P000200
Sunday, January 27, 2002 10:29 AM
Comments re: Public Law 107-42
Sirs,
I do not concur with the passage of Public Law 107-42 authorizing the
disbursement of tax dollars to the families of victims of Sept 11, 2001,
and my comments are cited, below.
The creation of this fund concurrently creates a separate "class" of
Americans who without precedent, derive a federal subsidy for a
personal, family tragedy. Clearly, the families of those killed or
injured on Sept 11th are suffering their losses yet these families are
not isolated either in America or the world when it comes to family
tragedy and the subsequent consequences.
Millions of people annually including millions of Americans suffer
tragedies either as a result of a natural disaster or at the hands of
terrorists, be they international or domestic. Yet the US Government
does not create a fund to "pay" for life obligations incurred by the
families of those who died or were hurt. Individually, all people are
responsible for their own lives and by extension, for the welfare of
their families. That is why such things as life insurance, disability
insurance and countless other existing programs are available. When a
police officer dies in the line of duty, the family of this hero is
awarded $250,000 based upon federal law. This already exists. An
active duty military military member is automatically covered by the
Serviceman's Group Life Insurance, in addition to any other personal
coverage the member may have. There are numerous other ways in which
individuals who are responsible and forward thinking, prepare to care
for their families in the event they are killed in an accident or other
violent event.
In the case of Sept 11th, hundreds of millions of dollars were also
donated for those families and numerous employers of deceased victims
are also helping family members with long term medical, education and
other expenses for children and spouses. Thus, the families of victims
of Sept 11th can expect to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars
worth of assistance without the existence of a federal fund.
This fund was created secretly and without the knowledge of the American
public at large. Mr. Feinberg has been quoted as stating it is a "gift
of the American people." He is mistaken. It is perhaps his gift as
well as a gift of the US Congress but not of the public at large. We
had no say in this matter.
I strongly disagree with the disbursement of these excessive funds and I
am particularly chagrined that Mr Feinberg has even gone out of his way
to offer these funds to "families of illegal aliens." It is not the US
taxpayer's responsibility to subsidize these families. Illegal aliens
have no legal right to be in the USA and by extension, their families
have no legal right to any US tax dollars for any reason. Low interest
loans, grants or other conventional systems should be followed in this
case as they are in all other cases.
As a matter of fact, my familiy and I were once victims of a natural
disaster that took lives. Neither my family nor anyone else received
such grandoise handouts as are now being disbursed. We are just one of
millions of families who expect everyone be treated fairly and
equally......We didn't expect the US Government to give us anything and
we didn't ask for any handouts! I too feel empathy for those lost or
hurt in NY, DC and PA but I strongly oppose these fund that will be
making instant millionaires out of families who are themselves
responsible for their lives.
Thank you for taking my email.
USAF retired (100% disabled veteran)
Individual Comment
Fairfax, VA