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Monday, January 07, 2002 12:56 AM
VIctim's Family!

My name is &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp.  My husband &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp, a man of 6'2 
205 lbs a beautiful man that I have been with for 26 years, was one of the 
victims from the World Trade Center Attacks.  He was working at &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp that day.  On Sept. 11, 2001 my husband woke up at 5 a.m. in order 
to get to work on time.  I was working at nights at &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp, but it was 
customary for me to drop &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp off at the Train station every morning.  On 
the drive to the train station that morning, &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp kept telling me how 
much he loved me and our three daughters.  He said that he would be home 
early that day. Then he got out of the car, I watched him go down the stairs. 
 
When I heard about the attacks my youngest daughter &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp and I walked to 
Manhattan from our Queens home.  We searched every hospital we could get to 
and nothing.  When I got home at 1:00 a. m my other two daughters &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp 
20 (Who worked with her father in     till March and lost 
many close friends.) and &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp 22 went to Manhattan on foot as well.  We 
had no results till Sept 18 when the Detectives came and said that they had 
recovered a third of &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp torso and an arm.  My family and I went to 
bury &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp at his birth land of &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp.  On the 19 of November, I 
went and had a fibrotic tumor removal on my breast, which left me on bed rest 
for about two weeks and I still have two more tumor removals left.  When I 
had thought that the worst was over, the funeral home had called me on the 27 
of November to tell me that they have found more of my husbands remains, they 
found his legs. Since I was still in bed rest I had to postpone the burial of 
my husbands remains because I was not able to fly.  On the 19 of DEC with my 
doctors OK I again went to &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp with my daughters and in-laws.  When I 
had returned from &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp one of my Uncles had died.  The reason I am 
telling you this is because nobody knows firsthand what the victims families 
have gone through.  Suffering isn't the word, it's more than torture.  I 
don't feel comfortable leaving my house just like many of the victims but I 
know that I will go mad if I do. I am not telling you this to feel any pity 
or sorrow but just to show what I as well as thousands of other people are 
going through in this time.  Please consider the needs of every single 
individual young and old who has been affected by this tragedy.  I have been 
waiting for &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp to come home and I know that I'm not the only one 
waiting for my husband, friend and father of my daughters, as I said I am 
just one of thousands.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment 

If anything you can contact me at &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp  or &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp 


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Saturday, December 08, 2001 3:05 AM
ALL victims

Dear Mr. Zwick:

I am writing in response to the Department's request 
for public
comments regarding the forthcoming regulations for 
implementing
and administering the "September 11 Victim 
Compensation Fund."
I strongly urge the Department to draft regulations 
that ensure
compensation is available to all victims of the 
attack,
including the committed partners and the 
non-biological children
of gay and lesbian victims.

It is unquestionable that the devastating grief and 
economic
losses suffered by the families of gay and lesbian 
victims are
no less than that of other families.  Just as the 
terrorists
drew no lines in choosing their victims, our country 
must draw
no lines in compensating those who suffered the most 
personal of
losses from these horrific attacks.

Many Americans lost their lives on September 11, each 
of whom
left behind loved ones.  I urge the Department to 
honor these
bonds by treating the families of gay and lesbian 
victims as you
would any other.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Madison, WI 

STRAIGHT BUT NOT NARROW!!!!


 
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Wednesday, December 19, 2001 8:59 AM
Fair Allocation of Crisis Relief


December  19, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I write as a member of Amnesty International in support of equal access to
benefits under the September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims,
regardless of sexual orientation or marital status.  
  
Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  

As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

An inclusive policy on the part of the federal government would help
establish an important principle for other such funds. In compensating
victims, real justice will be served only when all families - and all types
of families - impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are
treated with dignity and equality. 

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Sincerely,

Individual Comment
New York, NY 

 
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Monday, March 11, 2002 11:27 PM
Mr. Feinberg, here's where you got it wrong

Dear Mr. Feinberg,
       Before I tell you where you got it wrong, I must say that I would 
appreciate any reply you might care to give.  I must begin by telling you 
that I found your conduct at the Boston meeting to be reprehensible.  You 
seemed to have a lack of understanding regarding who it was that you were 
speaking to, and what we had been through as a group.  I know that you say 
different, but your actions contradicted your words.  Furthermore, at the 
meeting, you said several times, "Trust me."  Well, I didn't, and I was 
right.  
 
