Hello everyone.

I would like to comment further on this tragic incident.

To Mr. Heffernan’s family, you have my respect and sympathy.

The cynic in me can’t help but feel that the staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs are now lining up to claim any compensation available, even the staff that weren’t there.

Don’t get me wrong, some of these staff members who actually witnessed the final act of a desperate man pushed to his limit by a cruel and heartless bureaucracy will be traumatized and affected for years to come and deserve all help possible. Given time, some of these people may well end up on this forum.

I can’t help but think that these very people that fought so hard to deny Mr. Heffernan his rightful compensation will now be subject to the same bureaucratic process that they subjected Mr. Heffernan too.

I can see it now.

Ms X applies to the compensation board only to be told by some nameless and faceless bureaucrat, can you prove this “actually happened” and are you sure it’s not all in you’re mind. Now come on Ms X, says the bureaucrat, you were in another room, you can’t possible been affected.

Ms X, after due consideration, we the compensation board feel that while you may or may not have experience a tragic trauma, we feel that this trauma you may or may not have experience is not sever enough to warranty any compensation and treatment.

And Ms X, please feel free to follow the appeal process. Have a nice day Ms X and don’t let the door hit you in the a**e as you leave.

I can’t help but feel that while the whole episode is tragic, it is poetic justice.

Regards

Socks.