Congress, in my judgement (for what that’s worth) might be our best hope for obstructing Trump and Musk’s attempts to decimate the federal government and shut down vital programs. Sure, some federal judges are ruling against individual executive orders and decrees, but those rulings will get fast-tracked to the Supreme Court, which will likely overturn them. The media is worse than useless IMO, lapdogs and stenographers committed to normalizing and sane-washing the actions of a mad emperor. What’s left? Congress, particularly Democrats in the House and Senate who are under pressure from constituents to stand up against the threat. Constituents like you and me.
Writing to our representatives in the House and Senate is the least we can do in these frightening times. My Arizona district’s congressperson, Juan Ciscomani, is a MAGA Republican and all-in with Trump & Musk (but I wrote to him anyway); my senators, Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, are Democrats and presumably more likely to register my plea. Which plea is that they vigorously protect Social Security, military active and retired pay, Medicare, and Veterans Affairs programs, particularly healthcare.
I kept my letters focused on pay, benefits, and healthcare — all of which seem suddenly to be on Trump & Musk’s chopping block — without which Donna and I would be destitute and homeless. You may want to write about other issues. Whatever those may be, try to stay on point.
My suggestion to anyone writing their congresspersons and senators: look up and use the proper letter format, spell out your concerns and requests, don’t get emotional, forget the Hitler comparisons. I’ll attach one of my letters in the comment section under this post, in case you want to write letters of your own and would like to see how I worded mine.
My letter to Senator Kelly contained an extra paragraph, which I’ll share with you here:
As a personal note, in December 2009 Representative Gabrielle Giffords assisted me in requesting the Department of Defense stop Armed Forces Radio from broadcasting the Rush Limbaugh Show to military troops overseas. I am a huge fan of this remarkable woman, and my firm belief that writing to my Representatives and Senators will do some good is a direct result of my experience with her.
Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly, if you didn’t know, are married. Donna and I just missed meeting them in December — we went to a Boxing Day party at a wealthy friend’s house but left early, a few minutes before they arrived. I’ve been kicking myself ever since.
As promised in the above post, here’s a copy of one of the letters I sent to my congressperson and senators:
Paul Woodford
xxxx xxxx xxxx
Tucson AZ 85749
February 6, 2025
The Honorable Ruben Gallego
2 Constitution Ave NE
Russell Senate Office Bldg, SR-188
Washington DC 20510
Dear Senator Gallego,
I’m writing as a concerned constituent and requesting your help.
My wife and I are senior citizens and I am a military veteran. Our only sources of income are Social Security and my military retirement. We depend on Medicare and Tricare for Life for our healthcare, and I get some additional care through the VA.
Current Trump administration actions, along with those of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, pose an immediate threat to our security and well-being. We have never felt as threatened as we do today, or more at a loss as to what we’ll do should the retirement income and benefits we’ve earned, or the programs we depend on, be cut or eliminated.
My wife and I appeal to you to protect Social Security, active and retired military pay, Medicare, Tricare for Life, and VA healthcare and benefits, taking whatever action is necessary to stop the administration, DOGE, or Republicans in Congress from making radical changes to, or eliminating, these critical programs.
Thank you for your consideration and action.
Sincerely,
Paul Woodford
The problem is that you’re spitting into the wind. The people who control both the House and Senate are currently rugs that Trump and Musk use to wipe their feet. To quote Stephen Hunter from the book I’m reading “they suck like a whore at a rodeo.” The Supreme Court is little better.