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Thursday, December 20, 2018 7:22 AM
Mr. Zwick

Dear Mr. Zwick:

 I am writing in response to the Department's request for public
 comments regarding the forthcoming regulations for implementing
 and administering the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund."  I strongly urge the Department to draft regulations that ensure
 compensation is available to all victims 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.

 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 gay and lesbian victims as you
 would any other.

 Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Framingham, MA
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December 12, 2001

Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Program, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice

Dear Mr. Zwick:

I am writing in response to the Department's request for public comments regarding
regulations for implementing and administering the "September 11 Victim Compensation
Fund."  I strongly urge the Department to draft regulations that ensure that compensation
is available to ALL victims 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 unmarried and 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.

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 gay and lesbian
victims as you would any other.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Van Nuys, CA

 
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Tuesday, December 04, 2001 6:23 PM
DO WHAT IS RIGHT!!

MR ZWICK,  PLEASE INCLUDE THE PARTNERS OF GAY AND LESBIAN PEOPLE IN THE GOOD
FAITH CONTRIBUTIONS THAT I PARTICIPATED IN AFTER THE SEPTEMBER 11th  ATTACK.
AND ALSO ANY CHILDREN INVOLVED, NO MATTER THEIR OFFICIAL STATUS.

THANK YOU,

Individual Comment
HAMPTON , VA 

 
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              <text>Friday, March 15, 2002 5:07 PM
Angry and Discussed


Just received an email telling me of the discrimination of gays being 
excluded from receiving benefits from the September 11 fund.  I wish I could 
get a refund because you people discuss me with the handling of the money 
that was put in your charge. It is sad that someone's worth is put on the 
sexuality and not on being an American. I wish I could say what is really on 
my mind but my mother taught me better.
Individual Comment 
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Thursday, December 20, 2001 9:51 AM
in support of equal access to benefits under the September 11
Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual orien...


December  20, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I write as a member of Amnesty International, a worldwide human rights
movement committed to ensuring respect for the basic human rights of people
without discrimination, in support of equal access to benefits under the
September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual
orientation or marital status. As you know, the United States has
committed to uphold international human rights standards, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit arbitrary discrimination.
  
As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds.  In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality. 

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Floral Park, NY


 
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December 13, 2001


Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530

To Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for all surviving families of the tragedy on
September 11th, including the children and families of low-wage workers and gay and lesbian
families.

Under traditional rules based on lost wages, the survivors of a bond trader earning millions of
dollars per year might receive thousands of times as much compensation as the survivors of a
dishwasher in one of the restaurants destroyed. Justice requires looking far beyond the last
paycheck to the inherent worth of all those killed, so that a high minimum compensation level is
set to lessen the disparities. It would be a double blow to the survivors to first lose their loved
one and then watch as most of the taxpayer money went to those who were already well off in the
first place. 

The second major issue has to do with recognizing the legitimacy of gay and lesbian relationships
and families. Gay and lesbian families are especially vulnerable when one partner is killed.
Because the option of marriage is unavailable, these families may find themselves in the
traumatic predicament of having to prove that their union is legitimate. Fortunately both the Red
Cross and the State of New York have already 

Individual Comment

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Wednesday, March 13, 2002 12:22 AM
Gay and Lesbian benefits


Dear Sirs:
As a tax paying, voting and patriotic American I would urge you with all my strength to re think the issue of refusing benefits to partners of the gays and lesbian heros who died on Spetember 11, 2001.  ALL partners and families deserve the right to compensation. Those people suffered loss and pain as deep and as tragic and anyone else. How dare you diminish their lost lives in this way! How very selfish of you!
This is The land of the free and the home of the brave.............but not if you're Gay. That is a sad comment on YOUR patriotism. 

Sincerly, 
Individual Comment 
Denver Colorado.


