Originally Posted by Washington Post, Letter to the Editor, 14 April 2008

The Victim Lottery

Compensation for the families of the Virginia Tech victims sets an unfortunate precedent. The tragedy of the massacre should not become an opportunity to be enriched. Neither this settlement nor the fund for the families directly affected by the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, should become harbingers for awards. To expect to benefit from this loss trivializes the tragedy and diverts attention and focus from the victims. I don't believe that money can compensate loss, and to think otherwise is misguided.

The deaths of these students and teachers among so many potential other victims on campus was a grim lottery of sorts -- but there should be no "winners."

PATRICIA AIKEN O'NEILL
Bethesda