The Retiree Advocate: August 2015
Welcome to the August 2015 issue of The Retiree Advocate, the monthly newsletter of the Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action (PSARA).
In This Issue:
- Welcome to the Gutenberg Editor
- March, 2016 ADVOCATE
- Climate Change Is Violence…NOW
- Puerto Rico’s Debt Crisis: The Cost of Being a US Colony
- What’s Next in the Fight for Fair Trade?
- What’s Wrong with Europe?
- "Secret Memo": Primary Election Bad News for Developers and Landlords
- Initiative 735 Urges Congress to Amend the US Constitution
- Frank Irigon Receives National Award
- In Memory of Edie Koch
- Celebrate and Organize
Climate Change Is Violence…NOW
One day last week, a friend visiting from out of the state asked me, “I know that lots of people are concerned about the environment and climate change, but what about concern for people? “ This is a person who works on issues of food and is very concerned with social justice. That she would see the fight against climate change as a side issue was a shock.
Puerto Rico’s Debt Crisis: The Cost of Being a US Colony
On August 3 Puerto Rico defaulted on an installment of its $72 billion debt.
What’s Next in the Fight for Fair Trade?
For the past six months a broad coalition of labor, environmental, faith, and community organizations has been united in a single purpose: defeating Fast Track for the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal.
What’s Wrong with Europe?
“You, with your vote, will judge us,” Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told his country in an August 20 speech, calling for new elections on September 20.
“Secret Memo”: Primary Election Bad News for Developers and Landlords
By Jonathan Rosenblum Author of the secret memo? Your crack team of PSARA 2015 primary election investigators has discovered a secret post-primary election memo issued by one of Seattle’s big developers and landlords. While we’re continuing to analyze the document for authenticity (fingerprint and handwriting analyses, etc.), we believe the memo bears a striking resemblance […]
Initiative 735 Urges Congress to Amend the US Constitution
Get Big Money Out of Elections! Overturn Citizens United! Corporations Are Not People. Money Is Not Speech! You’ve heard the slogans – Now you can help do it.
Frank Irigon Receives National Award
Frank Irigon, PSARA Executive Board Member and Diversity Committee Chair, received an Unsung Hero Award at the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) National Convention in San Francisco in July.
In Memory of Edie Koch
Edie Koch, our hard working, capable treasurer for many, many years, passed away quietly in her daughter’s home in June after a long and painful struggle with cancer.
Celebrate and Organize
This summer people all over the country will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid and the 80th anniversary of Social Security. The successes of Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare deserve celebration.
Fountain
I stood there looking at the newly restored sculpture, “Fountain,” at the Seattle Central Community College (SCCC). Stunning. The fountain resounded with energy, hope, and joy, unlike the last time I had seen it, in disrepair. I was also feeling the love, energy, work, excitement, and yes, community organizing, that went into this project.
