Put It Above Ground

Dear Families,

KNOW NEW YORK:
visit nyc.gov - call 311 - watch nycTV

The Washington Post has reported that more than 30 lawmakers and a few staff members were under scrutiny, including nearly half the members of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee. 

The sad part of this story is that any of these Representatives if indicted will be able to use campaign funds to pay their legal fees. 

So taxpayers not only pay their salaries but also have to foot the bill for their legal costs when they get caught stealing from the public. 

Is that why you contribute to campaigns? 

And it is not only at the Federal level. The Associated Press has reported that former NY State Senate Leader Joe Bruno has already spent $633,000 in campaign funds on criminal lawyers. 

Question:          When is the madness going to stop? 

Answer:            Only when we hold these elected officials responsible for their actions. 

We once again call for a political pre-nup which we would ask each candidate to sign. 

This pre-nup would state that if they are forced from their positions due to illegal or improper behavior they will give up any claim to any pensions or benefits that they may be entitled to. And they agree to pay back any monies that may have been illegally gained without dispute. We could also add that they would agree not to use any campaign funds for legal defense. 

See post below from 7/13/08 when we first requested this. 

It’s Time For A Political Pre-Nup 

http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43838 

We are still looking for at least one candidate to voluntarily sign one but we are not too optimistic. A great commentary on our political process. 

We would love to have the media ask any of the candidates on the record if they would be willing to do this. 

In the meantime we would at least like someone to introduce some legitimate campaign finance legislation which would prohibit the use of campaign funds for legal expenses. It should also limit the amount a candidate can carry over after the election. 

Wouldn’t you agree it’s time has come.     

Names Leaked in House Ethics Probes 

http://news.aol.com/article/congressional-ethics-probe-targets/744598?icid=main|main|dl4|link4|http://news.aol.com/article/congressional-ethics-probe-targets/744598

Join Us on Nov. 18th for a Rally
at the U.S. Capitol for 9/11 Health Care

-FealGood Foundation, NYC Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation, & A Coalition of September 11 Heroes Joined By Elected Officials to Urge Passage of 9/11 Health Bill-

On November 18th, the FealGood Foundation,the NYC Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation & a coalition of September 11 heroes,along with our elected officials from across the nation will hold a rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. to urge Congressional leaders to bring the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009 (H.R. 847 and S. 1334) to the floors of the House and Senate for a vote this year. This bill will provide comprehensive health care and compensation for thousands of ailing 9/11 heroes.

Caring for Americans with 9/11-related illnesses is not just a New York issue. According to the federally-funded World Trade Center Health Registry, people from all 50 states and 431 of 435 Congressional districts nationwide were in lower Manhattan on or after 9/11 and now have serious concerns about their health. Unfortunately, the federal response to this health emergency has been inadequate and disappointing because of significant funding delays, and a lack of organization and attention to the 9/11 health crisis by the previous administration’s health agencies.

Last month, the nation observed the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. On this year’s anniversary and the seven that preceded it, we heard many heartfelt and touching tributes to the heroism of the men and women who rushed to Ground Zero to help save the lives of others. But this year, we need more than just speeches and tributes – we need concrete action by Congress to give the heroes and heroines of 9/11 the health care and compensation they need and deserve. It is truly the least this great nation can do.

Please join us on November 18th!

Rally for 9/11 Health Care
West lawn of the U.S. Capitol
November 18, 2009
11.00am-2.00pm
Buses will leave from Long Island & NYC with a pick-up in New Jersey
Long Island- 4.00am,Park & Ride(ext49,rt 110)
NYC-4.30AM,8 ave & 42nd St(across from PA bus terminal)
New Jersey- Exit 4 rest stop(Walt Whitman south side)
recommended that you be dropped off and picked up on North side on way home
Contact information to get on bus
Anne Marie Baumann 516 551 0986… ar1cb2@aol.com
Kenny Specht 917 482 7674… nycffbrotherhoodfoundation@aol.com
John Feal 631 724 3320… feal13@aol.com
RSVP now this a is first come first serve basis
Please dress warm- refreshments/food will be served on buses

To All,

It is time that we took matters into our own hands in regards to the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

Pease take a moment and read the petition below.

