NSFW

Some 9/11 fire fighters, medics, and police officers who worked at Ground Zero for months have become very sick—likely because of the toxins to which they were exposed. The government’s response? Fire them, and cut off their insurance. Now, the U.S. Senate refuses to help. (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart via Bill in Exile)

It seems like the right thing to do. Otherwise, the oil companies are not going to learn. (N.Y. Times)

Robert Wright argues that the war in Afghanistan is strategically worse for the U.S. than the Vietnam War was. (N.Y. Times)

Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to be released tomorrow. This is like Mandela being set free. Maybe someday democracy will rise in Myanmar too. (N.Y. Times)

It’s awesome to see the U.S. stand up for the right thing concerning the trials of the men who committed genocide in Cambodia. Too bad it’s taken this long. On the other hand, when I visited Phnom Penh in 2002, I couldn’t bring myself to visit Tuol Sleng prison. It was just too traumatic for me. I can relate to the desire to move on (but of course, I’m not a victim of the genocide). (N.Y. Times)