582 20 70359 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Monday, March 18, 2002 11:47 PM 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund SHAME, SHAME, SHAME!!! I am outraged to hear that the partners of gay and lesbian heroes of September 11 will not necessarily receive the same benefits as the spouses of heterosexual victims of the horrible terrorist attacks. Discrimination is un-American. Individual Comment Riverside, CA September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2002-03-18 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojR001816.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-03-18 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. January 5, 2002 FAX to: Kenneth Feinberg Dear Sir, I would like to address the subject of noneconomic loss for the 911 Victim's Compensation Fund. My husband, &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp , was killed in the World Trade Center. I have four children, one is still a dependant. I realize that this child is the only one who would be included in the economic loss portion of the settlement. However, my sons who are 24, 25, and 27 years old are certainly affected by loss and suffering. Their father is no longer here to love them, support them, and assist them with advice and physical help as they enter a part of their lives where they are establishing their own homes. In many ways, they are suffering more and are more aware of their loss than the younger children of the victims. My 24 year old son witnessed the attack. He was on the phone with his father after the plane hit. He saw the building collapse with his father inside. He now suffers the physical and mental aftereffects of that experience. I strongly feel that he is entitled to compensation for this pain and suffering in witnessing this terrible act of terrorism which claimed his father's life, and has changed his life forever. Please reconsider eliminating children who are no longer dependents from the noneconomic loss portion of the settlement. Thank you for your consideration. Individual Comment Middletown, NJ September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2002-01-05 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojN001346.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-01-05 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. 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 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 Napa, CA September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2001-12-13 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojA003957.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2001-12-13 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Monday, January 14, 2002 8:36 PM Justice help all terrorist victims Dear Mr. Zwick: The very humane Fund for relatives of victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks must include all relatives of all the victims. This importantly should include the partners and children of same sex unions. They suffer just as grievously for their deceased loved ones as do other survivors, and their need for assistance is just as great. Please do not give in to the importuning of callous homophobic groups and individuals who would have the Department of Justice limit compensation to survivors of heterosexual unions. They are interested in a political victory, not humane assistance. This Fund is intended for humane purposes; it is not a political statement, Mr. Zwick. Sincerely, Individual Comment Decatur, GA September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2002-01-14 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojN001818.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-01-14 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Friday, December 21, 2001 1:23 PM Justice help all terrorist victims Dear Mr. Zwick: The very humane Fund for relatives of victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks must include all relatives of all the victims. This importantly should include the partners and children of same sex unions. They suffer just as grievously for their deceased loved ones as do other survivors, and their need for assistance is just as great. Please do not give in to the importuning of callous homophobic groups and individuals who would have the Department of Justice limit compensation to survivors of heterosexual unions. They are interested in a political victory, not humane assistance. This Fund is intended for humane purposes; it is not a political statement, Mr. Zwick. Sincerely, Individual Comment Austin, TX September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2001-12-21 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojN000499.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2001-12-21 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Wednesday, December 05, 2001 9:09 AM 9/11 victim compensation fund Dear Mr. Zwick, I am writing in response to the Department's request for comments about the pending regulations for implementing and administering the 9/11 victim compensation fund. I urge that compensation be available to all victims, including the committed partners and non- biological children of gay and lesbian people. the losses of gay and lesbian families are no less decastating or important then the losses suffered by other American families. It is more imperative than ever that we act as a democracy in esuring fairness for all our citizens. i urge the Department of Justice to act in a just manner by treating the families of gay and lesbian victims as you would any other. Sincerely, Individual Comment East Hartford, CT September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2001-12-05 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojA000721.