POSSE: Protect Our Social Security Equity, B&W, 30 minutes, is an International Association of Machinist (IAM) production highlighting Lee Thomas rise to reporter for the Machinist Monthly Journal of and his fight for ‘Protect Our Social Security Equity’. Thomas used the union newspaper to protect the Social Security system. Not dated but probably 1950s.

Features Tom Daly, Ann Cooper, David Weintraub, with music by Tom Glazer. Written by Morton Wishengrad and produced by Stephen Sharff.

Film tells the life story of Lee Thomas, a man who faced numerous hardships and personal losses but found purpose and dignity through his work as a machinist and his involvement in the labor movement. Despite his struggles, including the loss of his son and the challenges of the Great Depression, Lee dedicated himself to improving the lives of workers. He became a respected writer and editor, using his platform to advocate for social security and workers’ rights. His legacy is one of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of justice for the working class

Presents a biographical story about a man named Lee Thomas, who lived through significant historical events and personal hardships. Here’s a timestamped summary of the key points:

2:08 – 2:10: Waiting for a friend.

2:14: Mention of waiting in mid-November 1954.

2:15 – 2:31: Introduction of Lee Thomas.

2:48 – 3:04: Reflective questions about life and memory.

3:18 – 3:50: Background on Lee’s parents, who were actors, and their struggles.

4:02 – 4:06: Emphasis on the loneliness Lee felt.

4:08 – 4:23: Lee’s journey as a wanderer and his various jobs.

4:32 – 5:01: Lee’s attempts to find stability and meaning through different jobs and reading.

5:21 – 5:29: Lee’s connection with a telephone operator, whom he later marries.

6:01 – 6:12: Lee’s hard work and his wife’s understanding of his silence.

6:23 – 6:40: Lee’s struggle with feeling unskilled and humiliated.

6:42 – 7:04: Lee’s decision to become a machinist to gain a sense of purpose and skill.

7:15 – 7:44: The importance of skill and knowledge in Lee’s life.

8:00 – 8:14: Challenges faced by workers asking for better pay.

8:48 – 9:18: Conversations among workers about their lives and aspirations.

9:30 – 10:04: Lee joins the International Association of Machinists and finds a sense of belonging.

10:07 – 10:23: The significance of strikes and the power of brotherhood among workers.

10:23 – 11:00: Lee’s involvement in organizing non-union shops and the risks involved.

11:23 – 12:08: The personal cost of Lee’s dedication to the labor movement, including the loss of his son.

12:13 – 13:43: The impact of the Great Depression on Lee and his efforts to support his family.

14:02 – 15:02: Lee’s various jobs during the Depression, including opening a lunchroom.

15:38 – 16:48: Lee’s return to machining and his writing about the Depression.

17:03 – 18:00: Lee’s writings gain recognition and he becomes the editor of the Machinist’s Monthly Journal.

18:30 – 19:01: Lee’s editorial work and his connection with the machinists.

19:03 – 20:10: Lee’s campaign to protect the Social Security system.

20:14 – 21:00: The machinists’ support for Lee’s campaign.

21:01 – 22:00: Lee’s efforts to raise awareness and funds for Social Security protection.

22:03 – 23:00: The response to Lee’s campaign and the support he received.

23:16 – 24:15: Lee’s realization of his limited time and his dedication to his cause.

24:19 – 25:05: The importance of security and self-respect in work.

25:11 – 26:10: The impact of Lee’s newsletters on the fight for Social Security.

26:16 – 27:18: Lee’s legacy and the continued fight for workers’ rights.

27:01 – 27:18: Reflection on Lee’s character and contributions.