If you agree please use this link to sign on.

Once again we can only rely on ourselves to get this done.

Thanks

Dennis

http://www.petitiononline.com/HR847NOW/petition-sign.html

To: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ms. Nancy Pelosi & All Congressional Representatives
We the undersigned urge Speaker of the House, Ms. Nancy Pelosi, to immediately commit to a firm date for bill HR 847: the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009 to be on the floor of the House of Representatives, for a vote.

Having lost over eight hundred September 11th first responders since that horrific day, we must act now as many, many more of our Nation’s Heroes are sick and dying due to the time they spent at the World Trade Center site.

We would like to to stress how important the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009 is to us, our community and America. It is time to get this bill to the House floor and passed so that those who put America first on September 11, 2001 are taken properly taken care of, now.

We want HR 847 passed by Thanksgiving so that we, as a country, can properly thank the thousands who have given so much of themselves, so selflessly. We have lost over eight hundred September 11th first responders since that horrific day, we MUST act now as many, many more of these men and women are sick and dying due to the time they spent at Ground Zero.

HR 847 (http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h847/show) is sponsored by Representative Carolyn Maloney [D, NY-14] and co-sponsored by Reps. Ackerman [D, NY-5], Andrews [D, NJ-1], Arcuri [D, NY-24], Baldwin [D, WI-2], Berkley [D, NV-1], Bishop [D, NY-1], Bishop [D, GA-2], Brady [D, PA-1], Burgess [R, TX-26], Capps [D, CA-23], Carney [D, PA-10], Castor [D, FL-11], Christensen [D, VI-0], Clarke [D, NY-11], Cohen [D, TN-9], Connolly [D, VA-11], Conyers [D, MI-14], Courtney [D, CT-2], Crowley [D, NY-7], Dahlkemper [D, PA-3], DeLauro [D, CT-3], Dent [R, PA-15], Doyle [D, PA-14], Ellsworth [D, IN-8], Engel [D, NY-17], Etheridge [D, NC-2], Fattah [D, PA-2], Garrett [R, NJ-5], Gonzalez [D, TX-20], Green [D, TX-29], Grijalva [D, AZ-7], Hall [D, NY-19], Higgins [D, NY-27], Himes [D, CT-4], Hinchey [D, NY-22], Hodes [D, NH-2], Holt [D, NJ-12], Israel [D, NY-2], Jones [R, NC-3], King [R, NY-3], Klein [D, FL-22], Kucinich [D, OH-10], Lance [R, NJ-7], Larson [D, CT-1], Lee [R, NY-26], Lee [D, CA-9], Lewis [D, GA-5], Lipinski [D, IL-3], Lowey [D, NY-18], Maffei [D, NY-25], Massa [D, NY-29], McCarthy [D, NY-4], McCaul [R, TX-10], McGovern [D, MA-3], McHugh [R, NY-23], McMahon [D, NY-13], Meeks [D, NY-6], Murphy [R, PA-18], Murphy [D, NY-20], Murphy [D, CT-5], Nadler [D, NY-8], Pascrell [D, NJ-8], Pierluisi [D, PR-0], Rangel [D, NY-15], Rush [D, IL-1], Sarbanes [D, MD-3], Schakowsky [D, IL-9], Schauer [D, MI-7], Schwartz [D, PA-13], Serrano [D, NY-16], Sestak [D, PA-7], Sires [D, NJ-13], Slaughter [D, NY-28], Smith [R, NJ-4], Stupak [D, MI-1], Sutton [D, OH-13], Thompson [D, MS-2], Tonko [D, NY-21], Towns [D, NY-10], Velázquez [D, NY-12], Weiner [D, NY-9], Wexler [D, FL-19], Woolsey [D, CA-6].

