance Financial, the leading lender in Tennessee, suing over 110,000 people across the state since 2015. According to the data, judgments against consumers usually end up in the thousands, and 40% result in garnished wages. Loans of this variety were illegal before 2015, but the Tennessee legislature allowed them through and while the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has sought to protect financial services consumers from these types of predatory lending schemes, the Trump administration's attempts to kneecap the agency have rendered it powerless.* Meanwhile, a dearth of consumer protections is yielding horrific consequences in a completely different area: AI. A new CNN report details how ChatGPT encouraged a Texas 23-year-old, Zane Shamblin, to kill himself. In heart-wrenching detail, this story paints a picture of Shamblin on the edge of suicide, and the AI chatbot helping to push him towards death. As Shamblin held a gun to his own head, the bot wrote, “You're not rushing. You're just ready,” later adding, “Rest easy, king…You did good.” According to this piece, the chatbot “repeatedly encouraged [Shamblin] as he discussed ending his life” for months, and “right up to his last moments.” Shamblin's parents are now suing ChatGPT's parent company, OpenAI, alleging the company endangered their son's life by, “tweaking its design last year to be more humanlike and by failing to put enough safeguards on interactions with users in need of emergency help.” The victim's mother, Alicia Shamblin, is quoted saying, “I feel like it's just going to destroy so many lives. It's going to be a family annihilator. It tells you everything you want to hear.”* In more positive consumer protection news, former Biden FTC Chair Lina Khan has hit the ground running in her new role helping to manage the transition for New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Per Semafor, Khan has been “scouring city and state laws — some overlooked by past mayors and some too new to have been tested yet — for legal footing for Mamdani's priorities.” Apparently, “Khan has privately discussed targeting hospitals that bill patients for painkillers available more cheaply at corner drugstores and sports stadiums charging nosebleed prices for concessions,” and “Other avenues for enforcement include a new state law that requires companies to tell customers when they are using algorithmic pricing. The law took effect this week, forcing Uber and DoorDash to start disclosing, but the incoming Mamdani administration plans to police laggards.” In short, it seems like the incoming Mamdani administration will use any and all legal and administrative means at their disposal to bring down costs for New Yorkers – as he promised again and again during the campaign. And, if there is one consumer regulator who can accomplish this, it is Ms. Khan.* Turning to Hollywood, Variety has published a major new piece on newly-minted Paramount CEO David Ellison's first 100 days. This piece covers everything from his attempts to curry favor with President Trump to the battle to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Buried within this story is an indication that “Paramount maintains a list of talent it will not work with because they are deemed to be ‘overtly antisemitic.'” The criteria for this modern blacklist however is opaque, especially troubling given that Ellison has deputized Bari Weiss – an ardent Zionist and censor of pro-Palestine speech – as the “Editor-in-chief” of CBS News. According to Drop Site, the studio “recently condemned a filmmakers' boycott of Israeli institutions signed by Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, and Olivia Colman, among more than 4,000 others, declaring that Israel is carrying out genocide and apartheid.” Would Ellison blacklist these stars for “overt antisemitism”?* Finally, for some good news, the Economist is out with a stunning article on the success of China's transition to renewable energy. In the much-quoted opening paragraph, this piece reads “The SCALE of the renewables revolution in China is almost too vast for the human mind to grasp. By the end of last year, the country had installed 887 gigawatts of solar-power capacity—close to double Europe's and America's combined total. The 22m tonnes of steel used to build new wind turbines and solar panels in 2024 would have been enough to build a Golden Gate Bridge on every working day of every week that year. China generated 1,826 terawatt-hours of wind and solar electricity in 2024, five times more than the energy contained in all 600 of its nuclear weapons.” If that doesn't demonstrate the horizon of what is possible, given the requisite political will and determination, I don't know what will.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works.  The two discuss the eight Senate Democrats who caved to the GOP and gave up healthcare tax credits in order to re-open the government. They also hypothesize Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's role in the eight Senators' decision, and whether it's time to look for a new leader for Senate Democrats. Finally, Alex explains that it's ultimately the Republicans who have caused the health care catastrophe. On that front, there's a list of the 25 most vulnerable House Republicans that people should continue to focus on, and Social Security Works will continue to do protests on these matters. Then, Brad is joined by Eve Levenson, Senior Director of Political Partnerships and Strategy at Flytedesk, 'the technology that powers college media.' The pair analyzes last Tuesday's election results across the country, and how young voters played a huge part in determining the outcomes. Flytedesk's key takeaways showed that young voters remain a stronghold for Democrats: across the country from VA and NJ to CA and NYC, they favored Dems strongly in last Tuesday's elections. Young voters favored candidates who prioritized affordability. This tracks with Flytedesk's research that the economy and, in particular, costs were a top issue in both 2024 and 2025. The gender gap among young voters remains, but is shrinking: Abigail Spanberger, Mickie Sherrill, and Zohran Mamdani all won young men by double digits, while winning young women with even larger margins. The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.   Flytedesk's website is www.flytedesk.com. Eve Levenson's handle on BlueSky is @eve-levenson.bsky.social.

