R000578
Wednesday, March 13, 2002 8:40 AM
9-1-1 Fund
To Whom it May Concern:
This email is a rarity for me.
Much has been written about the 9-1-1 fund. And the many disturbing
patterns about its dispersal. Why, then, should I not be surprised that
many partners of gay and lesbian Americans killed on September 11th will not
receive money from this fund?
Kenneth Feinberg's comments on this past Sunday's 'Meet the Press'
underscore the discrimination gay and lesbian Americans face daily. Does
Mr.. Feinberg realize that state's do not recognize gay unions and
partnerships? Does he realize that the majority of US cities do not have
partnership registration nor recognize gay and lesbian partnerships? Does
Mr.. Feinberg care about the partners of gay and lesbian Americans left
behind after the tragedy? I can only believe the answers to my questions
are a resounding 'no.'
Perhaps Mr. Feinberg should realize that United Airlines Flight 93 was (most
likely) headed to Washington DC that fateful morning. And, that it was a
gay man, , who was one of several passengers that stormed the
cockpit and brought the plane down before it could reach our Capitol.
Perhaps Mr.. Feinberg should think about that as he discriminates against
gay and lesbian Americans.
In addition, countless other gay Americans died in New York City and
Virginia. Too many to list, but each one as much a hero and tragic victim
as the next.
Yes, Mr. Feinberg can hide behind laws which are inherently discriminatory.
Yes, Mr.. Feinberg may not want to get into a local battle. But, what
message is he truly sending? Perhaps this one: that while it is fine to
distribute money to illegal aliens, people who have no legal claim to
anything in this country, it is perfectly fine to skip a group based solely
on their sexual orientation.
I am a proud gay American. I am a proud gay American who contributed to the
9-1-1 fund and local firefighter's funds here in New York City.
I am gay American who is ashamed of our leaders who continue their campaign
of bigotry and discriminatory practices.
I hope Mr. Feinberg will rethink his position.
Sincerely yours,
Individual Comment
Concerned Gay American