R001868
Monday, March 18, 2002 11:53 AM
9/11 Fund Discrimination
I have recently heard that the fund relies on state
laws in determining who benefits from the fund. As a
result, most same-sex partners of those who died in
the attacks will not be eligible for such benefits.
According to a statement supposedly made by Feinberg
on March 10, 2002, he is not responsible for
determining who gets these funds. He leaves that
decision to the states once they receive those funds
and that if the states choose to discriminate against
same-sex partners of victims, it is out of his
control.
I believe this argument to be false. Feinberg has
every right to encourage states to extend benefits
from the fund to same-sex partners of victims. If it
is true that illegal aliens and unborn children will
benefit, there is no reason why same-sex partners
could not as well. This form of discrimination
undermines the very attempt at bringing all Americans
together.
As far as not having the power to tell the states how
to distribute the money granted by the fund, why not
simply deny the funds to states who choose to
discriminate against any of the victims' families and
loves ones, gay or straight, black or white, etc..
Federal funds for transportation departments can be
denied to states that do not make laws for lowering
speed limits or that make not wearing seat belts
illegal. True, it could be that implementing these
laws will decrease state costs and improve
transportation; but, by allowing all victims' loved
ones to benefit from the fund, the fund would improve
society's morale overall, not limited to certain
victims.
I encourage Feinberg and the rest of those in charge
of the 9/11 fund to reconsider their positions on fund
distribution, to include all victims' families and
loved ones. All those directly affected by the
attacks are hurting/were hurt, and the pain is the
same regardless of race, religion, age or sexual
orientation. Thank you for taking time to read my
opinion.
Individual Comment