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2001-12-05 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Tuesday, March 26, 2002 1:07 AM discrimination of gay partners the tragedy of sept. 11, 2001 has affected us all as one nation. we need not consider ourselves solely as african-americans, jewish-americans, etc, but as "we the people of the united states of america". it doesn't matter that some of the heroes of 9/11 we gay and left behind a partner, but that they did what they did for the love of this country. don't shut them out or down play who they were for the simple fact of their sexuality. they were not the terrorist who attacked this country, but they served it in honor. currently, the terrorist at guantonimo bay are getting more respect and recognition than the brothers and sisters of this country, who went to their grave standing up for all of america. please reconsider your position of allowing benefits to partners of those who lost their life for this great country we call the united states of america. sincerely, Individual Comment September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2002-03-26 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojR002725.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-03-26 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Monday, January 14, 2002 8:36 PM Help all victims of terrorist attack Dear Mr. Zwick: The very humane Fund for relatives of victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks must include all relatives of all the victims. This importantly should include the partners and children of same sex unions. They suffer just as grievously for their deceased loved ones as do other survivors, and their need for assistance is just as great. Please do not give in to the importuning of callous homophobic groups and individuals who would have the Department of Justice limit compensation to survivors of heterosexual unions. They are interested in a political victory, not humane assistance. This Fund is intended for humane purposes; it is not a political statement, Mr. Zwick. Sincerely, Individual Comment Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2002-01-14 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojN001649.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-01-14 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. 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 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 Minneapolis,MN September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2001-12-13 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojA005172.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2001-12-13 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Monday, March 18, 2002 5:47 PM Gay and Lesbian Victims I just found out that surviving partners of the gay and lesbian Americans killed on September 11 will not be eligible to receive relief funds. This is outrageous. The events of September 11 should have brought us together as Americans, without discriminating against gays and lesbians. Individual Comment September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2002-03-18 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojR001840.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-03-18 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Monday, January 14, 2002 8:38 PM Help same sex partners of terrorist victims Dear Mr. Zwick: The very humane Fund for relatives of victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks must include all relatives of all the victims. This importantly should include the partners and children of same sex unions. They suffer just as grievously for their deceased loved ones as do other survivors, and their need for assistance is just as great. Please do not give in to the importuning of callous homophobic groups and individuals who would have the Department of Justice limit compensation to survivors of heterosexual unions. They are interested in a political victory, not humane assistance. This Fund is intended for humane purposes; it is not a political statement, Mr. Zwick. Sincerely, Individual Comment Lake Forsest, IL September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2002-01-14 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojN001635.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-01-14 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. 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 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 Jacksonville Beach, FL September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2001-12-13 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojA003933.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2001-12-13 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515-529 HENRY A. WAXMAN 29TH District, California November 26, 2001 The Honorable Kenneth L. Zwick Director Office of Management Programs Civil Division , Department of Justice VIA FAX 301-519-5956 Dear Mr. Zwick , I received the enclosed e-mail message from my constituent, , who wanted to share his concerns about the administration of funds by the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. I wanted to share his comments with you. With kind regards, I am Sincerely, HENRY A.WAXMAN Member of Congress CITY: Hollywood STATE: California msg: I have recently heard of a bill that either exists or is in the making. It deals with the payment towards the families of the victims of the World Trade Center Attack. While I am a staunch supporter of providing financial assistance for the families of those that have innocently lost family members and for those that lost their loved ones in their attempts to save the innocent, the numbers that I am hearing are preposterous. I have heard numbers in the range of 1 million dollars per victim. I find this completely unrealistic. With an estimate of 5000 deceased, that comes out to 5 billion dollars. And