dojA001329.xml

dojA001329.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-08

Saturday, December 08, 2001 9:07 AM
Helping ALL victims of the Sept. 11th attack

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

Dear Mr. Zwick,

All these years after President Kennedy was shot, I still remember much about
that day, where I was when I heard the news. And how everyone reacted around
me. I was in second grade, and even though I could not quit comprehend the
enormousity of the situation, it was the first time I saw my mother cry. And
like that horrible day, September 11, 2001, will be forever etched in my
mind.

As a nation, we are all victims. As an indivigual, I am a victim. I waited
for hours for news of a relative, thankfully he was physically unhurt. I
waited for days, for news of friends in New York, thankfully everyone I cared
about was physically unhurt. I waited for hours to get through to my partner
in Alexandria, who was only miles away from the Pentegon, thankfully, she was
physically unhurt. I do, however, know of someone who lost someone, so as
you can see, we are all victims.

I am blessed that on such a horrific day, I did not lose anyone that I know.
However, there are so many that did lose someone, that I write to you today,
asking you to help remember ALL victims of September 11th.

I am not speaking of the fathers or mothers or children who we all clearly
send out our hearts to in recognition of their pain we clearly see. I am not
speaking of the police, firemen, nor any of the rescue personnel who so
gallently gave up their lives in the hope of saving just one person.

I am speaking of the victim, who, because of society's "glare," may not step
forward. I am speaking of the man or woman, whose partners did not return
from work that day. The unmarried homosexual, who's lives were so profoundly
affected that day. I am speaking of the child, who's mother or father's
partner did not return home that day, as they did so happily just the day
before.

Everyone who was emotionally affected that day needs our help, EVERYONE.

I am asking the Justice Department to include among relatives eligible for
compensation those who lost their life partners as well as de facto parents
or children, without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.

I am asking the United States Government to follow the example already set
by New York Governor Pataki in granting compensation benefits "on a showing
of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that anyone who
shared with the victim living expenses, day-to-day activities and the
emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need.

I am asking my United States Government to set aside religious beliefs, and
any prejudices and step up to the plate.

Remember, please, we are ALL victims.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Richmond, VA

2001-12-08