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Thursday, January 03, 2002 3:29 AM
Social Security Benefits

Is it true that you will reduce victim comp payments by the total amount
of
Social Securty survivor payments to each family affected by 09/11?

Social Security benefits may be taxable while victim comp payments are
not.

Can survivors withdraw their Social Security Survivor applications and
refund their Social Security survivor payments in order to avoid the
reduction of the victim comp payments by these SSA benefits? If not,
then an exclusion in the law should be writen that precludes SSA
survivor benefits, resulting from 09/11, from any taxation.

If survivors of 09/11 have not filed for SSA benefits are they required
to file for SSA benefits? If survivors do not file a claim for SSA
benefits will there still be an offset by the amount of the SSA benefits
they could have received?

What Social Security benefits will be offset from 09/11 victimim comp
payments?
(Children's , Surviving Spouse, Parents, Lump sum death benefit of
$255.00).

A typical 09/11 case involves the payment of SSA benefits to the
surviving spouse and the children. The surviving spouse will receive
benefits until the last child attains age 16 or will continue to receive
benefits if the child  is disabled before age 22 and remains disabled.

Children's benefits continue until they are age 18, or age 19 if in
secondary school, or until death if they are disabled before age 22 and
the disabililty prevents work.

A surviving spouse can reapply for widow's or widower's benefits when
they attain age 60 or 50 if they are disabled. Will these future
benefits also be excluded from
the victim's compensation benefits?

SSA benefits are earned benefits. Life insurance payments result from
payment for an insurance policy. A pension is earned as a result of
years of employment. It seems to be unfair to offset victim's comp
payments by their SSA benefits, pension or life insurance.benefits .

I do not believe that the victim's salary should be considered when
determining  the amounts payable from this fund..

The victim's compensation fund is made up of federal taxes. My position
is that the   only fair distribution of the victim's comp payments is to
divide the total by the number of survivors and have a cap on the total
payable to each family. I do not believe there should be any offset for
life insurance, pensions, Social Security benefits, etc. If a victim
bought life insurance or paids FICA tax why should the surviving family
members be punished for their resourcefulness?

Individual Comment


 
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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
Pittsburgh, PA 
 
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December 18, 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.

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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
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Department of Just ice 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
Indiana, PA
 
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Monday, March 11, 2002 12:52 PM
9/11 fund


    I am quite distressed in learning that Kenneth Feinberg has decided to 
not compensate gay partners of those who died with the 9/11 fund. It will be 
used to compensate the families of illegal aliens (who are breaking federal 
law) but not homosexuals because they are not sanctioned by state law. This 
fund should be a means for Americans to come together honoring those whose 
lives were lost so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom. Not to further 
bigotry. 
            Sincerely,
            Individual Comment
            Greensboro, NC


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Wednesday, December 19, 2001 5:35 PM
Equal access to crisis relief fund


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
Covington, KY
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Tuesday, December 04, 2001 6:45 PM



Dear Mr. Zwick:

We are writing in response to the Department's request for public comments 
regarding the forthcoming regulations for implementing and administering 
the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund." We strongly urge the 
Department to draft regulations that ensure compensation is available to 
all victims of the attack, including the committed partners and the 
non-biological children of gay and lesbian victims.

It is unquestionable that the devastating grief and economic losses 
suffered by the families of gay and lesbian victims are no less than that 
of other families. Just as the terrorists drew no lines in choosing their 
victims, our country must draw no lines in compensating those who suffered 
the most personal of losses from these horrific attacks.

Many Americans lost their lives on September 11, each of whom left behind 
loved ones. We urge the Department to honor these bonds by treating the 
families of gay and lesbian victims as you would any other.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment

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Sunday, March 17, 2002 7:26 PM
Your blatant discrimination of Gays and Lesbians


To Whom It May Concern:
 
I am outraged that you think supporting illegal aliens' rights over our
fellow gay and lesbian Americans is the correct way to use the 911
relief fund money.  I would like to know what states have to say about
the rights of illegal aliens.  Why are you not subjecting them to the
"states rule all" philosophy?
I'm sorry to say, but you just sent a clear statement to all American
gays and lesbians.  They should not even bother helping this country
anymore since their own loved ones will not be protected by this
country.  It's despicable!  It's the stupidest move you could have
made!!!  I just hope that you get an outcry of people wanting their
money back that they donated for that fund.  You clearly do not deserve
to designate who is to be helped and who isn't.  My view of our country
and the people in it has just plummeted to a new low.  When you will
support people who are not even citizens of this country over people who
are, is just disgusting.  You as an American should be ashamed!!!!  I
can hardly consider you an American anymore!!!!
 
