Krugman: Dust and Deception (NYC stiffed by Repugs)

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/26/opinion/26KRUG.html

Last week a quietly scathing report by the inspector general of the Environmental Protection Agency confirmed what some have long suspected: in the aftermath of the World Trade Center's collapse, the agency systematically misled New Yorkers about the risks the resulting air pollution posed to their health. And it did so under pressure from the White House.

The Bush administration has misled the public on many issues, from the budget outlook to the Iraqi threat. But this particular deception seems, at first sight, not just callous but gratuitous. It's only when you look back at budget politics in 2001 that you see the method in the administration's mendacity.

--snip--

Why was crucial information withheld from the public? The report mentions "the desire to reopen Wall Street and national security concerns." Maybe — though the national security benefits of failing to remove toxic dust escape me. I suspect that there was another reason: budget politics.

Immediately after 9/11 there was a great national outpouring of sympathy for New York, and a natural inclination to provide generous help. President Bush quickly promised $20 billion, and everyone expected the federal government to assume the burden of additional security. Yet hard-line Republicans never wanted to help the stricken city. Indeed, according to an article by Michael Tomasky in New York magazine, Senators Phil Gramm and Don Nickles attempted to slash aid to New York within hours of Mr. Bush's promise.

Matters were patched up sufficiently so Mr. Bush could make his triumphant appearance at ground zero the next day. But then the backtracking began.

All in all, the people running Washington, while eager to invoke 9/11 on behalf of whatever they feel like doing, have treated the city that bore the brunt of the actual attack very shabbily. In September 2004 the Republicans will hold their nominating convention in New York. Will New Yorkers take the occasion to remind them about how the city was lied to and shortchanged?

I hope there are massive protests of whistle-ass at the NY republican convention. We need to make sure that we indeed take up Krugrman's challenge.

I've never wanted anything expect when I went to Protest the Attack on Iraq on Feb 15, 2003! :kick:

The carcinogens are "embedded" in buildings carpets,
drapes, furniture etc. now...don't wait til next year
to do something about this.

They lied, people died....and keep on dying.

I'll say "What would anyone expect" from the hypocritical cabal.

We're fortunate that there are a few good people in the media.

What's the ratio of the Krugman's, Conason's, Lyon's to propaganda artists?

Get their asses back on Wall Street and so what if they all die of lung cancer 3 years later! :grr:

heads discussed this yet? Too busy talking about AUUUnuld?

And he has his academic credentials to worry about to make the type of outlandish statements required by other well-known pundits.

For about a weak now. Check out this thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=125&topic_id=549

And for activist response:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=125&topic_id=564

Join the new movement we need! :hippie:

there is always the equipment to be concerned about...

All that dust significantly decreases the lifetime of computer equipment. I know. I worked in an industrial park where we were all coughing from dust and we had heaps of disk drive failures from the dust.

Clinton lied about the environment in New York city after 911? My lord there would already be a special prosecutor and impeachment hearings all over the place and the Repubs would be demanding that Clinton himself testify to get him under oath. I only wish the people of this country could see through all the bullshit that comes out of this so called government and wake up and fire this pResident and his thugs. Problem is that most people look at this white house as if it is like any other white house/government that makes mistakes and tells a little white lie once in awhile. WE DON'T HAVE A GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE AND BY THE PEOPLE. These people are business men and are using the white house to make billions at the expense of people's lives! You cannot believe anything that comes out of this government. They are frauds!