P000494
Monday, February 11, 2002 6:58 PM
Distribution of Donated Funds/Contributions
Short time back, wrote my Senator, Rick Santorum because everyone from the Red Cross to United Way was starting to divert citizen donated disaster dollars to their pet areas--words used were "discretionary allocations". When asking for these donations, the sales pitch was that every dollar would go to the "victims" I both agreed and donated. In short order, when the dollars started to mount due to a generous American public, not only did the funds appear to be going elsewhere, but weeks later, the survivors failed to receive the initial help to cover day to day expenses like food and after more weeks, they still went wanting. Had it not been for one Fox newsman, , doing a day in and out on the misappropriation of these funds, one doubts whether your office would now have oversight.
Now we hear of the NOW organization wishing to claim their piece of the survivors fund to "train women in construction when the new buildings are erected on the WTC site" Then there are persistent reports that "chauffeurs", better known as NYC cabbies, have been granted up to 10K for lost fares. When I sent money, it was for "survivors families", including the brave police and firemen that lost their lives. I do not envy your offices overlook on these claims because where do they stop. The view of people leaping to their deaths from WTC is burnt into my memory every time I see those buildings on an old movie or related, it is truly depressing. Does that mean I should be requesting compensation for mental anguish? No way.
I respectfully request that you guys meter out the monies to those most in need - the survivors families. I think America owes their children a college education and ensure they do not lose their homes because the bread winner lost his life. This also applies to those poor souls who died in those plane crashes. For all the other half baked opportunist that come to you looking for a free ride, boot them out.
Thanks:
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