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December 13, 2001


Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530

To Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for all surviving families of the tragedy on
September 11th, including the children and families of low-wage workers and gay and lesbian
families.

Under traditional rules based on lost wages, the survivors of a bond trader earning millions of
dollars per year might receive thousands of times as much compensation as the survivors of a
dishwasher in one of the restaurants destroyed. Justice requires looking far beyond the last
paycheck to the inherent worth of all those killed, so that a high minimum compensation level is
set to lessen the disparities. It would be a double blow to the survivors to first lose their loved
one and then watch as most of the taxpayer money went to those who were already well off in the
first place.

The second major issue has to do with recognizing the legitimacy of gay and lesbian relationships
and families. Gay and lesbian families are especially vulnerable when one partner is killed.
Because the option of marriage is unavailable, these families may find themselves in the
traumatic predicament of having to prove that their union is legitimate. Fortunately, both the Red
Cross and the State of New York have already announced that they will not discriminate against
gay and lesbian families. The Department of Justice should do the same.

Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to hearing how you will act on these
very important issues.

Sincerely,
 Individual Comment    

Corvallis, OR




 
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Tuesday, March 12, 2002 1:43 PM
LAWS: violation of


I hope the Disriminatory Violation toward a smal group of citizens gets
this unit in HOT WATER with someone besides the TAXPAYERS Who SEE that
The HYPOCRITICAL DICRIMINATION TOWARDS A GROUP OF TAXPAYING CITIZENS
while ALLOWING a group of NON-CITIZENS TO BENEFIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gay people ARE ON YOUR CASE AND WILL NOT GET OFF UNTIL WE ARE TREATED
FAIRLY AND EQUALLY !

IF ILLEGAL ALIENS CAN GET COMPENSATIO WHY DO WE (gays) GET DISCRIMINATED
AGAINST???????

Individual Comment

 
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Thursday, March 14, 2002 10:24 AM
Fund disbursement


To whom it may concern at the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund:

I am appalled at Kenneth Feinberg's statements on the Sunday, March 10
broadcast of NBC's "Meet the Press" which indicate that gay and lesbian
victims of the 9/11 attacks will not be treated equally with other victims
of the attacks.

The one thing that separates us from the terrorists and similar religious
fundamentalists around the world is the belief that all humans, regardless
of their differences, must be accorded the same rights as anyone else. 

I implore you, as has President Bush so often has done, not to "give in to
the terrorists."  Please make your fund, and our government, something of
which I, and every freedom-loving person, can be proud by including gay and
lesbian victims, their partners and families, in just compensation received
from your fund.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Carrboro, NC

 
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Wednesday, December 19, 2001 5:28 PM
Assist All Persons regardless of sexual orientation


December  19, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I write as a member of Amnesty International, a worldwide human rights
movement committed to ensuring respect for the basic human rights of people
without discrimination, in support of equal access to benefits under the
September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual
orientation or marital status. As you know, the United States has
committed to uphold international human rights standards, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit arbitrary discrimination.
  
As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds.  In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality. 

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Raleigh, NC
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            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272859">
                <text>2001-12-19</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
        </elementContainer>
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    </elementSetContainer>
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            <element elementId="50">
              <name>Title</name>
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              <elementTextContainer>
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                </elementText>
              </elementTextContainer>
            </element>
            <element elementId="41">
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              <description>An account of the resource</description>
              <elementTextContainer>
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      <description/>
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          <elementTextContainer>
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              <text>Wednesday, December 19, 2001 2:02 PM
Equal Access to Crisis Relief Benefits for Surviving Gay and
Lesbian Partners


December  19, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I write as a member of Amnesty International, a worldwide human rights
movement committed to ensuring respect for the basic human rights of people
without discrimination, in support of equal access to benefits under the
September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual
orientation or marital status. As you know, the United States has
committed to uphold international human rights standards, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit arbitrary discrimination.
  
As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds.  In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality. 