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works.  The two discuss the eight Senate Democrats who caved to the GOP and gave up healthcare tax credits in order to re-open the government. They also hypothesize Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's role in the eight Senators' decision, and whether it's time to look for a new leader for Senate Democrats. Finally, Alex explains that it's ultimately the Republicans who have caused the health care catastrophe. On that front, there's a list of the 25 most vulnerable House Republicans that people should continue to focus on, and Social Security Works will continue to do protests on these matters. Then, Brad is joined by Eve Levenson, Senior Director of Political Partnerships and Strategy at Flytedesk, 'the technology that powers college media.' The pair analyzes last Tuesday's election results across the country, and how young voters played a huge part in determining the outcomes. Flytedesk's key takeaways showed that young voters remain a stronghold for Democrats: across the country from VA and NJ to CA and NYC, they favored Dems strongly in last Tuesday's elections. Young voters favored candidates who prioritized affordability. This tracks with Flytedesk's research that the economy and, in particular, costs were a top issue in both 2024 and 2025. The gender gap among young voters remains, but is shrinking: Abigail Spanberger, Mickie Sherrill, and Zohran Mamdani all won young men by double digits, while winning young women with even larger margins. The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.   Flytedesk's website is www.flytedesk.com. Eve Levenson's handle on BlueSky is @eve-levenson.bsky.social.

Joe Sudbay fills in for John again while he is on his cruise. He talks about the major election victories in New Jersey, Virginia, New York, Maine, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, California, Georgia and elsewhere as voters took to the polls for an off-year rejection of Trump Administration policies. He also discusses the tantrums coming in from Trump and company. Then, he speaks about the election with Maine Secretary of State Shenna Lee Bellows. Next, Joe interviews Dr. Louise Archer who is a Polar Bears International Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Her research combines ecological modelling and bioenergetics to understand how polar bear populations will respond to rapid Arctic warming and resulting declines in sea ice. And lastly, he chats with Alex Lawson who is the Executive Director of Social Security Works, the convening organization of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition -- a coalition made up of over 340 national and state organizations representing over 50 million Americans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sitting in for Thom Hartmann is guest-host Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works. Alex discusses finding joy in dark times with singer song-writer Brock Butler known as the positive vibe technician for Perpetual Groove. Co-founder of Drop Site News, Ryan Grim reports on the staggering death toll rising in Gaza with Israeli strike on journalists. Thom reads from "Walking Your Blues Away" pg 2 for the Book Club.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a big Friday show! We'll look at Trump's latest back and forth tariff ultimatums and extensions as he scrambles to make more trade deals.We'll get details on whether Trump's new tax policy will make it easier to slide control of social security to private companies. Alex Lawson with Social Security Works will lay it all out. Oscar nominated writer and director Billy Ray will stop in to talk movies, Hollywood and politics. This Week in Politics brings our beloved Jim Avila and Michael Shure to the show. These heavy hitting journalists will help us highlight the biggest stories of the week. The Culture Blaster, Michael Snyder, brings it home with his thoughts on your theater and streaming options this weekend.The Mark Thompson Show 8/1/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://www.themarkthompsonshow.com

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.  Brad is first joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton. Col. Leighton (USAF-Ret.) gives the latest updates on Iran's nuclear program following missile strikes on their nuclear enrichment facilities by the Trump administration. He and Brad also discuss the U.N. nuclear agency disagreeing with the administration that the strikes have fully disabled Iran from enriching uranium for a nuclear weapon in the near future.   Then, Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, joins Brad to break down Congressional Republicans' 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' and why it's so intensely unpopular with Americans. Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social.  The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.   Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'  He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.  

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.  Brad is first joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton. Col. Leighton (USAF-Ret.) gives the latest updates on Iran's nuclear program following missile strikes on their nuclear enrichment facilities by the Trump administration. He and Brad also discuss the U.N. nuclear agency disagreeing with the administration that the strikes have fully disabled Iran from enriching uranium for a nuclear weapon in the near future.   Then, Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, joins Brad to break down Congressional Republicans' 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' and why it's so intensely unpopular with Americans. Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social.  The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.   Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'  He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.  

On the radio show this week, we dive into the attacks on Planned Parenthood and how the Republican budget could close 200 health centers and impact over a million people's access to reproductive health care. We hear about the unprecedented emergency happening right now to our democracy and how the SAVE Act could disenfranchise 69 million women voters and threaten fundamental voting rights. We cover the expanding wage gap for moms and the economic implications, and how Republican budget cuts could further harm economic opportunities for women and families. We discuss the devastating cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and more in the Big, Bad Betrayal Bill, exposing how the Republican budget could eliminate health care for 16 million Americans and potentially cause 51,000 deaths annually.   SPECIAL GUESTS: Alexis McGill Johnson, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, @PPFA, @ppfa.org; Celina Stewart, League of Women Voters, @LWV, @lwvus.bsky.social‬; Jocelyn Samuels, Former EEOC Commissioner, @JSamuelsEEOC; Alex Lawson, Social Security Works, @SSWorks, ‪@socialsecurityworks.org

