N002638
January 22, 2002
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs
Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Main Building, Room 3140
950 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20530
Dear Sir:
The events of September 11, 2001 rate as one of the darkest moments in the history of the United States. There is no denying that it was a tragedy of unparallel evil that has had an impact on all Americans. It changed the world that we live in, forever.
Despite the magnitude of this despicable event, I take great exception to the enormity of the funds ($4.6 billion) that will be provided by the government to the victim's families. I, like millions of people, gave generously to charitable organizations directing that the donations be used exclusively to help those directly affected. Now, I am being asked to donate additional funds through my taxes. It seems to me that the one and a half billion dollars that has been donated to charities, plus life insurance benefits, plus social security benefits, plus retirement benefits, plus tax relief, plus free college educations, etcetera, etcetera, should be enough to provide sufficient relief to families of victims.
It disturbs me that a very dangerous precedent has been established. In these unsettled times we hear a great deal about the potential for terrorism with chemicals and biological agents. It is conceivable that many thousands of people might be killed in the future in this manner. Without even trying, over 5000 people were killed by nerve destroying chemicals in Bhopal, India. Is our government prepared to hand out money to many thousands of victims?
Were not the terrorist actions of the past just as tragic as September11th. What about the 270 victims of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie? What about the servicemen killed in the barracks in Lebanon? What about the 17 sailors killed on The Cole in Yemen? What about the 224 people killed in the embassies in Tanzania and Kenya? What about the six people killed in the World Trade Center in 1993? What about the 19 servicemen killed by a bomb in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia in 1996? How about the 168 people killed in Oklahoma City? Did they not have the same disastrous impact on families of the victims? You surely will hear from their families, if you haven't already. Aside from the magnitude of September 11th, what make it more tragic than the catastrophes mentioned above? Is it any less tragic than the seven families whose loved ones were killed by a runaway van on the streets of New York last week or the 30 year old mother that died of cancer leaving a husband and baby? Death is heartbreaking in any form.
I have heard that the reason for the government assistance is to eliminate the potential for legal suits against the airlines, the World Trade Center and others. Experts agree that the likelihood of successful litigation is remote. The Al Qaeda is responsible and how is one to sue them?
I do business all over the United States and I am hearing unanimous agreement that the
government has made a terrible mistake with this package of relief. My colleagues at work, my friends, my family and my neighbors also speak this sentiment. We want to know what you had in mind when you voted to provide our tax dollars after we all made generous contributions to aid those families. I feel confident that my letter is just one of many that you have and will receive on this subject.
We hear disturbing reports that victim's families are already using compensation for items such as home decorating, purchases of appliances, vacation, etc.
Why is the U.S. government implicitly accepting blame for the attacks of September 11th?
Thirty-two of my colleagues at , in all levels, join me in this expression of concern.
Yours truly,
Individual Comment
Old Bridge, NJ