N002222
Tuesday, January 22, 2002 9:42 AM
Victim's Compensation
The events of September 11, 2001 rate as one of the darkest moments in the
history of the United States. There is no denying that it was a tragedy of
unparallel evil that has had an impact on all Americans. It changed the
world that we live in, forever.
Despite the magnitude of this despicable event, I take great exception to the
enormity of the funds ($4.6 billion) that will be provided by the government
to the victimâ??s families. I, like millions of people, gave generously to
charitable organizations directing that the donations be used exclusively to
help those directly affected. Now, I am being asked to donate additional
funds through my taxes. It seems to me that the one and a half billion
dollars that has been donated to charities,plus life insurance benefits, plus
social security benefits, plus retirement benefits, plus tax relief, plus
free college educations, etcetera, etcetera, should be enough to provide
sufficient relief to families of victims.
Itdisturbs me that a very dangerous precedent has been established. In these
unsettled times we hear a greatdeal about the potential for terrorism with
chemicals and biological agents. It is conceivable that many thousands
ofpeople might be killed in the future in this manner. Without even trying,
over 5000 people were killed by nerve destroying chemicals in Bhopal, India.
Is our government prepared to hand out money to many thousands ofvictims?
Were not the terrorist actions of the past just as tragic as September 11th.
What about the 270 victims of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie? What about the
servicemen killed in the barracks inLebanon? What about the 17 sailors
killed on The Cole in Yemen? What about the 224 people killed in the
embassies in Tanzania and Kenya? What about the six people killed in
theWorld Trade Center in 1993? What about the 19 servicemen killed by a bomb
in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia in 1996? How about the 168 people killed in
OklahomaCity? Did they not have the same disastrous impact on families of
the victims? You surely will hear from their families, if you havenâ??t
already. Aside from the magnitude of September 11th, what make it more
tragic than the catastrophes mentioned above? Is it any less tragic than the
seven families whose loved ones were killed by a runaway van on the streets
of New York last week or the 30 year old mother thatdied of cancer leaving a
husband and baby? Death is heartbreaking in any form.
I have heard that the reason for the government assistance is to eliminate
the potential for legal suits against the airlines, the World Trade Center
and others. Experts agree that the likelihood of successful litigation is
remote. The Al Qaeda is responsible and how is one to sue them?
I do business all over the United States and I am hearing unanimous agreement
that the government has made a terrible mistake with this package of relief.
My colleagues at work, my friends, my family and my neighbors also speak this
sentiment. We want to know what you had in mind when you voted to provide our
tax dollars after we all made generous contributions to aid those families.
I feel confident that my letter is just one of many that you haveand will
receive on this subject.
Already we are hearing that people are using the monetary compensation in
very inappropriate ways such as decorating their homes, buying new
appliances, taking vacations etc. all sponsored by taxpayer's dollars.
This letter constitutes the opinions of 32 of my co-workers at all levels at
, Old Bridge, New Jersey.
Yours truly,
Individual Comment