ROWLAND PUNISHED AIDE FOR TELLING TRUTH ON AIDS

Recently, Gov. John Rowland missed a golden opportunity to stand behind one
of his subordinates for speaking the truth. Instead, he caved to those who
would suppress the truth to expand their own agenda. What a shame!

Essentially, former gubernatorial aide Nancy Ahern told Fred Hammond,
executive director of the Interfaith AIDS Ministry of Greater Danbury, that
AIDS prevention programs are not effective in Connecticut because the
disease is spread through homosexual behavior.

Is the fact that AIDS is primarily a behavioral disease news to anyone in
or out of the homosexual community?

Nevertheless, following her "insensitive" remark, Nancy Ahern resigned from
her position as constituent aide, and the governor profusely apologized to
Fred Hammond.

Hammond, in turn, said he was happy such views were not being spread around
any longer.

I can understand Mr. Hammond's happiness. Community service groups such as
the United Way seem to increase their funding to AIDS groups every year.

Calling attention to the fact that homosexuals (along with drug users who
share dirty needles) bear primary responsibility for spreading this
horrific disease to the very people they express so much love and
compassion for, might cause contributors to take another look at their funding.

Contributors might actually look for some participation from homosexuals
themselves in halting the spread of the disease.

I am very disappointed in Governor Rowland. It is a sad day for all
Americans when a government official is punished for telling the truth.

Carol Recht

Newtown