dojA001444.xml

dojA001444.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-10

Monday, December 10, 2001 9:55 PM
9/11 Compensation Comments

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

Dear Mr. Zwick:

I am writing to you with my comments regarding fair and equitable distribution of payments from the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund."
First, I would like to say that I applaud the government (both Executive and Adminstration) for creating and passing the bill that allowed this fund to be created. Secondly, that I appreciate the opportunity to be able to comment on the distribution of these funds.
Many people were grievously impacted by the 9/11 tragedy. Families were torn asunder; 'breadwinners' lost; loved ones disappeared. Assisting citizens in these circumstances is a trying task; doing it with compassion is a necessity.
I would urge you to develop and publish guidelines to the appropriate governmental bodies that would allow husbands, wives and children to receive appropriate compensation - whether the individuals claiming benefit are, as most probably will be, legally married or not. I would urge you to develop rules that encompass compassion to those who may have had long-term relationships, either as partners, spouses, children or parents who may or may not be married. Loss is loss and it did not respect legal status, sexual orientation nor gender. Everyone who counted on a person who was lost should be included in consideration for benefits. Whatever test or 'bar' is developed should include those in legally recognized relationships, but should also include a 'test' for those in 'alternative' relationships - whether joint mortgages, other joint financial 'entanglements', civil union licenses or other objective 'proof' of mutual benefit and mutual care.
In this way, all of those impacted can have the opportunity to be 'cared for' and the government can demonstrate its responsibility to all citizens who were impacted by the heinous acts committed on September 11th.
I thank you for the opportunity to write to you. Please let me know should you have any questions regarding my communication.
Sincerely yours,
Individual Comment

2001-12-10