N000846
Saturday, December 22, 2001 11:47 PM
As requested
December 19, 2001
To:
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
I write this letter because I feel deeply about many things and feel I
compelled to respond to the Department's request for public comments
regarding the forthcoming regulations for implementing and administering the
"September 11 Victim Compensation Fund."
It is better to express my feelings than to keep them bottled up inside. To
remain silent is to be part of the evil in the world. I cannot change the
world, but I can call out in complaint and praise for what I see and hear.
If I back down from what I believe, then either I have lived a lie... or I'll
be living one from now on. I do not think I have been wrong, so I have to go
ahead.
I am disgusted by the actions of the charitable organizations that are
dealing with the families of the dead and their survivors. A great deal of
money has been collected and very little has been given out. The Red Cross
even tried to transfer funds for other purposes, then why the money was
given. I should not be surprised the charged GIs during WW II for the coffee
and donuts they supplied to them.
Tremendous amounts will go the families of the uniformed services that were
KIA at the World Trade Center. It is sad that these families will get a
great deal of more money than other families of the uniformed services that
were KIA in past emergencies are forgotten. It is as if their deaths do not
count as much as the individuals killed at the World Trade Center.
I strongly urge the Department to draft regulations that ensure compensation
is available to all victims' families and survivors of the attack, including
the committed partners and the non-biological children of gay and lesbian
victims.
It is unquestionable that the devastating grief and economic losses suffered
by the families of gay and lesbian victims are no less than that of other
families. Just as the terrorists drew no lines in choosing their victims, our
country must draw no lines in compensating those who suffered the most
personal of losses from these horrific attacks.
I am disturbed to learn that my union had to collect money to help the
families of workers at the Center. Just because you are, a cook or a window
washer does not mean you do not need help. One man who was to sick to go to
work that day lost his job as a result of the destruction of the towers. He
has not been able to find a job since then and now may be loosing his home.
Others who lost their loved ones are also in great need because they do not
have the resources of others that earn a great deal more
Many Americans lost their lives on September 11, each of whom left behind,
loved ones. I urge the Department to honor these bonds by treating the
families of poor, gay and lesbian victims as you would any other.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment