disallusioned
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Posts: 24
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« on: April 09, 2002, 02:44:49 pm » |
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The Stella Awards reminded me of something I heard on the way to home yesterday and I thought I'd bring it in here and see what y'all think. According to what I heard, the family of one of the victims from 9-11 (one of the passengers on one of the planes) is suing the airport for the crash and lack of security at the terminal, allowing this to occur. They're asking for, hopefully I have it right, something like 50 million dollars. Now I might be a little shaky on all the facts, but aren't almost all of the victims families getting money from what was raised worldwide? I thought I had heard that every family was getting something like 1.5 million dollars (again I could be wrong, someone who knows or who follows it more closely, please clarify this for me).
Now don't get me wrong, I feel sorry for the families. I mourn the loss of their fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, etc. But when do we move from understandable reimbursement for loss to just plain greed?
Not 1 week before 9-11, we lost 9 miners in a mining accident in my state. They barely got mentioned in the paper, and the only reimbursement their families get is what their life insurance is. Planes have had accidents before, with deaths and injuries, and the families involved didn't get millions just for being involved. Accidents happen all across the US. Should we start putting aside money to help reimburse families for every accident that occurs, no matter what the reason? I don't begrudge the families the money that was raised because of reactions to their losses, but to turn around and try to get more?
And what kind of regulations are there on who can sue for what? If you build a treehouse in your backyard for your kids, and a neighborhood kid gets into your backyard, climbs up and then falls out of the treehouse, should the parents be able to sue you for having the treehouse? Or what if you put a cable antenae on your house. A couple of months, or years, later, a storm comes through and your antenae ends up damaging your neighbors roof. Should your neighbor be able to sue you for the damage your antenae and an act of God caused? It just seems in today's world no one takes responsibility for their actions (I drove too fast, spun out, but it was a steering problem so I sue the auto factory) yet expects to be paid for every accident that happens. What's this saying about the world our kids will inherit?
Jumping down off my soap box... Sorry for the length (and rambling).
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nolalady
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« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2002, 02:52:50 pm » |
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I read somewhere (can't remember exactly) that the families of people on the planes were not included in the funds raised. I personally think that they should be included in the fund also. When I made my donation I was under the impression that the money raised would go toward "all" families including those of people lost on the planes. But who knows where the bulk of the money will eventually end up. I hope there will be a public record of the distribution.
Since I come from one of the most politically corrupt places in the United States, I guess I'm jaded.
nola
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fireproof
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« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2002, 05:35:35 pm » |
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I think that in cases like this - where survivors sue for huge amounts of cash - it is rarely about greed; it's always more about "hitting where it hurts," or getting back at the responsible party using "language they can understand." It's a cultural expression of grief. Let's not judge them too harshly.
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patphi
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« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2002, 06:40:57 pm » |
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This is a subject that has irked me for a long, long time. What about the victims families from Okalahoma? None of them received any compensation for the loss of their loved ones.
9/11 was a terrible tragedy to hit this country. Nothing like it has ever happened before; however, with the worldwide threats we are now experienceing - why are we setting a precedent for such compensation.
I grieve for and with the families of those who lost their loved ones. One the other hand some of those who lose their lives would never in their whole life made a million dollars (wait staff, kitchen staff, etc.). And others, while they were making a good salary chose to spend it on luxuries today and not save for the "rainy" day or tragedy. Granted they could not have know what was going to happen. Still I have heard report after report how many of those working in the Trade Centers did not even have life insurance.
While I believe as a christian and member of the human race to help those less fortunate that I, I'm not sure that means people who make more than I an choose to not save for the future.
Enough of my soap box. But as long as the subject was opened I had to have my say.
Sorry to offend anyone.
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spitfire78
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« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2002, 09:45:34 pm » |
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patphi - I'm not offended. And the beauty of this forum is that people are able to speak their opinion, even though it may differ from others.
I happen to agree with you and with disallusioned. What about someone who loses their loved one to an accident or illness? Why are these people not compensated, if the families of the victims of 9/11 are? I understand that the American people reached out in grief and shock and donated money for the families of these victims. And I feel that an accounting should be made of how the money was distributed. I also feel that it should go to the families of ALL of the victims. However, I don't feel that those families are entitled to more than that. Why is their loss any different from anyone else who has lost a loved one (and who among us hasn't)?
Anyway, that's my opinion.
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winkiebear
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« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2002, 12:25:42 am » |
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Actually, I read in Time Magazine not too long ago an article about how the funds the government has set aside will be distributed. The Powers That Be actually came up with a formula that takes into account several factors, including current (9/11/01) and future earnings. The way that the families were told about this included a statement that there is no way any family could sue for more of a share of the money (remember, this is the government's fund, not the $$ donated by the citizens of the US). Darn, I wish I had the volume information. It was about a month or so ago...
And you know how you have insurance on your house and it's contents? Well, included in that insurance policy is a codicil regarding accidents on your property. So, technically, yes, if a child falls out of your treehouse, the parents can sue you.
  winkiebear Deskdemon Editorial Board Member |
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bethanial
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« Reply #7 on: April 10, 2002, 01:29:16 am » |
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Well, if that family wins their lawsuit, I just might have to sue also. My family was caused grief and suffering, and my son might forever be scarred because he was born on 9/11/01.
Okay, I'm kidding about suing, but I think it is a might silly to start suing for millions of dollars when countless other people lost family and friends that day, too. Unless, of course, they're planning on sharing with the others.
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff
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