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December 13, 2001


Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530

To Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for all surviving families of the tragedy on September
11th, including the children and families of low-wage workers and gay and lesbian families.  Under
traditional rules based on lost wages, the survivors of a bond trader earning millions of dollars per
year might receive thousands of times as much compensation as the survivors of a dishwasher in one of
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went to those who were already well off in the first place.

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option of marriage is unavailable, these families may find themselves in the traumatic predicament of
having to prove that their union is legitimate. Fortunately both the Red Cross and the State of New
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Department of Justice should do the same.

Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to hearing how you will act on these very
important issues.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Flagstaff, AZ


 
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January 23, 2002  

VIA FACSIMILE: 301-519-5956  

Mr. Kenneth Feinberg 
Special Master, Sept 11th Federal Victim's compensation Fund 
Office of Management Programs 
Civil Division 
U.S. Department of Justice 
Main Building, Room 3140 
950 Pennsylvania Avenue 
Washington, DC 20530  

Dear Mr. Feinberg:  

As a professional actuary and a relative of someone widowed by the atrocities of September 11th,
I would like to make a few comments on the interim Regulations which you have proposed for the
September 11th Federal Victim's Compensation Fund.  I have not been able to find the complete
actuarial assumptions that were used to create the proposed presumptive settlement amounts so
I am limited to a few issues that were spelled out in the proposed regulation.  
                    
The one of most significant assumptions in the calculation of the economic loss is the earnings
level of the victim.  The tables are based upon the average earnings for the years 1998-2000.
This will often be representative of the victim's earnings for the middle year of that range, 1999.
Since the economic loss is measured by the lost income from essentially 2002 and later, this
"base" salary starting point is 2 or 3 years out of date, depending upon when you start applying
the salary increase percentages.  This would mean that your economic loss amounts would on
average be 10-15% too low.  In particular cases, the average earnings for 1998-2000 could be
most unrepresentative of the victim's earnings capacity.  In most situations, the best estimates
of a person's current earnings capacity is their actual current earnings! I suggest that the 
starting point be based upon the annualized 2001 earnings.  This might save you and the victim's 
families much time and effort in presenting and resolving disputes.  

A second adjustment that I would like to suggest is based upon the timing of the payment.  The
law provides for claims to be made up to December 22, 2003 and payments to be made within
120 days.  Thus it is possible that some payments could be made almost 2 1/2 years from the date
of the loss.  It would be appropriate to add interest (at the rate used to discount future earnings)
from approximately September 11, 2001 to the date of payment.  In fact it would be improper to
discount future earnings back to 2001 if the payment is to be made in 2002 or 2003 or even 2004.  

If further details of the calculations were made public, I might make other suggestions.  If desired,
I'm sure that you could call upon volunteers from the Society of Actuaries to assist in the process
or review the procedures.  

I would like to close with a general comment.  When Congress passed the law establishing the
September 11th Federal Victims' Compensation Fund they also limited the ability of the victims to 
recover damages by alternative means.  Victims must relinquish the right to bring lawsuits upon
application to the Fund.  These facts argue for a liberal interpretation of the law and giving the 
benefit of the doubt to the victims when deciding upon the assumptions for the calculations of
economic and non-economic losses.  I don't think Congress meant to penalize the September
11th victims versus others in other situations who have the right to pursue claims in court.  At least
I don't think any of them would admit to that.  

Cordially,  

Individual Comment  
Brooklyn, NY   


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Wednesday, December 19, 2001 6:10 PM
Equal Access to Crisis Relief


December  19, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I write as a member of Amnesty International, a worldwide human rights
movement committed to ensuring respect for the basic human rights of people
without discrimination, in support of equal access to benefits under the
September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual
orientation or marital status. As you know, the United States has
committed to uphold international human rights standards, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit arbitrary discrimination.
  
As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds.  In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality.