      Second, your performance on "Meet The Press," this weekend was the 
worst kind of dishonesty.  Oh, I do not believe that you lied, but you also 
did not tell the whole truth.  You have, from the inception of this process, 
insisted on using the pre-collateral deduction figure as the "Average award," 
as you call it.  You know that the American people hear this, and conclude 
that this is what the average check will be.  Again, this shows that despite 
your insistence, we were correct not to trust you.

       Now to where you went wrong.  Right in the Final Regulations, you 
state that the "Victims' Compensation Fund," was created to compensate 
victims for their loss.  Another half-truth.  Congress knew that it would 
have been both unfair, and unconstitutional to pass the "Airline Bailout 
Bill," which as you know not only bailed out the airlines through loans, but 
also capped the liability on each flight at the extent of the insurance 
coverage carried for it, without providing some measure of recompense for the 
victims' families.  So the "Victims' Compensation Fund," was truly created to 
compensate victims for the loss of their rights, and opportunity.  This is 
the first thing that you missed or ignored.  I will grant you, that winning 
such a lawsuit is not a given, and it takes time, however, this too what you 
missed or ignored.  Any insurer, absent the existing cap on liability, would 
choose to attempt to settle any case that the believed that they had a 
substantial chance of losing.  The cap removes any motive to settle that the 
insurance company might have had, because they already know what their 
maximum expenditure will be.

       In closing, when you were in Boston, I had the opportunity to ask you 
one of the final questions of the day.  I wrote my questions before I asked 
it, a fact I am very glad of now.  My question went as follows:  

"As a historian, and as a teacher of history, I have developed an inherent 
distrust for the people within government.  You have said several times times 
today, "Trust me.""  I continued, "Then tell me something that you are 
willing to do, or are planning to do which will make me have trust in you.  
What changes are you planning to make which will make me trust you?"    

       In response you first quizzed me on history, and when you seemed 
dissatisfied that I didn't back off, you choose to answer an entirely 
different question.  When I pointed out to you that you still hadn't answered 
my question, and asked if you planned to do so, you said, "No, I haven't made 
any plans yet."  That's when I knew that I had just wasted my time, because 
the fix was in, and as we say in Boston, "The whole thing was a bag job."

       I would appreciate any comments have in response.

                                                                         
Sincerely,
                                                                         
Individual Comment

 
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December 13, 2001


Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530

To Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for all surviving families of the tragedy on September
11th, 
including the children and families of low-wage workers and gay and lesbian families.

Under traditional rules based on lost wages, the survivors of a bond trader earning millions of dollars
per
year might receive thousands of times as much compensation as the survivors of a dishwasher in one of
the
restaurants destroyed. Justice requires looking far beyond the last paycheck to the inherent worth of all
those killed, so that a high minimum compensation level is set to lessen the disparities. It would be a
double
blow to the survivors to first lose their loved one and then watch as most of the taxpayer money went to
those
who were already well off in the first place.

The second major issue has to do with recognizing the legitimacy of gay and lesbian relationships and 
families. Gay and lesbian families are especially vulnerable when one partner is killed. Because the
option of
marriage is unavailable, these families may find themselves in the traumatic predicament of having to
prove
that their union is legitimate. Fortunately, both the Red Cross and the State of New York have already 
announced that they will not discriminate against gay and lesbian families. The Department of Justice
should
do the same.

Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to hearing how you will act on these very
important 
issues.

Sincerely,
     

Individual Comment
Vacaville, CA 

 
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Monday, March 25, 2002 10:20 AM
Equalty in Treatment of 911 Victim Families

Dear President Bush,

I am writing to voice my deep-felt concern over the exclusion of

same-sex partners from the 9/11 Victims' Compensation

Fund. This horrible tragedy was unprecedented and

affected people from all walks of American society.

All the affected deserve our help. Your

administration has recognized that a compassionate and

effective response will entail making certain

exceptions to general U.S. policy on eligibility for

public benefits, such as making compensation available

to undocumented aliens (and protecting their employers

from prosecution should such individuals come

forward). The same must hold for all affected families and households.

