dojR000818.xml

dojR000818.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-03-15

Friday, March 15, 2002 9:05 AM
concerns


To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to relay my concerns regarding the attached article and decision that has been made with regards to exclusion of benefits for gay/lesbian partners of those who died in the Sept. 11th tragedy. This is a massive atrocity and sickens, as well as saddens me. The article clearly identifies and hails several people as heros form this tragedy, who also were homosexual. However, because of their sexual orientation, their partners are not given the same benefits as others. It is especially concerning to me that the partners of gay/lesbian victims will not receive benefits stemming from the loss of their loved ones, gut that victims benefits will be given to survivors of Sept. 11th who are illegal aliens. Not that I do not agree that they (illegal aliens) should, however it is greatly concerning to me that they are given priority and rights that citizens of our own country are not.

The article talks that they cannot go against state law and provide benefits to those that states would not normally distribute benefits to, however in this instance they will to illegal aliens. Is this not an inconsistency in policy and decision making? Please help me understand if I am mistaken. I am finding it hard to stomach the lack of intolerance and fair treatment with regards to this matter , especially when since Sept. 11th we are "preaching" solidarity as Americans and support of one another - where is it shown here?

I understand that there are rules, policy and regulations, however, at times of such these things need to be examined and decisions must be made that reflect true support and fairness - what is right. I do hope you take the time to reconsider the decisions that have been made. We need not to be fighting ourselves.

http://uspolitics.about.com/library/weekly/aa031102a.htm

Sincerely,
Individual Comment

2002-03-15