W000207
Wednesday, November 07, 2001 6:00 PM
Compensation for the Families of the Victims of the 911
terrorist acts
I have read that the DOJ is going to write the rules for the compensation to
the families of the September 11th tragedy, and that there is a movement that
wants the US Government to reduce the awards to the families by the amounts
given by the various charities.
This is not consistent with the original purpose of the contributions, or
with the compensation that was originally voted upon by congress. When we
made our contribution, it was in full realization that the US Government
planned to compensate the families. We made our voluntary contribution for
the families of the victims, not as a way of diminishing the amount that the
government would award. While some in congress may feel that it would be
"double dipping" to allow the families to collect from both sources, we feel
that there is no amount of compensation that can make up for the losses
suffered by these people.
Currently, there are 2 bills to stimulate the economy. The House bill leans
strongly toward more tax breaks, heavily weighted toward the upper income
brackets. These individuals need the money a lot less than the families of
the victims, and we feel strongly that any plan to diminish the government's
compensation to the families affected by the 9/11 tragedy would be a betrayal
of those who died on 9/11, and their families.
The United States Government owes the general public a lot, for it's failure
to take the necessary action in past years to reduce the threats of
terrorism, to have prevented the millions of illegal aliens from entering,
and remaining in this country, and for allowing the aliens to overstay their
visas. The DOJ bears it's share of the blame. Don't make matters worse by
turning our backs on the victims and their families.
The survivors will need support, financially and emotionally for the rest of
their lives. Give them the portion that the US Government owes them.
Individual Comment