dojN001884.xml

dojN001884.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-01-16

Wednesday, January 16, 2002 11:16 AM
dissatisfaction with fund

My husband died on 9/11 in the north tower of the world trade center. I
consider his death to be the fault of the airlines, the airline security
companies, the FAA, etc. (I'm sure a good lawyer could come up with a
dozen more). Under normal circumstances, I would have the right to sue
those responsible agencies. However, on September 22, Congress passed
airline bailout legislation that effectively took away my right to
obtain compensation in a court of law. The victims compensation fund
was established to placate victims families for the loss of this right.
Many people have expressed outrage that the american taxpayers are going
to foot the bill for compensation of the victims families. They should
be made to understand that the american government themselves offered -
so that they could save the airlines.

This fund is a payday for anyone who earned a low wage and did not have
life insurance. However, the majority of the people in those buildings
were earning well above the national average and were well educated
enough to understand the benefits of life insurance. The present rules
make this fund nearly useless for the majority of families.

The deduction of collateral sources, combined with the stingy amounts
being considered for economic loss, mean that I would get NOTHING from
this fund. Surely that cannot have been the intention of this
legislation. Please change the rule so that it fairly compensates
families who have already had to endure unimaginable emotional trauma.
Nothing can bring back my husband and the father of my children, but I
beg you not to make me spend the rest of my life wondering how to
provide for my family.

Individual Comment

2002-01-16