It's "the other guys"

[babylonsister]

:grr: If you were uninformed, would you open your mouth often? Why do some people spew without a clue?


http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_08/025258.php

THAT'S THE OTHER GUYS.... Shortly before the House broke for its August recess, Republicans killed a bill that seemed like one of the year's most obvious no-brainers.

The Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act would pay health care costs for 9/11 rescue workers, sickened after exposure to the toxic smoke and debris. The legislation was fully paid for, closing a tax loophole for American companies that try to hide their headquarters at P.O. box in the Caymans.

The GOP trashed the bill, calling the money a "slush fund." It needed a two-thirds majority to pass, and came up short -- nearly every Democrat voted for it, and nearly every Republican voted against it.

Yesterday, some of the heroes and their families who need this bill to pass expressed their deep disappointment -- by blaming President Obama for legislation that Republicans opposed.

Ailing 9/11 responders slammed President Obama on Tuesday for sounding off on the Ground Zero mosque while keeping silent on a $7.2 billion health care bill.

"Why have you failed us? We thought you would be our champion" in pushing the legislation, John Feal wrote to Obama.

So, let me get this straight. Obama supports the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Congressional Democrats support the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. If passed, the president would gladly sign the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act into law. Republicans not only trashed the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, but blocked it from passing.

But Obama has "failed" 9/11 responders?

I'm reminded of that episode of "The West Wing," in the third season, when Donna tells Josh about some voters' concerns about Bartlett. "They think the President is going to privatize Social Security," Donna said. "He's not going to ... that's the other guys!" Josh replied.

Obama's right about health care for 9/11 first responders. It's "the other guys" who are the problem.

Indeed, for all the recent attention about converting a closed-down Burlington Coat Factory into a local community center, many of the same politicians who claim to have endless passion in defense of Ground Zero had (a) no qualms about voting against the 9/11 health care bill; or (b) no criticism for those who did.

The disconnect matters.

—Steve Benen

[RandomThoughts]

1. Yes, and that is what people have to see.

Why and what do people fight for. What ideas are important to them, what is deep in their heart that motivates them.


The stories of better ways people have admired for years are everywhere, but some don't think about what they might mean in an idea context not a connectivity of label. The heart of the story can be so much more then the vehicle it is told with.

What is the purpose, what is the intent, what is the meaning. Why do something, or not do something.


That is a great summation that last bold part.

[MadHound]

2. Let me ask you something,

The Democratic Senators didn't force a talk all night, pee in a bottle filibuster on this bill. Why not? It would be the perfect bill to show up Republican obstructionism, and perhaps if the Dems fought back in this matter, they would find the legislative road easier in the future once the 'Pugs knew the Dems would actually fight.

But the Dems didn't fight this time. Nor have they truly fought in the past. They were given large majorities in Congress so that they could correct this mess, but they are refusing to fight. Why is that? When will they actually start fighting for what is right?