Members of the Seniors for Peace and the Democratic Club in Seal Beach Leisure World are protesting perceived threats to Social Security and Medicare posed by President Trump and Elon Musk. Many seniors, who are heavily reliant on Social Security, express frustration over Musk's commentary and potential job eliminations in the Social Security agency. With overwhelming bipartisan support for these entitlement programs, protesters fear for their future benefits. Dan Larkin emphasizes the executive branch's power to enact change, contributing to a sense of urgency among participants.
Most of the 15 rabble-rousers, ranging in age from 60s to 80s, raised a hand when I asked if their monthly budgets rely heavily on Social Security checks. And they're ticked off that Musk, a gazillionaire, has called Social Security a ponzi scheme and orchestrated the elimination of thousands of jobs in the agency.
'Yes, it's absolutely real,' Dan Larkin said. 'Right now we don't have but one branch of government, and that's the executive branch. [Trump is] able to do whatever he wants with impunity. ... It's terrifying.'
'It's our money,' said Shel Magnuson, noting that employees contribute to Social Security through payroll deductions during their working years.
Ray Olsowka, who plans to demonstrate Saturday under the big Leisure World globe at the main gate on Seal Beach Boulevard, said he had an idea for a protest sign directed at Musk, DOGE's rabid Doberman and SpaceX founder. 'Please Fly to Mars.'
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