N002282
Tuesday, January 22, 2002 2:53 PM
Fair distribution
I have made several contributions to assist families of the victims of 9/11,
however, I shall give no more.
I agree with the legislation that subtracts other aid and compensation such
as insurance death benefits from the total amount set aside for each family.
My husband died at the young age of 36. He did not want to die. He left a
wife and two boys, ages 15 and 10. However, his death was not so publicized
as those on 9/11. Those people did not choose to die either, and I
understand that. My children do not have a face to put to their terrorist
like Ben Laden. My childrend did not have anyone but their mother to make
sure they got through their grieving or to make sure they had money for a
college education. My family's terrorist was Cancer.
The only thing we can be sure of in this life is death. When it is our time
to go, it is our time to go. God does not make mistakes. I mourn for those
lost on 9/11 and I cry for their loved ones left behind. The money I
donated I hoped would go to those with little or no life insurance or death
benefits. I was lucky to have a husband who looked to the future and was
left with enough insurance to keep my house and educate my children if I
worked hard and watched my pennies.
I have recently met a young 33 year old woman who suddenly lost her husband
to a brain anuerism in October. They have an 8 year old boy and a 3 1/2
year old boy and two weeks after he died, she gave birth to their daughter.
She is panicking and doesn't know how she is going to keep her home and
provide for her children, let alone get through her grief. There is no fund
to help her.
It's not that I am unsympathetic. It's not that I am not horrified by the
terrorist attacks. It's not that I don't grieve for those who lost their
lives and feel the pain for the loved ones left behind. But I do feel they
should be grateful for any assistance they get. If they are already getting
some from other private entities, I feel it is only fair that their
distribution from the fund should be adjusted accordingly.
Individual Comment