dojA001347.xml

dojA001347.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-08

Saturday, December 08, 2001 6:01 PM
Justice

Kenneth Zwick, Director
Office of Managemnet Programs
US Department of Justice

Dear Mr. Zwick, I am urging you, in light of the tragedy our nation suffered
at the hands of terrorists on Sept 11, not to add to the pain of those who
lost their partners in the attacks ? and who happen to be gay or lesbian ?
by refusing to recognize their relationships and thereby cutting them off
from receiving the relief funds that they both need and deserve.
I read recently of the case of &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp who lost her partner of 18 years,
&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp , at the World Trade Center disaster in NY. I am sure you are
aware of the case ? that this couple made every legal effort to give each
other power of attorney and assure each other financial benefits in case of
the other's accidental death. And yet the State of Virginia, standing on the
letter of the law rather than the spirit of it, is refusing to grant &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp any financial benefits, even to the point of her losing her home.
I strongly urge your department to take this matter, and all like it, under
consideration and to move in the direction of true Justice ? which includes
mercy, compassion, and wisdom ? rather than simply adhering to beaucratic
policy.
We Americans are all grieving with our fellow countrymen and women who have
lost loved ones, and now more than ever, we need to honor, respect and
support each other. We hope and pray that those in authority in our nation's
government will do the same ? in fact, that they will lead the way.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment
South Newfane, VT

2001-12-08