Facing Up to AIDS Problem

Only a few times in my life have I been so enraged as I am at reading that article on AIDS.

Our planet faces a scourge so devastating as to make the threat of nuclear war seem minimal. Yet columnists, politicians and (worse) sermonizers who call themselves Christian pass judgment on the victims of a deadly and heart-breaking disease.

Have none of these pontificators read the parable of the Good Samaritan? Are they unacquainted with the words, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”? Do they not understand the story of Mary Magdalene? Do they not recognize the possibility that a dear member of their own family may be similarly struck down?

How can we, a supposedly enlightened culture, waste our time, energy and emotions on judgment of behavior when we must concentrate our resources on the search for immunity and cure lest we all perish?

How can we, the most giving nation on earth, refuse care and compassion to AIDS patients? Have we lost our mercy, our charity, our love for those who suffer?

I grieve for us all. While some suffer and die, others debase our proclaimed Christianity.

ALICE C. REAM

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