R001422
Sunday, March 17, 2002 1:19 PM
Compensation for Gay Victims of 9/11
Mr. Zwick:
I've detested the "United We Stand" slogans that appeared like mushrooms
after 9/11. Why? Because as a marginalized gay citizen of the United States,
the "United" means everyone except me or people like me. The recent news
coming from the Victims Compensation Fund proposing to exclude gay partners
from compensation solidifies my repugnance for the superficial brand of
nationalism that now permeates our country. Excluding gay partners from
compensation is just another instance of the deep-seated bigotry that runs
rampant here.
Why should I pay taxes? Why should I fight for this country? Why should I
support a President not from my own party when, at least according to press
accounts discussing the compensation fund's anti-gay policy, I'm not valued
even as much as an unborn fetus? Why? Because even when marginalized,
demonized and hated by so many of my countrymen, I still believe in the
basic principles upon which our country was built and try to live by them
every day.
Do the right thing for America, Mr. Zwick, and show the world just how wrong
the Taliban and al Qaeda's beliefs about the U.S. are. Show them that
Americans are a compassionate people. Don't exacerbate the pain, hurt and
unrelenting loss felt by gay partners of those who died on 9/11 by denying
them the just compensation ALL the victims deserve.
Regards,
Individual Comment
San Francisco, CA