The more things change….
Politics versus Public Health–an ongoing theme in the AIDS epidemic. And, when I listened to the courageous, groundbreaking speech Bob Hattoy gave at the Democratic National Convention in 1992 I realized how little has changed; the speech could have been given yesterday. As in 1992 we have a President named Bush who is terrified of the word “condom” and an administration that sees gay men as an enemy—not as part of the American family.
Hattoy said he could “face dying because of a disease but not because of politics”. Guess what? There was an 8% increase in new cases of HIV in gay men between 2003 and 2004. Although the CDC expresses bewilderment at the increase, the war on condoms and the “official” policy that the only acceptable sexual activity is that which occurs in the context of a monogamous marriage come to mind as possible explanations. Previously successful prevention efforts are falling by the wayside because of this administration’s pandering to the religious right. Politics seem to be winning.
Rest in peace Bob, you will be missed.