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Sherman, TX
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          <element elementId="50">
            <name>Title</name>
            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272862">
                <text>dojA003364.xml</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
        </elementContainer>
      </elementSet>
      <elementSet elementSetId="4">
        <name>911DA Item</name>
        <description>Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item.</description>
        <elementContainer>
          <element elementId="52">
            <name>Status</name>
            <description>The process status of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272863">
                <text>approved</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="53">
            <name>Consent</name>
            <description>Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272864">
                <text>full</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="54">
            <name>Posting</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272865">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272866">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="56">
            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272867">
                <text>born-digital</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="57">
            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272868">
                <text>email</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="59">
            <name>Created by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the author created this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272869">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="60">
            <name>Described by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272870">
                <text>no</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="61">
            <name>Date Entered</name>
            <description>The date this item was entered into the archive.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272871">
                <text>2001-12-19</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
        </elementContainer>
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            <element elementId="50">
              <name>Title</name>
              <description>A name given to the resource</description>
              <elementTextContainer>
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      <description/>
      <elementContainer>
        <element elementId="65">
          <name>September 11 Email: Body</name>
          <description>The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end.</description>
          <elementTextContainer>
            <elementText elementTextId="272872">
              <text>

Monday, January 14, 2002 8:33 PM
Justice help all terrorist victims


Dear Mr. Zwick:

The very humane Fund for relatives of victims of the September 11
terrorist attacks must include all relatives of all the victims.

This importantly should include the partners and children of same sex
unions.  They suffer just as grievously for their deceased loved ones as
do other survivors, and their need for assistance is just as great.

Please do not give in to the importuning of callous homophobic groups and
individuals who would have the Department of Justice limit compensation
to survivors of heterosexual unions.  They are interested in a political
victory, not humane assistance.

This Fund is intended for humane purposes; it is not a political
statement, Mr. Zwick.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Philadelphia, PA 


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          <name>September 11 Email: Date</name>
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          <elementTextContainer>
            <elementText elementTextId="272873">
              <text>2002-01-14</text>
            </elementText>
          </elementTextContainer>
        </element>
      </elementContainer>
    </itemType>
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        <elementContainer>
          <element elementId="50">
            <name>Title</name>
            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272874">
                <text>dojN001768.xml</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
        </elementContainer>
      </elementSet>
      <elementSet elementSetId="4">
        <name>911DA Item</name>
        <description>Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item.</description>
        <elementContainer>
          <element elementId="52">
            <name>Status</name>
            <description>The process status of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272875">
                <text>approved</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="53">
            <name>Consent</name>
            <description>Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272876">
                <text>full</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="54">
            <name>Posting</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272877">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272878">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="56">
            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272879">
                <text>born-digital</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="57">
            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272880">
                <text>email</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="59">
            <name>Created by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the author created this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272881">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="60">
            <name>Described by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272882">
                <text>no</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="61">
            <name>Date Entered</name>
            <description>The date this item was entered into the archive.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272883">
                <text>2002-01-14</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
        </elementContainer>
      </elementSet>
    </elementSetContainer>
  </item>
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    <collection collectionId="24">
      <elementSetContainer>
        <elementSet elementSetId="1">
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          <elementContainer>
            <element elementId="50">
              <name>Title</name>
              <description>A name given to the resource</description>
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                </elementText>
              </elementTextContainer>
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            <element elementId="41">
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              <description>An account of the resource</description>
              <elementTextContainer>
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                </elementText>
              </elementTextContainer>
            </element>
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      </elementSetContainer>
    </collection>
    <itemType itemTypeId="18">
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      <description/>
      <elementContainer>
        <element elementId="65">
          <name>September 11 Email: Body</name>
          <description>The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end.</description>
          <elementTextContainer>
            <elementText elementTextId="272884">
              <text>
Monday, November 26, 2001 2:14 PM
Sept 11th Fund

Dear Attorney General Ashcroft:

The Sept 11th attacks were an attack on ALL Americans, including those whose
lifestyle you may not agree with! Discrimination is not a legacy a U.S.
Attorney General wants in the history books.

Please do not discriminate against the unmarried partners of September 11th
victims.  All unmarried partners, gay or straight, young and old and their
dependents should be eligible for compensation not just the ones you and
your right wing colleagues deem appropriate.

Please reconsider and help take care of all effected Americans -- isn't that
your job?