Please make sure that ALL affected families

and households receive the assistance they need to

cope with the personal aftershocks of this terrorist attack, whether the
household

was counting on the income of a brother or sister, an

opposite-sex but unmarried partner, a same-sex

partner, or a friend.  Fair rules can be devised for

assisting all families and households who were

directly affected by this terrorist attack. Please

don't use this national tragedy as an opportunity to

cut out or further marginalize people whose loss and

grief is no less real because they are not

heterosexual.

Sincerely



Individual Comment

 
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Friday, December 28, 2001 1:25 PM

Crisis Relief Benefits


December  28, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I write as a member of Amnesty International, a worldwide human rights
movement committed to ensuring respect for the basic human rights of people
without discrimination, in support of equal access to benefits under the
September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual
orientation or marital status. As you know, the United States has
committed to uphold international human rights standards, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit arbitrary discrimination.
  
As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds.  In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality. 

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Sincerely,

Individual Comment

Los Angeles, CA 



 
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Thursday, December 20, 2001 12:30 PM
Relief Fund Distribution


December  20, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I write as a member of Amnesty International, a worldwide human rights
movement committed to ensuring respect for the basic human rights of people
without discrimination, in support of equal access to benefits under the
September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual
orientation or marital status. As you know, the United States has
committed to uphold international human rights standards, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit arbitrary discrimination.
  
As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds.  In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality. 

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Grand Rapids, MI
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Saturday, December 29, 2001 1:54 PM
Support Crisis Relief to Gay/Lesbian Partners


December  29, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I write as a member of Amnesty International, a worldwide human rights
movement committed to ensuring respect for the basic human rights of people
without discrimination, in support of equal access to benefits under the
September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual
orientation or marital status. As you know, the United States has
committed to uphold international human rights standards, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit arbitrary discrimination.
  
As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds.  In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality. 

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Individual Comment
Pittsburgh, PA 

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              <text>
Sunday, March 17, 2002 2:00 AM
how can this happen???

I must say that I am outraged that gay and lesbian partners of those who died 
on September 11 will not automatically going to receive the same benefits as 
heterosexual spouses. It is a shame that the government in this country still 
makes its decisions based on intolerance and clear injustice. 
As a taxpayer I am protesting that attitude.

Individual Comment
New York
 
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        <name>911DA Item</name>
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                <text>yes</text>
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            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
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                <text>born-digital</text>
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            <name>Media Type</name>
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              <text>

December 13, 2001


Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530

To Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for all surviving families of the tragedy on
September 11th, including the children and families of low-wage workers and gay and lesbian
families.

Under traditional rules based on lost wages, the survivors of a bond trader earning millions of
dollars per year might receive thousands of times as much compensation as the survivors of a
dishwasher in one of the restaurants destroyed. Justice requires looking far beyond the last
paycheck to the inherent worth of all those killed, so that a high minimum compensation level is
set to lessen the disparities. It would be a double blow to the survivors to first lose their loved
one and then watch as most of the taxpayer money went to those who were already well off in the
first place.

The second major issue has to do with recognizing the legitimacy of gay and lesbian relationships
and families. Gay and lesbian families are especially vulnerable when one partner is killed.
Because the option of marriage is unavailable, these families may find themselves in the
traumatic predicament of having to prove that their union is legitimate. Fortunately, both the Red
Cross and the State of New York have already announced that they will not discriminate against
gay and lesbian families. The Department of Justice should do the same.

Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to hearing how you will act on these
very important issues.

Sincerely,
     
Individual Comment
Minneapolis, MN 

 
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Monday, November 26, 2001 4:00 PM
Unmarried partners of 9-11 victims

Dear Attorney General Ashcroft,

The deaths on September 11th were the result of an
attack on America.

Please do not discriminate against the unmarried
partners of September 11th victims.  All unmarried
partners, gay or straight, young and old and 
their dependents should be eligible for compensation.

Thank you for supporting this justice.

