NY lawmakers want bin Laden bounty to go to victims

[nonperson]

YES YES AND YES! Best idea I've heard so far on what to do with the bin Laden bounty.

IMO, the Obama administration really needs to rethink their opposition to this:

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/05/10/6619726-ny-lawmakers-want-bin-laden-bounty-to-go-to-victims

NY lawmakers want bin Laden bounty to go to victims

By NBC's Jason Seher

"Aides to New York Democratic Congressmen Anthony Weiner and Jerry Nadler told NBC News that Weiner intends to introduce legislation later this week that would reallocate the bounty for Osama bin Laden to help 9/11 first responders and their families.

The yet untitled piece of legislation will redirect the $25 million reward for bin Laden’s capture to New York-based charitable organizations dedicated to helping 9/11 first responders and families. Weiner's press secretary, Dave Arnold, said the Queens congressman will take the lead on drafting the language of the bill, and will introduce it after Nadler's office reviews the text. Both New York lawmakers initially announced the legislation at a Sunday press conference at the World Trade Center site.

The Obama administration ended speculation over the bounty money Monday, saying the $25 million approved by the State Department in 2001 (Congress voted to increase the amount to $50 million but State never officially supported the increase) will not be handed out.

"As far as I am aware, no one knowledgeable said, 'Oh, Osama bin Laden is over here in Abbottabad at 57th Street..." White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said during Monday's press briefing. "So, my sense is that the requirement for any kind of award is to say that -- not to accidentally, through intelligence gathering, provide information that leads to his whereabouts."

[atreides1]

1. Got a better idea...

...put it towards the deficit, it isn't much but every little bit helps.

[nonperson]

2. The first responders and families of the victims are facing a deficit too

A deficit in loss of loved ones and health that few of us, even in these hard economic times, can compare our deficits with.

[itsrobert]

3. I got a better idea, give it to Veterans

Since they are the ones who put their lives on the line to kill Bin Laden.

[nonperson]

4. First responders put their lives on the line

Pay for their end of life care and the care of the orphaned families.