In 1981 a researcher at the VA in LA was the first to identify what we now know as HIV. I worked in public affairs support of that research effort and the VA's substantial AIDS treatment effort, nationwide, over the years. Early on, many of us were confused about the level of denial in the Gay community that this was an opportunistic disease that spread because of some characteristics that were somewhat unique to that culture. They strongly resisted the closure of the "Bathhouses," where that epidemic was spreading like wildfire. When the deaths in the gay community became too numerous to ignore and large numbers of straight people did not get sick, attitudes changed and denial was not so great. I am sad to see a tendency among some to deny the negative potential of the current pandemic for economic or political reasons. I try to convince anyone who will listen that my objection to their position comes after seeing a discreet group "deny themselves," into 700,000 dead. I am not gay and have no vested interest in saving that sub group. I am not conservative. And, it breaks my heart to see that sub group take the same tragic path. I am glad too see that we agree about all healthcare, infrastructure support people, and I am sure fire, law and other public servants. I hope you agree and will try to coonvince your consevative brethern to be cautious as they shelter less and open more. It is for their health and safety and not to advance my political position that I encourage this.
