A Nation's Gratitude

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“A deal has been reached in the Senate to approve a bill that covers the cost of medical care for rescue workers and others who became sick from breathing in toxic fumes, dust and smoke after the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. […] Should the Senate pass the measure, it will go to the House, where it is expected to be swiftly approved and then sent to President Obama for his signature.”
— By RAYMOND HERNANDEZ, December 22, 2010 (nytimes.com)

The very essence of the greatest nation ever conceived by civilized humans is expressed in the phrase, "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", arguably the most influential phrase in the history of the English language. And though such a spirit was subsequently institutionalized in the American rule of law via the Constitution's Bill of Rights, most everyone is, and absolutely everyone who is a benefactor should be, aware of the steep cost of maintaining the associated rights. As many have observed, freedom is not free. And the cost is not borne by all to the extent that it is by those who serve to protect our freedom at the risk of "the last full measure of devotion".

I have always believed that our Nation's armed forces and first responders, all the men and women who risk their lives in the course of performing their duty, be it voluntary or otherwise, deserve our Nation's gratitude, over and above whatever contractual compensation they earn. Without such people it is inconceivable that our great Nation could long endure.

I believe that a most appropriate form for expressing our Nation's gratitude would be a federal guarantee of the best possible medical assistance to all veterans in need of it. That sort of safety net or umbrella insurance should, in my humble opinion, be guaranteed and paid for by federal funds in accordance with a Constitutional Amendment, if necessary. It is the least we can do to show our National gratitude.

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