P000254
Monday, January 28, 2002 9:01 PM
compensation
Text of the Victims Compensation Fund states:
SEC. 403. PURPOSE.
It is the purpose of this title to provide compensation to any
individual (or relatives of a deceased individual) who was physically
injured or killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes
of September 11, 2001.
If the government wishes to compensate the victims, then the compensation
should not be reduced by any amount simply because the victims are being
"compensated" by other sources.
If, however, this is an attempt to provide a financial "safety net" for
victims, then it is appropriate to take into consideration what other
support they have.
As for calculating lost earnings, I find this an exercise in folly. My
brother attended Harvard for one year, had he died then one might assume he
would go on to earn a significant income. He then moved to California and
worked many odd jobs, most not payinf very much. Had he died then, his
projected income would have been quite modest. He now holds a significant
position in a respected company and certainly is earning more than anyone in
his California days might have projected.
I am thankful that I don't have to deal with these issues personally. I hope
that those who do will be clear in what they are trying to do, and do it the
best they can, and I hope that the victims of this horrible tragedy do not
rely on money to ease their pain.
Individual Comment
Dunn Loring, Virginia