� 2001-2006 by Shiloh
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This is a statement by Rush Limbaugh:
I think the vast differences in compensation between victims of the September 11 casualty and those who die serving our country in uniform are profound. No one is really talking about it either, because you just don't criticize anything having to do with September 11. Well, I can't let the numbers pass by because it says something really disturbing about the entitlement mentality of this country If you lost a family member in the September 11 attack, you're going to get an average of $1,185,000. The range is a minimum guarantee of $250,000, all the way up to $4.7 million.
If you are a surviving family member of an American soldier killed in action, the first check you get is a $6,000 direct death benefit, half of which is taxable.
Next, you get $1,750 for burial costs. If you are the surviving spouse, you get $833 a month until you remarry. And there's a payment of $211 per month for each child under 18. When the child hits 18, those payments come to a screeching halt.
Keep in mind that some of the people who are getting an average of $1.185 million up to $4.7 million are complaining that it's not enough. Their [family member's] deaths were tragic, but for most, they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Soldiers put themselves in harm's way FOR ALL OF US, and they and their families know the dangers.
We also learned over the weekend that some of the victims from the Oklahoma City bombing have started an organization asking for the same deal that the September 11 families are getting. In addition to that, some of the families of those bombed in the embassies are now asking for compensation as well.
You see where this is going, don't you? Folks, this is part and parcel of over 50 years of entitlement politics in this country. It's just really sad. Every time a pay raise comes up for the military, they usually receive next to nothing of a raise. Now the green machine is in combat in the Middle East while their families have to survive on food stamps and live in low-rent housing. Make sense?
However, our own U.S. Congress voted themselves a raise. Many of you don't know that they only have to be in Congress one time to receive a pension that is more than $15,000 per month. And most are now equal to being millionaires plus. They do not receive Social Security on retirement because they didn't have to pay into the system.
If some of the military people stay in for 20 years and get out as an E-7, they may receive a pension of $1,000 per month, and the very people who placed them in harm's way receives a pension of $15,000 per month.
I would like to see our elected officials pick up a weapon and join ranks before they start cutting out benefits and lowering pay for our sons and daughters who are now fighting.
You can guess why this struck a chord with me, and I'm sure you'd be right. Michael's one of these soldiers who's over in Iraq now somewhere, doing his duty and placing himself in harm's way at times I'm sure. He does this because he believes in what he/we are trying to do to help the Iraqis in building a better nation.
People tell us to tell him and the other soldiers in his unit thank you. His response? "You're welcome. It's my pleasure." He is willing and ready to put his life on the line for his God, country and family.
He called the other day, and I spoke with him briefly. He sounded really good and in good spirits. I mentioned to Heather a lil while ago (before his call) he likes it in Iraq; sure, he'd like to be home, but he likes what he's doing. All we know is is he's on some base somewhere, speaking Russian.
"I just find it interesting," she said, "that anyone can love being 'involved' in a war."
I had to hold my silence for a bit. She struck a nerve, and I guess where my brother is concerned I'm sensitive. He is not a George Patton, by any means.
"He doesn't love being involved in war, Heather," I said, carefully choosing my words. "No one in their right mind with a good heart would love being involved in a war. It's not the war he enjoys, but the comeraderie, the leaning experiences, the excitement."
I went on to explain what I've said above. Those with good hearts, once they enter a war they fight for what they believe in and with honor. That's Mikey. He'll get to come home in August for a bit, we hope. So he can see zee baby.
But I digress from what I really want to say...
It's nice the government wishes to compensate families for their losses in the tragedies that have happened, but as Rush Limbaugh pointed out: the compensation mentality is getting or already is ridiculous! And people who are already receiving a million or more are complaining??!! C'mon people! September 11th was a tragedy, yes, but caused by terrorists! And it's been nearly four years ago; our government shouldn't, in my opinion, have to keep paying you compensation for the rest of your born days! It helped pay for funeral expenses and other necessities when you needed it, but by now, you should be well on your way to standing on your own two capable feet.
And the Oklahoma City people clamoring for their own compensation just because the September 11th families get it? Puuhhlleeezze! Yes, the bombing was devastating, I'm not in any way trying to minimize the destruction and tragedy. But again, it was not the government's doing. It was one man, one psychopath. I don't believe the government owes you any compensation beyond the aid and money that was initially needed to help you get back on your feet. Call me cold, I don't care.
As for Congress? I think it could've foregone its elected pay raise and put that money towards a better use.
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