Hundreds gathered at the Federal Building, 7th/Mission, Tuesday, July 2, to send a strong message to Senators Feinstein and Pelosi “Do Not Mess with Our Social Security, and Expand Medicare for All!”

Pauline Brooks, CARA, opened the rally and sparked up the crowd. “Don’t mess with my Social Security, my Medicare, my dignity – leave it alone. We’re sending a message across this country, No Chained CPI.” The proposed Chained CPI (Consumer Price Index) would rob beneficiaries of cost-of-living protection. From 2015-2033, that would be $89.2 billion stolen from us. This would cut the benefits of all beneficiaries, including current retirees, disabled workers, and dependents. .In 50 cities around the country, demonstrations like this one in SF took place and fired up the fight.

The Rockin’ Solidarity Chorus, Freedom Song Network and Occupella led us in songs to inspire the crowd including a tribute to John Fromer with his song, “What’s our dignity worth?”

Tom Rankin, past president of California Labor Federation gave us a history of the attacks on Social Security, and his message to our representatives; “Listen to the people – not people on Wall Street”.

The president of the Bakersfield Labor Council called on the Senate to do its job and confirm 5 National Labor Relations Board members Now! He and Hene Kelly then called out to the crowd to “give Me Five NLRB members!” to http://www.giveus5nlrb.org

This solidarity protest brought together seniors, youth, organized labor, and community groups including Mujeres Unitas Activas, Senior Disability Action, Jobs for Justice, SEIU Local 87, Postal workers, SEIU 1021, CWA, IAM (The International Association of Machinists),CARA, Gray Panthers. Everyone formed a symbolic paper chain to surround the Federal Building and marched from there to Feinstein’s office, Post & Market to join with the BART strikers. The people’s chain stretched for many blocks taking over Market Street led by chanters Hene Kelly and Tim Paulson on our banner-decorated truck as we passed folks on Market Street