Doubts on AIDS

I read the article by Jim Schachter entitled, “AIDS Tests Results of Man Who Bit Police Official Ruled Confidential” (April 14).

In it, it was said that the defense found no evidence of AIDS being transfered by a bite. Excuse me, was not the first case traced to a man who was bitten by a green African monkey?

The article also stated that the American Civil Liberties Union and gay rights advocate groups were happy about the court findings. I would like to believe that a liberal and/or a gay man would feel like anyone else if someone told him he had given him AIDS and then the courts told him, “Sorry, from now on it’s condoms and safe sex for you because we won’t help you find out if you’ve been exposed.” That gays still persist in this “righteous” attitude about AIDS is unfortunate. AIDS is a public health risk, no one group should be singled out, nor should any one group ally themselves with fools.

It would seem that anyone--gay, straight, bisexual or celibate--would want the right to protection from disease and if the courts have to intervene, so be it.

People would do well to remember that AIDS is a disease for everyone. It is in the blood supply and a car accident could make you a future AIDS victim.

JENNIFER MASSAU, R.N.

San Diego