Lynn C. Woolsey: “There are some days when I find myself completely baffled by the cynicism of many people who have the privilege to serve…”

“There are some days when I find myself completely baffled by the cynicism of many people who have the privilege to serve here in Washington. Last week, for example, the United States Senate did it again, staying true to its reputation as a graveyard for good legislation. Using the filibuster once again, a minority of Senators blocked the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. This bill, which the House passed in September, would be the greatest expression of our gratitude for the 9/11 first responders. It would provide health care for those workers who incurred health hazards in their efforts to save lives in the aftermath of that horrific tragedy. But apparently, Madam Speaker, some in Congress are unmoved by the plight of firefighters and emergency medical personnel who breathed in toxic fumes on 9/11. The only way it appears the right wing in America knows to commemorate 9/11 is through exclusion and religious chauvinism--by insisting that a Muslim community center must not be built even a few blocks away from Ground Zero.”