Individual Comment
San Francisco, CA

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Tuesday, March 19, 2002 7:27 PM
compensation


So I hear that partners of gay Americans won't be recieving survivor compensation. More than anything, besides it being desicive
and unfair, it makes me sad to see how little progess we have made in uniting ourselves as Americans.
 



Individual Comment

 
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VIA FACSIMILE




Mr. Kenneth L. Zwick, Director

Office of Management Programs

Civil Division

U.S. Department of Justice 

Main Building 

Room 3140

950 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.

Washington, DC 20530




Re:  September 11th Victim Compensation Fund



Dear Mr. Zwick:



In reference to your request for comments regarding the September 11th Victim 
Compensation fund, I wanted to add my support to the comments proposed by the "Trial 
Lawyers Care" Group.



My husband                   was a victim of the September 11th attack on the Word
Trade Center.  Our life has changed and no fund could ever bring back my husband and my
children's father.  However, I appreciate the financial support proposed by the bill and 
agree with the comments presented by the Trial Lawyers Association.



I am writing individually because I have been asked to sign letters not only from the Trial
Lawyers but also from several law firms.  I hesitate to sign any document that may limit
my ability to provide for my family in these unusual times.



Thank you,



Sincerely,



Individual Comment

New Providence, NJ 











Dear Mr. Zwick 



With heavy hearts we write this letter to you representing not only ourselves, but the 
hundreds of other families who lost loved ones in the tragic events of September 11,
2001.



On September 11th our lives spiraled out of control  Writing this letter to you in response
 to your request for comments about the Victims Compensation Fund is one step towards
us regaining control over our new lives, and learning to have hope for tomorrow.



The Victims Compensation Fund's intent is to attempt to make whole the  families of the victims.  
While the fund is set up as a convenient, expedient process, we are concerned
and do share some reservations about its ability to make us whole.



OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD



First, and foremost, we are concerned that we will not be given a complete and full 
opportunity to be heard, should we choose to do so.  Each of us rightfully deserves the 
opportunity to be fairly heard before a hearing officer.  We would like to have the 
occasion to present evidence through our own testimony and the testimony of expert 
witnesses.  We would like for each of our cases to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For many of us, being given the right to be heard is a crucial and extremely valuable part of our
healing process.  We hope you understand this.



RIGHT TO APPEAL AND FORM OF PAYMENT    



Secondly, we would like to not only have the right to appeal, but in addition, we would
like the payment to be in one lump sum, and be paid out to the beneficiary, consistent 
with what our investment advisors counsel is the best for our individual family
circumstances.  Thus, for example, we should be allowed to request that any payment 
made to our minor children should be in trust.  In addition, as the parent of said minor
children, we should determine the date of vesting.  The trust should not automatically vest
 at the age of 18, unless we determine it is in our children's own best interests to do so.



ECONOMIC LOSSES




Third, and of paramount importance to us, is the computation of economic losses.  We 
are strongly against any cap being placed upon this portion of  recovery.  Simply put, no
one should be penalized because their spouse worked long, hard hours and earned a 
"good salary." 



We would request an approach like that used in personal injury actions.  Retirement 
should be set at age 68.  The decedent's income should be averaged over the past 3
working years.  The decedent's age should be subtracted from 68.  Those two numbers
should be multiplied together, thereby gleaning a starting point for computation.  From 
this base point, other factors such as inflation, wage-increases, merit, likely bonuses and
advancement and any other benefits should be considered.



NON-ECONOMIC LOSSES




Fourth, with regard to the non-economic losses of the fund, there should be absolutely be
no cap on this amount.  Each person's circumstances must be evaluated individually.
Each case should take into account age of the decedent, marital status of the decedent,
and the amount and age of the decedent's children, the severity of the pain and suffering 
of each affected individual (both mental and physical), including the person injured or 
killed, the spouse, the children and the parents.



Compensation for non-economic losses is crucial for the survival of some families like 
the firemen and policemen's.  Those families will need a substantial amount of money to 
be offered in this section to entice them to enter the fund.  Likewise, any family who has
a considerable amount of coverage in life insurance will need some incentive to enter the fund, since life insurance proceeds will be deducted from any
recovery. 



We would certainly hope that any non-economic recovery from this fund to be generous
in light of the terrible circumstances of September 11th.



