dojN002079.xml

dojN002079.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-01-19

Saturday, January 19, 2002 7:13 PM
Comments for Final Rules

Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs
Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Main Building, Room 3140
950 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20530


Dear Mr. Zwick,

You have received many comments regarding the final rules. I am suggesting an alternative settlement approach which might be reasonable yet resolve many of the issues Mr. Feinberg is facing.

First, the law was intended to avoid costly lawsuits by the victims against the airline industry. The government wants to reduce its exposure regarding the amount of money it would payout to the families, and finally, it wants to appear kind to the families yet have a standard method to compensate those families.

Second, a.) Begin with what an airline settlement package would be. Those are higher then the method you are proposing. b.) subtract the collateral sources (insurance, pension and etc); c.) provide the net to the families.

People will not be able to argue over that approach. It might cost more than what Feinberg is currently proposing, even you must admit that the amounts currently being offered has many faults and fails to meet the intent of the law. The simple fact that you and Feinberg needed to put "SPIN" on the proposed settlement. That is, to claim the average family was to receive a settlement of $1.6 million is SPIN. The actual cost to the government is more like $400,000 to maybe $600,000 per family.

I can't understand why our government employee must lie to the public. Why can't the government deal fairly with the families? Why during these trying time can't you and other government officials be honest with the public.


Regards,



Individual Comment
Avon, CT

2002-01-19