Have you heard of the Zadroga Bill?
Chances are you have, but you just don’t realize it. The Zadroga Bill is a piece of legislation that would provide around $7 billion in benefits for those who first responded on 9/11 and are now experiencing subsequent health problems such as cancer and respiratory disease, and while the bill passed the House of Representatives, it’s been held up in the U.S. Senate thanks to a filibuster by Republicans. That’s right, many of those same Republicans who were so fond of using a noun, a verb, and “9/11” to get elected and reelected in 2002 and 2004 are now opposed to legislation that would provide the brave individuals who ran into the twin towers as everyone else was running out with the benefits they deserve.
Curiously, I’ve not seen much from the mainstream media or the right-wing blogs decrying Republican opposition to benefits for 9/11 first responders, with the exception of The Daily Show’s John Stewart:
Nearly pulling his hair out at one point, Stewart expressed his annoyance at “the party that turned 9/11 into a catchphrase” now blocking legislation to help its heroes. Adding to his frustration, none of the three major networks have covered the story in over two months. Surprisingly, Stewart realized this was actually a job for Fox News, “the nation’s leading source of 9/11-based outrage.”
Here’s part 1 of the last Daily Show of the year, which Stewart devoted entirely to a discussion on the Zadroga Bill:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Worst Responders | ||||
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And here’s part 2:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| 9/11 First Responders React to the Senate Filibuster | ||||
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For the record, I think it’s an absolute travesty that Republicans have time and time again proven that the folks they care most about aren’t 9/11 first responders, or the unemployed, or the middle class, or our brave men and women in uniform – the individuals Republicans care most about are those fortunate folks who occupy the top 2% of income earners in our nation. While Republicans seem proud to stand with the haves, I’m proud to stand with the have-nots.
Don’t forget, they also care more about fictional lives than actual lives. “Life begins at conception and ends at birth.” They won’t think twice about “protecting the rights” of unborn fetuses even at the expense of the mother’s rights, but once you’re born, you better get a job and buy your own insurance!