The Social Security Shortfall and Trump’s Big Military Budget

 

Published on Portside (https://portside.org/)

The Social Security Shortfall and Trump’s Big Military Budget

https://portside.org/2026-06-22/social-security-shortfall-and-trumps-big-military-budget

Dean Baker

June 10, 2026

Center for Economic and Policy Research

The release of the 2026 Social Security Trustees Report got the usual suspects (a.k.a. “very serious people”) genuflecting about the large projected shortfall. As of 2034, the program is projected to be unable to pay full benefits. This would mean a 22 percent cut in benefits if no additional revenue is added. 

There are three points worth making here. 

1. As an economic matter, the projected depletion of the trust fund and resulting shortfall in the program means nothing;
2. The main reason for the projected shortfall is the upward redistribution of income over the last half-century;
3. The projected shortfall is far less money than the increase in military spending that Donald Trump is requesting for his 2027 budget.

Trust Fund Accounting 

On the first point, the spending to repay the bonds held from the trust fund in 2033 comes from the Treasury. Its impact on the economy would be the same as the spending in 2034, when the trust fund no longer holds any bonds.

There is an issue that the law gives the program a claim to the funds needed to repay the bonds it holds. Social Security does not have a claim to the money needed to pay full benefits once the last bonds are sold and the trust fund is depleted. 

This is an important legal point, but from an economic standpoint, it is money from the Treasury in both cases. If the country could afford to pay full benefits in 2033 when the trust fund held bonds. It can afford to pay full benefits after it has sold all its bonds, however the law would need to be changed. 

Upward Redistribution Hurt Social Security’s Finances

In 1982, the last time the program had a major overhaul, just 10 percent of wage income went to high wage earners whose income escaped taxation by being over the cap (currently around $185,000) for wages subject to the 12.4 percent Social Security tax. In the last quarter century, close to 17 percent of wage income went over the cap. 

This upward redistribution of wage income, coupled with the redistribution from wages to profits in the last quarter century, has substantially reduced the amount of revenue going into the trust fund. It shouldn’t be surprising that the people who engineered the upward redistribution of the last half-century — through trade policy, stronger patent and copyright protections, bank bailouts, and tech policy — now want to reduce people’s Social Security benefits. 

Donald Trump’s Increase in Military Spending is Twice the Size of the Shortfall Projected for 2034

The media seem to take pride in reporting huge budget numbers without providing any context that would make them meaningful to their audience. The projected Social Security shortfall is a great example. The usual group of budget hawks is being brought out to tell us that it is a huge program, which we can’t afford, and requires cuts. 

Yet, we did not hear the same chorus in response to Donald Trump’s proposed increase in the military budget from $864 billion in the last year of the Biden presidency to $1,500 billion in 2027. Even adjusting for inflation between the two years, the increase would still be close to $590 billion. There was no rationale given for why the country suddenly needs to spend so much more on its military. Trump certainly did not propose this sort of massive increase in spending in his campaign. 

The proposed increase in military spending dwarfs the shortfall projected in the Social Security program for 2034. 

Adjusting for inflation (assuming 2.5 percent annually), Trump’s requested increase would be just under $700 billion in 2034 dollars. By contrast, the Social Security Trustees project that the program will face a $314 billion shortfall in its annual budget in 2034. 

We can argue about what should be considered big and what should be considered small, but there is zero doubt that Trump’s proposed increase in military spending is hugely larger than the projected shortfall in Social Security. If anyone thinks that Social Security poses a big problem for the budget, they must believe that Trump’s military spending poses a much bigger problem, since it is more than twice as large. 

And, as noted earlier, we are already paying the money for Social Security; it is just coming out of a different pocket. The proposed increase in military spending, at 1.6 percent of GDP, will be newly committed funds coming from the Treasury, which will impose substantial demands on the economy. Any honest person who says funding Social Security poses a serious budget problem must believe that Trump’s military spending poses a far bigger problem.  

Dean Baker is the senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, DC. 

