Published: November 13, 2017

It is hard to believe another Labor Day has passed since our last newsletter. I blame it on how occupied we all have been since then with the November presidential election and its incredible consequences.

In spite of that we had successful outcomes in our statewide elections and legislative session. I know that many of our retirees spent hours on the phone and attending rallies, testifying to the legislature, helping with contract bargaining, calling Senators and Representatives to save health care for tens of millions. I want to thank everyone who has put in the hard work, thank you.

The fight and our resistance to the so clearly un-normal state of our country continues but I am not going to write about how public unions are almost certain to face major revenue challenges when the U.S. Supreme Court rules in one of several pending cases, nor how the National Labor Relations Board has been turned into a voice for corporations and management, nor how Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are under vicious attacks, nor how voter suppression threatens our democracy, no. I go a bit nuts from it all.

It is important to also take care of ourselves and our friends, family, brothers and sisters. I myself have been remiss. However, I am going to confess to a major fault: to distract myself I became a golf addict in my retirement this summer. I have played more rounds since May than I had played in the last 20 years. I play mostly by myself with Von along to keep score and caddy. We play at what I call a blue collar resort, at Eagle Crest here in Redmond. We enjoy the green environment and wildlife and the time together. When I am not so embarrassed about my game we will begin to play more with others!

So I hope everyone is or has been able to have time for self care as we gear up for the continuing fight for economic and social justice. I know I am ready. Resist!

Greg Ledbetter, President SEIU 503 Retirees

ledbetterg@seiu503.org