FIRST RESPONDERS

Gentle Readers,

Earlier this evening my trusted friend DVR and I watched last night's Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Mr. Stewart has been calling attention to the First Responders Bill that is stalled in the Senate; it has passed through the House but can't make it through the Senate.

Then Jon Stewart had some actual First Responders on the show and they talked about the illnesses from which they are suffering and what many of their colleagues are going through - including death from cancer and respiratory illnesses. They said they had a First Responder friend whose nose actually fell off because of what he was subjected to working at Ground Zero. He had to have a prosthetic nose. One of the guys on the show died twice last year and was revived and has lived thus far, but how much longer?

Their illnesses are not covered by their health insurance because they are on the job injuries. So they get turned over to workman's comp, who fights them over paying their bills. They're losing their jobs because they can't work; one said he has lost his job and is getting 3/4 of his salary. He was told he was costing the NYPD too much money.

How dare the Senate adjourn for the holidays without passing this bill? This is the ultimate in callous behavior.

I don't know exactly what to do, but on Monday I'm going to call the offices of my senators and tell them I want this bill passed.

I hope you will do the same.

Police officers and firefighters and paramedics work on Christmas every year. Why shouldn't the Senate?

Explanation, please.

Infinities of love and gratitude to our First Responders,

Lola