After reading Illness Persisting in 9/11 Workers, Big Study Finds write a brief reflection. How has money played a role in the care of 9/11 cleanup victims? Who is at fault for the illness? What changes in finance need to be made to correct the problem? Is health care a federal, city or individual responsibility?
If you would like to read a follow up article just published on the Times website before you write click here.
Stanley also linked a more controversial article on the same topic from the NY POST.
28 comments:
Money has played a role in the care of 9/11 cleanup victims by the cost of health care/insurance for the victims/responders for their treatment. The federal gov't I believe is at fault for the illness. They need more $$ to correct the problem. 52$ million is too little. Its the fed. gov't fault that they didn't take better care of the workers. I think health care is a federal and an individual responsibility because we pay for our health insurance.
-Tlau
i disagree with tiffany. i dont feel its the governments responsibility to pay for the health insurance of the people who knew what they were getting into. while they were doing a heroic act, they knew the consequences. and even though it is not technically their fault that they got sick, it also isnt the governments fault. the government couldnt stop the debris from going into their lungs and its not right for them to just expect to be taken care of.
Courteney richardson..
I am a confuse stage right now , but I agree with megan. Those "heros" knew the consequences of what they were about to put them selves in. They seem to didn't care under and circumstances , they wanted to go help which isn't bad but you put it upon yourself so you have to pay for your own doings. If they start to sue it would turn into a really big law suit cause then every borough who felt they were effected by the smoke will try to sue also. So in this case I believe they should pay for their own healthcare
i disagree because, god forbid, a disaster strikes again and those that were heroes were the only ones willing to help out in the aftermath. We should be able to cover them. The federal gov't should be able to provide the same healthcare to all of its people regardless of financial status. Obviously, to do so, we would need to make major cutbacks, especially in areas in which we splurge unnecesarily such as the war in Iraq. America butts into the worlds most private problems and of course trys to solve them with money.
Why is this even an issue? Why aren't more people upset over the lack of healthcare coverage for these people? Are we as HS students too apathetic to the situation?
I agree with Courtney, if something as tragic does happen again, people may not be as willing to jumop up and help if they see how little help the reponders received. It is unfair to say that the responders knew what they were getting themselevs into the days after September 11th. When the responders heard what happened their first instincts were to help, especially when they were told that the air was safe to breath. The federal government should pay at least a portion of their medical bills, because the federal government should help their people, especially the good ones.
To Mr. Brown, as insensative as it sounds, I think that if the only stories we hear nowadays about 9/11 are about victims families not wanting us to rebuild on the soil were the towers stood and not stroies of tragidy, its hard to feel the same sympathy we once felt. I do think though that as another anniversary comes around so will people's sympathies for the responders.
I 100 percent agree with Vicki. I fell that not just the state of New York, but America as well has lost sight of what really happened the day of 9/11. I think that because of all the controversy that is in the media, it has really but a damper on what those volunteers workers really did. Im sure that the volunteers that went running towards the city as everyone was trying to get away knew to some degree that they were putting their lives in danger, but they did it anyways. They risked their lives and well being in order to try and save and help who ever they could. So shouldn’t they be given some benefits and money in their own time of need? Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that the government should have to pay for the whole borough of Brooklyn just because they wind drifted in their direction that following day. But as for the people who volunteered and now have health problems that can’t medical be determined as illness from the world trade center, I still think that they should be helped and the government should do that. God forbid the next time there is another major attack, don’t we still want kind hearted people to not think twice about how they are going to be treated afterwards, and run in and do whatever they can to help.
Kristen Fitz
i agree with Courtney and Vicky that people wont wont to help if something happens and they dont get any help after and the hole reason this this happened was because the teasted the air an the site for bad things in the area and said that the air was good and nothing there will harm them but that was a lie i dont think they should pay for it all not even half butthay should give them a little something because they were wrong to say it was ok to work there and then you have sick people wiiiith no health care and they should only give the little to the people that were at the site not in brooklyn or around it only the people that were there helping and working should get a little bit.
