W000079
Tuesday, November 06, 2001 11:23 AM
Victim Compensation Comments
Mr. Zwick,
My comments will be brief. It is an unfortunate reality that in an attempt to make whole the victims of Sept. 11, the combination of a charitable American public and a political government may well unjustly enrich them. Perhaps most unfortunate is that the already wealthy individuals will be the ones most likely to be able to take advantage of a poorly created system that permits them to take funds from both charitable institutions and the government for the same expenses because they will have the requisite resources and knowledge.
To prevent this manifest injustice from occuring, the regulations for the government fund must be drafted in such a way that "double-dipping" is minimized. While I would certainly prefer that it be eliminated entirely, I recognize the difficulty associated with that. Instead, perhaps a system that restricts government funds from going to victims who have received over a certain amount. The wealth of the survivors should also be taken into account, so that the relatives of investment bankers are not lining their pockets while the children of janitors go without. While I mourn for those injured and lost, money cannot make them whole. This tragedy should not become a way to enrich those who have already received thousands in charity.
Individual Comment
Topeka, KS