dojR002483.xml

dojR002483.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-03-21

Thursday, March 21, 2002 8:28 AM

Dear Mr. President:

As Americans have so many times in our history, our citizens displayed
grace, courage and compassion under the most trying of circumstances. I
have never felt so much pride in our country and its people as I felt
during the horrific events of September 11 and its aftermath. I have
seldom felt, as I feel now, such shame and sadness, at the way those
same citizens are being treated by corporations and organizations with
agendas that are anything but compassionate or courageous.

I have recently been informed of the September 11th Fund's decision to
deny compensation to any homosexual partmer of a victim of 9-11. Keith
Feinberg of the September 11th Fund declared publicly that no gay
victim's partner will be eligible for the benefits due to a hetrosexual
spouse/partner of the terrorist attacks.

I am sure you are aware by now that one of that day's greatest heros was
. He was the young man who, along with other passengers of
United Flight 93, fought to regain control of the airplane that was
headed to your home. has been lauded as a hero for six
months, as have his fellow passengers. The families and spouses of those
people will receive compensation for their losses. Because
was gay, his partner will not. Illegal aliens and non-citizens of the
United States will receive compensation if their spouse or family member
perished in the attacks. partner will not. Can you, in
good conscience, allow this to happen? Can you look another American in
the face, an American who lost a loved one to the hatred and lack of
understanding of others, and deny them what is rightfully theirs? Please
do not let this be. I urge you to help change the policy of the
September 11th Fund.

Americans have shown remarkable tolerance and understanding these last
six months. Please do not show that to be a travesty.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Richmond, Virginia

2002-03-21