R001101
Saturday, March 16, 2002 4:43 PM
9/11 benefits policy
Dear Sir or Madam,
I find it completely outrageous that partners of gays and lesbians who
died in the September 11 bombings will not receive the same benefits as
heterosexual spouses of victims. This discriminatory policy undermines all
the flag waving patriotism and unity evoked by September 11 and truly shows
the American stance on 'freedom' and 'opportunity' (which really should be
read as 'freedom and opportunity for some at the cost of others'--a notion
present since the founding of this country). I will not embrace symbols of
American pride and support patriotic slogans, songs, or paraphernalia until
the American claim to freedom encompasses all people living in America. In
closing, it's sad to think that notions of 'freedom' and 'opportunity' as
known here in America could be distorted to the extent that they are elitist
concepts only available to those who fall within certain classificatory
premises (such as sexual orientation, race, class). Please make the
appropriate changes to your policy.
A concerned and
unhappy citizen,
Individual Comment