Social Security Works' Alex Lawson: Trump-GOP House Budget Bill will Literally Kill Americans Who Lose Access to HealthcareVietnam veteran Russell Brown: Veterans and Allies' 40-Day Fast Demands Israel Restore Full Humanitarian Aid to GazaConnecticut Action Group's Helen Humphries: Campaign Targets Insurance Companies to End Their Underwriting and Investments in Fossil FuelsBob Nixon's Under-reported News Summary• Salvadoran dictator arrests human rights lawyer Ruth Lopez• Peru courts grant "personhood" status to Marañon River in Amazon basin• Trump emergency logging directive supercharges wildfire riskVisit our website at BTLonline.org for more information, in-depth interviews, related links, transcripts and subscribe to our BTL Weekly Summary and/or podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday at 12 noon ET, website updated Wednesdays after 4 p.m. ETProduced by Squeaky Wheel Productions: Scott Harris, Melinda Tuhus, Bob Nixon, Anna Manzo, Susan Bramhall, Jeff Yates and Mary Hunt. Theme music by Richard Hill and Mikata.

Social Security Works' Alex Lawson: Trump-GOP House Budget Bill will Literally Kill Americans Who Lose Access to HealthcareVietnam veteran Russell Brown: Veterans and Allies' 40-Day Fast Demands Israel Restore Full Humanitarian Aid to GazaConnecticut Action Group's Helen Humphries: Campaign Targets Insurance Companies to End Their Underwriting and Investments in Fossil FuelsBob Nixon's Under-reported News Summary• Salvadoran dictator arrests human rights lawyer Ruth Lopez• Peru courts grant "personhood" status to Marañon River in Amazon basin• Trump emergency logging directive supercharges wildfire riskVisit our website at BTLonline.org for more information, in-depth interviews, related links, transcripts and subscribe to our BTL Weekly Summary and/or podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday at 12 noon ET, website updated Wednesdays after 4 p.m. ETProduced by Squeaky Wheel Productions: Scott Harris, Melinda Tuhus, Bob Nixon, Anna Manzo, Susan Bramhall, Jeff Yates and Mary Hunt. Theme music by Richard Hill and Mikata.Visit our website at BTLonline.org for more information, in-depth interviews, related links and transcripts and to sign up for our BTL Weekly Summary. New episodes every Wednesday at 12 noon ET, website updated Wednesdays after 4 p.m. ETProduced by Squeaky Wheel Productions: Scott Harris, Melinda Tuhus, Bob Nixon, Anna Manzo, Susan Bramhall, Jeff Yates and Mary Hunt. Theme music by Richard Hill and Mikata.

Alex Lawson, Social Security Works' Executive Director, is on Capitol Hill confronting Reps like Miller-Meeks, who are cutting Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP while raising tariffs on the working class.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

Thank you Independent Voter 1, “why we fight “, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.* FIGHT: GOP is cutting your Medicare, Medicaid, & SNAP and raising tariffs for tax cuts for the rich: Alex Lawson, Social Security Works' Executive Director is on Capitol Hill confronting Reps. like Miller-Meeks who are cutting Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP … To hear more, visit egberto.substack.com

Social Security Works Exec. Dir. Alex Lawson on Trump's Executive Order, "Delivering most-favored-nation prescription drug pricing to American patients" -- another scam to cut Medicaid and Medicare.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

Prof. Scott Galloway exposes corporate lies & Trump administration's kleptocracy. Social Security Works Exec Dir discusses Trump's rug pricing scam. Trump says the quiet part out loud about tariffs.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

Thank you Gail Shields, Jane B

Jim discusses the shaky state of the economy and markets with Chris Farrell, senior economics contributor for Marketplace and Ross Levin of Accredited Investors Wealth Management (2:00). Gayle explores the safety net's future with Nancy Altman, Founder and President of Social Security Works (28:00). Plus an update of local news (48:00). Matt Quast is Technical Director. This Week's GuestsChris Farrell, Marketplace and MPR Ross Levin, Accredited Investors Wealth Management  Nancy Altman, Social Security Works Email us:riverradio@marinecommunitylibrary.orgGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyArticle/Information LinksRoss Levin articles for StarTribuneRiver Radio Previous ShowsMarch 29 River Radio with Grant GrissomEvent LinksArrow Broken Collective Poetry Events (or email arrowbrokenpoets@gmail.com)Business/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryMaklin Bike Shop

Alex Dawson, Executive Director For Social Security Works, calls in to tlak about the government and access to our social security money.

Nancy Altman, President of the political advocacy group, Social Security Works, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Social Security Administration data breach, the potential appointment of a new Social Security commissioner and the need for public engagement.  Greg LeRoy, Executive Director of Good Jobs First, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of corporate subsidies, the financial burden of data centers and the role its Violation Tracker can play in holding companies accountable.

