For all the conjecture about whether the tax deal struck between the president and Republicans was a hollow victory or represented passage of something real and vital to the working class, organized labor has an answer: Of course it did, but "at a terrible price." And the larger battles of the new 112th Congress are still to be fought. Without further ado or comment, here now a mass email from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka to my Inbox on Dec. 16th, retaining original emphasis: