A000917
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Mr. Zwick:
I am writing to you in response to the DOJ's request for public comments on the
"September 11 Victim Compensation Fund" regulations.
I understand that there is an effort underway by a right-wing minority to deprive gay and
lesbian survivors of benefits. Now I'm just your average hetero guy with a wife and a
dog, but this just doesn't sound humanitarian, fair, or reasonable to me. I don't
understand the legalities involved, but I do understand the people. Some of my closest
friends turned out to be gay and have strong relationships, some of which predate my
own marriage. These relationships are every bit as financially involved as any
heterosexual "legal" union.
If I had died at the World Trade Center in September my wife would have needed and
would have very much appreciated the assistance that is being offered. It's a truly
wonderful thing we're doing here. I think that we--all of us taxpaying Americans--
should offer this generous assistance up to all of our fellow citizens.
I realize that gay relationships are not as clearly defined legally and that there may be an
increased risk of fraud. Well... considering that more than fifty percent of heterosexual
marriages end in divorce each year in this country, the argument isn't too strong for the
rest of us either. I mean, if that's not fraud, what is? It seems to me that it wouldn't be too
difficult to ascertain the financial interdependence of the gay and lesbian couples
involved here. Some will prove their case and some won't but at least we will have made
a responsible attempt to do the right thing and help everyone who suffered a loss in this
tragedy.
Thanks for your time and consideration.
Individual Comment
Arnold, MD