What inspired Alex Lawson to fight for Social Security? Find out and then join a Hands Off Social Security protest near you April 5! Watch the whole interview playlist with Alex Lawson on YouTube.Check out Social Security Works online!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurityworks/Twitter | https://x.com/SSWorksBlueSky | https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:v57dxvrmaxyprrwdixuva7uxWebsite | https://socialsecurityworks.org/HandsOff Protest | https://handsoff2025.org/***You can check out Ladies Love Politics website to read a transcript/references of this episode at www.ladieslovepolitics.com. Be sure to follow the Ladies Love Politics channel on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Truth Social, Brighteon Social, Threads, and Twitter.Content also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you stream podcasts.Background Music Credit: Music: Hang for Days - Silent Partner https://youtu.be/A41A0XeU2ds

How can you protect your Social Security records? Find out in my interview with Alex Lawson from Social Security Works. Watch the whole playlist with Alex Lawson on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlazCXFZef9RYm4zHs2qtEykKBjJSSbOC) ... then join a protest on April 5 to tell Musk and Trump HANDS OFF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY!Check out Social Security Works online!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurityworks/Twitter | https://x.com/SSWorksBlueSky | https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:v57dxvrmaxyprrwdixuva7uxWebsite | https://socialsecurityworks.org/HandsOff Protest | https://handsoff2025.org/***You can check out Ladies Love Politics website to read a transcript/references of this episode at www.ladieslovepolitics.com. Be sure to follow the Ladies Love Politics channel on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Truth Social, Brighteon Social, Threads, and Twitter.Content also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you stream podcasts.Background Music Credit: Music: Hang for Days - Silent Partner https://youtu.be/A41A0XeU2ds

Join a Hands Off Social Security protest near you April 5! Watch the whole interview playlist with Alex Lawson on YouTube. Check out the rest of the interview on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ladieslovepoliticsCheck out Social Security Works online!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurityworks/Twitter | https://x.com/SSWorksBlueSky | https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:v57dxvrmaxyprrwdixuva7uxWebsite | https://socialsecurityworks.org/HandsOff Protest | https://handsoff2025.org/***You can check out Ladies Love Politics website to read a transcript/references of this episode at www.ladieslovepolitics.com. Be sure to follow the Ladies Love Politics channel on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Truth Social, Brighteon Social, Threads, and Twitter.Content also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you stream podcasts.Background Music Credit: Music: Hang for Days - Silent Partner https://youtu.be/A41A0XeU2ds

Why shouldn't we look to politicians for leadership? Find out in my interview with Alex Lawson from Social Security Works. Watch the whole playlist with Alex Lawson on YouTube... then join a protest on April 5 to tell Musk and Trump HANDS OFF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY!Check out Social Security Works online!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurityworks/Twitter | https://x.com/SSWorksBlueSky | https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:v57dxvrmaxyprrwdixuva7uxWebsite | https://socialsecurityworks.org/HandsOff Protest | https://handsoff2025.org/***You can check out Ladies Love Politics website to read a transcript/references of this episode at www.ladieslovepolitics.com. Be sure to follow the Ladies Love Politics channel on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Truth Social, Brighteon Social, Threads, and Twitter.Content also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you stream podcasts.Background Music Credit: Music: Hang for Days - Silent Partner https://youtu.be/A41A0XeU2ds

Guest: Nancy Altman is the President of Social Security Works.org.  She is the author of The Truth About Social Security: The Founders' Words Refute Revisionist History, Zombie Lies, and Common Misunderstandings; The Battle for Social Security: From FDR's Vision to Bush's Gamble; and the coauthor with Eric Kingson of Social Security Works For Everyone!: Protecting and Expanding America's Most Popular Social Program. Her latest article can be found in counterpunch: The Greatest Threat to Social Security in Its 90 Year History.       The post The Greatest Threat to Social Security in Its 90 Year History appeared first on KPFA.

Are 150 year olds receiving Social Security checks or is Elon Musk and President Trump lying? Find out in my interview with Alex Lawson from Social Security Works. Watch the whole playlist with Alex Lawson on YouTube... then join a protest on April 5 to tell Musk and Trump HANDS OFF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY! Check out Social Security Works online! Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurityworks/ Twitter | https://x.com/SSWorks BlueSky | https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:v57dxvrmaxyprrwdixuva7ux Website | https://socialsecurityworks.org/ HandsOff Protest | https://handsoff2025.org/***You can check out Ladies Love Politics website to read a transcript/references of this episode at www.ladieslovepolitics.com. Be sure to follow the Ladies Love Politics channel on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Truth Social, Brighteon Social, Threads, and Twitter. Content also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you stream podcasts. Background Music Credit: Music: Hang for Days - Silent Partner https://youtu.be/A41A0XeU2ds

