70%

Were you aware that over 70% of the people who helped to save others and clean up Ground Zero are suffering from major health problems?

I heard on the radio today an interview with a man who worked in the "wreckage." He is now suffering from a lengthy list of ailments, and this is costing him $200 a month in medical bills. This man is only 45, never had major health issues before September 11, and he now has the breathing ability of an elderly man. This made me feel very sad.

I feel sad for the lack of support all of these rescue workers are getting from our country. Why is that American citizens can step up immeadiately following a tragic event such as this, but we seem to have trouble with the follow through? This is not over. People are still suffering, and we cannot give up on them. There was a sweet little girl on the podium at Ground Zero today. Her mother, a police woman died saving others in the South Tower (the tower my dad was working in that fateful day). Her father is now a widow on a policeman's salary himself. Let's just say he's not rakin' in the money. Who is helping him? Who is ensuring that his child will be able to afford college?

I am fortunate that I do not have to go to Ground Zero every year to hear my dad's name read off of a list of approximately 3,000 names. But, if I had been...who would be helping my family? Maybe that's something to think about...what are you doing to keep the American spirit alive. Why do we have to be a nation divided? Last I remember we were the UNITED States of America...maybe we should start acting like it and not just a couple of days a year.

I love you, Dad!