Individual Comment

 
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          <name>September 11 Email: Date</name>
          <description>The local time and date when the message was written.</description>
          <elementTextContainer>
            <elementText elementTextId="272885">
              <text>2001-11-26</text>
            </elementText>
          </elementTextContainer>
        </element>
      </elementContainer>
    </itemType>
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      <elementSet elementSetId="1">
        <name>Dublin Core</name>
        <description>The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.</description>
        <elementContainer>
          <element elementId="50">
            <name>Title</name>
            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272886">
                <text>dojW000589.xml</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
        </elementContainer>
      </elementSet>
      <elementSet elementSetId="4">
        <name>911DA Item</name>
        <description>Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item.</description>
        <elementContainer>
          <element elementId="52">
            <name>Status</name>
            <description>The process status of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272887">
                <text>approved</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="53">
            <name>Consent</name>
            <description>Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272888">
                <text>full</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
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            <name>Posting</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272889">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272890">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="56">
            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272891">
                <text>born-digital</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="57">
            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272892">
                <text>email</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="59">
            <name>Created by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the author created this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
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                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="60">
            <name>Described by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author.</description>
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              <elementText elementTextId="272894">
                <text>no</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="61">
            <name>Date Entered</name>
            <description>The date this item was entered into the archive.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272895">
                <text>2001-11-26</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
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          <elementContainer>
            <element elementId="50">
              <name>Title</name>
              <description>A name given to the resource</description>
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      <description/>
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        <element elementId="65">
          <name>September 11 Email: Body</name>
          <description>The basic content, as unstructured text; sometimes containing a signature block at the end.</description>
          <elementTextContainer>
            <elementText elementTextId="272896">
              <text>

Thursday, January 24, 2002 4:02 AM
Help all victims of terrorist attack


Dear Mr. Zwick:

The very humane Fund for relatives of victims of the September 11
terrorist attacks must include all relatives of all the victims.

This importantly should include the partners and children of same sex
unions.  They suffer just as grievously for their deceased loved ones as
do other survivors, and their need for assistance is just as great.

Please do not give in to the importuning of callous homophobic groups
and individuals who would have the Department of Justice limit
compensation to survivors of heterosexual unions.  They are interested
in a political victory, not humane assistance.

This Fund is intended for humane purposes; it is not a political
statement, Mr. Zwick.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment

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          <elementTextContainer>
            <elementText elementTextId="272897">
              <text>2002-01-24</text>
            </elementText>
          </elementTextContainer>
        </element>
      </elementContainer>
    </itemType>
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        <elementContainer>
          <element elementId="50">
            <name>Title</name>
            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272898">
                <text>dojP000056.xml</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
        </elementContainer>
      </elementSet>
      <elementSet elementSetId="4">
        <name>911DA Item</name>
        <description>Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item.</description>
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          <element elementId="52">
            <name>Status</name>
            <description>The process status of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272899">
                <text>approved</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="53">
            <name>Consent</name>
            <description>Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272900">
                <text>full</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="54">
            <name>Posting</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272901">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272902">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
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            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272903">
                <text>born-digital</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="57">
            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272904">
                <text>email</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="59">
            <name>Created by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the author created this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272905">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="60">
            <name>Described by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272906">
                <text>no</text>
              </elementText>
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            <name>Date Entered</name>
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            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272907">
                <text>2002-01-24</text>
              </elementText>
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              <text>
Wednesday, December 19, 2001 10:22 AM
please help LGB


December  19, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I write as a member of Amnesty International, a worldwide human rights
movement committed to ensuring respect for the basic human rights of people
without discrimination, in support of equal access to benefits under the
September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual
orientation or marital status. As you know, the United States has
committed to uphold international human rights standards, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit arbitrary discrimination.
  
As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds.  In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality. 

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Pittsburgh, PA

 
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              </elementText>
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            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
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              <elementText elementTextId="272914">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
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            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
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            <name>Media Type</name>
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            <name>Described by Author</name>
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                <text>no</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
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            <name>Date Entered</name>
            <description>The date this item was entered into the archive.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272919">
                <text>2001-12-19</text>
              </elementText>
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          <elementTextContainer>
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              <text>
Sunday, March 17, 2002 12:54 PM
September 11 Fund


"[Gays and lesbians are] left out of my program to the extent that their own state doesn't include them. I cannot get into a position in this program, which has a one-and-a-half or two-year life start second-guessing what the state of New York or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the state of Virginia or New Jersey, how they treat same-sex partners, domestic live-ins, etc. I simply say this: What does your state law say about who is eligible? If your state law makes you eligible, I will honor state law. If it doesn't, I go with the state. Otherwise, Tim, I would find myself getting sued in every state by people claiming that I'm not following how the state distributes money. I can't get into that local battle. I've got to rely on state law." - Kenneth Feinberg on NBC's "Meet the Press," March 10, 2002.

The above "cop out" is just so much bunk!  If the 9/11 Fund is willing to compensate the families of foreign nationals living and working ILLEGALLY in this country, then this fund should treat ALL citizend of the UNITED STATES equally, regardless of sexual orientation or domestic partner status.  Absolutely NO innocent human being who was going about his daily routine deserved to be vaporized in that horrible attack on our country; PERIOD.  You send a very wrong message by doing this.  It's the gays today, who's next?  Women, Catholics?  Don't forget either that the illegal aliens may pay taxes but they cannot vote.  Gay people can and DO!