James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009
2/4/2009– Introduced.James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC program) to provide:
(1) medical monitoring and treatment benefits to eligible emergency responders and recovery and cleanup workers who responded to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and
(2) initial health evaluation, monitoring, and treatment benefits to residents and other building occupants and area workers who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks. Requires the WTC program administrator to:
(1) implement a quality assurance program;
(2) establish the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee;
(3) establish the WTC Responders Steering Committee and the WTC Community Program Steering Committee;
(4) provide for education and outreach on services under the WTC program;
(5) provide for the uniform collection of data related to WTC-related health conditions;
(6) conduct research on physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the September 11 terrorist attacks; and
(7) extend and expand arrangements with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide for the World Trade Center Health Registry. Authorizes the administrator to make grants to the Department to address mental health needs relating to the terrorist attacks. Amends the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to:
(1) make individuals eligible for compensation under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 for harm as a result of debris removal; and
(2) extend the deadline for making a claim for compensation.
Sincerely,

To All,

Unfortunately previous commitments will prevent me from attending the rally tomorrow. I will be there in spirit and continue my part to make sure that the James Zadroga bill gets passed.

Please read some of the items below supporting this effort. People like Jill, Gary, Mike and John cannot do this alone.

We must show Nancy Pelosi that the Speaker of the House does not have control over life and death and that we will not allow political and personal agendas to stand in the way of what is right.

We must honor the memory of the loved ones we lost by saving those we still can.

Dennis

We are urging everyone in the tri-state area to be at GROUND ZERO @ 11AM TOMORROW

If you care, BE THERE… actions speak louder than words. If you are a 9/11 first responder, you NEED to come out and support the people who have been fighting for your rights. It’s not fair to make a selected few carry the burden of advocacy when in the end, everyone’s going need the 9/11 health & compensation bill passed. RAIN OR SHINE, BE THERE.

Over the last two weeks, three 9/11 responders have died from 9/11-related illnesses, FDNY Richie Mannetta 44 Years old, NYPD officers Robert Grossman 41 and Cory Diaz 37, showing once again the need to pass a comprehensive federal bill to provide health care and compensation to the heroes of 9/11.

WHAT: News Conference

WHEN: Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 11am

WHERE: Ground Zero, Site 7, across from Path Train Station

NY Daily News Editorials and Articles

Heroism and horror: Detective James Zadroga’s sacrifice at WTC must not be in vain

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/10/23/2009-10-23_heroism_and_horror.html#ixzz0UoGqAkxn

The pain of 9/11 & the days after: Det. James Zadroga’s statement to the 9/11 Commission

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/10/23/2009-10-23_the_pain_of_911__the_days_after.html#ixzz0UoGY41xT

Staten Island Advance Editorial

America’s ailing heroes

http://www.silive.com/opinion/editorials/index.ssf/2009/10/americas_ailing_heroes.html

Where to Turn Op Ed’s

NANCY PELOSI HOLDS THE ZADROGA BILL HOSTAGE

http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=49714

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency..Has Anyone Ever Followed Up

http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=49652

Please see the Q & A by the NYC Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation’s President, Kenny Specht.

Q : What is being addressed at Saturday’s rally?
A: We will rally to demand the passage of HR 847 ” The James Zadroga September 11 Health and Compensation Act”

Q: What is HR 847 ” The James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act”?
A: HR 847 is a $10 Billion Dollar Bill that will provide medical monitoring for September 11 first responders for 30 years. It will also provide compensation for those who can prove their illness or injury was sustained from their work down at the WTC site.

Q: But I am currently being monitored by The FDNY Health Services ( Or another “Center of Excellence” such as The Mt. Sinai Program. ) So why should I be concerned?
A: The current medical monitoring programs are all funded by the federal government. This includes the WTC medical program at 9 Metro Tech. As it currently stands , there programs can have their funding cut off without warning. In the beginning of this year the Federal Govt. stopped funding the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital WTC medical program in NJ. This hospital had over 1200 September 11th responders from NJ enrolled in their program. Pressure was placed on the Govt to re-open the funding for this hospital and the govt relented. However they only issued enough money to fund the program for 1 year. When HR 847 is passed , all WTC medical monitoring programs (including 9 Metro Tech ) will automatically receive funding for 30 years.

