To the editor:

The accolades have been pouring in for “The Daily Show’s” Jon Stewart for the critical role he played in drawing attention to a bill pledging federal funds for the health care of 9/11 responders.

“I’ll forever be indebted to Jon because of what he did,” said a New York City fireman who was among those at the scene of the twin towers after they fell.

The toxic smoke and contaminated ash was so intense that many worried about their health.

The concern was justified because these brave people who risked their lives then are losing their lives now, often in agony, because of the long exposure to the deadly air.

If you recall, Republican senators threatened to filibuster the bill to death in the waning hours of the 111th Congress.

That is when the comedian/satirist called this  “an outrageous abdication of our responsibility to those who were most heroic on 9/11” on his show.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg lauded Stewart.

“Jon shining such a big, bright spotlight on Washington’s potentially tragic failure to put aside differences and get this done for America was, without a doubt, one of the biggest factors that led to the final agreement,” he said.

Oh, yes, your congressman, Fred Upton, voted against providing additional money for these New York City first responders.

Fred Upton. Nice guy. Universally respected in Congress.

Such a shining example of fairness. Sure. You bet.

Wayne Falda

Edwardsburg