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Created
Tue, 26/12/2023 - 06:00
Social Security expert Nancy Altman has some news Social Security is in safer hands: Last week, the Senate confirmed Martin O’Malley to be the next Commissioner of Social Security. This is a major achievement: It marks the first time in over 25 years that the Senate has confirmed a Social Security commissioner nominated by a Democratic president. Indeed, commissioners nominated by Democratic presidents have headed the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) for only eight years of the last 40. This fact is important because the Democratic and Republican parties have very different views about Social Security. Democrats created Social Security and in recent years have united around the need to protect and expand the system’s modest benefits.  In sharp contrast, when Social Security was enacted in 1935, Republicans in Congress were overwhelmingly hostile. From the early 1950s until recently, mainstream Republicans largely voted for protecting and expanding Social Security, as the program became established and highly popular among voters across the ideological spectrum.
Created
Tue, 26/12/2023 - 03:00
I just wanted to give a shout out to all of my faithful readers to thank them for stopping by Hullabaloo to read our scribbles and put a little something in the old Christmas stocking. I’m a very lucky person and I know it. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, whether it’s about church, football, food, family or extra sleep. Or all of the above. cheers,digby As I have done here every Christmas since 2003, here’s my Christmas wish for all of us: Merry Christmas everyone!
Created
Tue, 26/12/2023 - 02:30
It’s gone viral but whatevs Today Show (12/15): A new commercial from the Dutch mail-order pharmacy Doc Morris has left the internet in tears by showing the reason behind a grandfather’s drive to get in shape for Christmas with his family. Also, get in shape for 2024. There’s much work to do. Merry Christmas!
Created
Mon, 25/12/2023 - 11:56
My blog is on holidays until Monday, January 8, 2024. Here are two photos from the local coast this morning. The day started with a special Xmas day Parkrun in very stormy conditions. On the way back to my house, I stopped at one of my favourite locations nearby on the South Coast of Victoria…