Pubdate: Sat, 22 Jun 2002 Source: News-Times, The (CT) Copyright: 2002 The News-Times Contact: http://www.newstimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/637 Author: Carol Recht ROWLAND PUNISHED AIDE FOR TELLING TRUTH ON AIDS Recently, Gov. John Rowland missed a golden opportunity to stand behind one of his subordinates for speaking the truth. Instead, he caved to those who would suppress the truth to expand their own agenda. What a shame! Essentially, former gubernatorial aide Nancy Ahern told Fred Hammond, executive director of the Interfaith AIDS Ministry of Greater Danbury, that AIDS prevention programs are not effective in Connecticut because the disease is spread through homosexual behavior. Is the fact that AIDS is primarily a behavioral disease news to anyone in or out of the homosexual community? Nevertheless, following her "insensitive" remark, Nancy Ahern resigned from her position as constituent aide, and the governor profusely apologized to Fred Hammond. Hammond, in turn, said he was happy such views were not being spread around any longer. I can understand Mr. Hammond's happiness. Community service groups such as the United Way seem to increase their funding to AIDS groups every year. Calling attention to the fact that homosexuals (along with drug users who share dirty needles) bear primary responsibility for spreading this horrific disease to the very people they express so much love and compassion for, might cause contributors to take another look at their funding. Contributors might actually look for some participation from homosexuals themselves in halting the spread of the disease. I am very disappointed in Governor Rowland. It is a sad day for all Americans when a government official is punished for telling the truth. Carol Recht Newtown - --- MAP posted-by: Beth