R000368
Tuesday, March 12, 2002 8:21 AM
Let us not become the infidels extemists would paint us to be.
Mr. President:
cc: "trustees" of the September 11 fund, paid for by ALL citizens
John Ashcroft, Attorney General
Let us not become the infidels extemists would paint us to be . . . This is a
time to demonstrate our belief in true CIVIL equality and compassion, to
demostrate how we follow the constitution above individual state laws, and
not bend to religious views regarding biology or sin to encourage bigotry,
discrimination and hate.
First I want to say, even as a Democrat, that as far as any citizen is able
to judge from the media, you have done an outstanding job as a leader during
one the most difficult times ever for our country.
I received a disturbing email (see below) and am appalled and angered that
something like this could even be considered and was moved to correspond to
ask for your leadership. The support and restoration intended by the Sept.
11th fund is a civil issue, and should not be influenced by different
religious beliefs regarding biology. I am hopeful that you will continue
your strong leadership and not allow bigotry and discrimination to taint the
healing process or your excellent leadership thus far, by allowing denial of
benefits to the partner of
, hero of Flight 93, or any other
domestic partners ~ straight or gay.
I recently watched the film "The Laramie Project" and was moved to see that
people in Laramie following the hate murder, like the silent
majority of people in the U.S., are more tolerant than many would think. Most
people in this country DO NOT begrudge gays and lesbians citizens, equal
CIVIL rights and benefits. However, another lesson from that film is that
the the preaching of different understandings and beliefs about biology,
fear, hate, and the silence or inaction of others, does lead to
discrimination and violence. Every time action is taken or not taken to stem
the tide of equal CIVIL rights . . . . hatred and violence is encouraged.
Please do not contribute to this through the misuse of a fund intended for
healing. Please do not show more tolerance or understanding for non-citizens
than you would for our own citizens who represent a strong 10% to 15% of the
population. This country was founded on freedom of religion and different
beliefs and equality for all citizens. Our constitution and bill of rights
requires that our leaders see to it that there is a separation of church
(differing views or morality, sin, biology) and state; that those with their
own unique views of biology, religion or sin DO NOT prevent other citizens
from sharing in ALL CIVIL benefits or to pursue life, liberty & happiness.
I must admit that, unless your record and leadership on equal CIVIL rights
regarding sexual orientation issues causes me to change my mind, for the
first time in my voting life, at this time I anticipate I may be voting for
Republican, George W. Bush in the next presidential election. But I cannot
in good conscience vote for any leader who would, through action or inaction,
encourage bigotry, blur the separation of church and state, or deny full
CIVIL benefits to any of it's citizens.
Please continue to provide the strong leadership you have shown in recent
months and ensure that the families and domestic partners of EVERY PERSON who
died as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks, regardless of age, sex, race,
national origin, sexual orientation or current state laws, will be treated as
equal citizens and receive equal benefits to help with their healing.
Thank
you.
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