Caroling Against Budget Cuts

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)"Oh fiscal cliff, oh fiscal cliff, we don't have to fall off you!" dozens of unions and community members caroled yesterday outside Congressman Chris Van Hollen's Rockville office. Area activists  also showed up  at the Greenbelt and Olney offices of Congressman Steny Hoyer and as part of a national action calling on Congress to end Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% and protect funding for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. “We're all sisters and brothers in this very important battle” said UFCW 1994 President Gino Renne to a cheering crowd outside Van Hollen's office.  Turning the megaphone toward the building Renne addressed Van Hollen directly, reminding him that, though "we have stood by your side" in every election, he cannot take this support for granted. "Stick with the working class" added Metro Council President Jos Williams. "They're the ones who put you there and they're the ones who will keep you there. Not the richest 2%." In the holiday spirit, the activists caroled their way into Van Hollen's office where local leaders spoke to the congressman's staff while others packed the halls. National Nurses United's Donna Smith, in a green cap and carrying a sign calling for the Robin Hood Tax, succinctly captured the crowd's sentiment, leading a chant of "We don't need austerity - we need prosperity!" - report/photos by Julia Kann