P000440
Wednesday, February 06, 2002 9:01 PM
September 11 Victim's Compensation Fund
It would be wonderful if all the surviving family members of those who died in
the September 11 attacks on our nation were justly compensated. How can our
Nation ensure that each and every case is given equal attention and
consideration? It seems the fund established by Congress and signed into law by
our President is a large step in the right direction, but can it be perfectly
equitable?
If a person who died at the World Trade Center, or the Pentagon, or the
Pennsylvania crash site had life insurance, and that person's family will
rightfully receive adequate benefits from that policy, giving the family money
from the Victim's Compensation Fund would, in my opinion, be an injustice.
Are there people whining about compensation being too little, and sounding
greedy?
Many of the people who lost husbands or wives or lovers on September 11 need to
follow the example of a hero of mine. Her name was . Her husband, a
veteran of WWII, died in the crash of his crop-dusting aircraft in 1952, in the
days before multi-million dollar wrongful death suits. was left to raise
three sons who were 8, 4, and 2 years old. She did not sue the owner of the
plane in which her husband died, and there was no life insurance. did
receive some Social Security and VA benefits. With the help of her family,
completed her college education. She went to work as a school teacher in
New Mexico, and made a life for herself and her sons. She eventually earned a
Master's degree in art education, and though never financially wealthy, was
blessed with many wonderful friends, and eventually retired after teaching many
years in the Albuquerque, NM, public schools. She never remarried.
A few years before she retired she was diagnosed with MS, a disease that
eventually made her a quadraplegic. She was cared for by a nursing home in
Albuquerque for the last seven years of her life, which ended January 12, 2002.
In short, in some ways, she had rough and tragic life. But...
She never complained about the death of her husband, though she grieved his
loss.
She never complained about the loss of her health, though she did express a
desire to be healed. When friends and visitors saw her, her questions were about their lives, needs,
and concerns.
Basically, when the unfairness of life hit her squarely and brutally, she took a
deep breath, and moved on with living. She trusted in God, loved her kids and
friends, and did her best.
The persons who lost loved ones on September 11, 2002, need to realize how
blessed they are! To have a Nation that's trying to help. To have a Congress and
Presidential administration that has acted to provide relief, and very generous
relief! At least, that's the view from here.
And I think I'm entitled to that view. You see, was my mother. I was 2
years old when my Dad died. And I know how much we depended on Social Security
and VA benefits. Had someone offered us help from a "victim's compensation
fund," it would have been greatly welcomed. I think it's great of our Nation to
act with compassion! But regardless of how much money we make available to those
living victims of September 11, nothing, nothing, NOTHING, can bring their loved ones back. And the way they can best honor the memories of
those who died is to grieve their loss, and then live courageously, and fully,
and joyfully!
Sincerely,
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