| GMCarter 2005-10-26, 10:52 am |
| On Mon, 24 Oct 2005 19:46:57 -0400, "Iconoclaster" <wgods@xs4all.nl>
wrote:
>
>I didn't mention anything rightist you've written. I mentioned "rightist
>*actions*" Don't you see, yes, doesn't everybody see you're playing their
>game? You propagate the view that HIV is a dangerous virus causing AIDS.
>You are in favor of getting tested. You advocate the use of ARV's. You
>are in favor of the scare tactics in Africa, leading to systematic
>genocide. You go strictly along with George W. Bush, President of the
>Christian Republic of America.
To the absolute contrary.
First, I recognize that the HIV pandemic exists. This is where we
diverge and that has nothing to do with left or right wing thinking. I
know scientists from the far left to the far right who see this. It is
an apolitical position.
Next, as a result of that recognition, I believe that people need to
talk about sex. Celebrate it. Whatever the form: gay, straight, queer,
bisexual. Feel free to have it or not, to be in a monogamous
relationship or not.
Then, know how to reduce the risk of infections and unwanted
pregnancies through proper use of male or female condoms. Particularly
during anal and vaginal sex.
I support the right of women to have abortions.
I support access to clean needles and other harm reduction approaches.
I think the "war on some drugs" is utter bullshit. I support the
rights of drug users to care. I support the rights of sex workers.
I support programs to end stigma and discrimination against people
with HIV/AIDS, whether they are repugnican mothers or young gay men,
sex workers, coke snorters, teachers, military personnel or any and
all of the above.
And I believe that HEALTHCARE IS A RIGHT. That means full access to
care. Whether it is a multivitamin or botanical intervention or a
liver transplant. I recognize the clinical data show that ARV WORK.
Whether you like that idea or not.
And I utterly oppose the pharmaceutical industry. The more I look at
the XXXXed up mess they've created in so many ways, the more I think
drug development should be undertaken publicly. NOT privately. That
the costs to do so can be brought down while discovery for treatments
for RANGE of diseases and conditions can be fostered well; without
ever needing a patent.
Thus, I believe people in Africa, Asia, Europe, the US have a RIGHT to
access to treatment--including but not limited to ARV. That we have
the capacity, wealth and ability to make that potential a reality.
If people choose NOT to do ARV--they ALWAYS have that right. Just as
here in the US. Just like David Pasquarelli exercised that right and
died for it. As did LeRoy Whitfield. I say that without any animosity;
to the contrary.
So--once again: you're wrong.
George M. Carter
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