N002255
Tuesday, January 22, 2002 1:08 PM
Comments on Interim Final Rule (P.L.107-42)
1. Seeing a television story recently about the continuing financial
and emotional hardships of the families of the Americans who lost their
lives in the terrorist bombing in Kenya at the U.S. Embassy, it seems to
me that fairness dictates that the law be amended to provide that these
families, those of other terrorist assaults (other embassies, USS Cole,
Oklahoma City, and others) be afforded comparable relief as the families
of those who perished on Sept. 11. I might add that this same sentiment
should govern compensating innocent victims of crime (Federal, State,
and local). If some in America (and the world) hadn't realized it
before September 11, we are all one family in this world, and at least
as a nation, we have the responsiblity to take care of each of our own
in a fair and equitable manner. The Biblical phrase "God is no
respecter of persons" can, I believe, be nearly universally accepted in
most religions around the world -- certainly in the USA. U.S. policies
should incorporate that concept in its compensation policies so that all
innocent victims of terrorism and other innocent victims of crimes to
American citizens are treated evenly and fairly. Further, groups such
as the Red Cross should consider embracing the same philosophy and be
open to assist devasted families of innocent victims of other comparable
crimes, as long as the plea for donations clearly indicates the various
classifications of victims in their appeals. We know that often the
best advocates of funding for research into diseases are Senators and
U.S. Representatives who themselves or their families have suffered with
a particular disease. Senators and U.S. Representatives don't hestitate
to provide funding for police and courts to try criminals, but rarely
balance that with victim compensation funding for the same crime (or
require the criminal to pay some of the costs). Celebrities, such as
Michael J. Fox and Mary Tyler Moore are strong advocates for funding of
the diseases with which they struggle. However, those with less strong
voices need to be heard and represented equally in Federal policymaking.
2. Much has been said in the media already about the unfairness of
deducting insurance and other benefits from the calculation of
compensation for each individual victim. At the outset, I admit that I
have not read the entire act of the guidelines. I would hope that at
least the families would be reimbursed for all the premiums that were
paid by the victims and their families (and employers) for such
insurance and other benefits. However, there should be some recognition
that people with the foresight and personal responsibility to take out
insurance were thinking about their futures and that they should be
rewarded in some way for that planning.
3. I believe new hearings should be held to review the comments to this
regulation, and that even if some compensation is paid from this fund,
that it not be final until everyone is heard and there is an opportunity
for revisions that are acceptable to those most affected.
Individual Comment
Burke, VA