where will this money go? How are we assured that it will be used in the most practical and beneficial manner? I feel that the right thing to do is provide the victims with the support that will help them survive. Not just now, but in the future. Let's take that money and build a safety net that will protect them as they attempt to get their lives in as normal of a lifestyle as possible without the love of the ones they've lost. Let's assure them of medical coverage for the remainder of their lives. Let's assure them of college funding for the children. Let's assure them of an income for 2-3 years, so they don't have to worry about the rent or mortgage or monthly bills. I feel these solutions are much more effective than a giant check. These are solutions that can't be manipulated by the evil people that prey on victims. These are solutions that show that their country cares about them and understands the sacrifices that their Husbands, Wives, Mothers and Sons have made for the rest of us. Individual Comment Hollywood, CA September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2001-11-26 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojW000761.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2001-11-26 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Wednesday, December 05, 2001 9:24 AM comments on compensation fund 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 Lancaster, PA September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2001-12-05 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojA000728.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2001-12-05 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Wednesday, December 05, 2001 7:16 PM Compensation for Gay Survivors I am writing out of my concern that gay and lesbian surviving partners of victims of the World Trade Center and other terrorist attacks be granted full compensation as other lifetime partners are receiving. This is only moral and fair. What I am seeing is that a "wife" of a married victim under the current definition, even if married only six months, is receiving lifetime support and funding, while gay partners, even if they were together 50 years or more, are receiving nothing in their grief. This incredible and intolerable injustice must end. Gay men and women were among the victims and the heroes of our recent tragedies. One gay man confronted the terrorists directly, by the existing evidence of the Pennsylvania plane downing, and is a true American hero is every sense of the word. To treat such heroes and victims so shabbily is not worthy of our great nation. We must grant full financial support to gay partners of the terrorists victims that if fully equal to that provided married life partners. To do anything else is evil and Un-American. Even now, Germany is paying compensation to gay men and women for the injustice visited to them in the Nazi era. America should be choosing higher ground. Let's do the moral and right thing--not the narrow-minded, bigoted and perversely evil thing. God knows the difference between right and wrong, just as he knows the difference between truly devout people and the detestable Jerry Falwells of the world. It is so easy and simple-minded to hate. And so wrong. God bless America. Individual Comment Miami, FL September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2001-12-05 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojA001013.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2001-12-05 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Thursday, November 22, 2001 12:49 PM PLEASE HELP ALL WTC VICTIMS To Whom It May Concern: a) We believe there should be no age cap on the earnings potential of the victims of this terrible tragedy. Why should they have a cap if the rest of us are looking at retirement now starting at age 70. b) There should be no deductions for any charity received by the victim's dependants. They are ENTITLED to their share REGARDLESS of any gifts they may have received. c) Life insurance was PAID for by the Victim and should not have any bearing on what the family has a right to. d) The right to appeal should not be denied to those who are suffering due to the tragic losses inflicted on them by this horrific event. Individual Comment New York, New York September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2001-11-22 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojW000495.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2001-11-22 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Thursday, March 21, 2002 11:59 PM 9/11 Fund exc;usion of gays To: Kenneth L. Zwink, Director Office of Management Programs Dear Sir: I'm stunned by comments made by September 11 victims' compensation fund Special Master Kenneth Feinberg, most particularly his decision to yield to state probate laws when considering the cases of same-sex surviving partners. As I'm sure you're aware, fully 48 states disregard domestic partners in such matters (Vermont and New Hampshire being the only exceptions). Meanwhile, mechanisms are in place to assure that survivirs of illegal aliens can come forward for consideration without fear of deportation and negotiaitions are planned assuring that their employers will not be penalized. With such latitude extended to Special Master Feinberg, it's astounding that some provision can't be made for gay and lesbian survivors of the September 11 attacks, particularly since fewer than 30 such persons have made inquiry. Further exacerbating the situation is an ammendment in the final rules stipulating that collateral source compensation (such as life insurance and pension benefits) will not be counted against the amount that is recoverable if the beneficiciary of these collateral funds is not a beneficiary under the federal fund. This gives biological family members additional incentive