W000551
Sunday, November 25, 2001 10:44 PM
Comments regarding September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
I lost my brother, , 36, on 11 September 2001. There
was so much pain, and still is, during the 11th as I first listened on the
radio, on my way home from work, as it was reported that the building that my
brother worked in collapsed, and later, as I sat with my parents and watched
in horror the events that unfolded on television. My brother has a wife and
two children, that were less than three years old in September. They must be
taken care of. However, my parents raised my brother, cared for him as a
child, relished in his victories of later years, encouraged him through his
defeats. As a sister, we shared, family vacations, cheering for each other
during sporting events, encouraging each other towards success, double
dating, and discussing everything from relationship of the moment, which skis
were the coolest, how far we would run tonight, where to go out that evening
and what time we would meet, and how to select a school for our children.
Because of all of this, although there is an expediency issue in dealing with
multiple representatives of any family, I believe that it is important for
the Department to consider the significance of the loss of a husband, wife,
father, mother. However, the Department should not ignore the significance
of the loss to a mother, father, brother, or, in my case, sister.
I understand that there must be a systematic manner in which to administer
this fund. However, in choosing to deal with a single representative of a
victim, it is evident that the Department has already foreseen the potential
for conflict. This has been an emotional time for every survivor. Why not
avoid further distress, keep all survivors involved in the process, not just
a single family representative. Although this event has worked to make many
families pull together, supporting each other. The potential of a single
family representative may push many families apart.
As to drawing distinctions regarding the location of the death, I do not
understand the significance. My brother was located on the floor of
wtc tower 2. He worked for . Although I try not to imagine
what happened to him following the impact of the United Airline flight, it is
impossible for me not to try to imagine. It is probably better for there to
be no distinction, preventing those survivors from further imagining the
circumstances of death. And does it really matter, dead is dead. As to
where the location of the death occurred, is that really important.
Collateral sources should have no direct impact on the amount of compensation
received. My brother worked very hard in life. In his death, should his
survivors be penalized. Do you think that people made contributions to his
family, knowing that this may reduce the amount of compensation that his
family may eventually receive.
I know that this document has been moved forward quickly in order to help the
survivors of this terrible, tragic event. I hope that in continuing to move
this process forward, the Department will continue to be diligent in your
efforts. However, I also hope that the Department will be cognizant of the
need to be sensitive to the families of the victims, limiting the amount of
stress that they must continue to undergo throughout the duration of this
process.
Thank you for your efforts.
Individual Comment