COLLATERAL SOURCES




Finally, with regard to collateral sources, we are very concerned about their use to offset
any amount recovered from the fund.  Life insurance should not be deducted from fund 
payments.  Simply put,  life insurance is not taxed by the IRS for one reason -  it 
encourages people to plan for their heirs. To deduct any life insurance from fund
payments would penalize those who were merely responsible estate planners.  The
decedent's sacrificed and save hard-earned money to pay for such plans; they are already 
victims once, don't make them victim's twice. 



Moreover, pension funds, IRS's and 401K plans should not be deducted from the fund's
recovery amount.  These plans were responsibly sacrificed and saved for by our spouses,
essentially, they are savings accounts, and they should not be deducted from the fund.



With regard to charity, Americans across this country donated their hard-earned money
as a symbol of their patriotism, and our brotherhood as a nation.  To deduct this charity
money from the any final payment would, in our opinion, be wrong.  Donations made to 
families like us were generously and selflessly given to us as a form of healing for both 
donor and receiver.  Every single dollar donated and received gives each of us hope for
tomorrow and belief in our country as a united whole.  Please do not denigrate this 
beautiful symbol of our nation standing together as one.     



In closing we would like to sincerely thank you for asking for our comments.  We are 
all struggling through extremely difficult times.  Your asking for our input about the
Victims Compensation Fund - something that will have an enormous and tremendous
bearing on the rest of our lives - truly and honestly gives us a small bit of  peace in our 
restless minds.  We can only ask you to please keep our children and us in your hearts
during the weeks ahead.



Sincerely,



Individual Comment
 
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Tuesday, November 20, 2001 10:38 PM
Comments: Victims Compensation Fund - September 11th


Dear Mr. Zwick,



It is with great concern, and hope of preventing what may be a grave 
injustice 
to all the families who lost loved ones during the tragic events of September 
11th, 2001 that I am compelled to contact you. 



On September 11, the very fabric that symbolized the American family was torn 
with such finality as to eliminate any possibility of mending with "monetary 
thread."  Despite that realization, I understand that the only compensation 
available to the families of those lost on that horrific day is monetary in 
nature.  Subsequently, the establishment of the "Victims Compensation Fund" 
(the fund) is logical.  However, while the establishment of the fund is 
logical, I fear that the guiding principals and mechanics of the fund are 
not.  After all, it is commonly stated that "the distance between thought and 
deed is often far."



Having said that, and having reviewed the parameters of the fund, I felt it 
was imperative to share with you the many reservations associated with the 
fund's ability to accomplish its single purpose - economic equity for those 
now painfully suffering from the lose of their loved ones.  Below, you will 
find those reservations.



First and foremost, it is imperative that each and every claimant be given 
the 
opportunity to share their unique circumstances with the individuals who will 
be instrumental in determining an award.  In doing so, each claimant should 
be 
afforded both the opportunity to present evidence through their own personal 
testimony and enlist the assistance of experts, if desired, in order to 
provide a clear and concise depiction of their position.  Allowing such an 
opportunity will ensure fairness and objectivity as each case will be heard 
separately and awards will be based on the circumstances associated with each 
case.  On a personal note, the ability for an individual to share their pain 
and suffering is instrumental to the long journey associated with the healing 
process that every individual must now embark upon.



Second, I am alarmed by the fact that the government, who will ultimately pay 
the awards, will be "appointing" one individual (The Special Master) to 
determine the "extent of harm to the claimant," the amount of compensation to 
be awarded based on "the harm to the claimant,"  "the facts of the claim" and 
"the individual circumstances of the claimant." While I understand that the 
"Special Master" will be designating individuals (hearing officers) to hear 
each case independently, that knowledge does not instill the confidence or 
peace of mind that I require to participate in the fund.  Instead, I would 
prefer an independent panel, perhaps three (3) to five (5) individuals, who 
demonstrate expertise in areas such as "human life value,"  "wrongful death" 
and "taxation."  I believe that these Individuals along with a "hearing 
officer" are more likely to determine an award that is commensurate based on 
the unique circumstances of each individual.  Additionally, I believe by 
maintaining a panel of "hearing officers," the decision making process would 
demonstrate a greater degree of objectivity.