Q: I am currently involved in the class action lawsuit . Would it be better for me to just continue along with the lawsuit I am currently signed up with?
A: No. The passing of HR 847 will better protect your ability to claim compensation. As it stands now, all lawsuits are being “funneled” thru The World Trade Center Captive Insurance Fund. This fund was instituted by The Federal Govt to protect the construction companies that had responded to the WTC site to dismantle what remained of the collapse. The Captive Insurance Fund was originally a $1 Billion dollar fund that was issued to The City of New York by FEMA to litigate claims of illness and injury from WTC exposure. Since the fund has been open, 6 claims totaling approx. $330,000 dollars have been settled. Of the original $1 Billion dollars about $600 million remains. Most of the fund has been spent on salary of employees and fighting claims of illness and injury.
If your current lawsuit should be settled , the settlement will be paid from what is left of the $600 million dollars. All settlements will also include a 33.3% take to your lawyers.
In other words , there is not much money left over to claim from currently, and what is left to claim will be 33.3 % less that will go to your lawyer.

Q: So where is the benefit to compensation claims paid by HR 847 should it pass?
A: HR 847 would dissolve The Captive Insurance Fund. It would take what is left of the 600 million dollars and roll it into the new bill. The amount of money available to pay claims would go from $600 million dollars to approx. $4.8 Billion dollars.
Another benefit is the fact that lawyers fee’s would be capped at 10 % instead of the normal 33.3%. In other words more money for your future, and less to the lawyers.

Q: Any other benefit to claims filed with HR 847 should it pass?
A : Yes , as it stands right now the current WTC class action lawsuit is closed to anyone who tried to sign on after 2008. Hence the reason for only 12,000 litigants. The opening of HR 847 would provide you with an avenue to pursue for compensation should you not be ill now , but become ill within the next 30 years.

Q: What illnesses are listed on HR 847?
A The illnesses as currently listed are not the best we can do for our ill and injured. However they are an important first step. The bill is one we hope to expand to list the deadly cancers and leukemia’s that are taking our lives.
As of now the following are listed on the health portion of the bill;
-sinusitis
-ptsd
-gerd ( acid reflux)
-ailments of the skin
–asthma

Q:Why should I want HR 847 to pass?
A: Because as of now there is nothing that is protecting the future of our September 11th FDNY firefighters. There is a Captive Insurance fund that is not paying compensation claims as our only means to apply for compensation. There is a medical monitoring program that could close without warning.
This bill would provide for a 30 year piece of mind. Your ability to seek medical monitoring as well as compensation should you become ill in the future would be protected for 30 years.

Q: Why should I come on Saturday?
A : I have been working for the past year down in Washington DC with members of congress responsible for this bill. There are 2 committees that will vote on this bill. Those 2 committees are
- The Energy and Commerce Committee
- The Judiciary Committee
We have been asked by US Rep Carolyn Maloney to visit many members of congress within these 2 committees to get this bill passed. Our final meetings were 2 Thursday’s ago when we met with The Ways and Means Committee to discuss the funding of this $10 Billion dollar bill.
All of our meetings were successful. We had achieved the necessary members of congress to vote yes for this bill. As a matter of fact , the bill is written by House Democrats, yet we were able to gain the support of over 30 Republicans. We currently have enough members of Congress to vote this bill out of committee and get it on the desk of the President. In other words , a few concerned FDNY firefighters , with the help of some of our friends did better with this bill than anybody is currently doing with the Obama bill. We have more bi-partisan support than probably any bill currently under consideration in the house.

Q: So where is the problem?
A: Rep Nancy Pelosi ( D Calif) has been advised of our work and the very good chance that this bill was going to pass. She contacted Rep. Maloneys office last week and asked her to call us and tell us to stand down. She advised Rep Maloneys office that nothing gets done until President Obama’s health plan gets signed into law. Therefore , after all of our hard work, and very necessary work we have been told to stand down yet again.

Q: But i was not on the FDNY ( or NYPD ) during September 11th 2001, so why should I care?
A: First and foremost , because you are on the FDNY now.
Second to that you should be concerned that after 8 years there is no protection in place for the illnesses and injuries that took place over 8 years ago. Should another attack take place, and you are placed in harm’s way there will be no protection for you either. Demand protection now. And make it known that you will not respond to the next attack on this Country , if it is clear that your health and safety will not be a concern to the United States Govt.

