From a nation of ‘we’ to a nation of ‘me’

Shame on both the Republicans and Democrats for allowing politics and bipartisan bickering to halt a bill that would have assisted the heroes who worked so tirelessly and bravely to find survivors at Ground Zero after 9/11. The First Responders are now suffering chronic health problems directly related to the toxic air they were exposed to when digging through rubble to save Americans.

The Republicans claim they wouldn't vote for the bill because it would raise taxes, when in reality the “tax” was actually closing a loophole for foreign multinational corporations incorporated in tax-haven countries from avoiding paying tax on income earned in the United States.

The Democrats were playing politics and worrying about Republicans having sound bytes for the November elections.

Why aren't more of us outraged about this? Please start demanding more from our Congress and Senate. We have gone from a nation of “we” to a nation of “me.”

Julie Freese

Cedar Rapids