Lawmakers Get Earful from Fed-Up Voters at 'Accountability' Events

Duluth Demonstrators Shame Congressman into Holding 'Free' Town Hall

In Tennessee, demonstrators marched in protest of GOP Rep. Diane Black's votes for Medicare cuts and corporate tax breaks.

Outside a deli called "Grandma's" in Duluth, Minn., this week, chanting demonstrators — including some angry grandmas — shamed a GOP congressman who was charging people to attend his so-called town hall meeting inside.

It was one of about 200 "August Accountability" events that CWA members have either planned or taken part in so far this month, as broad coalitions of angry Americans hold vacationing members of Congress to account for their attacks on Medicare, Social Security, fair taxes, workers' rights and more.

At the Duluth deli Tuesday, Rep. Chip Cravaack was greeted by chants demanding a real town hall meeting. He finally agreed that he'd meet with constituents at the city's small airport on Wednesday. About 300 people showed up to grill him, even though they had to pay $2 to $8 for parking for a "free" public meeting.

In California, CWA retirees demanded that Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein pledge to protect Medicare.

Below: In Duluth, Minn., activists shamed GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack into holding a free public meeting after charging people to talk to him.

Across the country, CWA members have similarly been holding lawmakers' feet to the fire during their August recess. Through office visits, pickets, postcard campaigns, phone calls and other action, they are telling elected leaders that it's high time for them to stand up for America's middle class.

Here's a sampling of events:

• In Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Tuesday, CWA members and community activists marched in front of the office of Republican Rep. Diane Black, who has voted for Medicare cuts and in favor of corporate tax breaks. Passing drivers responded enthusiastically to signs that said such things as, "Honk to Save Jobs."
• In Indiana, CWAers are taking part in events such as "Letter to the Editor" parties, a statewide day of leafleting and phone banks to call Congress.
• In California, CWA retirees have been among busloads activists protesting at offices of Republican Rep. Dan Lungren as well as Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who has made wavering statements about her stance on Medicare.
• In West Virginia, events have targeted Republican Rep. David McKinley, including labor council picnics, rallies at his office and a statewide postcard campaign.
• In Houston, Texas, CWA members led a large protest at a fundraiser for Florida Rep. John Mica, the Republican chair of the House Transportation Committee. Mica forced the recent shutdown of the FAA, and could do it again in September, due to his demands that funding for the agency be tied to stripping union rights.
• In New York, CWA members and retirees have held multiple events letting GOP Rep. Nan Hayworth know what they think of her votes to gut Medicare. Several YouTube videos feature CWAers, including Jeanette Spoor, president of the Local 1103 Retired Members' Chapter. Here's one.

There's still plenty of time to get involved in events in your communities. CWA's website and a page dedicated to August Accountability will keep you updated, and you'll also find links to photos and videos. Click the links or go to www.cwaaction.org.