dojR002918.xml

dojR002918.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-03-19

3/19/2002



Fax-301-519-5956

Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs
Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Main Building, Room 3140
950 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20530


Dear Mr. Zwick,

I thought that if September 11 has taught us anything, it's that our patriotism and love of country transcend our differences and unite us all. I was told that September 11 was the day that "hyphenated-Americans" were no more, and rather than being Italian-Americans, African-Americans or gay-Americans, we were now simply Americans, all of us together as one American family. Apparently, that family just got a divorce.

The hyphens seem not to matter to you when you want to use the heriosm of gay men to inspire others, but when it comes time to actually aid the families of those heroes, the hyphens come back with a vengeance, and it seems that some American heroes are now more equal than others.

I am outraged that gay and lesbian partners of those who died on September 11 are not automatically going to receive the same benefits as heterosexual spouses and demand that you change your policy immediately to be inclusive of all families.

Now more than ever is the time to do the right thing.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
CEDAR GROVE, NJ

2002-03-19