dojR001751.xml

dojR001751.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-03-18

Monday, March 18, 2002 8:23 PM
9/11 victims fund

I and this country is truly at a loss for the type of discrimination that is
going on in this country. I CANNOT believe that the 9/11 Victims Fund would
exclude gays and lesbians who were in a relationship from claiming benefits
for the surviving partners. The attack should have brought EVERY AMERICAN
together to get through this, but apparently, if you're hetro, citizen or not
you have nothing to worry about, you'll get compensation. Who do you think
helps pay taxes in this country that claims to be "home of the brave"? If
statistics are correct 1 in every 10 is gay, how much taxes do you think gay
and lesbian Americans pay? Why should we be treated differently? Yes, I
know there are laws on the books such as DOMA and in most states, same sex
relationships are not acknowledged, however, that doesn't mean that they are
not valid.

I've been w/ my partner for 15 years and I WOULD expect him to receive his
fair compensation had I been a victim in the attacks. What if the shoe were
on the other foot? What if all hetros were told they would either receive
nothing or a less amount than a homosexual surviving partner would receive?
Congress would sure move VERY swiftly to change those laws.

The attacks should have taught EVERY American that our differences make up
this WONDERFUL tapestry of America, but apparently not so. DO NOT let the
terrorists succeed!

DO NOT be afraid of STANDING up and acting FAIRLY and oppose any attempt to
value one life over another. There were too many heroes, gay and straight, to
make a division.

EVERY LIFE THAT WAS LOST IS TRAGIC, DO NOT MAKE THE WHOLE SITUATION WORSE!

Thank you,

Individual Comment

2002-03-18