R002744
Tuesday, March 26, 2002 12:44 PM
9/11 Fund to Discriminate
Fellow Americans,
You must imagine my great horror and concern when I read about the "Meet the Press" interview with Kenneth Feinberg, the head of the September 11 Victim's Compensation Fund (a program of the US Dept. of Justice), is planning on limiting what kind of compensation goes to gay and lesbian victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. And the way the rules read, gays and lesbians will probably get nothing.
I am sickened by the idea that a distinction is being made between a heterosexual mate and a life partner when it comes time now to distribute contributions from across our great country. Due to the ignorance of many people, gays and lesbians are not able to "legalize their relationships by marriage" in many states. This however, does not lessen the fact that they are committed to each other. No distinction is made for heterosexuals who "live together and produce offspring (referred to as 'common-law marriage')," heterosexual couples who are married, and therefore no distinction should be made for a gay and lesbian relationship.
I strongly believe that all people are created equal and should be treated so, as stated in the foundation of our nation. God bless America. And God bless straight, gay, and lesbian Americans of all colors! Play fair or remove yourself from the game.
Compensation should be extended to the victims - period. I made no distinction when I donated my money to the fund - please honor my contribution by extending it fairly. You must realize that other Americans (straight, gay, lesbian, Latino, Caucasian, middle eastern, Christian, Jew, Muslim, or whatever) also made contributions to help those affected by this horrendous tragedy. Please treat them fairly as well. Do not discriminate! Thank you.
Individual Comment
(an unemployed laid-off American from 08/2001)