Q: So the objective of Saturday is;
A: To show elected officials that we indeed have not only the number of people to demand this bill is signed , but we also have the will to gather and demand that we are remembered for our service of 8 years ago. 5 uniformed members of NYC”S service have died in the past few weeks. That number will continue to expand. We must drive home the fact to Rep Pelosi that we will not stand one more day and await our protection.

SHOW UP ON SATURDAY AND DEMAND YOUR PROTECTION. MAKE SIGNS THAT SAY “FDNY FIREFIGHTERS SUPPORT HR 847″

———————————–
Our website is in the process of being revamped. Visit: www.adamsangels.org to see the changes that have already been made- including a page for the Brother-2-Brother Initiative.

Action needed:
The NYC Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation is sad to report that US Rep Bart Gordon-Tennessee and Rep Zach Space-Ohio continue to refuse to meet with not only their organization, but also NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly about H.R. 847 “The James Zadroga Sept 11 Health & Compensation Bill. PLEASE take a moment to reach out to these two men and let them know that their actions are UNACCEPTABLE. Email Rep Bart Gordon directly at: http://gordon.house.gov/contact/generalcomment_form.shtml Call Rep Zach Space directly at: 1-866-910-7577quot;. These 2 men , though assigned to the committees that will vote on this bill, have refused to meet once about it’s need. We are disappointed about their lack of concern.

Just a heads up of what is going on with your leadership in Washington.

Even though there are enough votes committed Speaker of the House Pelosi will not allow the Zadroga bill to be put up for a vote until the Health Care Bill is resolved.

How too faced can you be?

If Health Care is so important why would you deny it to those who got sick risking their lives saving victims of the worst attack in the history of America?

Call your Representative and demand that they do not allow this to continue.

They are playing political Russian roulette with the lives of our loved ones while pushing their own agendas.

We need to stand up and be heard.

Too many have died already while Congress begins to look more and more like the NYS Senate.

You cannot continue to remain silent.

Also join the rally on Saturday

Coalition of 9/11 Organizations Press Conference 10/24/09

http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=49882

To All

Got this E-Update from the LMDC today

Eight and a half years later.

At a cost of over $300 Million (do you know how many sick victims could have been treated with this money?)

Corruption, kickbacks and under the table deals.

The improper removal of victims’ remains

The death of 2 NYC firefighters

And we are supposed to be happy that they are finally getting this done.

This building will always stand as an example of all that has been wrong at Ground Zero.

But we keep on dumping millions into the LMDC and LMCCC

Some things never change

Dear Community Member,

Yesterday, the NYC Department of Buildings issued permits to demolish the remaining 26 floors of the former Deutsche Bank Building at 130 Liberty Street. The General Contractor, Bovis Lend Lease, and its subcontractor, LVI/Mizzochi, are now mobilizing the equipment necessary for the work to begin. Demolition is expected to begin Monday, November 2nd.

Emergency Response Seminar - 10/21

http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=49699

Beyond Ground Zero Press Conference 10/21 NOON

http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=49697

VOICES Depression Screening 10/20-10/23

http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=49696

Coalition of 9/11 Organizatons Press Conference 10/24/09

http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=49698

 .

America’s ailing heroes

http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=49674

The city settles claims with accused drug dealers but fights every claim by 9/11 victims.

3 more 9/11 victims died this week from illnesses related to 9/11 and the WTC Captive Insurance Fund continues to fight every claim.

But when it comes to criminals what does the mayor have to say?

“The city gets sued 200 times a week,” Bloomberg told the Daily News. “We take as many cases to trial as we possibly can, but we would [go] bankrupt if we tried to defend every one of them.”

There is something wrong with this picture.

Three heroes of 9/11 die of cancer in five days

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/10/12/2009-10-12_3_heroes_of_911_die_of_cancer_in_5_days.html#ixzz0TmIszS4a

Mayor Michael Bloomberg defends city legal settlements to drug gang
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/10/12/2009-10-12_mike_defends_city_payouts_to_drug_gang.html#ixzz0TmJRkhg3