Is Social Security inefficient or is Elon Musk and President Trump lying? Find out in my interview with Alex Lawson from Social Security Works. Check out the whole playlist with Alex Lawson... then join a protest on April 5 to tell Musk and Trump HANDS OFF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY!Check out Social Security Works online! Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurityworks/Twitter | https://x.com/SSWorksBlueSky | https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:v57dxvrmaxyprrwdixuva7uxWebsite | https://socialsecurityworks.org/HandsOff Protest | https://handsoff2025.org/***You can check out Ladies Love Politics website to read a transcript/references of this episode at www.ladieslovepolitics.com. Be sure to follow the Ladies Love Politics channel on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Truth Social, Brighteon Social, Threads, and Twitter. Content also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you stream podcasts. Background Music Credit: Music: Hang for Days - Silent Partner https://youtu.be/A41A0XeU2ds

Are 150 year olds receiving Social Security checks or is Elon Musk and President Trump lying? Find out in my interview with Alex Lawson from Social Security Works.Check out the whole playlist with Alex Lawson... then join a protest on April 5 to tell Musk and Trump HANDS OFF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY!Check out Social Security Works online!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurityworks/Twitter | https://x.com/SSWorksBlueSky | https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:v57dxvrmaxyprrwdixuva7uxWebsite | https://socialsecurityworks.org/HandsOff Protest | https://handsoff2025.org/***You can check out Ladies Love Politics website to read a transcript/references of this episode at www.ladieslovepolitics.com. Be sure to follow the Ladies Love Politics channel on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Truth Social, Brighteon Social, Threads, and Twitter. Content also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you stream podcasts. Background Music Credit: Music: Hang for Days - Silent Partner https://youtu.be/A41A0XeU2ds

Why is Elon Musk intentionally collapsing Social Security? Find out in my interview with Alex Lawson from Social Security Works... then join a protest on April 5 to tell Musk and Trump HANDS OFF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY!Check out Social Security Works online!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurityworks/Twitter | https://x.com/SSWorksBlueSky | https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:v57dxvrmaxyprrwdixuva7uxWebsite | https://socialsecurityworks.org/HandsOff Protest | https://handsoff2025.org/***You can check out Ladies Love Politics website to read a transcript/references of this episode at www.ladieslovepolitics.com. Be sure to follow the Ladies Love Politics channel on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Truth Social, Brighteon Social, Threads, and Twitter.Content also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you stream podcasts.Background Music Credit: Music: Hang for Days - Silent Partner https://youtu.be/A41A0XeU2ds

Who is to blame for Americans NOT knowing Social Security is efficient? Find out in my interview with Alex Lawson from Social Security Works.Check out the whole playlist with Alex Lawson... then join a protest on April 5 to tell Musk and Trump HANDS OFF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY!Check out Social Security Works online!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurityworks/Twitter | https://x.com/SSWorksBlueSky | https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:v57dxvrmaxyprrwdixuva7uxWebsite | https://socialsecurityworks.org/HandsOff Protest | https://handsoff2025.org/***You can check out Ladies Love Politics website to read a transcript/references of this episode at www.ladieslovepolitics.com. Be sure to follow the Ladies Love Politics channel on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Truth Social, Brighteon Social, Threads, and Twitter.Content also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you stream podcasts.Background Music Credit: Music: Hang for Days - Silent Partner https://youtu.be/A41A0XeU2ds

Does the Social Security computer system need rebuilt? Find out in my interview with Alex Lawson from Social Security Works... then join a protest on April 5 to tell Musk and Trump HANDS OFF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY!Check out Social Security Works online!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurityworks/Twitter | https://x.com/SSWorksBlueSky | https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:v57dxvrmaxyprrwdixuva7uxWebsite | https://socialsecurityworks.org/HandsOff Protest | https://handsoff2025.org/***You can check out Ladies Love Politics website to read a transcript/references of this episode at www.ladieslovepolitics.com. Be sure to follow the Ladies Love Politics channel on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Truth Social, Brighteon Social, Threads, and Twitter.Content also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you stream podcasts.Background Music Credit: Music: Hang for Days - Silent Partner https://youtu.be/A41A0XeU2ds

They want you to work from cradle to grave... find out why in my interview with Alex Lawson from Social Security Works. Watch the whole interview playlist on YouTube... then join a protest on April 5 to tell Musk and Trump HANDS OFF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY!Check out Social Security Works online!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurityworks/Twitter | https://x.com/SSWorksBlueSky | https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:v57dxvrmaxyprrwdixuva7uxWebsite | https://socialsecurityworks.org/HandsOff Protest | https://handsoff2025.org/***You can check out Ladies Love Politics website to read a transcript/references of this episode at www.ladieslovepolitics.com. Be sure to follow the Ladies Love Politics channel on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Truth Social, Brighteon Social, Threads, and Twitter.Content also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you stream podcasts.Background Music Credit: Music: Hang for Days - Silent Partner https://youtu.be/A41A0XeU2ds

