dojR002533.xml

dojR002533.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-03-21

Thursday, March 21, 2002 2:06 PM
9/11 distribution of funds

March 21, 2002

To the decision making bodies concerning distribution of the 9/11 funds:

I join many others in writing this letter to you, to express my dismay at the intention of Kenneth Feinberg to omit assistance to selected beloved of the victims of the 9/11 tragedy, by deferring to each state's legal definitions of "family". Hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide, of all ethnicities and all sexual orientations rose to the occasion to send money to the 9/11 fund, with heartfelt desire to support the surviving family members and loved ones of the attack. My company alone donated in excess of $100,000 .

I ask you to put aside your political and religious boxes for enough moments to recognize that loving relationships and loving families have been evolving in our country for centuries that do not fit into these boxes, but which deserve unconditional recognition as valid. Love, respect and dedication to family life happens in all kinds of homes, even (and some might say especially) in lesbian and gay homes. Children are being raised by two moms and two dads all over this country, and are growing into beautiful adults who will contribute to a more tolerant future.

Whether or not you personally support or disdain a homosexual lifestyle is inconsequential to the fact that they exist en masse. Each individual in these families has earned through loving support and devotion to their loved ones the right to be considered family and, therefore, the right to the assistance that the 9/11 fund proports to provide. I implore you to please reconsider the way in which these valuable dollars are being distributed.

Individual Comment
San Francisco, CA

2002-03-21