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Durham, NC


 
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            <name>Title</name>
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            <name>Posting</name>
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            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="367041">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="367042">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="56">
            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="367043">
                <text>born-digital</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
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            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
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                <text>email</text>
              </elementText>
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            <name>Created by Author</name>
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                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
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          <element elementId="60">
            <name>Described by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author.</description>
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              <elementText elementTextId="367046">
                <text>no</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
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          <element elementId="61">
            <name>Date Entered</name>
            <description>The date this item was entered into the archive.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="367047">
                <text>2001-12-19</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
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              <text>
Tuesday, December 04, 2001 10:15 PM

Dear Mr. Zwick:

I am writing in response to the Department's request
for public comments regarding the forthcoming
regulations for implementing and administering the
"September 11 Victim Compensation Fund." 
I strongly urge the Department to draft regulations
that ensure compensation is available to all victims
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.

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 gay
and lesbian victims as you would any other.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
New York, NY

 
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            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
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              </elementText>
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              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
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            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
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              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
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            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
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              </elementText>
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            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
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                <text>email</text>
              </elementText>
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              </elementText>
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              </elementText>
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              <text>
Wednesday, December 05, 2001 3:25 PM
Victims of Defense Failure at the World Trade Center

Attachment 1:

Kenneth L. Zwick, Director 

Office of Management Programs, Civil Division 

U.S. Department of Justice 

 

Dear Kenneth L. Zwick, 
We all want to do the right thing for the victims of the Department of Defense failure to protect the citizens at the World Trade Center. A general refund of all tax
money paid to the Federal and State governments would be fair. 

The estates of the deceased should be adequately compensated for their losses including all close to the people who died but not married or related by blood.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Bowling Green, KY
 
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            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
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              </elementText>
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            <element elementId="50">
              <name>Title</name>
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              <text>
Wednesday, December 19, 2001 3:54 AM
Everyone who lost a life partner deserves the same benefits!


December  19, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I am a heterosexual woman.  I write as a member of Amnesty International, a
worldwide human rights movement committed to ensuring respect for the basic
human rights of people without discrimination, in support of equal access
to benefits under the September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims,
regardless of sexual orientation or marital status.  As you know, the
United States has committed to uphold international human rights standards,
including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit arbitrary
discrimination.
  
As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds.  In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality. 

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Irvine, CA 
 
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            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="367005">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
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          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="367006">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
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          <element elementId="56">
            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="367007">
                <text>born-digital</text>
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            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="367008">
                <text>email</text>
              </elementText>
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          <element elementId="59">
            <name>Created by Author</name>
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              <elementText elementTextId="367009">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="60">
            <name>Described by Author</name>
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              <elementText elementTextId="367010">
                <text>no</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="61">
            <name>Date Entered</name>
            <description>The date this item was entered into the archive.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="367011">
                <text>2001-12-19</text>
              </elementText>
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          <elementTextContainer>
            <elementText elementTextId="366988">
              <text>
Sunday, January 06, 2002 11:37 PM
WTC Compensation Fund

To Whom It May Concern:

I believe that the Compensation the government recommends for the victims of
the World Trade Center bombings is very fair.

I also believe that the $250,000.00 for pain and suffering is adequate
because no amount of money will bring the dead back to life and no amount of
money will ease pain and suffering.

I feel very sad for the families of people killed during the terrorists
attacks, but they need to accept what the governemnt offers and go on with
their lives.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment 
Jackson, Ohio 


