R000262
Tuesday, March 12, 2002 9:56 AM
The Parent-Child Relationship and 911
Office of Management Programs
Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Main Building, Room 3140
950 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20530
Dear Mr. Feinberg:
This letter will be simple because this is not about intricate legislation, but about the children taken and the parents left behind in 911. First and foremost, I continue to be startled by the lack of recognition for parents. Historically, biblically, and genetically there is a strong life-long bond between parents and children. Parents are suffering what is considered to be the greatest loss of all. Plain and simple--parents should be financially compensated for pain and suffering.
Parents have to endure the daily media and conversations in addition to their personal grief. In addition, many parents have not received the remains of their children for burial. All of these things are devastating. Being a parent does not end when your child is 20, 25, 30...; the 911 funds should reconsider the disregard being shown to parents and reallocate funds to provide the necessary support to parents.
Of course a variety of circumstances exist, but there are families where parents are unable to work or have lost their employment as a result of 911. Yes, spouses and children should receive necessary benefits--but then parents. In America the divorce rate is over fifty percent, yet all 911 funds are going to spouses. The parent-child relationship is a life-long relationship and should be fairly compensated. I believe there is enough funding to address these issues. Think deeply about the role, meaning, and importance of parents.
Plain and simple--parents should be financially compensated for pain and suffering.
Sincerely,
A 911 Victim's Sister
Individual Comment