dojA000930.xml

dojA000930.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-05

Wednesday, December 05, 2001 12:35 PM
comments about compensation of gays/lesbians

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

Mr. Zwick

I am deeply disturbed that some individuals wish to exclude the families,
partners and children of gay and lesbian victims from compensation for the
terrorist attacks. Where is the logic in that? It is beyond cruel to
retraumatize others by denying them acknowledgment and economic survival
because we are insultingly presumptuous enough to "decide" for them whether
their personal relationships are "valid". In the past, we once turned our
fear and pain into disgusted, righteous exclusion of traumatized Viet vet
amputees and bereaved families; we still carry guilt for that, but have we
learned nothing? Are we willing to do that again? Denying someone else's pain
does not make anyone's pain go away.

Let's not compound one tragedy with another. This is about helping people to
heal, not finding new ways to express hate. Please do not deny the loved ones
of gay and lesbian victims what little (but necessary) comfort such
compensation will bring. Let's do the right thing here.

Thanks for hearing my comments.
Individual Comment
Chicago Illinois

2001-12-05