It is hard to believe in this day and age that some still echo the hatdred and homophobia of Reagan.
The religious whackjob types that do so may actually believe it is Gods punishment. But secular types that still promote the homophobic agenda, are in it either for the political power they hope is still in this issue, or because of that self hatdred projected outward attempting to defend against their own latent homosexuality, or a combination of both. Rove and others come to mind.
To these individuals the best response is that suggested by David Salyer for what Reagan should have said to Falwell:
"Rev. Falwell, You sanctimonious turd, sit down and shut up!"
TAT
Ronald Reagan and AIDS, By David SalyerReagan, dubbed the Great Communicator, was excruciatingly, unjustifiably silent about HIV and AIDS. The media -- print and television, including the first 24-hour news network, CNN -- were all over AIDS in the 1980s. Histrionic televangelists like Pat Robertson and Rev. Jerry Falwell seized any opportunity to articulate and promote the idea that AIDS was God's wrath upon homosexuals.
Even as the highly publicized illness and subsequent 1985 death of Rock Hudson made headlines and sent a shiver down Hollywood's spine, Reagan remained inexplicably quiet. His friend and colleague was dead from AIDS. No public comment. What was that about? Indifference?
Some carefully chosen words might have squelched the homophobic rhetoric of the day. Some genuine leadership might have generated compassion to counter growing hostility and hysteria about AIDS in America. How profoundly different our world might be today if Reagan had pointed to one insufferable preacher and bellowed,
"Rev. Falwell, you sanctimonious turd, sit down and shut up!"
