The AIDS quilt was displayed on the mall in Washington DC
over the Columbus Day weekend 1996 in what may be the last time the entire quilt
is displayed there, or any other place for that matter. You see, it is growing
so fast that there are not many open places big enough to
hold it. I know this is politically incorrect, but, I for one am glad
about that.
Business and pleasure took me to Washington over Columbus Day
and I did spend time viewing the quilt. As a work of art it is very impressive
and beautiful. As a message as to the tragedy of AIDS or as a cry for help, it
falls short, at least in the eyes of this writer.
AIDS is tragic. It has wiped out thousands of lives and with
that, so many hopes, dreams, and aspirations. That is sad and don't for a moment
think that I don't feel for the families and friends who have lost loved ones. I
still wonder, though, what all the fuss is all about.
Many people volunteered to read names during the weekend of those who died from
AIDS. With eyes glazing over and quivering voices they read the names slowly,
monotone, and mater-of-factly. At times they struggled to fight back
tears during the few moments they spent in front of the microphone. When they
stepped off the platform one of the organizers
of the event greeted them with a comforting hug and some encouraging words.
Emotions exploded when readers ended their time by reading the
name of a family member, friend, or lover. The scene and feeling of the
moment touched everyone present. Many found it discomforting to stand there and they
walked away uneasy. I struggled to keep my camera in its place and not use
it to intrude on these private moments of uncontrolled emotions. Other news
photographers were offensively intrusive. But, there were pictures I had to
take. I selectively intruded, and did my job.
But in all of that, this kind of display makes me angry. I
became more than a little offended when a young man in his twenties ended his
time reading names with a call, "And God, if you are listening, send us
a cure, NOW!" Some people in the small group listening applauded.
Others, like me, just stared at him. The same reaction occurred when others
blamed the government or big business for the plight of AIDS victims.
I do not know anyone personally, to my knowledge, who died
from AIDS, or had a loved one who did. And, as I mentioned, I do care. But, I am
more ambivalent about it all. How can I really care when for the most part this
is a self-inflicted wound. How can I care when both my parents died from
cancer and their names are not on any quilt. Cancer killed, and will kill, more
people than AIDS ever will. Why are there no ribbons or a quilt for its victims?
Why are there no calls to God? The vast majority of the people who are HIV positive, have
AIDS, or have died from it have done this to themselves. They acquired AIDS
through their own carelessness. They became infected by using drugs and sharing needles,
through
unprotected and uncontrolled sex, and by their movement amongst high risk groups.
And, just for the record, it is that behavior that for the most part, has caused
harm to the real innocent victims to suffer and die from AIDS -- those who contacted it via blood
transfusions or the rare casual contact.
If ever there was a disease that can be stopped dead in its
tracks AIDS is it. We know how it is spread and how to prevent one from getting
AIDS. As I walked the mall in Washington I talked to many people. I came across two volunteers
wearing red ribbons, an elderly man and a young girl. I asked them if they have
been tested for AIDS.
Silence.
When I asked again they politely told me to leave them alone,
they were not interested in talking to the press. I told them that I am not the
press, I am not a reporter. I told them I am a writer. Still no response.
I took their lack of an answer to be no, they have not been tested. That,
my friends, is the problem!
To all of the people who are HIV positive or in fact have
AIDS, I am sorry. You will probably die as a result. There is no cure
yet. (Though, don't think for a minute that scientists and drug companies aren't
working on one in hopes of
raking in the billions of dollars that are to be made for those that
find the cure.) To everyone who does not have AIDS, or just may not aware
that they do, I offer this simple advice.
First, get tested. Knowledge is power and knowing you are
infected gives you the power to help stop the spread. Knowing you are not
infected gives you peace of mind. And to all those who wear little red ribbons
in vain attempts at political correctness, if you have not been tested you are
hypocrites. Stop bothering me to put on my ribbon.
Second, stop doing drugs. If you are so conditioned or
addicted that you can not live your life without shooting up, at least don't be
so stupid and irresponsible by sharing needles. While we are at it, don't expect
me or society to pacify you in your habits by providing you with clean needles.
I will not be an accessory to your crime.
Third, practice safe sex. Use condoms. Know your partner. Ask
questions. Fidelity is more than the name of mutual funds. Do the words "common
sense" come to mind here?
Last, stop making excuses or blaming other people or the
Government. For what ever the reasons, AIDS has afflicted the homosexual
community more than the general public. Stop expecting me to be politically
correct in caring about AIDS as a precursor to "Gay Rights!" I will
not be manipulated.
I want to see a cure as much as any thinking person. But,
until that cure is found -- we -- all of us, have the power and the
responsibility to assure that no one else is infected. The cure begins with each
of us and our own behavior.
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