P000301
Wednesday, January 30, 2002 11:46 PM
Sept 11th Compensation Fund
Mr. Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs
Civil Division
U.S. Dept of Justice
Main Building, Room 3140
950 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC 20530
Dear Mr. Zwick,
I lost my 35 year-old husband in WTC Tower 2 on Sept 11, 2001. left
behind two little girls, ages 2 and 4. As far as pain and suffering go, I
cannot expect you or anyone else not affected, to understand what we have
been going through. I think we are all in agreement that the tragedy that
occurred that day was unprecented for our country. Moreover, the individual
grieving has been similarly unprecedented. How do I explain to my daughter
why I am putting Daddy's toothbrush and unwashed underwear in a bag as she
catches me doing it? What about the waiting and wondering to see if the body
is ever recovered? Or having to endure seeing the death of your loved one
happen time and again on TV and in print. To know that called and told
me he was leaving the building (at 8:46am) and then found out from his sister
that he was remaining because he was told not to evacuate is unbearable. I
had to speak with someone related to the medical examiner's office regarding
my reporting that he had scars from knee injuries. I was asked to find out
from the physician what types of screws were used because "they had found
some bones with screws attached". I realize the gentleman was only trying to
help but this is what we are faced with. Need I say more about the
tremendous pain and suffering we are all enduring. Please reconsider the
number put on this.....
I am also curious to know how the cost of health insurance will be calculated
into the award. Right now I see no provision. As of April 1st, my girls and
I will be on COBRA at the cost of $1,000/month! Initially there is a plan by
Blue Cross to make these payments but the money will surely not last long at
these rates. Since the WTC's victims are not considered a "group" for
insurance purposes, the inclusion of lost health coverage should surely be
added to the award. I don't believe this factor has been considered.
Speaking specifically, my husband was making a good salary UNTIL 3 years ago
when he changed careers. He worked hard, paid his dues and was back "on top"
again. He had just recently signed a 2-yr contract for a substantial
increase. The last 3 years represented a change-in-career decrease in income
and I don't believe should affect his award. How will something like this be
treated? I have to ask now since once I accept into the Fund, it's too late
to ask.
Lastly, please make it clear to the public that the numbers portrayed in the
charts are just that. After calculating Social Security and Workmens' comp
alone for the next decades, for most people these numbers are not
representative of what people will actually receive. While I myself am
grateful that there is a fund, I also believe the American people should not
be told that the average award will be $1.6 billion when I know many people
who expect to get virtually nothing. We are victims once, do not make us
victims again by making us look like we want to be millionaires and "profit"
from our loss.
Respectfully yours,
Individual Comment