A party of sycophants

On this day in 1935, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, creating the system we have today. For 90 years, Social Security has protected the dignity of our retired seniors and provided essential aid to disabled Americans and those who have lost loved ones. 

Attacks on Social Security used to be considered the third rail of politics. Anyone who proposed cutting or even delaying benefits was, rightfully, laughed out of the room. Part of that is because all members of Congress (whether they like it or not) have constituents who rely on these programs.

But that was a different time. 

That was a time when all members of Congress were deeply invested in advocating for the best interests of the people who elected them. Now, Donald Trump and his Republican enablers are choosing to side with major corporations and slash Social Security. As part of their so-called “Big Beautiful Bill”, Congressional Republicans gave massive tax breaks to their millionaire and billionaire buddies, exploding the deficit and creating a need for cuts. 

They’re looking to pay for these giveaways by passing the cost onto our country’s retirees in the form of reduced staff levels, increased wait times on the phone, and even delayed payments.

It’s become clear that the GOP has only one priority: keeping Trump happy. 

Who cares if millions lose their health coverage, or if seniors have to go back to work in order to scrape together a living? The President doesn’t, nor do Republicans in Congress. But I do.

There are 1.3 million people in Massachusetts who receive Social Security benefits. I’ve fought to protect, and even expand, benefits for those hardworking Americans throughout my career. I’ll be damned if I let a party of sycophants hang us out to dry for the sake of their political careers.

Yours in the fight, 

Jim McGovern