The Center for Economic and Policy Research promotes democratic debate on issues that affect people’s lives, in the US and other parts of the world.

Through rigorous, independent research and analysis we strive to provide the general public and policymakers with the tools to better understand the problems and choices that they face. CEPR is committed to presenting issues in an accurate and understandable manner, so that the public is better prepared to choose among various policy options.

Source URL: https://portside.org/2026-06-22/social-security-shortfall-and-trumps-big-military-budget

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  Ph.: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

"The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs

Baltimore Activist Alert -- June 26 - 28, 2026

51] Fight Fascism – June 26

52] Peace vigil at White House – June 26

53] Women in Black vigil – June 26

54] Support the people of Gaza – June 26

55] Mutual aid event – June 26

56] Workers Circle phone bank – June 26

57] Meet Veterans for Peace – June 26

58] Silence gives consent – June 26

59] Peace vigil at Homewood Friends Meeting – June 26

60] Bowie overpass demo – June 27

61] Harford Mall sign waving – June 27

62] Get ready for Fourth of July parade – June 27

63] National Mobilization in WDC – June 27

64] Tesla Takedown – June 27

65] PG DSA meeting – June 27

66] Protest Air Show – June 27 & 28

67] Nicaragua webinar – June 28

68] Donations needed for the Silent Fallout project

69] Poetry workshop  

70] Tell JHU president to renounce nuclear weapons contracts

71] Do you need a doctor?

72] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

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51] – Fight Fascism Fridays is a visibility event, organized for Indivisible on Fri., June 26 from 10 AM to noon at South Fountain Green Road & East Churchville Road, Bel Air South 21015.  Display the signs against fascism at various intersections across Harford County.  There are 20 antifascists’ signs, but you are welcome to bring your own! Music, water and friends are always there. RSVP to keep abreast of any changes that may happen due to weather, etc.: This a local Indivisible event which will continue through July 17! Register at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/954716/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

52] – There is a weekly vigil at the White House on Fridays from noon to 1 PM sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker.  Email artlaffin@hotmail.com or call 202-882-9649. 

53] – Every Friday from noon to 1 PM, Baltimore Women in Black vigil for peace with men and women who live in Roland Park. WIB invites all to join, and any peace sign is welcome, such as "Defuse Nuclear War."  The vigil takes place outside Roland Park Place at 830 West 40th Street and Elm Street. Parking is free at RPP or at the Rotunda across the street. Contact Ann Vinup at annvinup@gmail.com.

54] – The American Friends Service Committee holds an Action Hour every Friday at noon ET.  You’ll get updates from AFSC staff in Gaza, hear what’s happening on Capitol Hill, and get resources for your activism. Together, contact Congress to demand an arms embargo on Israel, and fully funded humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us. RSVP at https://afsc.org/actionhour?emci=822f3fb8-241a-f011-8b3d-0022482a9fb7&emdi=20221eff-f41a-f011-8b3d-0022482a9fb7&ceid=764241

55] – On Fri., June 26 from noon to 4 PM, get over to the Mutual Aid Event at Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library, 269 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis, MD 21403. Join Chesapeake Indivisible and other local volunteers in helping to unpack, sort, bag food, help load packed food in cars and, optional, help deliver in your vehicle, food to families unable to come to the drive through. Meet at noon at Pip Moyer Center, and operation leaders will direct you to where help is needed. This event does not take place on the first Friday of the month. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/chesapeakeindivisible/event/913253/

56] – The Workers Circle <socialjusticeinfo@circle.org> on June 26 at noon ET is holding a phone bank to Black voters in Virginia ahead of the election on Tues., Aug. 4. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9yEtnPk7QsOtUOG-xHl8Nw?link_id=2&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-phone-bank-with-us-friday-3&email_referrer=email_3297972&email_subject=phone-bank-with-us-friday&&#/registration

Black voters are less likely to vote in election primaries because they face administrative hurdles and poll site closures. Your calls will meet up with ongoing, on-the-ground efforts to empower and mobilize Black voters. Other opportunities are as follows: June 29 at 7 PM, July 6 at 7 PM, July 10 at 1 PM, July 13 at 7 PM, July 17 at noon, July 20 at 7 PM, July 24 at noon, July 27 at 7 PM, July 31 at noon & Aug. 3 at 7 PM.

