A002069
Sunday, December 16, 2001 2:19 PM
victim compensation for September 11th
To Mr. Feinberg:
I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for
all surviving
families of the tragedy on September 11th, including
the children and
families of low-wage workers and gay and lesbian
families.
We need to properly compensate all victims and
survivors of this terrible tragedy. This is a chance
to help everyone in need and especially those most
effected by this tragedy: the families of low-wage
workers. Justice requires looking far beyond the last
paycheck to the inherent worth of all those killed, so
that a high minimum compensation level is set to
lessen the disparities. It would be a
double blow to the survivors to first lose their loved
one and then watch
as most of the taxpayer money went to those who were
already well off.
The second major issue has to do with recognizing the
legitimacy of gay
and lesbian relationships and families. Because the
option of marriage is unavailable, these families may
find themselves in the traumatic predicament of having
to prove that their union is legitimate and not only
suffer the loss of a partner, but endure the tragedy
of trying to support a life without that person.
Fortunately, both the Red Cross and the State of New
York have already announced that they will not
discriminate against gay and lesbian
families. The Department of Justice should do the
same.
Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward
to hearing how
you will act on these very important issues.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Rochester, NY