Death Policy for All

Re “Payouts in Trade Center Cases Bring Hope, Anger,” Dec. 23: I agree that the 9/11 attack was a tragedy of epic proportions for the surviving families, but with an average payout of 1.3 million, is it sensible? A small-plane pilot crashing in a ball of flame gets a three-inch column, but the family is no less saddened. Why such a difference in personal help for those involved? If the government is going to start an aid program of such generous proportions, let it do it in a reasonable manner and have everyone pay into a federal accidental death policy so every family will be saved from poverty.

John Bartlett

South Pasadena