57] – Louis Curran <bmoreloulou@icloud.com> is inviting you to LUNCH on Fri., June 26 from noon to 2:30 PM at the Ambassador dining room, 3811 Canterbury Road in Baltimore.  The cost is $22 plus tax.  Meet the Veterans for Peace who organized No Military Air Shows. Contact Lou by noon to RSVP. 

58] – Join RESIST - Silence Gives Consent, a visibility event organized for Indivisible, will take place on Fri., June 26, from 4 to 6 PM, on an overpass at 9706 Gorman Road, Laurel 20723.  Protest this Trump administration and to protect our democracy. If you too feel a need to speak out and use your freedom to protest, then this is your opportunity to join like-minded people who believe in our constitution and in humanity. This is a fun way to do something useful - lots of honking and affirmation from the 20K+ cars below. Wear your character costumes. Bring your flags, small signs (for local traffic) and large signs for the 95 traffic below. Or just bring yourself and friends too of course. This event will continue on Fridays through Oct. 30. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/970066/

59] – Sarah Bur <clerk@homewoodfriends.org> wants you to know that a Peace Vigil will occur every Friday from 5 to 6 PM at Homewood Friends, 3107 N. Charles Street, Baltimore 21218. Signs are available. There is comfort and empowerment found in coming together as a community to witness against war.  Children welcome. 

60] – Join Indivisible for a Route 50 Pedestrian Overpass demo, 15202 Major Lansdale Blvd., Bowie 20716 on Saturdays, June 27, July 4, 11 & 18, from 9 to 11 AM. Bring your love for Democracy and creativity and use it on the pedestrian bridge as a billboard for freedom. Bring large banners and posters with Letters over 15 inches to assure visibility to the cars below. Be prepared to wave encouragement to those reaching the beach this summer. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/941299/

61] – On Sat., June 27 from 10 AM to noon at the Harford Mall, 696 Belair Road, Be Air 21014, do a sign waving to save democracy.  There is parking closest to the intersection of Rt. 1 and Rt. 24. Join every Saturday at the Harford Mall in Bel Air, MD from 10AM-12PM. Park at the closed Macy’s parking lot close to the intersection at Rt.1 and Rt. 24. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/913370/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

62] – Indivisible Baltimore County will be participating in the 2026 Towson 4th of July Parade. On Sat., June 27 from 10 AM to noon, get over to the Towson Room in the Towson branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 320 York Road, Baltimore 21204, to engage in creative collaboration and construction. The themes for the parade are “We the People” and “Community is Unity. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblebaltco/event/975671/?

If you wish to participate in the Towson 4th of July Parade you must register for the event: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblebaltco/event/975655/ . Critical information will be shared for those who are registered.

63] –Linda Sarsour, MPower Change [mailto:info@mpowerchange.org] on Sat., June 27 at 11 AM is hoping you will participate in the Next250 National Mobilization in WDC. As we witness ongoing attacks on voting rights, immigrants, civil liberties, labor protections, and marginalized communities, this moment requires more than outrage. It requires courage, imagination, solidarity, and collective action. This is an opportunity to declare not only what we are fighting against, but what we are building together. RSVP at https://www.next250.us/rsvp

64] – On Saturdays, June 27 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, get with a Tesla Takedown, Tesla Silver Spring, 2320 Broadbirch Dr., Silver Spring 20904. This nonviolent rally outside of the Silver Spring Tesla showroom is to remind the community that Elon's lawless actions are dangerous and won't be tolerated. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/771738/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

The rally is located on a mainly flat sidewalk, and the group will stay on the sidewalk and the public right of way. There is some grade in the sidewalk up towards Bournefield. Please cross only at the crosswalks at Broadbirch and Plum Orchard or Broadbirch and Bournefield Way.

