Firefighters challenge Ghouliani image - They blast him over handling of Sept. 11

[jefferson_dem]

Firefighters challenge Giuliani image
They blast him over handling of Sept. 11

By Joelle Farrell
Monitor staff

Six years ago today, Americans saw the World Trade Center collapse, the image searing itself into the minds of those who watched the events unfold on television. Before the government revealed the attackers' identities or officials guessed at a casualty count, before anyone could determine if the attacks were over, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was on camera, covered in dust and reassuring a terrified city and a stunned nation.

The moment made Giuliani an icon - "America's Mayor" - a portrait of steady leadership in the face of chaos. Giuliani continues to benefit from the spotlight 9/11 offered him, and he remains the top Republican presidential contender in most national polls.

But in recent months, Giuliani critics have sought to puncture what they deem the myth of his 9/11 legacy. Families of 9/11 victims have decried Giuliani's appearance at a 9/11 memorial service today. A book released this year faults Giuliani for inadequate preparation that the authors say left New York City more vulnerable to confusion in an attack.

And this summer, the International Association of Fire Fighters, which represents 281,000 firefighters nationwide, produced a video that blames Giuliani for the deaths of more than 100 firefighters on Sept. 11, 2001. The union says because Giuliani did not replace radios known to be defective since the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, firefighters didn't hear evacuation orders before the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.

If Giuliani wants to win the presidency, he'll have to do it despite dogged opposition from some New York City firefighters and the nation's largest firefighters union. The IAFF posted the video to deter its members from supporting Giuliani - many firefighters had received calls from the campaign asking for help, IAFF President Harold Schaitberger said.

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