In the News: Jon Stewart blasts Congress for 9/11 fail

June 13, 2019 Community News

9/11 COMPENSATION FUND ON THE LINE
Jon Stewart, in testifying to Congress about the 9/11 Compensation Fund, which is about to run out, gives about as convincing a speech possible – perhaps that ever was – on Capitol Hill. Hands shaking and voice cracking, Stewart isn’t one bit polite when he tells the members of Congress that they have failed in this most primary mission.

“It’s an embarrassment to the country and a stain on this institution and you should be ashamed of yourselves, for those who aren’t here, but you won’t be because accountability doesn’t appear to be something that occurs in this chamber.”

He later makes the good point that 9/11 is just a New York problem.

“I am awfully tired of hearing that 9/11 is a New York issue. Al Qaeda didn’t shout, ‘Death to Tribeca.’ They attacked America, and these men and women, and their response to it, is what brought our country back. It’s what gave a reeling nation a solid foundation to stand back upon, to remind us of why this country is great, or why this country is worth fighting for, and you are ignoring them. And you can end it tomorrow. Why this bill isn’t unanimous consent and a stand-alone issue is beyond my comprehension. And I have yet to hear a reasonable explanation for why.”

The fund, which has run through $5 billion of a nearly $8 billion total, announced in February that it would start slashing payouts by half. See more on the story here in Gothamist and here in The Times or below on ABC News.

“I’m sorry if I sound angry and undiplomatic, but I am angry, and you should be too,” Stewart told the members of Congress seated before him.

 
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2 Comments

  1. Native NYer
    June 13, 2019 • 4:07 pm

    so sad how they forget! we who live, work and the people who responded. As long as it doesn’t affect them. We are all living in Limbo who lived and worked here during the fires burning right after 9/11. This should be permanent. Contact your local politicians. John Stewart is a great advocate then and now. We are all suffering from some sort of illness since we were lied to by the government and EPA. That is who should be sued. its very sad.

    Reply
  2. robert janz
    June 17, 2019 • 12:05 pm

    Correct observation, but needs expanding. All Humans everywhere were attacked. And if more Humans don’t start practicing Humanity and Care, the next really big attack will blow all Humans away.

    Reply

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