65] –The PG DSA Branch Steering Committee <pgdsa@mdcdsa.org> will hold a general body meeting on Sat., June 27 from 1 to 3 PM. Reflect on successes and growth over the past year, and ideally have some electoral victories to savor in the county! Questions? Email pgdsa@mdcdsa.org. We'll see you soon! 

66] –YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN VETERANS FOR PEACE ON JUNE 27TH AND 28TH AT THE BALTIMORE INNER HARBOR. Banner holders and flyer distributors are needed on Sat., June 27 from noon to 4 PM at the Visitor's Center at 401 Light St. and Sun., June 28 from noon to 4 PM at the Canton Waterfront Park at 3001 Boston St. People are encouraged to carpool since parking spaces are limited.

67] – Nicaragua Webinars <nicaraguawebinars@gmail.com> is holding 40 Years of a Historic Ruling on Sun., June 28 at 12:30 PM ET. English and Spanish interpretation will be available. REGISTER at bit.ly/NicaJune28  

 The Hague Ruling in Favor of Nicaragua is an online lecture presented by Augusto Zamora. On June 27, 1986, the International Court of Justice ruled on the actions of the United States against Nicaragua. Zamora has served as Nicaragua’s ambassador to Spain. He has taught at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua and is a visiting professor at various universities in Europe and Latin America. He is a lawyer, a mediator in international conflicts, and author of numerous books and newspaper articles.

 68] – Hideaki Ito [silentfalloutproject.org@gmail.com] wants to give you an update about the Silent Fallout Project. 2025 was a successful year. The film started streaming on Amazon in the US on March 10 this year -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0GD8QSDHZ/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r?tag=usalinktagdefault-20&geniuslink=true

 Now there are plans for 2026. Make a donation at https://www.silentfalloutproject.org/donation

 69] – David Eberhardt was a member of the Baltimore Four with Father Philip Berrigan, Tom Lewis and Rev. James Mengel.  The group poured blood on draft files on October 27, 1967.  They would be convicted and sentenced to prison. Dave hosts a virtual anti-war poetry. Contact him at 1941mireille@gmail.com  or 410-235-7507.  This workshop touches on art and music but the focus is poetry. See a video of the Blood Pouring: https://youtu.be/ZpR9_gio-AQ                

 Start with a short video of the Baltimore 4 blood pouring on draft files in 1967 with description of connection between art and radical anti-war action. Each participant will read listed poem and discussion will follow. The hosts will lead with pertinent biographical and analytical material.  The purchase of the anthology Against Forgetting by Carolyn Forche is recommended – as well Encyclopedia of Pacifism by Aldous Huxley. Begin with the progenitor, the first real specific anti-war poet Wilfred Owen, then consider roughly chronologically: 20 poems are listed on 50pp.  

 70] -- This is A PLEA TO CONVINCE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY TO OBEY INTERNATIONAL LAW. The world reached a historic milestone on January 22, 2021: The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons [TPNW] entered into force and become binding international law -- https://www.icanw.org/the_treaty.

 Prevent Nuclear War/Maryland has called attention to the growing danger of nuclear war and the outrageous $1.7 trillion dollars we are spending to upgrade the nuclear arsenal. On July 18, 2017, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, a U.S. Navy - affiliated research center received a seven-year, $92 million contract to continue its systems engineering and research-and-development services for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. Help convince JHU to renounce nuclear weapons contracts. Contact the president, Ron Daniels, to urge him to reject all nuclear weapons contracts: Office of the President, 242 Garland Hall, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21218.  Call his office at (410) 516-8068 or email president@jhu.edu.

