dojA001395.xml

dojA001395.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-09

Sunday, December 09, 2001 11:17 PM
grief and government

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

Dear Sir:
I write in defense and assertion of our individual rights, in the
aftermath of 9/11. The mean-spirited notion that some victims should be
excluded because of private matters of sexual orientation has no place
in the actions of our government. Fairness demands that the families of
gay and lesbian victioms of 9/11 be permitted to participate fully in
whatever programs are or may be established to provide relief and
assistance.

The grief stemming from 9/11 cannot be assuaged with compensatory
dollars, but hardship may be to some degree alleviated. That is a
proper and decent role for government and for private charities as
well. The public concurrence is evident from the tremendous outpouring
of giving to such purposes.

I deplore any act of government that is likely to inflict more grief
rather than advance healing. I strongly urge that the government shun
bigotry and act with compassion; there's already been too much grief.
With urgency,
Individual Comment
Berkeley, CA

2001-12-09