If the settlement was because of a dispute, like you didn't agree with the charge (or rate calculation) for some reason like product quality, then no. That's basically a change or reduction in the purchase price If it is an agreement to cancel part or all of a debt for a payment in full now, then Cancellation of Debt generally is an income item. It should be reported to you on a form 1099-C from the company the year it is recorded and your return should reflect that amount.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.