California AIDS Measure

Pacy Markman’s column (“Famous Victories, but Nothing Won,” Commentary, Nov. 12) contained some inaccuracies and inconsistencies that need to be corrected as they apply to Rep. Bill Dannemeyer (R- Fullerton) and Prop. 102.

Prop. 102 was referred to as an initiative “. . . that would have mandated reporting the names of HIV-positive men and women and children in California.” The thrust of Prop. 102, which, in addition to Dannemeyer, was written and supported by physicians across the state to treat HIV as they treat any other communicable or sexually transmitted disease. Had it passed, HIV would be treated utilizing the time-proven methods of confidential reporting and partner notification. These methods, which have been in effect for decades, have effectively contained the spread of communicable disease and have kept various diseases from reaching epidemic proportions.

Unfortunately, if your physician were to treat HIV like he would any of the 58 other communicable diseases in this state, he would face severe penalties, including monetary fines and possible imprisonment. That is absurd--HIV receives special treatment while all other diseases receive the standard treatment.

The inconsistency in Markman’s column was the umbrella statement that the campaign against Prop. 102 was “. . . designed to persuade voters that an initiative targeting gays and lesbians put everyone in danger.” This should come as a shock to everyone who has been listening to the media and their coverage of this epidemic. We are told time and time again that AIDS is everybody’s disease, and that everyone is at risk for HIV, and that Presidents Reagan and Bush are to blame. It is shocking to hear her say that an initiative which is seeking to treat HIV infection equally with all other diseases is tantamount to attacking “gays and lesbians.”

The truth in this matter is that when it is convenient, attacking the policies regarding HIV is tantamount to “gay-bashing,” and yet if it serves them well, then HIV is everyone’s disease.

For the most part, HIV continues to be behaviorally linked (sexual contact, drug use, etc.) and any suggestion that individuals must act responsibly and curb their behavior is met with the kind of vitriolic speech, articles, and defaming remarks that have been witnessed by me during the five years I have worked with Dannemeyer.

BRETT BARBRE

Special Assistant to

William E. Dannemeyer

Washington