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 
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