The Cold Within

The Steelworkers Oldtimer

I retired at the age of 55 and felt pretty darned young. The magazine produced by the United Steelworkers of America for their retirees in 1998 was titled "The Steelworkers Oldtimer". I can recall taking objection to the name of this magazine as it made me feel older than I was. A few years later, the name of the magazine was changed to "SOAR in Action".

Today, I ran across one of these "Oldtimer" magazines which brought back that memory which made me laugh. I told my wife that I wouldn't mind if they changed the name of the magazine back to the old name. She replied, "retirees don't have enough time these days to read a magazine with 24 pages.

Growing older definitely means change, that's for sure. Not only does it require accepting the things you're unable to change but it also requires a sense of humor.

Here's the cover page of one of those "Oldtimer" magazines.

Women's History Month Today

Women’s History Month

Much is being written about the historical role that women have played in our country. Women who were, and are famous. Many of the ladies in the labor movement who are being written about, are well known to union members and union retirees. But it’s the women in our era that I’m most interested in writing about.

There are many women who, although are much appreciated by us all, are, at the same time, going about their everyday duties almost as unsung heroes. Not only do we have female leaders holding every position in the Steelworkers Union, SOAR Chapters, and on the SOAR Executive Board, including the Director of SOAR, but also, those who stand in support of the men in SOAR. 

I am in awe when I think of how much my own wife has endured during my activities in my local union and with various jobs I’ve had over the past twenty years with SOAR. Elaine went with me picketing and to various demonstrations and rallies during a long eight month strike. She has put up with my going to thousands of union meetings, conferences, and schools. Even today, she helps me in putting together our SOAR newsletter and stands by me in negotiating my travel to various union and SOAR events. That’s right…..my good wife.

What in the world would I do without…..Elaine?

It’s the ladies of today who are making history. They are the ones who deserve recognition for their support which sometimes is taken for granted. 

Meet Andres Rosa, Dist 13 SOAR Board Member

Andres “Andy” Rosas, District 13 SOAR Executive Board Member

In  February, 1968, at age 28, Andy was hired at Reynolds Metals Sherwin Plant and started his 33 years as a union member of the Aluminum, Brick and Glass, Local 235A (later USW Local 235A). 

Ten years later, Andy went through the three year Union Millwright Apprenticeship program where he learned what was needed to work as a mechanic until he retired in 2001. Andy’s Union involvement included work as a Shop Steward, Maintenance Negotiating Committeeman, Financial Secretary, Grievance Chairman and Local Union President. 

Int’l President Leo W. Gerard, in consultation with District 13 Director Ruben Garza, appointed Andres “Andy” Rosas as the District 13 SOAR Executive Board Member.  On February 1, 2019, Andy began fulfilling the remainder of John Patrick’s term. 

When Andy retired, he wanted to stay politically involved. He found out about SOAR and applied for a charter. His Soar Chapter 13 -1 was chartered on February 3, 2009 and celebrated its 10^th anniversary on February 3, 2019.

Personality Cult - Take your pick

personality cult | ˌpərsnˈalədē kəlt |

noun

excessive public admiration for or devotion to a famous person, especially a political leader.

A cult of personality arises when a country's regime – or, more rarely, an individual – uses the techniques of mass media, propaganda, the big lie, spectacle, the arts, patriotism, and government-organized ... Wikipedia

Definition of personality cult

: a situation in which a public figure (such as a political leader) is deliberately presented to the people of a country as a great person who should be admired and loved

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

That's where we're at. Could it be the end of Democracy in the United States?