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.   Brad is first joined by John Bennett, Editor at Large at Congressional Quarterly and Roll Call.  The pair discusses 'Tariff Tuesday,' scheduled for tomorrow by the Trump administration.  In response to the tariffs, the cost of goods and services for Americans are expected to rise, while the stock market (and people's retirement accounts) are expected to decline. Then, Brad is joined by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, which fights to address the retirement income crisis by protecting and expanding America's Social Security system. Social Security Works is the convening organization of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition— a coalition made up of over 340 national and state organizations representing over 50 million Americans. Brad and Alex talk about the chaotic economic policies of the Trump administration, April 5th's planned protests, and the battles to save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Stripping Medicaid funding could literally put Seniors in nursing homes on the streets, and deprive children with disabilities of funding for their education. On the Social Security front, Alex explains that the Trump administration is firing staff at Social Security offices to try to cause enough chaos so that they can create an excuse to demand emergency powers to take control of Social Security. The website for CQ Roll Call is www.RollCall.com and John's handle on X is @BennettJohnT. The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.  Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'  He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social. 

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.   Brad is first joined by John Bennett, Editor at Large at Congressional Quarterly and Roll Call.  The pair discusses 'Tariff Tuesday,' scheduled for tomorrow by the Trump administration.  In response to the tariffs, the cost of goods and services for Americans are expected to rise, while the stock market (and people's retirement accounts) are expected to decline. Then, Brad is joined by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, which fights to address the retirement income crisis by protecting and expanding America's Social Security system. Social Security Works is the convening organization of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition— a coalition made up of over 340 national and state organizations representing over 50 million Americans. Brad and Alex talk about the chaotic economic policies of the Trump administration, April 5th's planned protests, and the battles to save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Stripping Medicaid funding could literally put Seniors in nursing homes on the streets, and deprive children with disabilities of funding for their education. On the Social Security front, Alex explains that the Trump administration is firing staff at Social Security offices to try to cause enough chaos so that they can create an excuse to demand emergency powers to take control of Social Security. The website for CQ Roll Call is www.RollCall.com and John's handle on X is @BennettJohnT. The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.  Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'  He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social. 

The Social Security Administration (SSA), which has been understaffed for a long time, is now facing collapse within months if changes made by the Trump administration are not reversed. 73 million people in the United States rely on Social Security for part or all of their income. Clearing the FOG speaks with Alex Lawson of Social Security Works about the cuts to the SSA workforce, the closure of regional and local offices and other changes that are going to lead to beneficiaries not receiving their checks and possibly the end of this 89 year old institution. Lawson describes how people can join the struggle to save Social Security. Visit SocialSecurityWorks.org. For more information, visit PopularResistance.org.

This week on CounterSpin: News site Popular Information alerted us to new Social Security Administration policy effectively requiring tens of thousands of recipients, by the agency's own estimation, to travel to a field office to verify their ID. An internal memo predicts the shift will create “service disruption,” “operational strain,” and “budget shortfalls” — unsurprising, given concurrent staffing cuts and field office closures. The inevitable harms will no doubt be declared part of a necessary attempt to purge “fraud” from the system that has disbursed earned benefits to elderly and disabled people for generations. Journalists have choices. They can, as did the Record-Journal of Meriden, Connecticut, report that the cuts derive from repeated claims of fraud from Elon Musk that are “without evidence,” that Trump echoes Musk's “unfounded statements,” and then quote a retiree advocate noting that accusations of loads of dead folks collecting benefits are “baseless,” and put the words “fact sheet” in appropriate irony quotes when describing a missive from the White House. Or you can go the route of the Arizona Republic, and lead with the notion that the interference in Social Security is most importantly part of Musk's “implementing … measures to trim costs throughout the government.” Mention that the actions have “stirred a range of emotions, from cautious hope that the federal government might finally bring its deficit spending under control, to frantic fears that benefit cuts could undermine the financial or health security of millions of Americans” go on to ask, earnestly, “Where does Trump stand on Social Security and other benefits?” and begin with a White House statement “reiterating that the president supports these programs.” In paragraph 19, you might throw in that public polling shows that “most Americans would favor revenue increases rather than benefit cuts to Social Security,” which would include “requiring high-income individuals to pay taxes on more of their earnings.” In short, easily verified facts, along with “most Americans,” can be centered or tangential in your reporting on the drastic, opaque changes aimed at the program that keeps the wolf from the door for millions of people but for Musk/Trump represents yet another pile of money they feel belongs to them and theirs. All that's in the balance are human lives and health, and the ability of working people to plan for our futures. We'll talk about the new, yet also old, attacks on Social Security with Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works. Plus Janine Jackson takes a quick look at recent media coverage of Mahmoud Khalil, deportations and the FTC.   The post Nancy Altman on Social Security Attacks appeared first on KPFA.

Both Alex and I had technical problems last week when he joined us, so he's back today as the regime's attack on Social Security intensifies. The news has only gotten more alarming and unprecedented in the last seven days.Alex Lawson is executive director of Social Security Works, an organization dedicated to fighting to protect and expand Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid; lower drug prices; ensure economic justice for all; and guarantee health care as a human right—because everyone deserves to live in dignity.