 71] – Yousef Zarbalian [EastWestRheum@gmail.com] started his own medical practice in December before the pandemic hit. It is called East-West Medicine and Rheumatology, and its website is EastWestMD.com.  Yousef is licensed in Maryland and Virginia. He is doing primary care as well as rheumatologic care (focusing on joint problems and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and sjogren's).  He is offering telemedicine visits, and he has very reasonable rates for uninsured individuals.  He makes use of herbs (which can be sent directly to patients from the herbal dispensary) as well as prescribing medications to their local pharmacy if needed.  

 72] - If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs, records, tarps and table cloths, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

 Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, and 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  Ph: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

 "One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan

Baltimore Activist Alert -- June 25, 2026

45] Mobile Bike Shop – June 25

46] Olney stands for democracy – June 25

47] Get to know Dan Ellsberg – June 25

48] Migrant Trail Walk – June 25

49] ACLU on SCOTUS-- June 25

50] Campaign to Victory Call – June 25

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45] – Bikemore [jed@bikemore.net] on Thurs., June 25 from 4 to 7 PM will hold a Mobile Bike Shop in Druid Hill Park, Baltimore 21217. RSVP at https://www.bikemore.net/calendar

46] – Join a vigil Olney Stands Up for Democracy, organized for Indivisible, on Thursdays, June 25, July 2 & July 9 from 6 to 7 PM ET at Georgia Avenue & Maryland 108. Olney 20832. Park in the Walgreen's parking lot and follow the sound of the music! Stand for democracy, for justice, and for an economy that works for all of us, not just billionaires. Stand for science, the rule of law, a working government, kindness and common decency.  Oppose fascism, tyranny, the lawless cruelty of ICE, the epic corruption, the reckless attacks on science, the idiotic tariffs, and call out the spineless elected officials who are bending their knees to a clown who thinks only of himself. Come for your own reasons, bring your own signs or borrow one. Bring your own light or borrow one. Bring your own sounds, or dance to the protest playlist.  RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/878084/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

47] – Check out "Truth and Consequence" by Daniel Ellsberg, an online event, on Thurs., June 25 at 7 PM ET.  This is a talk with the book's editors, Michael Ellsberg and Jan Thomas.  Almost all Americans of a certain age, and all students of political science and history, know the name Daniel Ellsberg. And they mostly know him for his incredibly courageous act of leaking what became known as “The Pentagon Papers” – classified documents that told the truth of our government's massive cover up of the prosecution of the Vietnam War.  What is lesser-known by the average American is that Daniel, at the tender age of 27, had one of highest level security clearances in government as a top nuclear consultant and strategic analyst to the Rand Corporation, the Pentagon and the White House. And then later went on to be one of the most vociferous voices decrying the insanity of planning for a war that would effectively end civilization as we know it. He published this story in 2017 in the seminal book, The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner.  Now, 3 years after his tragic passing from pancreatic cancer, his son, Michael Ellsberg, in conjunction with Jan Thomas, one of Daniel's earliest assistants, have collected and curated a volume of never-before published personal and professional musings, notes and warnings that give deep tremendous insight into the thoughts behind this brilliant mind. Register at masspeace.us/truth-cons

48] – Ken Jones <info+war-industry-resisters-network-info@email.actionnetwork.org> on Thurs., June 25 at 7 PM ET is inviting you to a webinar - Desert Witness, The Migrant Trail Walk. The focus will be on the Migrant Trail Walk which Ken Jones was fortunate enough to participate in this year. This year was the 23rd annual Migrant Trail Walk in the Arizona Borderland. The week-long 75 mile journey, going from the border wall to Tucson, is a witness to the thousands of deaths that have been caused by the U.S. policy that funnels migrants away from cities into the deadly Sonoran desert (the policy is called Prevention through Deterrence). Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CIouuM6kTJyxMCzNgLnXAg.

