R002600
Thursday, March 21, 2002 5:51 PM
9/11 Compensation Fund
Mr. Ashcroft and Mr. Feinberg,
I just read where the compensation fund for 9/11 will be giving benefits to the following: Eligible Family Members: Spouses, Children, Infants, Fetuses, Illegal and Undocumented Aliens.
I find it interesting that we are willing to pay monies to Illegal and undocumented aliens and we are going to disallow benefits to the gay and lesbian survivors. I believe that if you are going to give benefits to non-US residents then the gay and lesbian survivors are due the same benefits. The surviving domestic partners, etc. are tax paying Americans and should be given more consideration than either of you are willing to do.
Allowing each state to decide how this is handled is ridiculous. Most states do not even recognize these types of relationships much less want to give money to the loved ones that have been left behind by this tragic incident. Most have already been giving the money to the parents of the people that were killed and I have seen documentation where the families have completely cut the surviving member out of their lives. THIS DISGUSTS ME!!!!
We should be taking care of our own citizens, straight, gay, etc, before we begin giving money to the illegal and unregistered aliens. I am not saying that these people do not deserve aid; however , we should deal with our own citizens first. These citizens should be granted the same rights and privileges as any other surviving spouse.
I believe the two of you should reconsider your stance on this issue. It appears that the two of you are saying yes they should be compensated; however, then turning this over to the states to deal with. This type of political maneuver seems extremely underhanded. And I am sure when President Bush comes up for re-election, the treatment of gays and lesbians by this action will not be forgotten.
Individual Comment
Gainesville, FL