Is Rudy to blame for 9-11 air-quality death?

This is an amazing piece of footage. In the same breath, America's Mayor tells reporters that there is "no chemical agent that we have to be worried about, at this point," right after telling reporters that workers are experiencing "burning eyes" from all of the dust and smoke. I'm no scientist, but even I know if people were having nasty problems with their eyes, it sure as hell wasn't going to do their lungs any good.

I must have missed "health department expert" on Rudy's résumé.

This footage is notable because this past week, the medical examiner's office in New York City announced that it will add Felicia Dunn-Jones to the official list of victims from the September 11 attacks, nearly six years after the twin towers fell.

From Independent:

Almost six years after terrorists tore a hole in Lower Manhattan, the medical examiner's office has stirred controversy by determining that a woman who died months later from a rare lung disease after inhaling toxic dust from the collapsing Twin Towers will be added to the official list of victims.

Felicia Dunn-Jones, a civil rights lawyer, worked in a building a block from the World Trade Centre and inhaled pulverised particles of cement, glass, lead and asbestos as she fled the area of destruction on September 11 2001. Within a few weeks she developed a cough and died in February 2002.

A spokeswoman for the office, Ellen Borakove, said the case of Ms Dunn-Jones was the only 9/11-related fatality it had formally been asked to review, and the only one definitely linked to the collapse of the towers, but indicated others might be considered. "We certainly never turn anybody down," she said.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - the media had better not give Giuliani a pass on his 9-11 record and decisions as the primary race heats up, and especially if he wins the Republican nomination (which I highly doubt).

I predict that he WILL get a pass, though. It's just not patriotic to question America's Mayor about 9-11. He did it heroically, competently and without making any mistakes. Take this one to the bank - 9-11 is Rudy's "franchise," and the right-wing media will attack anyone with the audacity to question Rudy's 9-11 activities and decisions.

It's a kick to see the disgraced Bernie Kerik (and best buddy of Giuliani's) in the footage. Even though Kerik and Giuliani have long, historical ties, Rudy's been trying to distance himself from Kerik for months. I think Gary Condit has a more credible reputation than Kerik.

H/T to C&L