R002216
Tuesday, March 19, 2002 3:51 PM
9/11 fund and gays
Mr. Zwick,
It is so frustrating to be marginalize by our government. The gay and lesbian community pay millions in taxes each year yet we are left out of so many benefits that our heterosexual counterparts are entitled to via our government agencies. As a lesbian taxpayer I am subsidizing their benefits and have no choice in the matter. The main rational used for this tends to be that God meant marriage to be a man and woman. I am not going to argue this point one way or another. I will simple make a statement about fairness and I am sure God would not have a problem with that. Any 9/11 surviving gay or lesbian partner/spouse should be compensated in the same manner that a heterosexual partner/spouse does. It is easy enough to prove that someone has been in a committed relationships. We buy homes together, pay bills, go on trips, take care of each other when we are ill, celebrate anniversaries, the list goes on. It seems as though you have found a great scapegoat by stating you will abide by what state laws say in the matter. You knew, as did everyone else, the answer to that criteria before you came up with the question. It would be one thing if you were always consistent with that state rules rational, but it seems this administration has taken over several decisions for states on other issues.
I pray your conscience will prevail and you will reverse your decision to one that treats all Americans with fairness. It would seem we can all learn one lesson from this tragedy and that is that peoples misperceptions of other people can have dire consequences. Don't let some peoples misconception of gay and lesbian couples ostracize them from receiving their God given rights as Americans. Please be fair.
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