Equally alarming is the fact that the determinations made by the "Special 
Master" and "hearing officers" are "final" and "not subject to judicial 
review."  It is imperative that the option to appeal such a determination be 
made available to the claimants.  Again, fairness and objectivity should be 
the guiding principals of the fund.  In the event an award is not viewed as 
equitable, an individual should, as in any hearing, maintain their right to 
appeal a decision.  The right to appeal a decision is often a cornerstone of 
legal defences.  If appeal is available to a criminal, why then should an 
innocent person not be afforded that same courtesy?  



Next, the method used to compute "economic loss" is of paramount importance.  
A "cap" with regard to recovery associated with "economic losses" is simply 
not acceptable.  In fact, we believe an approach such as the one commonly 
utilized in personal injury cases is most applicable.  Pursuant to such a 
method, the deceased's retirement date should be set to coincide with the 
date 
that the deceased would have been eligible to receive full Social Security 
benefits.  Also, the deceased's income should be averaged over the last three 
(3) years given the fact that "economic losses of many of these individuals 
are associated with future income streams that would have been highly 
contingent, variable, or unpredictable "  With that in mind, an approach that 
utilizes an "average income" is obviously the most appropriate method for 
determining an individuals income.  Also, be sure to keep in mind that it is 
imperative that "income" include wages, bonus', stock options, partnership 
earnings etc.  Finally, in an effort to fully reflect the earning potential 
of 
those lost on September 11th, inflation, historical wage increases, merit and 
opportunity for advancement must be considered.  The final result of such an 
exercise would represent the individual's "base income."  The "base income" 
could then be multiplied by the number of years that the deceased individual 
would have worked had he/she been eligible to receive full Social Security 
benefits.  



Furthermore, with regard to reducing the amount of the compensation by the 
amount of the "collateral source compensation,"  Life insurance proceeds 
(private and/or group) associated with premiums paid by the deceased, should 
not be considered as a "collateral source."  After all, the deceased, in an 
effort to ensure financial support for his/her family, made a prudent 
decision 
to dedicate a portion of his/her after tax income to that financial 
security.  
To consider life insurance proceeds associated with premiums paid by the 
deceased as a "collateral source" would be akin to punishing the deceased for 
loving &amp; caring enough about  his/her family to ensure their financial future 
in the event a tragedy were to occur.



Also, Social Security benefits should not be considered as a "collateral 
source."  After all, the deceased paid into the system in an effort to ensure 
"social security."  Unfortunately his/her family now represent the members of 
society that are in need of the very "security" that the system was designed 
to provide.  The deceased was not give a choice of "opting out" of the social 
security system.  On the contrary, an individual has no choice but to 
contribute to the Social Security system.  With that in mind, it is obvious 
that his/her family should not be punished for receiving such benefits.  
After 
all, the Social Security system was never intended to be a "needs based" 
benefit.  All individuals, regardless of income and assets, assuming that 
they 
secured the appropriate number of "quarters," have always been entitled to 
benefits regardless of the other type of assets/income that they may or may 
not have.  Interestingly, countless millionaires receive Social Security 
benefits despite the fact that the income is not needed to ensure their 
financial well being.  With this in mind, why should a benefit that plays an 
instrumental role with regard to a family's financial security be deducted 
from an award? 



Next, retirement plans (IRA's, 401 k, etc.) funded by the actions and 
sacrifice of the deceased should not be considered as a "collateral source."  
Again, the deceased, in an effort to ensure financial support for his/her 
family, made a prudent decision to set aside funds designed to ensure a 
comfortable retirement.  A great deal of legislation (past &amp; present) has 
been 
adopted in order to motivate individual's to plan for their financial 
future.  
Today represents the first step of that financial future.  To consider 
retirement plans a "collateral source" would again be akin to punishing the 
deceased for loving and caring enough about  his/her family to forgo current 
enjoyment in order to ensure financial stability in the event of a tragedy.  



Additionally, A "cap" with regard to recovery associated with "non economic 
losses" is simply not acceptable.  In fact, it is imperative that the 
assistance of experts in the field of "human life value," be enlisted to 
determine an appropriate award given the ambiguity associated with valuing 
the 
"non economic role" of an individual.  After all, the lose of the family 
unit, 
enjoyment of life and emotional pain is not easily discernible.



