A002147
Monday, December 17, 2001 10:16 PM
compassionate distribution of funds
Dear Mr. Feinberg:
A shocked and horrified public was gratified by the government's prompt creation of the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. Those who know of your history of conscientious and fair-minded work were further gratified by your appointment as Special Master overseeing the program. All victims of the terrorists' crimes deserve care, support, and compensation; but I write from special concern for catagories of victims who are especially vulnerable and in need. The neediest victims, and especially the children, should be our first concern; and aid should not be proportional to salary differentials of the deceased. The children are equal in their need for food, medicine, and shelter. The fund that you administer should not be allowed to follow the Republican tax legislation, an instrument to comfort the comfortable and afflict the afflicted.
The poorest of the victims, such as the waiters and cleaning workers, leave behind the families least able to care for themselves. Many of these had been supporting even poorer relatives in other countries in the Americas. Further, gay and lesbian couples separated by death on the 11th were prevented by law from having the insurance or other protection available to married couples. The New York City and the State of New York have indicated that they would not discriminate against gays and lesbians, and it is hoped that the federal government will join them in compassionate fair-mindedness.
What I have heard of you leads me to thoroughly trust your inclinations. I hope they are not thwarted by directives from the Attorney General in these very difficult times, in which our governmental actions define us as a nation and as a people. As a citizen, I send you my gratitude and best wishes.
Individual Comment
Copake Falls, NY