R002255
Tuesday, March 19, 2002 7:33 PM
Discrimination in a time of sorrow.
To Whom It May Concern,
I have just been informed that there are some exclusions when it comes to
the definition of a hero from the September 11 attacks. I have always
thought of a hero as someone who, without regard for safety or comfort,
risked himself/herself for the benefit of others. It appears that I am
incorrect.
With this in mind, a compenstion fund, and who will benefit from it
becomes rather unclear. It is my understanding that families of the
victims/heroes will be receiving monies to help them with the repair of
their lives which were so badly damaged by the terrorists. This is a
beautiful sentiment. One of which all Americans should be proud. However,
when it comes to the beneficiaries themselves, that's where we get
selective. Apparently, parents, siblings, spouses and undocumented
immigrants are all considered worthy of these benefits. It does not even
seem to matter whether or not one lives in this country legally or
illegally. If they lost a loved one, they qualify. Unless, of course, they
are a member of the homosexual population. Then the rules change. Forget
about the fact that one of the airline pilots died attempting to redirect
the plane away from its target. Or that an ordained Man of God was killed
giving the last rights to his firefighting brethren. They were gay and the
families will receive nothing.
I find this to be disgustingly hypocritical. Openly gay men and women are
now able to be drafted and/or serve in fighting these terrorists if
needed. (Since "don't ask, don't tell" has been "suspended" due to this
crisis.) However, once they've been used for fighting and serving their
country then promptly dishonorably discharged, they or their families
should not expect any compensation whatsoever regardless of the heroism
displayed by that family member.
I am shocked, horrified, disgusted and saddened by this. Just when our
country was supposed to be coming together to fight this war on terrorism,
I find that bigotry is more alive than ever, and nowhere is it more
evident than here. The leaders of this country and of this compensation
fund should be ashamed of themselves. I know I am certainly ashamed of
them.
Thank you for your time in reading this.
Individual Comment
California