to exclude same-sex partners from applying as part of the family unit. This under the aegis of the president who campaigned as "a uniter, not a divider"! I share in the shock, horror and outrage common to all Americans contextual to the events of September 11. However, there are three additional traumas at work in my case. I ask your indulgence as I share them with you. First, as a native Washingtonian, I often feel my city's role in this national tragedy has been generally minimized by the press. While it's true that the sheer numbers of victims at the the Pentagon are dwarfed by the statistics relative to the World Trade Center, the loss sustained by their loved ones was no less real. Now consider for a moment how different our lives would be had (an openly gay man) not been aboard United Flight 93 that fateful day. Without his presence, the plane would likely have collided with its intended target, the U.S. Capitol building. Connecticut is currently reeling from the loss of a congressional seat, the result of population shifts refected in the 2000 census. Think of the implication of the loss not of a seat but of entire congressional delegations in the flesh. Reflect also on the psychological scars that would have been inflicted by such a loss. No other structure on earth more clearly embodies America's ideals and the aspirations of the constitution's framers than does that edifice. Think of it; that building houses two elected deliberative bodies, balancing nationally the concerns of the many (the house, where each state's representations is reflected on the basis of population) and the Senate (where California holds no more sway than does Wyoming). Parallel this with the societal struggle of the few (the gay community) against the concerns of the many (our heterosexual counterparts). Is it any wonder that I often look to the heavens and thank God and for his quick, decisive action in the face of the most terrifying of circumstances. Secondly, I'm a cousin descendant of civil war hero Major General Henry Warner Slocum, commanding officer of the XX corps of the Army of the Potomac and aide-de-camp to General Sherman in his March to the Sea. Slocum distinguished himself at Gettysburg by leading the right flank of the Union forces in its successful defense of Culp's Hill against numerous Confederate advances. Anytime I'm back home, I go to the Lincoln Memorial; while ther, I weep uncontrolably as I read the immortal words of the Great Emancipator in the form of the Gettysburg Address, inscribed on a tablet of stone adorning that shrine to national unity. I cry because I've stood in the midst of the cemetery of that hallowed ground and because of my personal connections to that space I feel perhaps more keenly than most the cost in human lives our freedom somtimes requires. During Sherman's regretable March to the Sea, Slocum's troops stood virtually alone in not participating in the wholesale looting and demolition which typified that campaign. Indeed, his jounals are rife with entries describing the flood of newly-freed slaves as well as rank and file citizens who scurried behind Union lines, seeking refuge anf safe harbor, which they invariably received. (and an openly gay man) exemplified even more this ethic of rendering help to those in need. In the end, he sacrificed his mortal existence in that pursuit. I ask you sir; is the offering of his "last full measure of devation" any less worthy because he was gay? Thirdly, as an openly gay man (specifically one who experienced first-hand the living nightmare that is Hartford Probate Court relative to the death of my lover) my heart aches for the survivors of the fatalities in these attacks. Nine months into my probate horror, I departed Connecticut and relocated to Dutches County, New York. It was literally easier to leave the state than to continue to deal with Hartford Probate Court! I empore you, sir, to make certain that contextual to those surviving loved ones, that the legacies of those who died (legagies sustained most vividly in the lives of those loved ones to whom they were closest) "taht these dead shall not have died in vain". additionally, please do all in your power to assure that while setting about "to bind up the nation's wounds" that such healing be extended fairly and equitably to all people. Sincerly, Individual Comment September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2002-03-21 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojR002595.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-03-21 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Saturday, March 16, 2002 4:16 PM FOR THE MEMORY OF: And so many more... I am sending this email because I want to voice my opinion about the appauling way the compensation funds are being handled for the vitcims of September 11th. Even though I am not American I feel it is my duty as a human being to speak out for the families and partners of the gay and lesbian victims. These people are, in most cases, not receiving any compensation. I think this is wrong, why should they be treated any different to married couples. Just because law says they couldn't get married doesn't mean they were in any less of a serious realtionship. The compensation policy is completly unfair, for gods sake, even the families of illegal immigrants were getting compensated, they were in this country illegaly, where in american law does it say that its illegal to be gay? It doesn't. I know my email on its own will not do anything to change the policy, but I only hope that you will bear this in mind, and let it be on your concience. At least I have done my bit to try. Once again, I felt it my duty as a human to write this, gays and lesbian are no less human than anyone else, please remember that. regards Individual Comment (Bradford, UK) September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2002-03-16 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojR001080.