49] – On Thurs., June 25 from 8 to 9 PM ET, join the June People Power Action Call: Eyes on SCOTUS. In the coming weeks, the Supreme Court is expected to issue major decisions that could affect birthright citizenship, voting rights, gender justice, and other fundamental freedoms. As long as there has been a Supreme Court there have been people who have been organizing to respond, defend rights, and build power beyond the courtroom. That organizing continues today. Join the ACLU for the June People Power Action Call to understand what it is watching for and how people across the country are preparing to respond and take action together.  RSVP at https://act.aclu.org/a/june-action-call?ms=aceml061226&emci=353c8be2-7766-f111-8fcb-000d3a14b640&emdi=2f3712b0-7866-f111-8fcb-000d3a14b640&ceid=3280038

50] -- Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] on Thurs., June 25 at 9 PM ET are inviting you to get involved with More Good News on the Campaign to Victory Call. Join in and share good news about campaigns and candidates that will turn US politics around for a safer, more peaceful, more prosperous, and more generally-progressive world for us all. RSVP and the machine will email you your secure link/codes: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrcuGgrDItHdeYV7F9QQsruFMypvcMt5Fc?emci=68c57304-1b53-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=7b402cd3-af53-f111-8ef3-000d3a14b6d6&ceid=2907617#/registration

To be continued

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  Ph.: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

"The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs

 

Baltimore Activist Alert -- June 24 - 25, 2026

36] No plutonium pits -- June 24

37] Target corporations promoting data centers -- June 24

38] Phone bank for Melat Kiros – June 24

39] Disabilities Issue Organizing Team call – June 24

40] Stop radioactive pollution -- June 25

41] Corporations fuel genocide – June 25

42] Hear from Indivisible founders – June 25

43] Get on the overpass – June 25

44] Importance of farm labor – June 25

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36] – The Union of Concerned Scientists <action@ucs.org> on Wed., June 24 at 6 PM ET will host a webinar No plutonium pit production: The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are moving forward with plans to produce plutonium pits—the bomb cores of thermonuclear weapons—at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina despite no demonstrated need. These new pits are unnecessary for the safety and security of the US nuclear arsenal; indeed, they are intended for newly designed nuclear warheads which increase the nuclear threat. The Union of Concerned Scientists invites you to a training webinar on how to draft and submit a public comment and hold the NNSA and DOE accountable to fully consider the public and environmental risks that come with plutonium pit production. RSVP at https://secure.ucs.org/a/2026-6-24-peis-training?contactdata=+R3FtGQ7stI9TA9Jl9UtdzOD14Zb7eXPQ7CIhborPLlVDC2QGawU%2fhUF3T%2fvYGob0fgZC28VCBaBfyVC880iepVizToIbhKor5%2fohfYXyxoe37YtugIfkE5iZUVd1UHLvzWIfzX8Hl%2fE94qykt6r8NMwgL5%2fn%2fmmJRes8xa8MzL33A3GyV4FusE3XCqWVE0g%2fKIVtQru7lkTCYk5jNzDwOUARasJ2U0AJ3rSmF2Al6lA7kU%2fk%2fKmKaRDmD5jTcFDpRfJk%2fUcuhK3NCplHUKSEA%3d%3d&utm_campaign=email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email&emci=bb603d9b-9169-f111-8fcb-000d3a14b640&emdi=052517ed-d16c-f111-8fcb-000d3a14b6d6&ceid=1507036

37] –  The Third Act on Wed., June 24 at 6 PM ET is taking a virtual close look at Fighting Back: the Corporations Behind Data Centers. A link will be communicated before the event. People everywhere are demanding a halt to the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers. Targeting corporations can help win data center moratoria. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/fighting-back-the-corporations-behind-data-centers?source=direct_link&link_id=0&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&email_referrer=email_3292071&email_subject=firstname-default-friend-did-you-catch-sen-bernie-sanders-on-our-all-in-call&

 38] – Phone bank for Melat Kiros on Wed., June 24 and Mon., June 30 from 8 to 10 PM ET. Kiros is running against a 30-year corporate-funded incumbent to be a new era of leadership in Congress — one that stops endless wars and transforms our economy with a Green New Deal. Phone bank voters in her district to help her win! RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/sunrise2026/event/960011/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

