N001519
Thursday, January 10, 2002 8:36 PM
Interim Final Rule
I am VERY concerned about the next time an act of terrorism occurs. Nobody seems to be considering the problems this program will create next time. 'Unwanted' dependents (infants, handicapped, feeble) will be 'dumped' at the site. People will flock into the area (in pairs, no doubt, so they will each have a witness of their whereabouts) and claim all sorts of 'injuries'. Medical facilities will be swamped with people trying to get 'proof' of their injuries. All of this extra chaos is going to make the job of emergency response personnel impossible, put the legitimate victims in further danger (possibly blocking their rescue), and will get in the way of treating people with critical medical needs - whether it be from the attack or an unrelated stroke/car accident/whatever. Don't think it won't happen. Remember that looters were able to get to the lower floors at ground zero long before anyone 'official' did! This was kept to minimum this time because the federal government has never done anything like this program before. Now, the lure of the possible hundreds-of-thousands or millions of dollars will be a big incentive for many. What do you plan do in order to prevent this problem you are now creating? You can announce now that there will NEVER be another 'special' program for any future events. But if that is the case, why is there a 'special' program THIS ONE TIME? It doesn't make sense and it is discriminatory. If it has never been done before and it will never be done again, then don't do it now! You can't guarantee there will NOT be a future attack - and you are KNOWINGLY making the situation worse! I would think the emergency response/medical personnel would be all over you on this. Next time people are going to lose their lives unnecessarily, and the federal government is going to be held accountable. The law suits will be unending. I have found it outrageous when I here the survivors-of-victims-of-9/11 accuse the government of murder. I think this claim is totally unfounded. Sadly, next time it will be true. (Maybe it will only be intentional manslaughter. I'm not a lawyer.) I really think you better rethink this whole program. Now. Before one cent is distributed.
Individual Comment
Denver, CO