The illegal takeover of the federal government.

[MaryW102759]

Spoiler

I wish I lived closer to DC because I would be in the streets demanding trump's resignation and the resignation of all Republicans in Congress.  I would also demand Elon and his butt boys arrested for the crimes they're committing.  Our government is being stripped data is being stolen!!!

[robin24]

Another one with TDS. Fact check yourselves ...

[WebWiseWoman]

Wait until this #dotard turns on you, "pwt"; don't come whining to us then

[WebWiseWoman]

Fact check this b

"We Do Not Have A King': Cory Booker Goes Scorched Earth On Trump During Senate Floor Remarks 

One of the most poignant statements made during this speech (imho): "Strong Presidents, LBJ, Ronald Reagan, strong Presidents who have a vision for this Country... respect our Constitution"

"I haven't always agreed with what the President did... ...but they had the strength; they came to Congress..."

[GAKKIEZ]

There is NO illegal takeover of the federal government!  It's called TRANSPARENCY.  Get used to the actions of the current administration to finally bring TRANSPARENCY to all of the wasteful/illegal spending of the previous administration.  Keep up the good work in showing all the prior mismanagement and illegal activities!

[WebWiseWoman]

"Transparency" is not even one word in "The Constitution of the United States of America"

yes, it's a thought but not a word... and btw this #dotard who has raped multiple tax entities, shafted contractors, and just been a bad person, he will annihilate you as he will us... he has zero loyalty...

[CharletG217714]

Transparency is fine.  Using untrained, inexperienced kids to access the National data set is a very very bad idea.  Accessing data without working with the current staffers is a REALLY bad idea.  Some 25 year old kid has admin privileges to your banking data, your personal data and your social security data. He has write access to the data which means he can add code. All it takes is one inexperienced mistake.  They don't need write access to review for reporting.

[GAKKIEZ]

The assumptions that these are "untrained, inexperienced kids" is very telling.  I trust the current administration that these "kids" have had more training and have been properly vetted than those that have had access to date.  

The big question is why all the uproar now and it's all concerning what the current administration will discover or uncover?  Where was this concern during the previous administration when they provided last minute (out-the-door) blanket pardons?

[CharletG217714]

Everyone who handles that kind of data is required to have background checks and approved security clearances.  Where are these qualifications and why aren't they posted?  These are private Tesla and SpaceX employees. In one case the kid is still in college.  Trust them if you like.  That's your choice

[GailL1]

It is my understanding that DOGE was designed after the US Digital Services which was set up by President Obama.  In fact, Politico says that the current Administration just rename it.  

Politico 02/04/2024 - TECHNOLOGY ‘They’ve done their homework': The unexpected power of Musk’s digit... 

. . . . within DOGE’s mission: In his order establishing the department, officially with a mere renaming of the existing U.S. Digital Service, Trump directed it to “implement the President’s DOGE Agenda, by modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.” Trump also issued a separate executive ordercalling on DOGE, OPM and the Office of Management and Budget to “integrate modern technology,” with DOGE providing advice on “specific best practices for the human resources function in each agency.”

WhiteHouse Archives - President Obama US Digital Services  

These were professionals in the technology field charged with the undertaking of updating and simplifying the Nation’s digital programs.  It came about at this time because of the disaster the PPACA had in its initial rollout.  

Also,I know several employees of the SSA and they have been informed via memo that DOGE access is “read only”  - definitely a lot of technology that needs improvement and simplification in that agency.  

[CharletG217714]

Do you know what wording they used?  If it's read only data but they retain admin privileges that still gives them full control of the system. 

[GailL1]

They just said the memo said “read only” access.

[jd3875]

Does anyone know if AARP is taking a stand against Musk and his teams intrusion into the Dept of Treasury accessing our private information including Social Security numbers and Medicare info? If AARP is sitting this one out to avoid partiality, then they should hang up their advocacy shingle because it doesn't get any bigger than this.

[e808912d]

I think (at least, hope) AARP is preparing a class-action lawsuit. There are TONS of us who receive Medicare through AARP. They must stand up and protect our rights.  

[DirkB349973]

Congress should be a major check against out-of-control executive power, so if congress is afraid to act, I'm not sure what AARP could do.

[jd3875]

Well to start with, AARP could be a loud public voice for seniors drawing attention to this important issue and outlining the dangers of allowing access to our private data by unelected third parties who aren't accountable to the citizenry. They could mobilize their members and create a coordinated effort to publicly hold congress and the executive branch accountable. AARP could harness all of their social media resources to hammer home the urgency of the problem. I'm guessing that there a lot of AARP members who don't follow the news and are unaware of the five-alarm fire facing the country. They should explain this unusual power grab that's occurring in Washington and do this while there's still time to stop this intrusion. That's what an advocacy organization does . . . use the power of its united voices to enact change before its too late.

[BalbonisMoleskine]

You're kidding yourselves if you believe AARP has that much influence in DC. If it did, SS benefits wouldn't be taxed, COLAs would be higher and drug prices would be lower, to name just few things that members have been lamenting for eons.

AARP publishes some good magazines and has some nice discounts. Enjoy the 15% off at Denny's. I recommend the huevos rancheros, but be sure to ask for ketchup if you can't tolerate spicy foods.

[e808912d]

A class-action lawsuit. On behalf of its members. I'm not an attorney but maybe we can get one to start one. If AARP doesn't stand up for us now, we should get our Medigap elsewhere. 

[m433841d]

 I have not seen any comment on the part of AARP. I do not even see an easy way to contact them directly which is a disgrace. Their members are not in a position to rapidly to adapt to any constriction of social security or Medicare

. 

[DirkB349973]

My guess is that Musk's IT people are building back-doors into these sensitive databases so they will have continued access regardless of what eventually happens. That's what I would do if I was evil and in-charge. 😉