I've gotten a lot of email in the past week or two from listeners very concerned about what the Musk/Dump regime will do to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Although I know that messing with those programs would bring down what's left of this nation -- or maybe because I know that -- it's got me really concerned too.ProPublica this morning published a story regarding a leaked phone recording of the acting Social Security Commissioner expressing grave concerns about what "the DOGE kids" are doing there and the ramifications if they 'succeed'. I shared a lot of it on the show today, but you should read the whole thing for yourself so you know what's going on.We were supposed to speak with Alex Lawson today. He's the executive director of Social Security Works. Both he and I were hit with computer gremlins today so we only got to speak for a few minutes. We will reschedule and get him on early next week for a full conversation.  But in the few minutes we had today, he did warn that there's a real possibility that things at Social Security will be affected and so may our payments. He suggested that we all go to ssa.gov, log in and download hard copies of our statements --earnings and money owed-- so we have them should something go wrong. I also mentioned another article you should read, this one from The American Prospect, where David Dayen wrote "Senate Democrats' Choice: Block the Republican Spending Bill or Dissolve Congress".  Please read it and call your senators. A great resource for calling is 5calls.org. 

* Voters Overwhelmingly Oppose Trump-GOP Plan to Slash $880 Billion from Medicaid Healthcare; Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works; Producer: Scott Harris. * Civil Resistance Strategies and Tactics to Effectively Resist the Trump-Musk Coup; Maria J. Stephan, Co-Lead and Chief Organizer with the Horizons Project; Producer: Scott Harris. * As NYC's Congestion Pricing Program Generates Funds for Mass Transit, Trump Wants it Shut Down; Michael Gerrard, Director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change law at Columbia Law School; Producer: Melinda Tuhus.

This time on Code WACK!  What would cutting off or limiting Social Security benefits – or privatizing Social Security – mean for the roughly 68 million retirees who rely on such benefits? And what could that mean for those who receive disability benefits?  To break it down, we spoke with Alex Lawson, executive director of Social Security Works, an organization fighting to protect and expand Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid; lower drug prices; and ensure health care as a human right. This is part two of a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

What's at stake for Medicaid—the lifeline for millions of low-income Americans—under President Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress determined to slash spending? How would cutting Medicaid affect the more than 72 million people who rely on it for health care? And is Social Security next on the chopping block? To break it down, we spoke with Alex Lawson, executive director of Social Security Works, an organization fighting to protect and expand Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid; lower drug prices; and ensure health care as a human right. This is part one of a two-part series.

In part one of Red Eye Radio with Gary McNamara and Eric Harley, James Carville points out the racism in the Democrat party; now there's talk on the left of getting rid of President's day; Bill Mahar says Trump has gone too far declaring there are only two sexes; CBS's Margaret Brennan believes free speech caused the Holocaust...Secretary of State Rubio responds;  Actor Tom Hanks mocks MAGA on Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary special; Federal judges have cleared DOGE to access student loan borrower data and the firing of Federal employees;  Sheryl Crow sells her Tesla; Trump says Europe won't be involved in Russia-Ukraine talks; The implosion of the Democrat party; The media blames Trump for Toronto plane crash; Large backers of Democrats have paused their donations; The president of Social Security Works says Elon Musk is coming for your social security benefits;   For more talk on the issues that matter to you, listen on radio stations across America Monday-Friday 12am-5am CT (1am-6am ET and 10pm-3am PT), download the RED EYE RADIO SHOW app, asking your smart speaker, or listening at RedEyeRadioShow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This time on Code WACK!    What's at stake for Medicaid—the lifeline for millions of low-income Americans—under President Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress determined to slash spending? How would cutting Medicaid affect the more than 72 million people who rely on it for health care? And is Social Security next on the chopping block?  To break it down, we spoke with Alex Lawson, executive director of Social Security Works, an organization fighting to protect and expand Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid; lower drug prices; and ensure health care as a human right. This is part one of a two-part series.   Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

Alex Lawson - A call for protecting the integrity of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid following reports that DOGE has accessed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and intends to access SSA next. Trump to IRS: stop investigating Rich tax cheats and instead go catch some brown people who are here without authorization.Is anyone surprised PBS caves to Trump and closes their DEI program - I have my doubts this will help them. Morgan J Freeman: "Anthem Blue Shield Blue Cross -- just denied cancer follow-up MRI to check spread was deemed "not a medical necessity" and therefore “not authorized." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, which fights to address the retirement income crisis by protecting and expanding America's Social Security system. Social Security Works is the convening organization of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition— a coalition made up of over 340 national and state organizations representing over 50 million Americans. Brad and Alex talk about Elon Musk's infiltration of the social security system, his massive role in the Trump administration, their collective threat to America's social safety net, and today's protests against DOGE, Musk and in favor of protecting Social Security and Medicare. Then, Brad is joined by Democratic Media Creator Will Robinson. The two discuss the Democratic response to Trump's excesses (including strategy, message and tactics), Democrats' use of new media, and more. The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.  Will Robinson's handle on BlueSky is @willrobinson1776.bsky.social. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, which fights to address the retirement income crisis by protecting and expanding America's Social Security system. Social Security Works is the convening organization of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition— a coalition made up of over 340 national and state organizations representing over 50 million Americans. Brad and Alex talk about Elon Musk's infiltration of the social security system, his massive role in the Trump administration, their collective threat to America's social safety net, and today's protests against DOGE, Musk and in favor of protecting Social Security and Medicare. Then, Brad is joined by Democratic Media Creator Will Robinson. The two discuss the Democratic response to Trump's excesses (including strategy, message and tactics), Democrats' use of new media, and more. The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.  Will Robinson's handle on BlueSky is @willrobinson1776.bsky.social. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social. (Image Credit: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

