dojR001591.xml

dojR001591.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-03-18

Monday, March 18, 2002 12:55 AM
Protest 9/11 Fund Exclusion

I have been given to understand that the surviving partners of gay victims of the September 11th attacks upon my country will not be honored in the compensation to survivors. I have also waited for the "dust" of confusion to clear before making any sort of a contribution to any 9/11 funds. I feel that this has been a wise choice on my part, for I have seen the greed that this has caused.

I am sorry that, if true, decisions like this could be made. I remember the strongest words of rebuke that were made in the past by a living icon of American culture when minorities in our society chose to ridicule him. He said simply, "Shame on you." I am happy to say that even in death that same icon of American culture is revered more than ever. That was Louis Armstrong.

To be shamed is perhaps the lowest that one can sink in a society. Shaming maybe old fashioned today; however, people turn their backs as if the shamed person no longer exists. Denial of one's existence is still extremely strong in my eyes.

I feel that my voice can reverberate louder in my personal contributions of service, money and time given to organizations that will truly distribute my offerings in an equitable, fair and all inclusive manner. As Mr. Armstrong said, "Shame on you." I simply leave it there.

Individual Comment

2002-03-18