America has a proud history of podium-pounding politicians shouting at the top of their lungs for both pertinent and trivial reasons. But Rep. Anthony Weiner explained to The New York Times today why he chose to turn up the heat a few more degrees.
Weiner, who represents parts of Brooklyn and Queens, took, uh, a UFC approach on the floor of the House against Repubilcan Rep. Peter King over funding aid to people affected by World Trade Center. But in his Times op-ed piece, he says it was for good reason.
“…While I appreciate the concern over the future of civility in politics, I believe a little raw anger right now is justified. Democrats make a mistake by pretending there is a bipartisan spirit in Congress these days, and would be better served by calling out Republican shams.”
Now Weiner articulately explains that all he wanted was for the House to vote for treatment and compensation for people who volunteered, at great risk, on the day terrorists attacked New York. He expresses his dissatisfaction with Republicans who he says voted the bill down for frivolous reasons.
However Weiner says he’s not done and plans on taking up the matter again in September.
“I’m still angry. Playing politics on important issues is never right. But on health care for 9/11 responders, it’s an outrage.”