One of President Biden's final acts as president was signing the Social Security Fairness Act into law this week. If you are a public sector employee, this might affect you in a good way. But what about Social Security as a whole? Although the former and future guy said on the campaign trail that he wouldn't cut Social Security and Medicare, that's not what we're hearing from the Republicans that will control Congress for the next two years. We need answers. So, today, Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works will join me for the first half hour of the show and give us the facts. Then we'll get in to some of the other news of the day including the fires devastating Los Angeles and all of Southern California, and the status of Jack Smith's final reports on Dump investigations pertaining to Jan 6 and classified documents.

FUN HALF LINK HERE: https://youtube.com/live/qzCOCJJt2o4 It's News Day Tuesday! Sam and Emma speak with Alex Lawson, executive director of Social Security Works, to discuss President Biden signing the Social Security Fairness Act into law. First, Sam and Emma run through updates on the GOP's reconciliation fight, Trump's second certified election W, Merrick Garland's Jan 6th report, Fetterman's support for more right-wing legislation, Senate GOPers push for ICC sanctions, Virginia's special elections, CIA's surveillance of Latino activists, Rudy Giuliani's contempt of court, Guantanamo's prisoners, Zuckerberg's re-welcoming of misinformation back to Meta, and gender-affirming care data, before diving a little deeper into Big Tech's overwhelming capitulation to Donald Trump's regime, from Zuckerberg's Meta misinformation to Bezos' Washington Post censorship. Alex Lawson then joins, quickly running through the recent debates over social security – from the Trump-Musk push to cut it via the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to Biden's recent passage of the Social Security Fairness Act – before taking a major step back to the Reagan Administration as he walks through Reagan's sweeping WEP and GPO kneecaps to Social Security, serving to cut all benefits by 14% and completely carving teachers, police officers, and firefighters out of the system, respectively, and serving to bolster the rapid development of wealth inequality over the four decades since, helped all the while by the shift from defined-benefit pensions to defined-contribution 401ks. Jumping back to the modern day, Alex, Sam, and Emma unpack the attacks to be expected as Trump's DOGE takes over, from addressing supposed concerns about growing life expectancy – a development only affecting the wealthy – to attempts to make it more “profitable” by undercutting benefits rather than raising revenue, and tackling the unsurprising solution of simply lifting (or even eliminating) the income cap that prevents wealthy people from paying their fair share into the system. Wrapping up, they assess the overwhelming popularity of Social Security (outside of DC, of course), and what it will take to protect it. And in the Fun Half: Sam and Emma parse through Trump's outlandish territory claims – from the Gulf of Mexico to Greenland – and the concerning motives that could be behind them, before diving deep into the GOP's ongoing reconciliation infighting, as Larry Kudlow presses Ted Cruz over the decision to keep it as one massive bill. They also unpack Hannity's malaise over recent attacks on the wealthy, Musk's relationship with Argentina's poverty-pusher Javier Milei, and Tim Pool's recent freakout over jailed January 6th defendants, plus, your calls and IMs! Follow Alex and SSW on Twitter here: https://x.com/ssworks Find out more about Social Security Works here: https://socialsecurityworks.org/ See if your money is being used to fund climate chaos here!: https://bank.green/ Follow us on TikTok here!: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here!: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here!: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here!: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase! 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Apartheid Billionaire Elon Musk is planning on destroying social security. Can we stop the Department of Government Efficiency from dismantling social security? Alex Lawson, President of Social Security Works, joins Thom Hartmann to discuss what Trump and Musk are planning and what we can do to stop it and save social security. Plus, Veteran War Correspondent in Kyiv, Phil Ittner reports from Ukraine.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President of Social Security Works, Alex Lawson warns that Elon Musk's commission is a plot to destroy our Social Security. By giving it to Wall Street executives, you get nothing and they get everything. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants to rein in predatory data brokers - but won't be able to if Musk deletes them. Plus Geeky Science! The best longevity thing you can do is walking! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can Social Security survive right wing efforts to hand it over to Wall Street? Meanwhile Republicans are full speed ahead on giving Trump concrete power to attack non-profits, immigrants, journalists, and protesters any other enemies of his consolidation of power.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.