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2002-03-16 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. Wednesday, November 21, 2001 1:37 PM September 11 Fund Comments Dear Mr. Zwick: The following words, while not written by me, express my opinions regarding the administration of the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund.  Please accept the following comments for consideration on my behalf. "It is with great concern, and hope of preventing what may be a grave injustice to all the families who lost loved ones during the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 that I am compelled to contact you. On September 11, the very fabric that symbolized the American family was torn with such finality as to eliminate any possibility of mending with "monetary thread."  Despite that realization, I understand that the only compensation available to the families of those lost on that horrific day is monetary in nature.  Subsequently, the establishment of the "Victims Compensation Fund" (the fund) is logical.  However, while the establishment of the fund is logical, I fear that the guiding principals and mechanics of the fund are not.  After all, it is commonly stated that "the distance between thought and deed is often far." Having said that, and having reviewed the parameters of the fund, I felt it was imperative to share with you the many reservations associated with the fund's ability to accomplish its single purpose - economic equity for those now painfully suffering from the lose of their loved ones.  Below, you will find those reservations. First and foremost, it is imperative that each and every claimant be given the opportunity to share their unique circumstances with the individuals who will be instrumental in determining an award.  In doing so, each claimant should be afforded both the opportunity to present evidence through their own personal testimony and enlist the assistance of experts, if desired, in order to provide a clear and concise depiction of their position.  Allowing such an opportunity will ensure fairness and objectivity as each case will be heard separately and awards will be based on the circumstances associated with each case.  On a personal note, the ability for an individual to share their pain and suffering is instrumental to the long journey associated with the healing process that every individual must now embark upon. Second, I am alarmed by the fact that the government, who will ultimately pay the awards, will be "appointing" one individual (The Special Master) to determine the "extent of harm to the claimant," the amount of compensation to be awarded based on "the harm to the claimant,"  "the facts of the claim" and "the individual circumstances of the claimant." While I understand that the "Special Master" will be designating individuals (hearing officers) to hear each case independently, that knowledge does not instill the confidence or peace of mind that I require to participate in the fund.  Instead, I would prefer an independent panel, perhaps three (3) to five (5) individuals, who demonstrate expertise in areas such as "human life value,"  "wrongful death" and "taxation."  I believe that these Individuals along with a "hearing officer" are more likely to determine an award that is commensurate based on the unique circumstances of each individual.  Additionally, I believe by maintaining a panel of "hearing officers," the decision making process would demonstrate a greater degree of objectivity. Equally alarming is the fact that the determinations made by the "Special Master" and "hearing officers" are "final" and "not subject to judicial review."  It is imperative that the option to appeal such a determination be made available to the claimants.  Again, fairness and objectivity should be the guiding principals of the fund.  In the event an award is not viewed as equitable, an individual should, as in any hearing, maintain their right to appeal a decision.  The right to appeal a decision is often a cornerstone of legal defences.  If appeal is available to a criminal, why then should an innocent person not be afforded that same courtesy?  Next, the method used to compute "economic loss" is of paramount importance.  A "cap" with regard to recovery associated with "economic losses" is simply not acceptable.  In fact, we believe an approach such as the one commonly utilized in personal injury cases is most applicable.  Pursuant to such a method, the deceased's retirement date should be set to coincide with the date that the deceased would have been eligible to receive full Social Security benefits.  Also, the deceased's income should be averaged over the last three (3) years given the fact that "economic losses of many of these individuals are associated with future income streams that would have been highly contingent, variable, or unpredictable "  With that in mind, an approach that utilizes an "average income" is obviously the most appropriate method for determining an individuals income.  Also, be sure to keep in mind that it is imperative that "income" include wages, bonus', stock options, partnership earnings etc.  Finally, in an effort to fully reflect the earning potential of those lost on September 11th, inflation, historical wage increases, merit and opportunity for advancement must be considered.  The final result of such an exercise would represent the individual's "base income."  The "base income" could then be multiplied by the number of years that the deceased individual would have worked had he/she been eligible to receive full Social Security benefits.  Furthermore, with regard to reducing the amount of the compensation by the amount of the "collateral source compensation,"  Life insurance proceeds (private and/or group) associated with premiums paid by the deceased, should not be considered as a "collateral source."  