However, given that I am both questioning the "fairness" of the fund and 
taking the position that benefits (life insurance proceeds &amp; social security 
benefits) associated with payments made by the deceased should not be 
considered "collateral source compensation," it is understandable that the 
benefits funded by an employer (i.e. Workers Comp.) may be deducted from an 
award.  After all, the maintaining of "Workers Compensation" is mandatory for 
employers and the premium associated with such coverage is an expense of the 
employer.  This in turn may make this benefit similar in nature to the 
employer provided, non-contributory life insurance coverage - the $100,000 
received from CNA.  With this in mind, it is easy to understand that the 
"benefit" is employer provided and may be considered a "collateral source 
compensation."



In closing, I would like to take a moment in advance to thank you for a fair 
and impartial assessment of our comments.  Of course it our only hope to 
ensure that any award associated with the fund is fair and equitable and 
accomplishes the funds single purpose - economic equity for those now 
painfully suffering from the lose of their loved ones.



Sincerely,



Individual Comment



 
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Thursday, December 13, 2001 3:51 PM


Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530

To Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for all surviving families
of the tragedy on September 11th, including the children and families of
low-wage workers and gay and lesbian families.

Under traditional rules based on lost wages, the survivors of a bond trader
earning millions of dollars per year might receive thousands of times as
much compensation as the survivors of a dishwasher in one of the restaurants
destroyed.  Justice requires looking far beyond the last paycheck to the
inherent worth of all those killed, so that a high minimum compensation
level is set to lessen the disparities. It would be a double blow to the
survivors to first lose their loved one and then watch as most of the
taxpayer money went to those who were already well off in the first place.

The second major issue has to do with recognizing the legitimacy of gay and
lesbian relationships and families. Gay and lesbian families are especially
vulnerable when one partner is killed. Because the option of marriage is
unavailable, these families may find themselves in the traumatic predicament
of having to prove that their union is legitimate. Fortunately, both the Red
Cross and the State of New York have already announced that they will not
discriminate against gay and lesbian families. The Department of Justice
should do the same.

Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to hearing how you
will act on these very important issues.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment
New York, NY 

 
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Monday, January 14, 2002 10:09 AM
Victims compensation fund

To Whom It May concern
    
               I am writing to you because I would like to know what the 
difference is between a grieving spouse and a grieving domestic partner who 
are interdependent on one another? Is my loss any different because I don't 
have a marriage certificate? Is my pain and suffering and economic loss less 
or insignificant because I wasn't married? Did I love my fiancee less than 
the next person loved their spouse? Did her paycheck pay bills or go for 
entertainment? Who decides who has a valid claim? Who decides what the value 
of that claim is? I understand there needs to be checks and balances but 
documented pain and suffering and economic loss of interdependent victims and 
domestic partners should be included in the claim process because we are no 
different than anyone else who lost a loved one.

Individual Comment
                                                                      
Brooklyn, NY 

 
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              <text>Brain Injury Association of New York State

                              January 21, 2002


Kenneth Zwick
Director, Office of Management of Programs

Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530


(by fax 301 519 5954 and first class mail)


Re: Interim Regulations, September 11th, Victims Compensation Fund

Dear Mr. Zwick:


The Brain Injury Association of New York State strenuously objects to  the definition of
"Physical
Harm" contained in the interim final regulation. 

 

The proposed regulation would bar persons who did not seek medical treatment within 24 hours
of the
attack from receiving compensation.  This requirement would have the effecting of barring many
persons
who sustained a traumatic brain injury as a result of the September 11th attack from obtaining
compensation.


Traumatic Brain Injury has often been referred to as the "silent epidemic: in part because a brain
injury
often goes unrecognized and untreated for a lengthy period of time.  A person who has sustained
a
traumatic brain injury often is the last to be aware that they have a serious medical problem.  The
individual is often unaware of the serious memory problems, concentration impairments and
personality
changes that have taken place following a traumatic brain injury.  Often the individual is dazed,
confused
and disoriented for an extended period of time.  Often times, it is the spouse or parent who first
recognizes that their loved on is no longer the same following an insult to the head.
   

