A001617
Thursday, December 13, 2001 5:55 PM
Survivor Assistance Fund Distribution
December 13, 2001
Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530
Dear Mr. Feinberg:
My purpose in writing is two-fold:
1. to urge you to ensure that a high minimum amount be set for distribution
to the families of those lost in the September 11 attack on the World Trade
Center, regardless of the wage received by the person lost; and
2. to add my voice to the many requests you will receive to treat gay and
lesbian couples' survivors as bona fide families.
Justice requires acknowledgement of the inherent worth of all those killed.
Setting a high minimum compensation level will lessen the disparities in
income which would give a false devaluation of those paid less. It would be a
double blow to the survivors to first lose their loved one(s) and then have
them devalued based on their earning power.
Because marriage is legally unavailable to gays and lesbians, these families
may find themselves in the predicament of having to prove that their union is
legitimate.
As both the Red Cross and the State of New York will not discriminate against
gay and lesbian families, the Department of Justice should do no less.
Please use whatever response method is most convenient for you as I look
forward knowing your position regarding these important and humane issues.
Thank you for your attention. It is appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Individual Comment
Menlo Park, CA