Tattered cake, rainbow leis mark Social Security’s 73rd birthday

“You cannot make a program that works for everyone only work for some Americans”, said Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.). She attended a protest, which was held outside of the Republican National Headquarters in Washington D.C, to celebrate Social Security’s 73rd birthday.

Protesters were greeted by Republican National Headquarters employees handing out rainbow leis, referencing Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) decision to vacation in Hawaii in the thick of campaign season. Protesters rallied across from the headquarters until greeted by Norton, who led them across the street where she gave a short speech blasting Sen. John McCain’s strategy to privatize Social Security. Afterwards, she joined the crowd in signing “Happy Birthday”, and cut a tattered cake that was filled with holes to represent what the protesters feel are holes in Social Security’s coverage.

Washington D.C.’s Shadow Senator Paul Strauss attended the protest as well, attempting in vain to deliver a birthday card signed by protesters to the Republican Headquarters. However, he was met with locked doors and security guards. The senator also caused several interns and other employees to run away as they made their way to the locked doors when he tried to pass the card to them. After several attempts, Strauss accepted defeat, saying “well at least there’s more cake for us!”