A001187
Thursday, December 06, 2001 2:08 PM
Victim Compensation Fund
Dear Mr. Zwick:
I am writing in response to the Department's request for public
comments regarding the forthcoming regulations for implementing
and administering the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund."
I strongly urge the Department to draft regulations that ensure
compensation is available to ALL whose loved ones were victims of the
attack, regardless of the form their families and partnerships may take.
In such a time of tragedy, all who have loved ones (spouses and children
alike) have also lost a bit of themselves. No one, regardless of
ethnicity, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation, is immune from the
grief. All suffer in the days, months, weeks, and even years following
such an unspeakable event. That suffering is a mix of emotional,
spiritual, physical, and economic manifestations. PLEASE recognize the
suffering and needs of ALL who have lost loved ones and draw no lines that
would exclude segments of grievers whose lifestyle, belief system, or
religious dogma is not in agreement with yours or any other vocal
group. There has been a large enough display of hatred and intolerance in
the September 11 attack. In order for people to heal and for this country
to remain hopeful and resilient, we must honor ALL of our dead and embrace
ALL who suffer.
The practice of exclusion and discrimination that some radical groups
promote is, I believe, antithetical to the universal teachings of love and
respect for others. To exclude the families of gay and lesbian Americans
would be as unthinkable as excluding the families of Indians, Pakistanis,
Jews, Iranians, or French from our plans for compensation. Personal loss
is personal loss. There can be no judgment on its impact and its type.
Thank you for your consideration. May you and your family find a renewed
sense of peace, love, and Spirit during this holiday season.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Austin TX