Take care of those who help (09/11/06)

Americans should take care of Americans.

That's the simple, though complicated, thought that keeps resonating this fifth anniversary of the horrors of Sept. 11, 2001.

In the days and weeks following that morning, thousands of workers - many of them unpaid volunteers - stepped forward to rescue survivors, dig through the rubble, and ultimately clear up the mess.

Now, they're paying a price.

A consistent, credible series of reports has come in of Ground Zero workers facing respiratory problems as a result of their labors.

They stepped forward when the country needed them, so it seems only logical that the country ought to step forward when they need us.

Will there be over-stated claims? Sure.

Will there be individuals who get assistance when they probably shouldn't? Sure.

Will it cost a lot of money? You bet.

But if there's anything that distinguishes this country from the rest of the world, it ought to be the fact that such little things don't matter.

These men and women stepped forward when their country needed them. The least their country can do is step forward when these folks need the rest of us.

Quibbling over eligibility, liability, and money simply demeans America. We're bigger than that.

The folks who put themselves at risk knew that.

The rest of us should know it too. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]