I think that what Vickie, Courtney and Afaller because if we don’t help those who did become “hero’s” now then if something like this where to happen again no one would help out of fear of becoming ill. I also think that what Tlau said is true that the federal should be responsible partly because the E.P.A. said that it was safe. Also the fact that the government does not know how to budget its money efficiently the reason I think that is because we are spending so much money on foreign nations trying to help them out so much that we forget about ourselves. We also spend so much money on wars and products that we don’t need that we have one of the biggest deficits in the world. I also thing that there amount there willing to pay is not a sufficient amount to have a prolonged program set up $52 million is just a start if the United Stated where to budget our currency better we would have the supply’s and money needed to support the victims of the 9/11 incident properly and for a prolonged period of time.
-W. Mazzara
I agree with everyone who said they deserved to be covered, even if just partially. The EPA did say that the air was safe to breathe, and so they went into help with the rescue effort. If they had admitted that the air wasn't safe, which they should have, some of the people might not have gone in, and those that did would have been better protected. Its like if your brother shoots someone and asks you to throw the gun in the river. Even thought you didn't shoot anyone, you didn't do anything, you could have told someone, given the gun to the police, so now you are an accessory to murder and can be charged as such. The government may not have caused 9/11, but they didn't tell us everything. This makes them partly responsible for what happens next. Why shouldn't the responders be at least partly covered by the government? I would say let them use the same hospitals as many of the soldiers who are returning from Iraq and need medical care, but that would be the same basic situation.
i agree with C.Wilson , Alyssa Faller & Vickie towards the point where the people that did heoric acts without thinking twice should be rewarded. i mean its not like there asking for cash in return for what they did. There asking for coverage for health care an i feel its only right. i feel like the federal gov't should pay because there "splurging" an giving money for nonsense an stuff thats not needed just as Courteney said before. so we know the funds are there. the question is why are they procrastinating to use it. i feel like if another tragedy was to occur again alot of people would think twice about helping knowing that they cant depend on the federal or the state to support them, and the gov't or president whoever cant get mad if people decide not to help. to me its sort of like a win win situation everyone wants that sercurity of knowing there going to be takened care of.
Whitney Singleton
I agree with what Vicki and courtney said because i know that today in this world you see very little people helping out one another so for people as young as they were and generous to help in such a wonderful way with a tragedy theat was unexpected. i think the Federal state should at least meet the people that were sick while helping out. the reason why is because i think America so much money building towards the war for reasons i dont know but they cant help there own citizen who pay taxes? and i dont think its anyones fault for the people who got sick but just help out their finances because you want someone to do it for you. - Octavia Ramos
Im in the middle of this whole conversation. I agree with everyone who has stated that the state should not have to pay for everyone that was affected by the tragedy of September 11th. And the reason for me agreeing is that tons of people where affected by September 11th and it’s not just physically. Once the people that where affected and got the 9/11 illness will then say that they are mental unstable and money for the rest of their lives. Giving money now could be the start of people taking advantage. But then again the individual should not have to pay for it all even though it is partially their fault they are in this mess. Don’t get me wrong what the did was a good thing and people will be grateful for them for the rest of their lives, but as everyone has stated they knew what they were doing before they did what they. So to be honest I have no idea who should pay for the “Heros” help of September 11th, for the simple fact that this is one of those situations where it is no ones fault.
I heard about the cleanup victims needs for money for the health problems they have .But, I believe they are to be blamed for the illness they have. As you said in class, " these people thought of becoming heroes, but not thinking about what can happen afterwards." So the individual's should be responsible for the healthcare, and if they are really don't have any help from other people , then they should ask for help from the city. I am confused too like Courtney on what to agree on and disagree on. (Manpreet Kaur)
My opinion is somewhat conflicted. I feel that people that helped during 9/11 were just doing a good thing. It wasn't like they expected some kind of reward. After becoming sick from the depris and other things from the 9/11 tragedy, I believe they had no other choice but to ask for help from the government. Here's where most people differ. Some would say they knew the risks when attending at ground zero. But do you really think about the aftermath of your actions, when your just trying to help others?
For those who say its not the governments responsiblity to pay for health coverage to responders, I can see where they are coming from. Because so many people did go to volunteer at the 9/11 site, there are a lot of responders. You can't expect the government to pay everyone who claims to be sick when there's no rock solid evidence, or when its not the governments fault that they fell ill.
Whether or not an indivual is responsible is a tough call to make, only because I am sympethic, but I also understand that its not logical to ask the government to pay every responder.
