We will never forget Sept. 11, 2001. New York City was struck by senseless acts of violence, and in the two towers that crumbled that day, over 2,500 men and women lost their lives. Volunteers from across the country flocked to the city to dedicate their time to relief efforts, rescuing victims and slowly cleaning up the wreckage.
In the months that followed, workers spent hundreds of hours at ground zero sifting through the debris and cleaning the twisted metal and remains of the towers. But as these people spent more and more time there, they suffered physical injuries and their health began to deteriorate. Some have had to retire or spend thousands of dollars on health care due to lack of insurance.
These people were the first to aid others in need, only to be abandoned as they became chronically ill. Eventually, they sued New York City in order to receive some monetary compensation. The city countersued, claiming to be immune from lawsuits in this situation because it was an emergency response, as instituted by the New York State Defense Emergency Act in 1951. When a U.S. district court ruled against the city, it appealed to the U.S. Second Court of Appeals, which again rejected the city's argument that it was immune from lawsuits relating to Sept. 11.
While this does not mean that the Sept. 11 responders will receive any compensation, the appellate court's ruling does mean that their original lawsuit against the city can proceed. It means that there is still hope that they will receive the care they need and deserve.
In 2006, Mount Sinai Medical Center released a study revealing that 70 percent of the 10,000 workers tested between 2002 and 2004 had either new or severely worsened medical problems. Many workers developed sinusitis and asthma - as well as gastrointestinal problems associated with those afflictions - d that have persisted for years, which is an indication that these issues are most likely chronic problems from which people are not predicted to recover. In fact, they could worsen.
And 40 percent of the workers who went to Mount Sinai for screening do not have health insurance. Those who can file for workers' compensation have faced huge obstacles. Some have not yet been awarded money.
The city of New York should pay these courageous Sept. 11 responders the money they deserve, the money they need to help cure the pain and illness they acquired when they helped others survive.
The government has turned its back on these people because it's too expensive.
These workers showed courage and strength during one of the most catastrophic events in American history; to ignore them now would be hypocrisy at best. Surely the people who helped the most during those awful days should get some sort of help for their dedication and resolve.
And while the city government seems to be bearing the brunt of the lawsuit, the federal government should also step up. Sept. 11 was a national crisis, not a local one. If the government had enough money to start two wars, it can surely spend some to aid the people who cleaned up the damage of the war's catalyst.
In fact, newspapers across the world estimate that the war in Iraq has cost us over $350 billion and expect the final bill to total somewhere between $1 and $2 trillion.
The Sept. 11 responders are one step closer to finally receiving the money they deserve. It's pathetic that this issue should even be considered, and it's absolutely disgusting that the people who helped New York City the most are now being helped the least.
If the responders don't receive compensation soon, it seems the Sept. 11 tragedy will continue to claim casualties.
Megan Stewart is a columnist. E-mail her at opinion@nyunews.com.
