R001006
Saturday, March 16, 2002 2:44 PM
September 11 Fund discriminating against gays
Dear Sir or Madam:
I have been following, in the gay press, the evolving story of how the September 11 Victim
Compensation Fund will not provide benefits to the surviving partners of gay and lesbian Americans lost in the September 11 attacks on our country. This troubles me deeply.
The purpose of this fund is to provide assistance to those who have suffered financial losses as a result of losing a spouse in the attacks. Is it possible that anyone really believes that committed same-sex couples in long-term relationships do not contribute to each other's financial wellbeing, and that surviving same-sex partners of September 11 victims are not suffering the same financial difficulties as widowed heterosexuals? I sincerely hope that America's leaders -- the people we should be able to look up to -- are not suffering from such a profound lack of common sense.
I also hope that our leaders really believe that we are all Americans first, and members of one group or another second, and that this sentiment, so often repeated since September 11, has not been intended merely to manipulate the public into supporting the war on terrorism. If you mean it, prove it. Provide compensation to ALL Americans who have lost partners. Don't let the relatively small number of vocal, anti-gay extremists in our country bully you into making a morally wrong and un-American decision.
The Fund is for Americans who need the help. Give it to Americans who need help. There should be no further criteria.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
St. Paul, Minnesota