Armed with the facts and a wide network of supporters, the ARA Truth Truck rolls into New York

March 30, 2005

From the Alliance for Retired Americans web site comes this report on the Social Security Truth Truck's stops in New York state this week.

Wed, Mar 30, 9:45am
ROCHESTER, NY

With snow melting on the ground the Truth Truck rolled into Rochester, NY this morning just before 9am. Our gracious host for the Truth Truck's first stop in the Empire State was the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT). Some 30 activists heard from NY Alliance President Fred Nauman and Rochester Alliance President Freddi Macek about the risks of privatization. Freddi Macek, 64, said, "Fifty percent of seniors in New York state are staying out of poverty because of Social Security." 

Special guest Joan Irwin delivered an emotional testimonial about the loss of her husband when she was only 23 and her reliance on Social Security survivor benefits.

This morning's event was aimed at Rep. John Kuhl (RNY-29) and Rep. Thomas Reynolds (RNY-26), who together represent more than 240,000 Social Security recipients. The NY Alliance has collected nearly 3,000 petitions in the their districts. Statewide the NY Alliance has collected 38, 564 petitions... and still counting!

This event also gave local Alliance leaders and activists a chance to thank Rep. Louise McIntosh Slaughter (DNY-28), as well as Senators Schumer and Clinton for their opposition to privatization.

Next stop... this afternoon at 2:00pm in Watertown, NY for a visit to Congressman John McHugh (RNY-23). See you in Watertown!

Wed, Mar 30, 1:50pm
WATERTOWN, NY 

It's a great afternoon in upstate New York and the Truth Truck is about to do its final event of the day.

We are in front of Rep. John McHugh's (NY-23) office on Washington Street in downtown Watertown.  A good crowd and small group of local press are assembled.  In a minute the crowd will hear from Mike Burgess, Executive Director of the New York Alliance for Retired Americans and a group of local retirees.  Today, like the entire tour, has really demonstrated  the power of the retiree voice in this all-important policy debate.

The NY Alliance has collected more than 1,000 petitions calling on McHugh to oppose privatization.  McHugh represents just over 115,000 Social Security recipients.

This event is just about to start.....gotta go!

Thu, Mar 31, 9:45am
SYRACUSE, NY

Thursday morning and the Truth Truck just made its fourth and final stop in the great Empire State!  New York is the 6th state of the Truck's spring recess tour.

Again this morning Alliance leaders thanked Senators Schumer and Clinton for their unwavering support of Social Security.  Both New York senators have been leaders in the battle to stop the President's privatization proposal.  New York retirees and seniors are truly indebted to them.

The rally also gave us an opportunity to shine a bright light on two representatives who have been far less clear in where they stand on this important issue: Representatives Sherwood Boehlert (NY-24) and James Walsh (NY-25).  Together these men represent more than 250,000 Social Security recipients and the New York Alliance has collected 2,260 petitions calling on them to oppose President Bush's plans to privatize Social Security.

In the shadow of Syracuse University on a clear and sunny upstate morning, a crowd of 45 activists heard from a professor from Syracuse University, the President of the Syracuse Central Labor Council President and two local retirees.  Each person spoke eloquently about the history, importance and future of Social Security.

Despite the presence of a few protesters who were greeted warmly by our friends in the Teamsters, the event was a huge success.  A very special thank you to the entire New York Alliance and AFL-CIO team for their hospitality and energy throughout our stay.

On to Reading, PA!

Truth Truck blog posts appear courtesy the Alliance for Retired Americans. Follow the link for more information on the Social Security Truth Truck Tour.