Good day and good luck finding people to support your next disaster
relief effort.  You just lost one (and more likely, more)!
 
Individual Comment
Chandler, AZ
 
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Wednesday, December 19, 2001 4:10 PM
equal rights


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
Seattle, WA


 
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Saturday, March 16, 2002 4:53 PM
Gay and Lesbian Patriots

I am saddened and disappointed to hear that despite the unparalleled 
patriotism shown by ALL the people involved in the September 11th tragedy, 
and the losses experienced by so many, that only the families and loved ones 
of our "straight" brothers and sisters are being recognized. How much more 
does our government want to add to this already heartbreaking event for 
those gay men and lesbians who lost loved ones by terror on that horrible 
day?  The devastation of that day will live forever with those who lost 
someone, gay and straight alike, and how sad that our own government will 
add to that with discrimination.Individual Comment
 
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Monday, March 11, 2002 1:09 PM



Dear September 11th Victim Compensation Fund,
Vote.com is the Internet's most popular voting site.  Millions of people regularly express their opinions and - in just one click - automatically send their views to important decision makers like you.

Here are the latest votes on the question, SHOULD FAMILIES OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO DIED ON 9-11 GET MONEY FROM THE FEDERAL VICTIMS' FUND?:

YES: 2 votes 
NO: 9 votes 
Individual Comment

 
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Monday, January 07, 2002 4:16 AM
Oxymoron

Dear Special Master: (I love that title!) 

Department of "Justice"?? That cracks me up!!!

And how much is pain and suffering and loss of salary worth to each of the families of the USS Cole, the Marine barracks in Bruit, Haiti, Grenada, Panama, the Gulf  War, the US Embassies in Africa, Somalia, or even the one Sgt. killed in Afghanistan, et al?????? (We can put Vietnam, WWI, and WWII aside for now)!

I find it troubling that we in the Armed Forces have been fighting and dying without notice or extra compensation for a long time. The attitude of the public has always been"That's their job--- that is what they get paid for." But when it is firemen and policemen and a priest and it happens on American soil, somehow that is different?? Aren't embassies US soil, and US ships, etc. equally part of the American fabric?

I feel deeply for the legitimate survivors of the New York, Pentagon, and Pennsylvania casualties. As deeply, in fact, as I did when the USS Forrestal exploded and burned in the Tonkin Gulf in July of 1967. Ask my old squadron mate at the time, Sen. John S. McCain,III (R-AZ) about the 147 shipmates who were killed. We sent their families a letter of regret, their personal effects, a group life insurance check, and $255 to bury them.

Let's not get into the categories of survivors!!! That appears to be a "whole 'nuther story"too!!

So, with well in excess of a billion dollars to distribute, and discussions going on for reparations to slave descendents, etc, how about a little equity? And keep good records  --- I'll want to see how much went to lawyers, overhead, and administration!

And tell the whiners to just SHUT UP!!!!!!!!

Individual Comment
Ridgecrest, CA


 
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Wednesday, December 05, 2001 6:36 PM
Relatives eligible for compensation from 9-11-01

Attention:
    Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
    Office of Management Programs
    U. S. Department of Justice

Dear Mr. Zwick:

     I have never gotten involved in politics, other than to vote.  I've 
never been an activist for any causes, not even equal rights.  I guess I've 
just been happy staying in my little box.  As long as everyone stays out of 
my box.  I work, I pay my bills, my taxes, I have two children, own my own 
home, and I love my God and my country.
    I feel the need to write, and express my concern for the families of the 
victims from Sept. 11.  God bless this country for looking out for the 
families.  I pray and ask you now not to discriminate against anyone.  Please 
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.  Please for New York's Gov. Pataki in grating 
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."  I know this may be difficult, but we must think about all 
Americans and their families, we all grieve.  It is difficult for society but 
it is no different from any other family.  Partners that have been married or 
together for ten, twenty, maybe thirty years.  Can we turn there loss away?  
Do they grieve differently?  What if there are children?  
    I will pray for all those in having to make these decision, I know they 
are difficult decisions to make.  We must all stand together and be one.  
Thank you for your time, God bless and Happy Holidays.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Midlothian, VA  


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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 
Oak Park, IL 


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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
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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
San Anselmo, CA


