Gays and Lesbians in Russia

While I applaud the intentions of The Times and Tuller in exposing the abuses of Russian gays, I can’t help but feel that this is nothing short of pie-in-the-sky dreaming. Certainly Tuller can’t expect this Administration to put the slightest bit of effort toward this front, given the situation at home. The fear of losing your job and housing are just as real in California as they are in the republics, thanks to the political machinations of Gov. Pete Wilson.

The ultimate irony in all of this is clearly evident in Robert L. Borosage’s commentary from the same day: George Bush wants to spend $100 billion defending Europe against an enemy that no longer exists. This is the same man who, against the advice of his own experts, believes a dwindling AIDS research budget of less than $0.9 billion is adequate. Next fiscal year, the all too real threat of AIDS will receive less than 1% of the funds used to fight Cold War ghosts in Europe.

GREG SERPA, West Hollywood