------------------------- Via Workers World News Service Reprinted from the Feb. 7, 2002 issue of Workers World newspaper -------------------------
AFTER WTC DISASTER: WOMEN'S LIFES VALUED LESS By Sue Davis Sexism after death? Yes, the sexist double standard will be perpetuated even after death if proposed guidelines for the federal compensation fund covering those killed or injured in the Sept. 11 attacks aren't changed. Women injured will receive lower payments than men, since women typically work fewer years than men, reported the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Jan. 4. Lower payments will also be made to the survivors of women killed on Sept. 11. The guidelines are supposed to sound objective, reflecting economic realities. But a panel of economists said the fund's preliminary rules are based on outdated federal tables that underestimate the current average length of a woman's work life. And the plan doesn't factor in the value of housework done by working women, which averages 25 hours a week compared to 10 hours for men, noted John Ward, an economics professor at the University of Missouri. Of course, there are also other reasons the guidelines should be changed. All survivors or injured, whether they are firefighters or waitresses, should receive the same amount. Compensation shouldn't depend on the victim's income level. That is a measure, not of a person's worth as a human being or how much they contribute to society, but of what the boss does to maximize profits. What else explains why women workers' salaries in 1997 were, on average, 26 percent lower than what white men make? It's only thanks to the struggle of working women that this gap has declined from 41 percent in 1970. Isn't this the appropriate time, given the spirit of compassion and community that flowered among the people--if not the bosses--in response to the Sept. 11 attack, to stop using standards based on sexist, racist, homophobic and class exploitation? Everyone who lost loved ones or who was injured in the disaster should receive the same payment across the board. Their loss hurts as deeply. Their tears are as salty. Their bills must be paid. Even though changing the rules in this case could be a good public relations move by the capitalist politicians, the ruling class is probably too greedy and rigid to let them do it. But that only exposes how totally the system is slanted in the bosses' favor. And how compelling is the need to fight for social and economic change outside the bought-and- paid-for, two-party political system. - END - (Copyright Workers World Service: Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this document, but changing it is not allowed. For more information contact Workers World, 55 W. 17 St., NY, NY 10011; via e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For subscription info send message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.workers.org) ------------------ This message is sent to you by Workers World News Service. To subscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Send administrative queries to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