 
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Monday, March 18, 2002 3:12 PM
Discrimination is Un-American

I am appalled at hearing Kenneth Feinberg's comments that some victims' survivors are to receive less (if anything) because of the laws that openly discriminate against a certain group of Americans, that group being gays and lesbians.  I am further appalled that the family of victims not yet born may receive compensation, most likely at the expense of those victims that have been born, and were born gay or lesbian.  And, how is it that this fund is considering overlooking federal law to aid survivors of victims who happen to be illegal workers, yet won't overlook federal and state laws to aid survivors of American victims?  I suggest that you just come out and say that this fund believes that, although gay and lesbian people may contribute to this fund, don't expect a fair treatment from this fund's directors, as we openly discriminate and hold some Americans' lives as less worthy than others.

It is with cowardice that this fund's directors hide behind some laws but openly rejects others.  Take a look at the order from Governor Pataki (NY) to treat all survivors as equal (remniscent of a founding principle of this country).

"If September 11 has taught us anything, it's that our patriotism and love of country transcend our differences and unite us all.  It would be ironic if the generosity of so many Americans in giving to the September 11th Fund were used to further divide us as a people, and send the message to all that some American heroes are more equal than others."-            , uspolitics.about.com

I applaud the efforts to make sure that everyone is included, but despise that method of disbursement based upon perceived value of lives and relationships.

Please, if you don't discriminate on who gives the money and how much they can give, don't discriminate on who gets the money and how much they can or cannot get.

Individual Comment

 
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Tuesday, November 20, 2001 10:52 AM

Victims Compensation Fund



To Whom It May Concern;

My name is          and I lost my fiance in the September 11th attacks.

He worked in 1 WTC. I received information on this fund from my support

group. There are several fiancee's in this group and we are not currently

being recognized as next of kin in NY state for government or estate

benefits, even though we were all to be married shortly and were all

currently living together.

I would like to know if fiancees can file for this fund for loss of support

and pain &amp; suffering or does it have to be the next of kin. Since we are the

ones who have been truly affected by the loss of our fiance's incomes (as

wives are) rather than the legal next of kin, who aren't affected

financially at all, I would like to make the recommendation that

fiances/fiancees be recognized as spouses in this compensation fund.

If someone could respond and let me know how this matter will be handled, I

would very much appreciate it.

Thank you,



Individual Comment

 
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Monday, December 03, 2001 10:07 AM
Comments re Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund

Attachment 1:
December 3, 2001

Via e-mail and fax to 301-519-5956

Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Division
Main Building, Room 3140
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC  20530

Re:  September 11 Victim Compensation Program 

Dear Mr. Zwick:

 I am writing on behalf of People For the American Way Foundation and our more than 500,000 members and activists across the country in response to the Departments November 5, 2001 request for public comments regarding the Departments forthcoming regulations for implementing and administering the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund" established by the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act ("the Act").  As that Act makes clear, the purpose of the Fund is to provide compensation to any persons who were physically injured in the September 11 terrorist attacks as well as to the surviving "relatives" of those who died.  

We strongly urge the Department to promulgate regulations ensuring that compensation is available to all surviving family members of those killed, including the committed partners and the non-biological children of gay and lesbian victims.  Just as the terrorists drew no lines in killing people, our country must draw no lines in compensating those who suffered the most personal of losses from these horrific deaths.  In promulgating its regulations, the Department should look not to legal formalisms that may define relatives or families for purposes of other laws, but rather to the realities of the lives of those who were killed and those who loved and were dependent on them. 

Indeed, it is clear from the Act that this is precisely the approach the Department must take in administering the Fund.  The Act specifically identifies a number of "economic" and "non-economic" losses for which compensation is to be awarded from the Fund.  These include burial costs, loss of earnings, physical and emotional pain, suffering, mental anguish, and loss of society and companionship. See §§ 402(5) and 402(7).  It is unquestionable that the survivors of those killed on September 11 suffered these types of losses regardless of their sexual orientation or marital status or their formal legal relationship to the deceased.  Indeed, grief and economic loss know no such boundaries.  The emotional devastation and economic loss caused by the death of ones partner is not any less because that person was of the same sex as the survivor.  A childs anguishing loss of a parent is not any less because there was no biologic tie.  Since the purpose of the Fund is to compensate survivors precisely for the types of losses suffered by family members of those killed, the Departments regulations should not and indeed cannot properly exclude anyone who was a family member in fact. 
    