After all, the deceased, in an effort to ensure financial support for his/her family, made a prudent decision to dedicate a portion of his/her after tax income to that financial security.  To consider life insurance proceeds associated with premiums paid by the deceased as a "collateral source" would be akin to punishing the deceased for loving & caring enough about  his/her family to ensure their financial future in the event a tragedy were to occur. Also, Social Security benefits should not be considered as a "collateral source."  After all, the deceased paid into the system in an effort to ensure "social security."  Unfortunately his/her family now represent the members of society that are in need of the very "security" that the system was designed to provide.  The deceased was not give a choice of "opting out" of the social security system.  On the contrary, an individual has no choice but to contribute to the Social Security system.  With that in mind, it is obvious that his/her family should not be punished for receiving such benefits.  After all, the Social Security system was never intended to be a "needs based" benefit.  All individuals, regardless of income and assets, assuming that they secured the appropriate number of "quarters," have always been entitled to benefits regardless of the other type of assets/income that they may or may not have.  Interestingly, countless millionaires receive Social Security benefits despite the fact that the income is not needed to ensure their financial well being.  With this in mind, why should a benefit that plays an instrumental role with regard to a family's financial security be deducted from an award? Next, retirement plans (IRA's, 401 k, etc.) funded by the actions and sacrifice of the deceased should not be considered as a "collateral source."  Again, the deceased, in an effort to ensure financial support for his/her family, made a prudent decision to set aside funds designed to ensure a comfortable retirement.  A great deal of legislation (past & present) has been adopted in order to motivate individual's to plan for their financial future.  Today represents the first step of that financial future.  To consider retirement plans a "collateral source" would again be akin to punishing the deceased for loving and caring enough about  his/her family to forgo current enjoyment in order to ensure financial stability in the event of a tragedy.  Additionally, A "cap" with regard to recovery associated with "non economic losses" is simply not acceptable.  In fact, it is imperative that the assistance of experts in the field of "human life value," be enlisted to determine an appropriate award given the ambiguity associated with valuing the "non economic role" of an individual.  After all, the lose of the family unit, enjoyment of life and emotional pain is not easily discernible. However, given that I am both questioning the "fairness" of the fund and taking the position that benefits (life insurance proceeds & social security benefits) associated with payments made by the deceased should not be considered "collateral source compensation," it is understandable that the benefits funded by an employer (i.e. Workers Comp.) may be deducted from an award.  After all, the maintaining of "Workers Compensation" is mandatory for employers and the premium associated with such coverage is an expense of the employer.  This in turn may make this benefit similar in nature to the employer provided, non-contributory life insurance coverage - the $100,000 received from CNA.  With this in mind, it is easy to understand that the "benefit" is employer provided and may be considered a "collateral source compensation." In closing, I would like to take a moment in advance to thank you for a fair and impartial assessment of our comments.  Of course it our only hope to ensure that any award associated with the fund is fair and equitable and accomplishes the funds single purpose - economic equity for those now painfully suffering from the lose of their loved ones. " Sincerely, Individual Comment New York, NY September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2001-11-21 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojW000472.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2001-11-21 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Department of Justice Emails Description An account of the resource The Department of Justice received more than 11,000 e-mails in response to the agency's public solicitation for comments upon its plans to distribute the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 established by Congress to benefit the victims of September 11 and their families. These e-mails have been organized here by date. September 11 Email September 11 Email: Body The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end. 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 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 Brooks, ME September 11 Email: Date The local time and date when the message was written. 2001-12-13 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource dojA003936.xml 911DA Item Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item. Status The process status of this item. approved Consent Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item. full Posting Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item. yes Copyright Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item. yes Source The source of this item. born-digital Media Type The media type of this item. email Created by Author Whether the author created this item. yes Described by Author Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author. no Date Entered The date this item was entered into the archive. 2001-12-13