The medical profession now recognizes that post concussion syndrome is a complex group of
medical
symptoms including, but not limited to memory loss, attention deficit, concentration difficulties,
personality changes, behavioral problems and diminished executive functioning which may
develop as a
result of a traumatic brain injury.  
   


The Center for Disease Control has stated "Because the brain is very complex, every brain injury
is
different.  Some symptoms may appear right away, while others may not show up for days or
weeks
after a concussion.  Sometimes, the injury makes it hard for people to recognize or to admit that
they
are having a problem.  The signs of concussion may be subtle.  Early on, problems may be
missed by
patients, family members and doctors.  People may look fine even though they are acting or
feeling
differently."  (Center for Disease Control, Facts and Concussion and Brain Injury)   
   


The National Institute of Health Consensus Conference on the Rehabilitation of Persons with a
Traumatic Brain Injury (JAMA, Sept. 1999) concluded that the consequences of traumatic brain
injury
"change in severity and presentation over time."  Injuries may not become apparent according to
the
consensus conference until individuals attempt to resume their daily activities.
   


The American Academy of Neurology has listed a set of post concussion symptoms that may
only
become obvious days to weeks after a concussion.  They include, "persistent low grade
headaches,
lightheadedness, poor attention and concentration, memory dysfunction, easy fatigability,
irritability and
low frustration tolerance, intolerance to loud noises, sometimes ringing in the ears, anxiety
and/or
depressed mood and sleep disturbance." (Neurology, March 1997)
   

Because a person with a brain injury is a victim of the "silent epidemic" the proposed regulations
and the
limitation on who is eligible for compensation based upon when they first sought medical
treatment will
work a grave injustice to the many individuals who did sustain a brain injury on September 11th. 
The
proposed regulation will bar many persons with a brain injury who may experience life long
difficulties
from needed compensation.  
   


If is respectfully requested that the final regulations for the implementation of the September
11th
Victim
Compensation Fund eliminate the requirement that a person must have sought medical treatment
within
24 hours of the attack.
   


                                   Very truly yours,
   

   



Comment by:
   

Brain Injury Association, New York State
   

Albany, N.Y.  

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Thursday, December 06, 2001 8:33 AM
compensation for all victims

Dear Mr. Zwick:

I strongly urge you to pass along my comments endorsing the fair and
complete compensation for all victims of the Sept. 11 tragedy.  Gay and
lesbian partners should be understood as "relatives" in the same way that
non-blood relatives (such as spouses) are.

Thank you for your consideration,

Individual Comment 
Lewisburg, PA 


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Tuesday, March 12, 2002 1:29 PM
Distribution of 9/11 funds


I cannot sit quietly. I am seething about the inequity of the management
and distribution of 9/11 funds as described by Kenneth Feinberg on the 
Sunday, March 10 broadcast of NBC's "Meet the Press," 

Specifically, I am angered that the loved ones of Gay or Lesbians who
were victims that day will not receive any compensation from the fund.
How can Mr. Feinberg defend his position on the grounds that he can't
violate state law? He is very willing to violate Federal law in distributing
funds to illegal aliens! It is preposterous!

It is just this sort of overt hypocrisy that continues to make me lack faith

in our current leadership. Our Attorney General is undeniably using his 
own personal morality to justify this type of policy. As much as he claims
to the contrary, Mr. Ashcroft and the Department of Justice (ironic)
conduct themselves, AS PUBLIC OFFICIALS, from the bias of their own 
personal agendas. 

It is truly unfathomable to me that they believe this is legally
justifiable,
let alone, morally justifiable. Gay or Lesbian victims were just that.
Victims.
And, in several known cases, heroes. Can anyone deny that victim
0001, NY Fire Department &amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp&amp;nbsp , was not
heroic? Patriotic? Moral? A good American? Upstanding? Deserving
of having his loved ones supported just as much as any other
victim of that terrible day?

I, for one, am disgusted. So much for unity and tolerance for all. You
know, for a "religious" man, Mr. Ashcroft clearly seems to have failed
to grasp the most basic concept -- Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you.  He ought to give it a try sometime.

Individual Comment

 
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