dojN001987.xml

dojN001987.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-01-18

Friday, January 18, 2002 12:01 PM
comments

Payment for victims pain and suffering should be uniform and limited as
proposed by Mr. Feinberg. There is no adequate compensation for pain and
suffering, and no way to measure these damages. The only fair and workable
method of compensation is a set sum, which in no case will be adequate
compensation to the physically injured and deceased. This category of
payment should not be an award to survivors.

Similarly, payment for economic losses should be appropriately offset by
collateral sources. Individuals who were prudent and had life insurance, or
fortunate to have other forms of compensation, are in a better position that
those who did not. It is not a penalty to offset federal victims'
compensation by those resources. The fund should assist those who have
need, not serve as a bonus for those who do not.

While recognizing the heroism of firefighters, police officers, EMS
personnel, and others similarly employed, the fact remains that they chose
hazardous professions. To the extent they are compensated by professional
funds, employee benefits, life insurance policies, and other victims funds,
their economic losses should not be doubly compensated. It takes nothing
away from our appreciation for their sacrifices to provide compensation for
others who lack these resources.

As a taxpayer, I favor providing compensation for economic loss to those who
have an actual need. My sympathy for the victims is boundless, but common
sense and a recognition of fiscal constraints and equity must be used to
determine what payments will be made.

Individual Comment

2002-01-18