N001384
Monday, January 07, 2002 12:21 AM
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001
I am a taxpayer in the State of New York. I am also a NYPD Sergeant
with numerous relatives in the NYPD and FDNY. While I think it is admirable
that the government is trying to make the lives of those who lost loved ones
in the attack on the World Trade Center more bearable, I believe they are
going about it the wrong way. In life you may be able to determine a persons
worth by how much he earned, where his job might have taken him, etc., in
time of war I believe all people are created equal. Hence, the only fair way
for a pool of money to be distributed is; First determine how much money
there is to be given away. Second, determine how many victims there were.
Third, determine how many survivors of those victims there are (this is where
it becomes difficult, limit the survivors to spouses, children, siblings and
parents. Any more than that and someone's long lost third cousin is going to
try and collect, sad but true). Fourth, divide the total pot of money by the
number of survivors and give each family an equal share for each. ( eg: a
stockbroker leaves behind a wife and two kids, that family gets three shares.
Also, a dishwasher leaves behind a wife and two kids, he also gets three
shares. It should be the same amount. Because the stockbroker made more money
while he was working, he is not worth more in death. Neither man is working
anymore because of the terrorists not because of career opportunities. There
is no way of putting a higher or lower price on what someone means to their
family because of how much money they made while they were working.) This is
not a perfect solution but in a perfect world we would not have to be doing
this at all. I have spoken to many members of my family and friends who all
believe that this is the fairest way to distribute our money to those who
need it. I'm sure this is not the only letter you have gotten dividing the
money this way. Which ever you decide thank you for the work you are doing on
behalf of the victims. I know it is not easy.
Sincerely,
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