What Mike Huckabee said about people with AIDS

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In summary, the conversation discusses the issue of AIDS and the suggestion to isolate carriers of the virus in order to prevent its spread. It also questions the government's policy towards AIDS and the lack of funding for research. The conversation takes place in 1992, when there was limited knowledge about the transmission of AIDS. The speaker believes that the suggestion to isolate carriers is practical given the information available at the time.
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fourier jr
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from a 1992 questionnaire, when it was common knowledge that AIDS couldn't be transmitted by casual contact:

"If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague."

"It is difficult to understand the public policy towards AIDS. It is the first time in the history of civilization in which the carriers of a genuine plague have not been isolated from the general population, and in which this deadly disease for which there is no cure is being treated as a civil rights issue instead of the true health crisis it represents."

"In light of the extraordinary funds already being given for AIDS research, it does not seem that additional federal spending can be justified. An alternative would be to request that multimillionaire celebrities, such as Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna and others who are pushing for more AIDS funding be encouraged to give out of their own personal treasuries increased amounts for AIDS research."

"Medical protocol typically says that if you have a disease for which there is no cure, and you are uncertain about the transmission of it, then the first thing you do is that you quarantine or isolate carriers."
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071208/aids_isolation_071208/20071208

Admittedly, that's the website of a news station in godless, socialist "Canuckistan" & Huckabee sort of said he would reconsider his answers to that questionnaire if he were to redo it today. He still managed to become governor, which blows my mind. I don't understand is how someone like that can even be taken seriously. Only in the United States I guess... or Iran, or Afghanistan.
 
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  • #2
This was in 1992, we've learned a lot about AIDS since then. I don't think his answer was all that crazy. The way I see it, he was just being practical with the information he had at the time.
 
  • #3
If you hit the link it was common knowledge that AIDS wasn't transmitted by casual contact because Magic Johnson did a lot to raise awareness of it. That was before 1992 iirc.
 
  • #4
I was 22 yrs old in 92, I remember stories of people with HIV purposefully infecting others. I personally knew one kid that died of AIDS at 17 yrs. I don't think Huckabee's remarks were so un-PC that one should base their entire view of him on that. He's not a medical doctor.
 

1. What did Mike Huckabee say about people with AIDS?

Mike Huckabee has made several controversial statements about people with AIDS. One of his most infamous comments was made in 1992, when he said "If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague."

2. Why did Mike Huckabee's comments about people with AIDS cause controversy?

Mike Huckabee's comments were widely criticized and caused controversy because they were seen as discriminatory and stigmatizing towards individuals with AIDS. Many people saw his suggestion of isolating carriers of the virus as a violation of their human rights and a dangerous approach to addressing the AIDS epidemic.

3. Did Mike Huckabee apologize for his comments about people with AIDS?

Mike Huckabee has not issued a formal apology for his comments about people with AIDS, but he has addressed the controversy surrounding them in various interviews. In a 2007 interview with CNN, he stated that his views on AIDS have changed over time and that he now believes in treating people with compassion and dignity, regardless of their health status.

4. How have Mike Huckabee's views on AIDS evolved over time?

In the past, Mike Huckabee has been criticized for his views on AIDS, which were often seen as discriminatory and lacking empathy. However, in more recent years, he has stated that his views have evolved and he now believes in treating all individuals, including those with AIDS, with compassion and respect.

5. How have organizations and individuals responded to Mike Huckabee's comments about people with AIDS?

Mike Huckabee's comments about people with AIDS have been met with strong criticism and condemnation from various organizations and individuals. Many have called out his comments as discriminatory and harmful, and have urged him to educate himself on the realities of the AIDS epidemic and the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect.

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