N001415
Monday, January 07, 2002 2:33 PM
commentary
While I truly feel for the victims of the 9-11 terrorist acts (I lost three
classmates that day), it sets a terrible precedent that the government is
compensating the victims / families for their losses. If we as a government
start with this, where do we draw the line? Further, what about victims
from previous terrorist acts (such as the Oklahoma City bombing)? These
people were more a victim of terrorism simply because they worked for the
United States. What is to stop them from also trying to sue the government
for their losses under similar circumstances? What will stop the
entitlement mentality that actions such as this one bring? I recently read
about a widow named , whose husband, a line chef in the
restaurant is suing the government for more money than the $1.6 million she
is slated to receive. Her late husband was making $480 per week. With a
payout of only $1 million, and invest it in tax free municipal bonds, she
will make in tax free interest income (assuming 4% return) 60% more than her
husband was making before in taxable income. The greed is appalling, and
this is an opportunity for more people to claim more entitlement.
I am not an upper class, top tax bracket conservative by any means, but
manage to just get by on what I earn. I've played the cards I have been
dealt; these people should be grateful they live in a country with such
openness and generosity, not be whining that they didn't get more.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment