| Friend, Elon Musk told podcaster Joe Rogan he believes Social Security is the “biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.”(1) Of course, the richest man on the planet does not need the country’s most important social safety net, so it's no surprise that he has no idea how it works. Unlike a Ponzi scheme -- where there is no actual product and investors simply enrich whoever recruited them until the whole thing collapses -- Social Security helps support retirees who have already paid into the system. In fact, 6.3 million Californians count on it.(2) But right now, Congress is looking for $2 trillion to pay for tax cuts for the rich, and Social Security is at risk.(3) Musk’s ignorant comments -- which have spread like wildfire on right-wing social networks -- put an even bigger target on it.(3)
Social Security has proven to be one of U.S. history's most popular and successful programs. Over 65 million seniors rely on its benefits, and it’s helped elderly poverty rates fall from over a third in 1959 to under 10 percent today.(4,5) But Musk and the Trump administration are leading efforts to cut 7,000 Social Security jobs, close 6 of its 10 regional offices, and force recipients to have to do in-person identity checks to continue to receive benefits.(6) All of this destruction is to make way for cuts for the wealthy and pave the way to privatize this foundational public program.(7) With Musk spreading lies about Social Security, it’s vital that we speak out and demand Congress protect this vital program. Yes, I’ll sign the petition to save Social Security from Elon Musk. Thank you for being in the fight! –Irene, along with Annie, Angela, Isidra, Cecilia, Jen, and Lindsay (the Courage team)
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