W000106
Tuesday, November 06, 2001 2:00 PM
Sept 11 fund & charity
Be fair. Be practical. Don't enrich........and above all realize that this
issue could reappear over and over again. This is most likely the first
grouping of victims ( Sept 11th ) .We all realize it may well not be the
last. I'd like to imagine there is an end in sight......but in reality, there
will be more victims of terrorist acts even if in no way related to this
source. It will be a precident and it will be a message to the public and the
citizens. Here in Worcester, Massachusetts not long ago, we had a tragedy in
which six firefighters died in one burning building. There was an outpouring
of support and donations that came this way from around the world. I do not
know if there was any government support through tax money given to the
families.... but donations reached into the millions.....beyond 7 million for
the six deaths. The Corporation that initiated the fund collection never
realized the intense issues that would develope over how to distribute the
money. If there is anything to learn from this incident, it's to be prepared
before the money starts to arrive, with the guidelines..........and
distribute only to DEPENDENTS of the deceased. Not grown children, not grown
siblings with their own families, not mothers and fathers of adults now dead,
not ex-spouses that have not had relationships with or been receiving support
from. Only the dependent spouse and the young dependent children born to or
adopted by.Those of us that made donations, charitable or paid taxes, as
individuals or corporations intend to give relief from financial burdens in
the present tense and in the forseeable future. We intended to assist with
debts incurred from past circumstances and circumstances surrounding
September 11th. We did not intend to create a community of millionaires and
do not expect our tax dollars or charitable donations to create such. We
fully expect to give comfort and relief in a very even handed and well
thought out manner guided by those who now control those funds and have
access to all necessary information.
My fear would be that the Fund regulators and the government agencies holding
the tax dollars will feel compelled to distribute all of the money now. Those
of us who were able to donate this time and have jobs and businesses at
present may not be in such positions next time a disaster or terrorist act
occurs. SO SPEND AND DISTRIBUTE WISELY, especially the taxes of which you
speak. There are many deaths which occur on a day to day basis, which do not
make the headlines, and many families are left behind in poor financial
situations......no donations come their way, little relief is offered. Do
count other income before tax dollars are spent, whatever that income may be
and where ever it may be coming from, and find a way to be fair in the relief
and support offered. Our hearts and thoughts are with them in their
grief.....we should not take advantage of each other in any situation.
Individual Comment