 39] – On Wednesdays, June 24, July 22 & Aug. 26, at 9 PM ET, join a Progressive Democrats of America Disabilities Issue Organizing Team call. Discuss how we fight back as we stand up for the Disabilities Community and benefits that most of us will need before we pass. Special focus will be on legislative and electoral campaigns that we can all get involved with to bring about real change. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpdumvqDwoGNx6xKMg-liSlwcpK1dJ0jzb?emci=60cf6a5a-3311-f111-a69a-000d3a57593f&emdi=177b4617-9111-f111-a69a-000d3a57593f&ceid=2907617#/registration

 40] –Mary Olson <olson.mary@gmail.com> is urging you to meet: the Coalition to Stop Radioactive Pollution + NRC Rad Rule update on Thurs., June 25 from 2 to 3 PM ET. Get an EXPERT BRIEFING -- with time for your questions, an open chat, and inclusion of your comments, and more. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4ZlZ5_qLSHGiLSCg8FF6Bg#/registration

 HEAR the latest recon on what NRC, the White House, and the nuclear industry are due to rewrite the federal radiation rules that make it legal to release radioactive pollution and otherwise expose the public and workers to deadly radioactivity. All of this to support an unprecedented relapse into nuclear mania

 41] –The Israel-U.S. genocide in Gaza is not just the work of governments. It is also fueled by corporations that profit from death and destruction. For years, our calls to officials have been met with silence, deflection, or outright lies, all while corporations that fund and supply the war machine continue to operate in silence. On Thurs., June 25 from 3:30 to 4 PM ET, engage in collective action to demand accountability from the companies involved. These companies rely heavily on public perception and a smooth workday to maximize their profits. The event will begin with a brief orientation to the purpose of the calls, a review of the call script, and clear instructions on whom to contact and how to do so. Through constant action, help disrupt their silence.  Contact Makayla at Makayla@codepinkalert.org. RSVP at https://www.codepink.org/cp625?utm_campaign=codepink_calling_party_for_gaz&utm_medium=email&utm_source=codepink

 42] – Each Thursday from 3 to 4 PM ET, Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin host a virtual event to talk about important news of the week and how we can make real change in our own communities. The chaos out of the White House is meant to overwhelm us. This is people-powered politics in real time. Questions can be submitted via the Q&A function during the live event.  This event will continue through Dec. 17. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/874938/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=_20260518

 43] – On Thurs., June 25 at 4 PM, join a banner drop at W. Gude Drive at the 270 Overpass, Rockville 20850. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/939739/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

 Every Thursday from 4 to 5 PM, the Banner Brigade hangs a central message over 270 to the honks and waves of commuters. The next gathering is on July 2, and the event will continue through Oct. 29. Feel free to bring your own sign to display or use one that’s available, or just wave and enjoy the music and our common goal to end this madness!

 44] – FOR <for@fellowshipofreconciliation.ccsend.com> is inviting you to a webinar Gathering Voices with Baldemar Velasquez, founder of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee in conversation with Dr. Linda Alvarado-Arce, Interim Co-Executive Director of FOR on Thurs. June 25 at 4 PM ET.  In the book, The Farm Labor Movement in the Midwest: Social Change and Adaptation among Migrant Farmworkers (1994) by W.K. Barger and Ernesto M. Reza, Baldemar wrote: “Many years of hard work, debate, and caring activity have yielded six master agreements that presently cover five thousand workers on almost 120 different family farms in Ohio and Michigan, representing a significant change in employment practices and putting thousands of extra dollars in workers’ pockets. Nevertheless, in this era of union busting, a call needs to be issued to organize for radical changes in the infrastructure of how the agricultural industry does its business.  With the war on immigrants and migration, agricultural workers continue to come under attack. 

 In this gathering, Linda, a Mexican-American activist and educator, will engage Baldemar in a rich conversation about the origins, evolution, and trajectory of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC), especially today when immigrants are being detained and deported at high levels and for just wanting to provide for their families. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1Vz74aMiQhO637_41wNevQ#/registration

 To be continued

 Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  Ph.: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

 "The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs