Almost 10 years after 9/11, the first responders and rescue workers that responded to the terrorist attacks are suffering the health consequences of exposure to dust, debris and contaminants at Ground Zero. It would seem like common sense that we should protect the workers and volunteers who responded so heroically in the aftermath of 9/11. That’s why it is truly amazing that it took a public shaming of Republicans in congress by comedian Jon Stewart to revive a bill guaranteeing federal aid to these first responders.
A recent article in the New York Times “In ‘Daily Show’ Role on 9/11 Bill, Echoes of Murrow,” details the near failure of the 9/11 healthcare bill and how Stewart was able to bring the legislation back to life.