I recently read that compensation for the families of the Sept. 11 victims is to average $1.65 million. The only catch is that the recipients waive their right to sue anyone over the disaster.
I take exception to the methodology being used to determine the value of compensation due each family. Why is the life of a 60-year-old low-income bachelor worth $300,000 and the life of a wealthy, 35-year-old executive with two children worth $3.8 million?
If my tax dollars are being used, I say let's give each family the $1.65 million. Any family can live on that sum, especially if it's tax-free. If the already rich aren't happy, they don't have to accept the taxpayers' money - they can sue the already richer!
There is no differentiation in the value of a life. To each survivor, the life of his loved one is priceless.
Murrysville
