R002197
Tuesday, March 19, 2002 1:25 PM
Protest Gay Discrimination - Where do you think that money came
f rom?
Throughout my life, but especially since that horrible day six months ago, I
have often stopped to reflect on how proud I am to be in the company of
other Americans. Today I am ashamed. Today I have been notified that gay
and lesbian partners of those who died in the September 11 terrorist attacks
are not eligible for the same benefits that the families of other victims
will receive.
These people died the same agonizing deaths as their straight counterparts.
They performed the same heroic acts, called their families to say goodbye
also. Does it matter in the end if you think that their choice of who to
build a family with was correct? I guarantee that alcoholics and abusers
died along with those gays you disagree with . I disagree with a person's
decision to make a family with an abuser, but I would NEVER deny that
person's family the right to compensation that should be handed out fairly.
The kind of love that is in my life is not the only viable kind of love.
Didn't we learn on that day that what matters is supporting each other
because of our differences?
I thought we did. I thought that the massive Sept 11 fund came from all of
us. That includes gay people. It includes women, men, people of color,
physically challenged people, spouse abusers, illegal aliens, church groups,
angry teenagers, senior citizens (gay senior citizens too!), and
kindergarten classes. The fund was built from the work of millions of
Americans. Can we cull out that money that came from those who hold views
different from yours? Unless we can do that, we have no right to
discriminate in any way.
Let go of your own opinions of others and the way they live their lives and
stand up for America and what it really means. I was taught that America is
the land of the free and the home of the brave. These gay and lesbian
brothers and sisters died free and bravely. Our tribute needs to include
them - the dignity and integrity of our flag demands it.
Sincerely
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