AIDS Epidemic
* Re “AIDS Researchers Meet at Ground Zero,” July 10: I think it is highly unacceptable and unworthy of President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa to cause his own opinion about the cause of AIDS (HIV or not) to affect his country’s AIDS control policy. Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion, and there are many times opposing views held by scientists. But considering that there is compelling evidence that HIV causes AIDS and most of the experts believe so, it is very unfortunate that the president of a country whose citizens are plagued by the disease should make such policies.
Heads of state and other people in authority have a big responsibility to not let their personal opinions affect the lives of so many people. Authority should not be misused.
SHILPA JOG
Lake Forest
*
With no mandatory testing, no tracking of contacts and no organized plan to prevent spread except “education,” which hasn’t worked thus far, why not use tried and true, old-line epidemic control measures?
Why are we bringing babies into the world with this disease? To me, that’s child abuse!
BARBARA SOMMER
Los Angeles
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