Compare their $7 million to what the children, wives and other family members of the Iraq/Afghanistan war dead get. Compare it to what the families of the Oklahoma City bombing, the Cole and everyday murder and rape victims get. Constant complaining by some (not all, especially not the fire/police/rescue families) of these relatives and I never hear a word of thanks to the taxpayers who gave them the money.
It seemed acceptable at the time, but it was a mistake.
It made more sense to compensate the families of the firemen and policemen who died, since they voluntarily risked their lives to save others and they all died valiantly.
However, a significant number of fire widows have had affairs with and broken the homes of their late husband's colleagues in a truly disgraceful display.
And that was, in part, a result of Fire Department policy.
The FDNY had a program where firemen were supposed to act as surrogate dads for the children of the fallen - going to their homes and playing ball with them, reading stories, doing cookouts, taking them on outings and helping the moms with groceries, home repairs, etc.
Sending a family man over to the home of a lonely woman once a week to act like a husband and a dad was not, psychologically, the best thing to do.
You are both so right on this.
The small amount we give the survivors of our deceased military personnel is simply pathetic when compared to what these surviving spouses received. I'm sorry they're having a rough time, but at least they are suffering in wealth. The spouses of our military often grieve in poverty.