N000411
Friday, December 21, 2001 11:05 AM
Compensation for the 9/11 Victim Families
This may sound crass and unpopular in the wake of the tragedies of 9/11, but
I am offended by comments in a news article by victims' families who are
quoted as saying the payments being offered are "not enough" and insulting.
Who do they people think they are? I think this is a most generous gesture
on the part of the government and should be appreciated rather than scorned.
I can't fathom their loss, but money won't bring anyone back. To think they
believe they are entitled to any more than any other victim of a disaster is
mystifying and offensive (and I believe they are being offered much more).
People all over the country have donated millions of dollars to assist them,
millions more man hours of volunteer work has been bestowed upon them, when
will they feel like they have been "fairly compensated"?
As we speak there are soldiers fighting the war on terrorism, diligently and
with great cause. What do these people think the lives of these soldiers
are worth? What compensation will the young CIA Agent's family receive
other than the "standard" death benefits? Did any of them campaign in
support of compensation to the Iran Hostages, the civilians killed and
injured at Pearl Harbor and what about compensation for the Okalahoma City
bombing vitims and their families? I didn't hear a ground swell of support
for the survivors of those tragedies.
We are a country and unified by what we are and who we are. The sense of
entitlement espoused here is disgusting. Perhaps these people should be
more appreciative of the generosity of the American people and less
materialistic. I work hard, I invest and I try to make a better life for my
family. Somehow, I can't help but to think that the money being offered to
the families is more than enough to provide for them comfortably. Perhaps
this display should cause us to look more closely at our value system and
maybe, just maybe we will better appreciate the principals this country was
founded upon.
Perhaps contrary to popular opinion, I support the government's position and
offer to the victim's families. I think it is most generous and should be
viewed as such. I would also note I direct my comments at those
categorizing the government's offer as insulting. I am quite aware there
are many who do share these views and are appreciative of all that has been
done on thier behalf.
Individual Comment
Chapel Hill, NC