 In the immediate aftermath of the September 11 tragedies, as various victim-relief funds were being established, some on the extreme radical right criticized relief agencies that had made clear their intent to make funds available to assist not only surviving married spouses of persons killed in the attacks but also the surviving partners of gay men and lesbians who had been killed.  These cruel and reprehensible calls for the exclusion of gay and lesbian families from relief efforts have been accompanied by claims that the effort to provide relief to all who have suffered is somehow a push for a so-called "gay agenda."  However, the determination of who was actually victimized by the September 11 attacks, of who actually suffered loss, of who actually is grieving, is not about advancing some alleged political "agenda."  What is at issue here is a human tragedy of unimaginable horror and dimension, and about the fair and humane treatment of all who have personally suffered from the acts of the terrorists. 

 Many gay and lesbian Americans lost their lives on September 11.  Many of them left behind loved ones, including partners and children whose lives were intertwined with theirs and who were dependent on them for financial as well as emotional support.  A number of them are known to have engaged in heroic acts that day, and they have been praised as national heroes.  It would be an insult not only to those heroes, but to all who died on that tragic day, for the Department to draw artificial lines defining loss and grief.  In fact, it would be unconscionable.  We urge that the Departments regulations reflect these concerns.

       Sincerely,
     
Comment By
People for the American Way Foundation
Washington, DC
 
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Monday, March 18, 2002 11:35 PM
Benifit distribution

In recent interviews, the head of the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund
has made clear that the partners of gay and lesbian heroes of September 11
will not necessarily receive the same benefits as the spouses of
heterosexual victims of the horrible terror attacks.

EVEN FETUSES AND ILLEGAL ALIENS ARE COVERED!!!

Even fetuses and illegal aliens will be receiving benefits under this
problem - heck, they've even promised to overlook
federal law and NOT arrest and kick out the families of illegal aliens, nor
will they punish American companies that
hired illegals in violation of federal labor laws.

But when  it comes to gay and lesbian heroes of the day - &amp;nbsp who
helped bring down the flight in Pennsylvania, NY Fire Dept. &amp;nbsp who died in the line of duty when the first tower fell, and
&amp;nbsp who was
&amp;nbsp of the plane that crashed into the &amp;nbsp (there are many more) -
we are told the law is the law and no
exceptions can be made.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

If September 11 has taught us anything, it's that our patriotism and love of
country transcend our differences and
unite us all.  We were told that September 11 was the day that
"hyphenated-Americans" were no more, and rather than
being Italian-Americans, African-Americans or gay-Americans, we were now
simply Americans, all of us together as one
American family.  Apparently, that family just got a divorce.

The hyphens seem not to matter when our government wants to use our heroism
to inspire others, but when it comes time to
actually aid the families of those heroes, the hyphens come back with a
vengeance, and it seems that some American heroes
are now more equal than others.

I am outraged that gay and lesbian partners of those who died on September
11 are not automatically going to
receive the same benefits as heterosexual spouses.




Individual Comment
Palm Springs, CA
 
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Monday, March 11, 2002 10:22 AM
 Outrage


Mr. Feinberg -

So illegal aliens are eligible for compensation and despite US law to the
contrary they will not be deported and their employers will not be penalized
if they come forward.  But partners of gay and lesbian victims - legal
citizens and grieving loved ones - will get no compensation because you've
"got to rely on state law."

Surely your hypocrisy is obvious.
Individual Comment

 
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December 15, 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
Berkeley,CA

 
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          <name>September 11 Email: Date</name>
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              <text>2001-12-15</text>
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            <name>Title</name>
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              <elementText elementTextId="305346">
                <text>dojA004852.xml</text>
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            </elementTextContainer>
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        <name>911DA Item</name>
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            <name>Status</name>
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            <name>Consent</name>
            <description>Whether September 11 Digital Archive has permission to possess this item.</description>
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              <elementText elementTextId="305348">
                <text>full</text>
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            <name>Posting</name>
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              <elementText elementTextId="305349">
                <text>yes</text>
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          <element elementId="55">
            <name>Copyright</name>
            <description>Whether the contributor holds copyright to this item.</description>
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              <elementText elementTextId="305350">
                <text>yes</text>
              </elementText>
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            <name>Source</name>
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                <text>born-digital</text>
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            <name>Media Type</name>
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                <text>email</text>
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            <name>Created by Author</name>
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            <name>Described by Author</name>
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          <element elementId="61">
            <name>Date Entered</name>
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                <text>2001-12-15</text>
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