- Alyssa Cumberbatch
J Dilan
I agree with Samantha, because this topic could very well go both ways. There were two different types of groups that responded that day. One group of people who responded that day were people who, out of the kindness of their hearts, didn’t care about any thing at the time but just wanted to help and do anything they can to help. The other group that I think was a small amount of people came to help to be the hero on the news and knew exactly what they were getting into. Now I am not downplaying them, because they are all heroes in our eyes. I do believe that somebody should help them with their illnesses, but I think one agency in particular should. I think that agency is the EPA (environmental protection agency) is most responsible. I think they made the biggest mistake by saying the air was fine in the area to work in. It was really kind of deceiving what they did. That’s who the people should be going after.
WB:
To yours:
"Why is this even an issue? Why aren't more people upset over the lack of healthcare coverage for these people? Are we as HS students too apathetic to the situation?"
Looking at it from a perspective of the government/constitution, the job of this government, founded by "we, the people," is to "promote the general welfare."
To that end, absolutely there should be healthcare for everyone. As you say, this should not even be a question.
hello, QHST.
my freshman USH class discussed this issue as well...check out our post and feel free to comment
mr tesler wjps
http://mrteslersblog.blogspot.com/
ANYTHING AFTER THIS IS A 5 WEEKs LATE
i agree with everyone comment i do feel as if they deserve respect because if there able to put there life in stake to help someone else when hurt then people should be able to get benefits that they need some. people got sick because of the attack you cant really blame anyone for what happen only the people that did it we cant stop someone from doing something thats about to be done its just to late. People lost lives and will be remember for ever. im kinda confused a little with this one here because if there helping because they just want to why are others saying thats on them it really doesnt matter after all you still need care and the same people who is making you feel better is just like the people who is willing to risk there life jus to help someone else so why be mean if they need insurance give them what they need.
kristal atchison
I feel as if the people who helped the cause during the 9/11 tragedy should be honered commended and should forever be thanked. As they were.But most people where taught at an early age with every cause there is an effect. And now some of those 9/11 heroes are suffering from the effect. Granted they took it upon themselves to try to help the city in a time of need, but at the same time they were not forced to, They chose to go down to ground zero knowing that possible sickness may be a problem later on in life. So with that said I dont think the people should have to spend even more money for health care for these workers who knew what they were geting themselves into in the first place.
-J Blount
I feel as if the people should not have to be responsible for providing more money to go towards heal isurance for the 9/11 workers.Granted the workers did a great deed and helped put a whole lot, they were rewarded for that and commended as well as recognized. But now that the cause has finally reached its effect they would like more health care. it might sound harsh but nobody forced them to be heroes.
Jblount..
I agree with M. harmon. Its that individuals actions that made him/her end up in that situation. Hero's take accout for their actions. It was their choice to go in and help so they should take responsibility for their actions by suffering through the consequences. I know I may sound mean but you half they have to have known the consequences before going in.
Bryan S.
i agree with Tiffany because i do believe it is the governments responsibility to pay for the health insurance. 52 million isn't a lot for health insurance specially when so many people is ill because of September 11. I know some people just wanted to be heroes and help but sometimes heroes need help too. Personally i don't even think this should be an issue because to put an amount to help Americans get better is just shameful specially when it has to do with September 11.
-Anta R.
money is definatley the main issue the rescue workers were left with innsuffiecent funds to be able to cover doctor bills an insurance. I ultimatley have to place terrorism at fault for there illness not the U.S government, plus the workers new what they signed up for when they went out for those jobs, health care should be left up to the individual just like if anyone else was to get hurt or sick...
SAM ARTEMCHUK
i agree with courtney and vickie. Unfortunately if something like this happens again, there would most likely be a higher amount of casulties because people like the heroes of 9/11 wouldnt step in and take that chance of saving someone elses life, if it risks their own without anyone helping them.
I think that money plays a role in the care of the 9/11 cleanup victims because they are the ones that helped clean up and the health care should be taken care by the federal and the city. Whose fault is the illness? I think that it is no ones fault for them getting sick becuase if they new that the people were going to get sick they would have thought of a better way to clean up the mess and prevent the people from getting sick. I agree with c.wilson because he is right if anything like that strikes again they wont have anyone to help them to clean up. The heros need to be treated like heros after doing there job for the city.
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