Feedback: April 20

Re: “Kameny estate drops lawsuit against two activists” (news, April 12)

Some of the misbegotten litigation surrounding Dr. Kameny’s estate has been dismissed, as reported.

In life, and later after his death, Frank Kameny was supported by many who volunteered to make his later years safer and more comfortable, as well as to honor his life’s work forever. This was achieved largely by preserving his intellectual legacy within two leading American institutions, the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian. After he passed, many volunteered as well to show him respect and to memorialize his achievements including our mayor, our chief of police, members of the D.C. City Council and several members of Congress.

In the end, that is what really matters.

Just imagine if some of the needless legal expenses, after Frank’s death, instead could have been dedicated while he was alive to keeping his furnace operating in winter, his toilet flushing, his property taxes paid (to avoid near-risk of losing his home), his phone working, his cab vouchers in hand, his light and utilities bills up to date and healthy food put on his table.

Oh, that’s right. Caring friends, community leaders and several of our elected officials volunteered their help for those needs. And that’s what really matters too. —Bob Witeck