@ktm Your argument, while passionate, overlooks several key points and misrepresents the situation. 1. Accuracy of Claims: Elon's claims are not entirely without basis. While some specifics may be debatable, the overarching concern about inefficiency and fraud within government systems is valid. NUMIDENT, the database in question, indeed has millions of records without recorded dates of death. This discrepancy itself is a sign of potential mismanagement, even if these individuals are not receiving payments. 2. Database Issues: The existence of multiple databases (NUMIDENT, payment record databases, and others) highlights a systemic issue. The fact that NUMIDENT and the payment record databases are separate and not consistently updated is a problem. While these individuals may not be receiving payments, the inefficiency and potential for error in the system are concerning. 3. Government's Approach: The decision to not update records of deceased individuals due to cost concerns reflects poorly on the system's integrity. While it may be "stupid and inefficient" to spend millions correcting these records, it's also irresponsible to leave such significant discrepancies unaddressed. 4. Improper Payments: Improper payments to deceased individuals, even if 95% are clawed back, still represent a significant issue. The fact that funds are initially paid out and then have to be recovered indicates a reactive rather than proactive system. Even a small percentage of unrecovered funds can add up to substantial amounts over time, leading to public concern. 5. Political Motivations: Your argument suggests that Elon's claims are merely political maneuvering. While it's true that political agendas can influence narratives, it's important to consider the underlying issues being raised. Dismissing these concerns outright without acknowledging their potential validity undermines the argument's credibility. 6. Need for Reform: Ultimately, the debate should focus on finding solutions to improve government efficiency and reduce fraud. Instead of dismissing criticisms, we should address them constructively. Acknowledging and working to resolve these issues is in the best interest of all citizens.
So your approach would be to have hundreds or even thousands of staff research death records, cemetery records and courthouse files going back nearly 100 years simply to correct records? That sounds like a huge waste of taxpayer funds to me. Having multiple databases at SSA are far from inefficient, they serve different purposes and interact with other Federal systems in VERY efficient ways. "The fact that funds are initially paid out and then have to be recovered indicates a reactive rather than proactive system." Mark, how would you fix this given the timelines I described with tens of millions of payees and 7,000 people dying every day? Please be specific so we can get the govt to do a better job here. Maybe you should read my post again. I'm not dismissing criticisms or concerns - I'm dismissing complete and utter bullshit being tweeted and repeated on an hourly basis. I voted for Trump all three elections and I agree with a large percentage of the stuff he's doing overall, but he will lose the backing of the public if he continues to burn the gov't down and lies about it the entire time - even if it's just Elon doing the most lying. I fully support the effort, but they are doing this in a way that is going to end very badly for everyone - especially Trump.
@ktm please accept the fact you lost - elections have consequences lol Your response overlooks several critical issues and lacks a constructive perspective on how to address these challenges effectively. 1. Efficient Record Management: It's not about hiring thousands of staff to dig through ancient records, but about improving the existing systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency. While maintaining multiple databases at SSA serves different purposes, their interaction and synchronization need to be seamless. Implementing advanced technologies like AI and machine learning could automate the process of cross-referencing and updating records, reducing errors and ensuring timely updates. 2. Proactive vs. Reactive Systems: A proactive system could involve better real-time data integration and verification processes. For example, integrating SSA databases with other federal and state systems, such as vital records and healthcare databases, could automatically flag and update records upon receiving verified death notifications. This approach would minimize the need for manual intervention and reduce the chances of improper payments. 3. Misrepresentation of Facts: Dismissing concerns as "complete and utter bullshit" without addressing the underlying issues is counterproductive. The problem of improper payments and inefficient record-keeping is real and requires attention. Instead of dismissing criticism, focus on proposing solutions and improvements. 4. Constructive Political Dialogue: While you support the effort, acknowledging that the current approach could be improved is crucial. It's important to recognize when a strategy might be causing more harm than good and be open to alternative solutions. President Biden's administration has emphasized the need for efficiency, transparency, and technological advancements in government operations. An administration focused on these principles might approach the issue with more comprehensive reforms and a commitment to improving systems rather than dismantling them. 5. Improper Payments: The sheer number of improper payments, even if most are clawed back, highlights a system in need of reform. A focus on improving data accuracy and timely updates can significantly reduce these occurrences. Enhanced fraud detection and prevention mechanisms can be implemented to ensure that funds are allocated correctly and recovered efficiently.
The Constitution and the country itself lost. But hey Brownie glad to see your caps lock still works ............. when you copy/paste someone else's (or some AI's) thoughts.
We'll likely win the final. Try not to cry we have ended American hockey dreams a ton of times. The truth is all your chest pumping on here is getting pathetic. You aren't getting smarter as you age. Neither is Trump your clown in chief. Olympic men's hockey results ( the "long haul" ) : https://www.hhof.com/hockeypedia/mensolympichockey_1976topresent.html
In 2-3 years a lot of these Trumpers are going to try to forget all the things Trump said were good for them somehow. Term one the record is clear he failed on almost every project by the numbers except stacking the Supreme Court with religious zealots. I'll bet almost none of them got a meaningful tax rate cut in term one. Does Trump even pay taxes ?
My guess is the checks were being mailed directly to the recipients who were deceased. And since the deceased can't alert the government so no. That's why the checks were not cashed unless the government is lying and is covering up the cashing of the checks.
This is not corruption. This is inefficiencies in bureaucracy. That happens in the best of all governments. USA still has "cleaner" government than other countries who have leaders literally taking money from the government coffers to buy their wives jewelries, sending their kids to private schools and buying private jets for themselves while their people are starving to death. Otherwise you are more than welcome to leave United States and go to those countries that the USA does have the right to criticize.
Exactly. This is already known. DOGE under Elon is just broadcasting it further. And the silver lining of this situation is the checks didn't get cashed so no money is lost. Go with the silver lining. And yes the United States or any country in the world has the right to criticize not accuse, criticize other countries of fraud and corruption. This is neither here nor there, totally irrelevant to the topic in discussion. I don't know why you are bringing this up.
If one thing helps to reduce that much bureaucracy, 1. Digitization Therefore you first need correct and clean data. (Imagine you want to backtest with pretty bad data, which is what DOGE have actually. This cannot be forever.) 2. Automation Bring the databases with the data together. A huge time saver. Of course cross checks must be done that all is correct. Who can help ? Palantir is best in town doing that kind of AI stuff. They are already trusted by the US Government working closely together in the defense department. Palantir have the best of best people in that area, nobody has a higher expertise doing that. That is why they are the market leader. Karp, Thiel, Trump - The German connection will figure it out and solve it. Musk knows Thiel and Karp already. Trump is kind of half German. Trump said to Angela Merkel in his first term, that his blood being German is good stuff. So let's go then.