Respectfully,


Individual Comment

 
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            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
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        <name>911DA Item</name>
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            <name>Status</name>
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                <text>approved</text>
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              </elementText>
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            <name>Posting</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272925">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272926">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
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            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
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                <text>born-digital</text>
              </elementText>
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            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
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              </elementText>
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              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
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            <name>Described by Author</name>
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                <text>no</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
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            <name>Date Entered</name>
            <description>The date this item was entered into the archive.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="272931">
                <text>2002-03-17</text>
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          <elementTextContainer>
            <elementText elementTextId="272932">
              <text>
Monday, March 18, 2002 10:17 AM
Compensation

I am concerned that we treat the loved ones of persons who are homosexual 
differently than those who are heterosexual.  The personal loss that these 
life companions have sustained is at least as great without also facing 
rejection from their government based solely on whom they love and share 
their lives with.

Many corporations recognize the union of homosexual couples in their 
benefits.  For men and women who have given their lives - intentionally, as 
well as unintentionally - for their country, they and their families should 
receive the same compensation without regard to their orientation.

Peace and Grace,

Individual Comment
Tulsa, OK
 
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            <elementText elementTextId="272933">
              <text>2002-03-18</text>
            </elementText>
          </elementTextContainer>
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            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
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                <text>dojR001727.xml</text>
              </elementText>
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              </elementText>
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              </elementText>
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            <elementText elementTextId="272944">
              <text>
Tuesday, March 12, 2002 1:42 PM
BENEFITS FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE TERRORISTS ATTACKS


DEARS SIRS,
             I'M WRITING IN REGARD TO THE STATEMENTS THAT KENNETH FEINBERG 
MADE ON MARCH TENTH, WHILE HE WAS ON 'MEET THE PRESS'.HE SAID THAT THE 
SAME-SEX PARTNERS OF THE VICTIMS OF THE SEPTEMBER 11th ATTACKS WOULD NOT BE 
RECEIVING ANY OF THE FUNDS THAT HAD BEEN SET UP FOR THE SURVIVERS.HOWEVER,MR. 
FEINBERG SAID THAT FUNDS WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO NON-AMERICAN, ILLEGAL ALIENS 
WHO WISHED TO COME FORWARD WITHOUT ANY WORRY TO THEIR BEING ILLEGAL ALIENS.
THESE PEOPLE WOULD BE ABLE TO COLLECT FOR THEIR LOSING THEIR PARTNERS.
            NOW SPEAKING AS AN AMERICAN GAY POSTAL WORKER, I DON'T FEEL THAT 
THIS IS RIGHT.TWO DAYS AFTER THE ATTACKS,I DONATED TO BOTH THE AMERICAN RED 
CROSS AND TO THE UNITED WAY. AFTER THE TWO POSTAL DEATHES,I MADE DONATIONS 
THROUGH THE POSTAL SERVICE, AND THE APWU UNION. I WANTED THESE DONATIONS TO 
GO TO THE SURVIVORS OF THE VICTIMS. I NEVER ASKED IF THEY WERE 
WHITE,BLACK,CATHOLIC,PROTESTANT,GAY,MALE,FEMALE,AMERICANS,ILLEGAL ALIENS,OR 
NON-AMERICANS, I (LIKE MANY OTHER AMERICANS AT THE TIME) JUST WANTED TO HELP 
THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAD BEEN HIT THE MOST BY THIS EVIL ATTACK ON THESE INNOCENT 
PEOPLE.
           BUT NOW, I'M BEGINNING TO THINK I SHOULD HAVE. BECAUSE OTHER 
PEOPLE ARE MAKING DECISIONS ON THIS MONEY ABOUT WHO 'THEY FEEL' ARE ALLOWED 
TO GET THIS MONEY.MR.FEINBERG IS GOING TO ALLOW ILLEGAL ALIENS TO COLLECT 
WHILE GAY TAXPAYERS ARE NOT ENTITLED.
            I'M HOPING THAT THIS INJUSTICE CAN BE CORRECTED. THIS IS A TIME 
OF HEALING FOR THIS COUNTRY, NOT ONE TO CREATE MORE HURT.
                                                                              
          SINCERELY,
                                                                              

Individual Comment
CONNECTICUT
 
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              <text>2002-03-12</text>
            </elementText>
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            <name>Title</name>
            <description>A name given to the resource</description>
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              <elementText elementTextId="272946">
                <text>dojR000461.xml</text>
              </elementText>
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        <name>911DA Item</name>
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              </elementText>
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            <elementTextContainer>
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              </elementText>
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December 13, 2001


Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530

To Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for all surviving families of the tragedy on
September 11th, including the children and families of low-wage workers and gay and lesbian families.

