W000438
Tuesday, November 20, 2001 2:24 PM
RE: comments regarding use of charitable contributions to
defray public funding
Thank you for taking comments on this important issue.
I think it unconscionable that government leaders are on record asking that
charitable contributions be counted against any federal support for the
victims of 9.11.
Cost should not be an issue since the same people are the very ones who sent
$1.3 trillion mostly to those who don't need it. Shouldn't a fireman's
widow be considered at least as deserving of government largesse or ?
Charity should not be an issue. It's charity, given to the victim, not a
credit given to the government. The recent case in New York, seeking to
reduce damages assessed against a firm causing a fire at a temple, brings to
mind these same arguments: namely that charity will dry up (except when it
is advantageous solely for tax purposes) if it is to be counted against
other sources of relief.
The government should always be concerned about the effects of its actions
when applied retroactively. I still haven't forgiven the government for
retroactively changing the tax deductability of student loans (and other
debts) incurred under one set of rules and taxed under another. The more
often the government changes rules (and this action, if implemented, is
unprecedented), the less often the people will have faith in it.
Our president is interested in increasing charity as a means of bringing
services to the needy. What better way to undermine this than to undermine
the very buying power of charity.
Among the fears quoted was the potential for doubling dipping. While I
share the fears that some may defraud us, it makes me no less interested in
accomplishing the goal: to bring relief to the needy. If this type of
concern were truly valid, we would bring a halt to all government spending
as they seek to rid the system of inefficiency, fraud, duplication among the
armed services, farm credits given primarily to only the largest and
wealthiest corporations, etc.
Finally, I gave 2 $100 checks ($200 total) to 2 of the fire houses in my
neighborhood. Each lost about half their men. I was happy to do it
(throughout Brooklyn, people were desperate to find ways to contribute). I
gave to the firehouses and to the families of those who rushed to their
deaths. I did not give to the government. If the government chooses to
count this contribution against the money these poor brave people will get,
please refund that money (I will be happy to send you cancelled checks).
If this contribution is not counted against them, I will be
delighted to have contributed to those who gave their lives and left behind
families who should expect nothing less from those of us who remain.
Respectfully submitted
Individual Comment
Red Hook, NY