Ed Notes Online: Retirees Turn out for rally and press conf for Medicare on very hot day

I stood proudly with the NYC retirees today alongside their incredible leader Marianne Pizzitola to celebrate a hard-fought victory as the city decided not to move forward with Medicare Advantage. As a retiree myself, I know how devastating it would have been to lose traditional Medicare. This was a reckless move that never should have been considered. Today we celebrate, but our work isn’t done. Let’s pass Intro 1096 and make sure no mayor ever has the power to pull the rug out from under those who gave their lives in service to this city.--- Retired City Council Bob Holden

I attended the exciting rally in City Hall Park on Monday and was joined by a big crowd of retirees despite the heat. The theme was don't trust Adams on his declaration he is abandoning MedAdv and pass local and state legislation. Our hero politician has been City Council rep Christopher Marti who won re-election last night. He was the master of ceremonies.

Marianne was the star as she so often is. It seems every local and many statewide politicians are in her phone book as they realize the power of the electoral machine she has built.

Also given recognition was the local CROC - a Cross Union group that came into existence early in the battle. Marti gave them particular recognition. Relations between CROC and Marianne's NYC Retirees have not always been smooth but Monday peace seemed to reign.

Arthur wrote:

No one from Unity bothered to stand with retirees outside in the sweltering 96 degree heat. Who showed up? There were a few people from CROC, a few of us from ABC, and a whole lot of retirees from various city unions.
Over the last few months, I’ve heard a lot about the RTC Labor Solidarity Project. They do worthwhile things. They show up when other unions go on strike or have issues. I get newsletters saying they went here and there and did this and that. Furthermore, they’ve influenced UFT at large to establish a similar org, and they’re very proud of that.
Well, neither group showed up today. I’m sure there are good reasons. One person suggested that’s not what the group is for. Okay then, but if we can support other unions, why can’t we support ourselves? That brings up a few more questions—First, weren’t we elected specifically to battle for retiree health care? Also, didn’t we overwhelmingly pass a resolution to support 1096?

It was noticeable that the Retired Teacher Chapter Labor Organizing group that has done so much good work supporting unions and rallies did not show up. Neither did Unity or any union official, who had spent so much time attacking Marianne. (Arthur's full article chronicles that below. I must point out that a prominent member of the ARISE steering committee and co-chair of one of the caucuses joined Unity in those attacks. Some say that should be water under the bridge. Not to me.

Curtis Sliwa was there: https://x.com/curtissliwa/status/1937250163149435110?s=46&t=JCp9piYEUnv12IcctFNJaw. Unlike some of my friends I don't consider him a

deplorable and enjoyed chatting with him. He might even pull off a win in the general election if the Dems split the vote -- watch the assault coming on Mamdani. Curtis can't be all bad - he has 15 cats.

Retired city councilman Robert Holden too: