R001223
Saturday, March 16, 2002 8:25 PM
(no subject)
I am having a hard time with the statements made this weekend on "Meet the
Press"
"[Gays and lesbians are] left out of my program to the extent that their own
state doesn't include them. I cannot get into a position in this program,
which has a one-and-a-half or two-year life start second-guessing what the state of New York or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the state of
Virginia or New Jersey, how they treat same-sex partners, domestic
live-ins, etc. I simply say this: What does your state law say about who is
eligible? If your state law makes you eligible, I will honor state law. If
it doesn't, I go with the state. Otherwise, Tim, I would find myself
getting sued in every state by people claiming that I'm not following how
the state distributes money. I can't get into that local battle. I've got
to rely on state law," - Kenneth Feinberg on NBC's "Meet the Press," March
10, 2002.
So it is OK to ignore federal law when it comes to immigration violations and
distribute funds to persons who are not citizens but not OK to honor your
commitment to distribute funds to tax paying individuals, who can't get
married, who lost their life partner/spouse to this terrorist attack. This
is the most shameful display of discrimination that I have seen in the last 6
months. We are all painfully aware how few states honor the commitments made
between gay and lesbian couples. To fall back on the position of what state
law permits instead of being a leader and honoring the commitment made to all
people in the wake of the attack is a disgrace. I am saddened today to be
living in a country that treats its citizens in such a discriminatory manor.
I am not opposed to undocumented immigrants receiving monies but if you are
going to overlook federal and state laws for them how can you treat citizens
in any lesser of a way.
Peace,
Individual Comment
Chicago, IL