dojR001881.xml

dojR001881.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-03-18

Monday, March 18, 2002 12:15 PM
Distribution of September 11th Funds

I was saddened when I heard that my government is planning to exclude a
group of individuals based on their sexual orientation.

Like all other Americans, September 11th was a pivotal point in my life. I
began to look at my family, friends, career, and personal goals and
reevaluate their significances and reprioritize. I began to love my family
more, although we have had our disagreements and although we do not always
see eye to eye. I realized that whether I agree with everything they say or
do, I still love and cherish them.

I am lucky, I didn't loose anyone that day. My family is from Manhattan
and my employer is headquartered in Washington, DC. I heard stories, from
the people who's lives I share, about their experiences. One woman shared
with me the fear of not knowing if she to her husband will make it home and
the dreaded call they had to make to relatives to arrange for their
children's care and well-being. I cried for everyone who lived through and
died on September 11th.

I have seen our country grow and heal with each major event. I was born
during the Vietnam War and grew up watching TV and hearing stories of how
our soldiers were treated. I saw our heroes then heal during the Gulf War,
when we "supported our troops". Inconsequential of our belief in the war, we
did what was right. I am seeing it now as our country pulls together in
order not to make judgments on Arab-Americans and repeat a dark time in our
history. I saw the media being used to spread the word of healing and
tolerance in order to keep Americans together and not create civil upheaval.
All of us are trying to keep it together, and it is taking every ounce of
energy.

That is why I am so shocked that our Federal government is hiding behind
State Laws. Choosing not to rock the boat, not to do the right thing. I am
still healing though this terrible time. My life has changed. I cannot
imagine the pain of those who did loose a loved one. Life does "go on," but
not without help. Family and community support are so important after such
a catastrophic event. Same Sex Partners, whether acknowledged by their
State of residency, deserve the same respect and tolerance as all Americans
and non-Americans receiving distributions from this fund.

Dr. Martin Lutheran King, Jr. said:

"Cowardice asks the question - is it safe?
Expediency asks the question - is it politic?
Vanity asks the question - is it popular?
But conscience asks the question - is it right?
And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe,
nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it BECAUSE it is right."

There were once State laws against his people, which it took the Federal
government's intervention to force a change. Over time, our hearts grew
though tolerance and acceptance and include them as full Americans. Now,
racism against African- Americans is not tolerated and laws are there to
protect them. Now is our time, to show that we are a nation undivided, that
all our citizens are counted and important, and that we a leaders of the
Free World.

As a Christians, we pray for our leaders to help them make the right
decision. I have been praying for our country's leaders since 9/11, and
today I will pray for you. Do what is right, not what is safe.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Long Beach, CA

2002-03-18