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              <text>2002-01-06</text>
            </elementText>
          </elementTextContainer>
        </element>
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          <element elementId="50">
            <name>Title</name>
            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366990">
                <text>dojN001377.xml</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
        </elementContainer>
      </elementSet>
      <elementSet elementSetId="4">
        <name>911DA Item</name>
        <description>Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item.</description>
        <elementContainer>
          <element elementId="52">
            <name>Status</name>
            <description>The process status of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366991">
                <text>approved</text>
              </elementText>
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            <name>Consent</name>
            <description>Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
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                <text>full</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
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            <name>Posting</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366993">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366994">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="56">
            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366995">
                <text>born-digital</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="57">
            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366996">
                <text>email</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="59">
            <name>Created by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the author created this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366997">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="60">
            <name>Described by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366998">
                <text>no</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="61">
            <name>Date Entered</name>
            <description>The date this item was entered into the archive.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366999">
                <text>2002-01-06</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
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    </elementSetContainer>
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            <element elementId="50">
              <name>Title</name>
              <description>A name given to the resource</description>
              <elementTextContainer>
                <elementText elementTextId="264506">
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                </elementText>
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              <description>An account of the resource</description>
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      <description/>
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            <elementText elementTextId="366976">
              <text>
Thursday, December 13, 2001 5:12 PM
Fair Compensation

Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530

To Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for all surviving
families of the tragedy on
September 11th, including the children and families of low-wage workers
and gay and lesbian
families.

Under traditional rules based on lost wages, the survivors of a bond
trader earning millions of
dollars per year might receive thousands of times as much compensation
as the survivors of a
dishwasher in one of the restaurants destroyed.  Justice requires
looking far beyond the last
paycheck to the inherent worth of all those killed, so that a high
minimum compensation level
is set to lessen the disparities. It would be a double blow to the
survivors to first lose
their loved one and then watch as most of the taxpayer money went to
those who were already
well off in the first place.

The second major issue has to do with recognizing the legitimacy of gay
and lesbian
relationships and families. Gay and lesbian families are especially
vulnerable when one partner
is killed. Because the option of marriage is unavailable, these families
may find themselves in
the traumatic predicament of having to prove that their union is
legitimate. Fortunately, both
the Red Cross and the State of New York have already announced that they
will not discriminate
against gay and lesbian families. The Department of Justice should do
the same.

Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to hearing how you
will act on these very
important issues.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment


 
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          <elementTextContainer>
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              <text>2001-12-13</text>
            </elementText>
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            <name>Title</name>
            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366978">
                <text>dojA001607.xml</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
        </elementContainer>
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      <elementSet elementSetId="4">
        <name>911DA Item</name>
        <description>Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item.</description>
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            <name>Status</name>
            <description>The process status of this item.</description>
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              <elementText elementTextId="366979">
                <text>approved</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
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            <name>Consent</name>
            <description>Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item.</description>
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              <elementText elementTextId="366980">
                <text>full</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
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            <name>Posting</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366981">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366982">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
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            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366983">
                <text>born-digital</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
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            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
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                <text>email</text>
              </elementText>
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            <name>Created by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the author created this item.</description>
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                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="60">
            <name>Described by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author.</description>
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              <elementText elementTextId="366986">
                <text>no</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="61">
            <name>Date Entered</name>
            <description>The date this item was entered into the archive.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366987">
                <text>2001-12-13</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
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    </elementSetContainer>
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              <name>Title</name>
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            <elementText elementTextId="366964">
              <text>Monday, March 11, 2002 2:51 PM
Shame on you, Kenneth Feinberg!


Your position below on handling the September 11th Fund, in respect to Gays and Lesbians, is atrocious!  You know full well that most state laws do not include Gays and Lesbians as domestic partners.  You are such a coward that you can't even come right out and say "I'm a bigot, I have control over the money, and I will not let Gays and Lesbians have any, because they are second class citizens!"  You are willing to break the law by allowing illegal immigrants to not only stay in this country, but also keep their jobs in companies that are employing them illegally, and not legally prosecuting those companies.  However you are so fervently "law abiding" when it comes to Gays and Lesbians.

SHAME ON YOU!  One day we will have equal rights and bigots like you won't be able to stop us!

