Opinion: 9/11 Fund Head Opposes Government Payouts to Future Victims

While the government’s decision to pay 5,560 victims a total of $7-billion was the right thing to do, it was a unique case that should not be repeated for those who suffer in other disasters or attacks, writes the former administrator of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund in a commentary published by The Washington Post.

“Cold though it may sound, this is as it should be,” writes Kenneth R. Feinberg. “Bad things happen to good people every day; Congress does not come to their financial rescue with generous, tax-free checks.”

Americans, he writes, are taught by their history that “we all must take our chances in life. Private insurance is available to guard against uncertainties. So is private charity, and it is notable that the American people donated $2.5-billion to help victims of the September 11 attacks.”

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