Under traditional rules based on lost wages, the survivors of a bond trader earning millions of
dollars per year might receive thousands of times as much compensation as the survivors of a
dishwasher in one of the restaurants destroyed. Justice requires looking far beyond the last paycheck to
the inherent worth of all those killed, so that a high minimum compensation level is set to lessen the
disparities. It would be a double blow to the survivors to first lose their loved one and then watch as
most of the taxpayer money went to those who were already well off in the first place.

The second major issue has to do with recognizing the legitimacy of gay and lesbian
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predicament of having to prove that their union is legitimate. Fortunately, both the Red Cross and the
State of New York have already announced that they will not discriminate against gay and lesbian
families. The Department of Justice should do the same.

Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to hearing how you will act on these
very important issues.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Chicago,IL

 
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Tuesday, November 06, 2001 6:02 PM
Equal Distribution of Monies

As a contributor to several of the organizations pledged to help victims of
9/11, I am deeply concerned about what is happening right now. It appears
that the squeaky wheels or those with lawyers will get the lion's share of
the compensation, while the rest get the leftovers. 

I feel quite strongly that a centralized database needs to be developed and
used by all of the various charities. As an experienced database designer
and database administrator, it is my opinion that this should not be
daunting task. If you would like more detail about this, I would be happy
to forward my ideas. 

I believe that compensation MUST be limited to direct family members only:
Legal spouses and children of victims, and parents, brothers, and sisters.
No fiances, unmarried partners, etc. Within that group, spouses and
children (dependents) should receive most of the compensation (80 or 90%).
Family income of the survivors should NOT be a factor.

If the process is opened up to other than direct family members, it will
end up in a legal quagmire, as everyone who can possibly claim some
familial link to the victims shows up with their lawyers. I do not think
that relatives of illegal aliens who died should receive compensation. In
fact, I think they should be deported. Sorry if that seems cold, but there
are legal ways to emigrate to this country. 

Individual Comment
 
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December 14, 2001


Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530

To Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for all surviving families of the tragedy on September
11th, including the children and families of low-wage workers and gay and lesbian families.  Under
traditional rules based on lost wages, the survivors of a bond trader earning millions of dollars per
year might receive thousands of times as much compensation as the survivors of a dishwasher in one of
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double blow to the survivors to first lose their loved one and then watch as most of the taxpayer money
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having to prove that their union is legitimate. Fortunately both the Red Cross and the State of New
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Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to hearing how you will act on these very
important issues.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Colorado Springs, CO 
 
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Friday, March 15, 2002 4:09 PM
why didnt you/he buy life insurance!!!

 
I am sorry for your loss, but this is the biggest rip off in the country!!!!  My husband serves proudly in the United States Navy and if he was killed if we didn't BUY life insurance there is NO compensation/free college for us!!!  Who do these people think they are??? The very same people who voted for the draft dodger for president, the very same people who voted down the military funding year after year and the VERY SAME PEOPLE WHO VOTED FOR HILARY CLINTON!!!  Every time we have a disaster are we going to have to PAY while we are serving this country you are working taking advantage of a "free nation", we have to apply for food stamps to feed our children all the while working 24 hours a day to keep this nation free with having to use junk parts to try to repair the equipment needed to defend this nation.  Enough of the hand outs!!!! Buy life insurance like the rest of us!!!                  

Individual Comment

 
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Tuesday, December 18, 2001 7:18 PM
Concerned about discrimination


December  18, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I write as a member of Amnesty International, a worldwide human rights
movement committed to ensuring respect for the basic human rights of people
without discrimination, in support of equal access to benefits under the
September 11 Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual
orientation or marital status. As you know, the United States has
committed to uphold international human rights standards, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which prohibit arbitrary discrimination.
  
As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including among relatives eligible for compensation those
who lost their life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, granting compensation benefits "on
a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that
anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies.  An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds.  In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality. 

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
about your efforts to ensure that all surviving victims of the September 11
attacks have equal access to the relief fund.


Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Savannah, GA

 
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                <text>yes</text>
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            <name>Described by Author</name>
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                <text>no</text>
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              <text>
December 13, 2001


Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg     
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund     
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530

To Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for all surviving families of the tragedy on September 11th, including the children and families of low-wage workers and gay and lesbian families.

Under traditional rules based on lost wages, the survivors of a bond trader earning millions of dollars per year might receive thousands of times as much compensation as the survivors of a diswasher in one of the restaraunts destroyed. Justice requires looking far beyond the last paycheck to the inherent worth of all those killed, so that a high minimum compensation level is set to lessen the disparities. It would be a double blow to the survivors to first lose their loved one and then watch as most of the taxpayers money went to those who were already well off in the first place.

The second major issue has to do with recognizing the legitimacy of gay and lesbian relationships and families. Gay and lesbian famillies are especially vulerable when one partner is killed. Because the option of marriage is unavailable, these families may find themselves in a traumatic predicament of having to prove that their union is legitimate. Fortunaely, both the Red Cross and the State of New York have already announced that they will not discriminate against gay and lesbian families. The Department of Justice should 
do the same.

Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to hearing how you will act on these very important issues.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Westbrook, ME
 
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        <name>911DA Item</name>
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            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
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              <elementText elementTextId="273022">
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Monday, December 10, 2001 9:20 AM
Fw: 9-11 Victim Compensation Fund


Dear Director Zwick,
This email is my request that as an American citizen united, the Justice Department include among relatives eligible for compensation those who lost their life partners as well as de facto parents or children, without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.  Furthermore, please follow the example already set by New York Governor Pataki in granting compensation benefits "on a showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that anyone who shared with the victim living expenses, day-to-day activities and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."  
 
This is a time of crisis for our nation &amp; all of its citizens.  This is NOT a time for our government to add to the pain of this conflict by acting in a way that encourages or promotes prejudice &amp; hatred, or abandons our own people, on the basis of sexual orientation.  American citizens from all walks of life acted heroically in this catastrophe &amp; were lost.  The people they left behind may be their CHOSEN families &amp; friends due that person's life circumstances, &amp; we have NO right to judge the validity of their loss or of the life of the hero they mourn.  Please feel free to contact me via this email address or at                 should you have any questions.  Thank you, 

Individual Comment
Tomball, TX


 
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              <text>December 13, 2001
Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530
To Mr. Feinberg:
I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for all surviving
families of the tragedy on September 11th, including the children and families
of low-wage workers and gay and lesbian families.
Under traditional rules based on lost wages, the survivors of a bond
trader earning millions of dollars per year might receive thousands of
times as much compensation as the survivors of a dishwasher in one of the
restaurants destroyed. Justice requires looking far beyond the last paycheck
to the inherent worth of all those killed, so that a high minimum compensation
level is set to lessen the disparities. It would be a double blow to the
survivors to first lose their loved one and then watch as most of the taxpayer
money went to those who were already well off in the first place.
The second major issue has to do with recognizing the legitimacy of
gay and lesbian relationships and families. Gay and lesbian families are
especially vulnerable when one partner is killed. Because the option of
marriage is unavailable, these families may find themselves in the traumatic
predicament of having to prove that their union is legitimate. Fortunately
both the Red Cross and the State of New York have already announced that
they will not discriminate against gay and lesbian families. The Department
of Justice should do the same.
Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to hearing how
you will act on these very important issues.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Frankfort, IL
 
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                <text>dojA001902.xml</text>
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        <name>911DA Item</name>
        <description>Elements describing a September 11 Digital Archive item.</description>
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            <name>Status</name>
            <description>The process status of this item.</description>
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          <element elementId="53">
            <name>Consent</name>
            <description>Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item.</description>
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                <text>full</text>
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          <element elementId="54">
            <name>Posting</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor gave permission to post this item.</description>
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                <text>yes</text>
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          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="273046">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
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          </element>
          <element elementId="56">
            <name>Source</name>
            <description>The source of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="273047">
                <text>born-digital</text>
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            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="57">
            <name>Media Type</name>
            <description>The media type of this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="273048">
                <text>email</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="59">
            <name>Created by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the author created this item.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="273049">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="60">
            <name>Described by Author</name>
            <description>Whether the description of this item was submitted by the author.</description>
            <elementTextContainer>
              <elementText elementTextId="273050">
                <text>no</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
          <element elementId="61">
            <name>Date Entered</name>
            <description>The date this item was entered into the archive.</description>
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              <elementText elementTextId="273051">
                <text>2001-12-13</text>
              </elementText>
            </elementTextContainer>
          </element>
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    </elementSetContainer>
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