Individual Comment
San Diego, CA
 
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            </elementText>
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          <element elementId="50">
            <name>Title</name>
            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
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                <text>dojR000207.xml</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
        </elementContainer>
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              </elementText>
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            <description>Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item.</description>
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                <text>full</text>
              </elementText>
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            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366969">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366970">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
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Saturday, December 29, 2001 2:15 AM
Support Equal Access


December  29, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I write as a member of Amnesty International, a worldwide human rights
movement committed to ensuring respect for the basic human rights of people
without discrimination, in support of equal access to benefits under the
September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual
orientation or marital status. As you know, the United States has
committed to uphold international human rights standards, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit arbitrary discrimination.
  
As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds.  In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality. 

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Madison, WI 

 
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            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
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Saturday, March 23, 2002 4:22 PM
[Fwd: Are gay Americans less heroic?]


Dear Sir:

What kind of people are we, that we can treat gay americans differently
from everyone else?  September 11, 2001 was a day of  national tragedy
and as such should be treated that way when it comes to compensation for
victim's families (including same sex partners).  Who cares what the
individual state laws say?  This is Federal and should supercede States.

We should be ashamed of ourselves as a nation if we grant money to
victim's families who are illegel aliens but do not grant the same
compensation to same sex partners.

This is the United States of America for God's sake!  Why are you
excluding anyone?

Please grant Victim's Compensation to families and partners of EVERYONE
who died that terrible day, 9/11/01.

Thank-you and God Bless America.

Individual Comment

 
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              </elementText>
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                <text>born-digital</text>
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            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
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              <text>
Thursday, December 20, 2001 8:02 PM
please ensure equal access to the relief funds


December  20, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I write as a member of Amnesty International, a worldwide human rights
movement committed to ensuring respect for the basic human rights of people
without discrimination, in support of equal access to benefits under the
September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual
orientation or marital status. As you know, the United States has
committed to uphold international human rights standards, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit arbitrary discrimination.
  
As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds.  In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality. 

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Sincerely,

Individual Comment
San Francisco, CA 

 
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              </elementText>
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            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
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      <description/>
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              <text>
December 16, 2001


Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530

To Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for all surviving families of the tragedy on September
11th, 
including the children and families of low-wage workers and gay and lesbian families.

Under traditional rules based on lost wages, the survivors of a bond trader earning millions of dollars
per
year might receive thousands of times as much compensation as the survivors of a dishwasher in one of
the
restaurants destroyed. Justice requires looking far beyond the last paycheck to the inherent worth of all
those killed, so that a high minimum compensation level is set to lessen the disparities. It would be a
double
blow to the survivors to first lose their loved one and then watch as most of the taxpayer money went to
those
who were already well off in the first place.

The second major issue has to do with recognizing the legitimacy of gay and lesbian relationships and 
families. Gay and lesbian families are especially vulnerable when one partner is killed. Because the
option of
marriage is unavailable, these families may find themselves in the traumatic predicament of having to
prove
that their union is legitimate. Fortunately, both the Red Cross and the State of New York have already 
announced that they will not discriminate against gay and lesbian families. The Department of Justice
should
do the same.

Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to hearing how you will act on these very
important 
issues.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Placerville,CA
 
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            <name>Title</name>
            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
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                <text>dojA005351.xml</text>
              </elementText>
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      <elementSet elementSetId="4">
        <name>911DA Item</name>
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        <elementContainer>
          <element elementId="52">
            <name>Status</name>
            <description>The process status of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366919">
                <text>approved</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="53">
            <name>Consent</name>
            <description>Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366920">
                <text>full</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="54">
            <name>Posting</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366921">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366922">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="56">
            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366923">
                <text>born-digital</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="57">
            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366924">
                <text>email</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="59">
            <name>Created by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the author created this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366925">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="60">
            <name>Described by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366926">
                <text>no</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="61">
            <name>Date Entered</name>
            <description>The date this item was entered into the archive.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="366927">
                <text>2001-12-16</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
        </elementContainer>
      </elementSet>
    </elementSetContainer>
  </item>
</itemContainer>
