Watch this if you have ten minutes. It's a video of a fascinating conversation that took place recently in a Congressional hallway. On one side is Republican Senator Rob Portman from Ohio. On the other, we have Jon Stewart and a number of 9/11 First Responders who are fighting to extend health care and compensation to 9/11 First Responders, many of whom need it dearly.
As is pointed out in the discussion, politicians are not shy about saying we should honor and respect those who worked so selflessly on that awful day…but then they do a one-eighty and don't back that up by taking care of those people. It keeps coming down to the last minute and cries of "We can't find the money for that" when they seem to be able to find the money for special interest needs or lots of things that are of less urgency.
Some on the Responders' side would deal with this by threats and anger and vows to destroy those who withhold the funds…and I can't argue that that might not be necessary in some instances. But watch as Stewart and the Responders engage Portman in a firm but civil conversation, being at least outwardly respectful of his position…and it worked. Portman later signed on to be the 67th senator to back the bill, thereby ensuring its passage.
For those of you who think our government is deadlocked and dysfunctional, it might be refreshing. Then again, it might be infuriating to you that this hallway conversation is even necessary.