DOGE

[O Really]

Can't get through by phone, can't get an appointment, website actually has "office" hours, and if THEY make a mistake the want the overage back immediately but will give you the shortage over time. No cuts to be found there, I guess.

[1 CAT FAN]

The view's pretty good from under that sand, eh?

That's a hoot that you are still explaining the definition of 'cut'. MAGA literacy.

How bout' the view from inside a gated community? Leftist hypocrisy.

[Vrede too]

The view's pretty good from under that sand, eh?

That's a hoot that you are still explaining the definition of 'cut'. MAGA literacy.

Yeah, maybe he doesn't understand the term "benefit" has more than one definition. Sure, in social security to " receive benefits" means to get a monthly payment from SSA. But the term also applies rightfully to the overall program as in, " a retirement benefit program." So if he wants to use a very narrow and exclusive definition to be able to defend his fellow Republicans and Trumpsters, fine. But clearly there have been efforts for years to "cut" social security, no matter how you look at it.

We refused to treat "cuts" in the ER. However, we would treat 'slices', 'stabs', 'lacerations', etc.

By hook and by crook.

Not to mention the sideways way they are cutting service to delay or mitigate new applications and claims or non service existing recipients.

It's abhorrent.

Want to apply for benefits?

Sure. Oh sorry, our servers are down and we have disconnected phone lines and cut staff.

Your call will be answered in three days, seventeen hours and forty five minutes.

Please stay on the phone. Otherwise, you will lose your place in line.

[O Really]

They're part of the effort to undermine confidence in all government so that the trumpsters can "fix" it. And they're counting on such short memories that people won't remember that it all worked fine as recently as 4 months ago. And they're probably right. The US majority is now facists or fools and the rest of us are just onlookers at a train wreck.

[1 CAT FAN]

They're part of the effort to undermine confidence in all government so that the trumpsters can "fix" it. And they're counting on such short memories that people won't remember that it all worked fine as recently as 4 months ago. And they're probably right. The US majority is now facists or fools and the rest of us are just onlookers at a train wreck.

Is that what you have in your gated community, confidence? That's nice, isn't it?

[Vrede too]

They're part of the effort to undermine confidence in all government so that the trumpsters can "fix" it. And they're counting on such short memories that people won't remember that it all worked fine as recently as 4 months ago. And they're probably right. The US majority is now fascists or fools and the rest of us are just onlookers at a train wreck.

My experience with SSI has been painless. I did get an automated notice of COLA increase in benefits during the last 4 months, but otherwise have not had any contact.

[O Really]

They're part of the effort to undermine confidence in all government so that the trumpsters can "fix" it. And they're counting on such short memories that people won't remember that it all worked fine as recently as 4 months ago. And they're probably right. The US majority is now fascists or fools and the rest of us are just onlookers at a train wreck.

My experience with SSI has been painless. I did get an automated notice of COLA increase in benefits during the last 4 months, but otherwise have not had any contact.

Yeah, to put into perspective, the vast majority of people have no trouble at all once they're eligible and receiving payments. That would include Lady O and myself. Problem is, if there is any issue, even as minor as changing a direct deposit bank, the wheels grind slowly and now they're grinding even more slowly intentionally because of all the sand Doge et. al. are throwing in the gears. Getting disability benefits already usually required an attorney's help and it's pretty easy to get disqualified - for real or by error. Same for spousal benefits when one dies. And then there was that idiot that said he didn't think any "honest" people would complain if they missed a payment.

[Vrede too]

They're part of the effort to undermine confidence in all government so that the trumpsters can "fix" it. And they're counting on such short memories that people won't remember that it all worked fine as recently as 4 months ago. And they're probably right. The US majority is now fascists or fools and the rest of us are just onlookers at a train wreck.

My experience with SSI has been painless. I did get an automated notice of COLA increase in benefits during the last 4 months, but otherwise have not had any contact.

Yeah, to put into perspective, the vast majority of people have no trouble at all once they're eligible and receiving payments. That would include Lady O and myself. Problem is, if there is any issue, even as minor as changing a direct deposit bank, the wheels grind slowly and now they're grinding even more slowly intentionally because of all the sand Doge et. al. are throwing in the gears. Getting disability benefits already usually required an attorney's help and it's pretty easy to get disqualified - for real or by error. Same for spousal benefits when one dies. And then there was that idiot that said he didn't think any "honest" people would complain if they missed a payment.

I had some issue when registering. Called, got an appointment to talk by phone with an agent. Instead of just telling me what to do she walked me through the fix until it was done. My payments were backdated to when I started the process. Thanks, Joe.

[O Really]

Called, got an appointment to talk by phone with an agent. Instead of just telling me what to do she walked me through the fix until it was done. My payments were backdated to when I started the process. Thanks, Joe.

That won't be happening again anytime soon. But don't worry - being required to chase endlessly down rabbit holes until you finally give up isn't a cut in benefits.

[Vrede too]

Called, got an appointment to talk by phone with an agent. Instead of just telling me what to do she walked me through the fix until it was done. My payments were backdated to when I started the process. Thanks, Joe.

That won't be happening again anytime soon. But don't worry - being required to chase endlessly down rabbit holes until you finally give up isn't a cut in benefits.

Thank goodness. I was worried about cuts.

Speaking of de facto cuts, the lawbreaking by POTUS Musk and PINO is relentless:

Trump administration withholding $436.87 billion in approved spending, top Democrats say

Will RepuQs ever get off their asses and defend Congress?

[Vrede too]

EPA to shut down Energy Star program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s longstanding Energy Star program that certifies the energy efficiency of homes, contractors and appliances is reportedly being cut as part of a reorganization effort.

An EPA director told staffers during a meeting Monday the program will be “de-prioritized and eliminated,” according to recordings received and confirmed by The New York Times. The move is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce costs at federal agencies.

Energy Star also helps homeowners save money on utility bills by providing tools to find efficient appliances and determining eligibility for tax credits and rebates.

Some experts have warned that utility costs could increase for homeowners as a result of the program’s end. Energy Star began in 1992 and, according to the EPA, has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 4 billion metric tons and saved Americans $500 billion in that time.

[GoCubsGo]

It really is crazy.

Who wins? Furthermore, manufacturers aren't going to change winning designs knowing that in three years they'll have to comply again.