Jon Stewart, a popular political comedian brought about public awareness for the 9'11 bill that promised to give health care benefits to those firemen and workers who were the first responders to the terrorist attacks on September 11th 2001. The bill was ratified a year ago by the House of Representatives, and has been sitting around in the Senate waiting to get passed by the Senate. The Republican Senate, on December 10th, 2010 allowed to bill to filibuster, or basically be talked to death. What is so disheartening about this situation is that the bill was trumped by a tax bill that was apparently 'of greater importance'.
Jon Stewart is a comedian, but his political power is undeniable. When he got wind of the Republican filibuster, he spoke out against it on The Daily Show. He sat with four first responders from 9'11 and discussed their health issues with them on television. These men lived that day, and are still facing the challenge that it brought about. The smoke and toxins still linger in these patriots' bodies, and they suffer from heart problems and Cancer. Treatment for such ailments are incredibly expensive, and the last thing that these men need to hear is that the bill protecting them is being shoved aside. I believe that Jon Stewart underestimated his power as a comedian and that he is a true advocate journalist. His influence has birthed public awareness and uproar regarding this bill, and the hypocrisy of the Republican members of Congress. He uses his personal attachment to 9'11 as a jump start for positive civic reform and awareness. His actions parallel those of influential journalists in the past. Our society is more likely to listen to him than a politician, and I am glad that he is advocating for the brave men and women of 9'11.
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