Did Jon Stewart Move Zadroga Act Passage through Media Pressure?

My Dec 18th post referred to Jon Stewart's last show of the year, 12/16/10 when he invited  9/11 First Responders on as guests, conferring with them about their fatal illnesses brought on by exposure to  the hazardous materials they handled and air they breathed during the long aftermath. 

Stewart admonished the Republican side of the Senate for filibustering additional health care coverage to First Responders.  He was extremely critical of mass media for failing to cover it.  The next day, everybody was suddenly talking about the health care defeat for these brave men & women.  A week later, before adjourning for the holidays, the Senate passed the bill with a reduced cap, from $7 billion to $4 billion. 

Was Stewart the critical game changer?  I think so. 

For more insight to the role he played, go here.



 

Responding to First Responders

Jon Stewart had one of the most responsible, compelling and poignant shows last Thursday night when he hosted 911 "first responders". 

Stewart has probably done more segments this year on the legislation known as the Zadroga Bill than any other topic. The bill would provide $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. While it passed the House, Republicans have blocked the bill from advancing in the Senate.  The Huffington Post

 It was an interesting show from my perspective as I did not know what to expect.  I mean, I'm a Stewart junkie and I know his sympathies and politics.  What I didn't expect was the depth of individual illnesses these men were suffering. These firefighters are battling terminal illnesses as a result of an extraordinary amount of time spent at the 9/11 site. 

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
9/11 First Responders React to the Senate Filibuster
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Interestingly enough, Stewart had former Presidential hopeful and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee agreed with Stewart.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee appeared on "The Daily Show" Thursday and discussed the Senate's stalling of a bill that would provide additional funding to bolster health care coverage of 9/11 first responders. Huckabee agreed that the legislation, known as the Zadroga bill, should be supported by Republicans, who have blocked the bill over concerns of how it would be paid for.   The Huffington Post

Tonight, there is some indication the pressure on Congress to revisit this is building.  I hope this is true.  As it stands, this is a disgrace, no matter the price tag.