Friday, February 07, 2014

Read this post or you're violating my civil rights


I happened to be in Washington, D.C. (the Imperial City) yesterday when I saw a poster on the side of a bus stop shelter:


Oh, I forgot -- article XXXVI, section 42, of the U.S. Constitution states: "No person shall be infected with the AIDS virus, nor shall the right of any person so infected to behave in such a manner as to infect another person be infringed."

St. Martin never heard of AIDS before he was killed, so it is generous of him to return ex post facto to continue his civil rights activity in a modern setting.

Curious to learn more about the civil rights aspect of this dreaded illness, I went online seeking more information. The poster is part of an "awareness campaign" sponsored by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

The foundation explains:
Currently African Americans account for 44% of all people with HIV/AIDS in the United States, yet only account for 12% of the population. Latinos account for 21% of all new HIV infections nationwide, yet only represent 16% of the U.S. population.
White privilege strikes again. The rate of HIV/AIDS in the white population must be increased accordingly so that the infection statistics are fair.

The explanations for the present discrepancy, says the foundation, "may be":
• Lack of access to clinics for care and HIV testing, as well as to condoms and safer sex educational opportunities.

• High levels of stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in these communities prevent people from learning their HIV status, or from seeking care and speaking honestly with their sexual partners if they know they are positive.

• Both society and the healthcare industry have marginalized members of these communities both on account of sexual orientation and race, blocking essential treatment, care, and education for those who need it.
Needless to say, there is no documentation for any of these statements. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation home page even links to a story headed "New Long Beach clinic opens to treat HIV patients." The clinic's lead physician is quoted: "We offer treatment without regard to ability to pay. If there is an FDA-approved treatment for HIV on the market, we have it." 

It is doubtful that the Long Beach center is the only clinic in the country with a similar policy. Regardless, all of them fall into the category of healthcare marginalizing HIV patients because of sexual orientation and race.

So remember, in our one nation under political correctness, the next time you want something make sure you present it as a civil right. You must unlearn old habits beaten into you by an oppressive society. Do not say to your waiter, "I'd like a cheeseburger, please." The proper phraseology is, "I have a right to a cheeseburger. Get your ass in gear before I file suit for violation of my civil rights."



“We offer treatment without regard to ability to pay,” said Dr. George Melikian, the clinic’s lead physician. “If there is an FDA-approved treatment for HIV on the market, we have it.” - See more at: http://www.aidshealth.org/archives/17798#sthash.ozHojD85.dpuf
“We offer treatment without regard to ability to pay,” said Dr. George Melikian, the clinic’s lead physician. “If there is an FDA-approved treatment for HIV on the market, we have it.” - See more at: http://www.aidshealth.org/archives/17798#sthash.ozHojD85.dpuf
“We offer treatment without regard to ability to pay,” said Dr. George Melikian, the clinic’s lead physician. “If there is an FDA-approved treatment for HIV on the market, we have it.” - See more at: http://www.aidshealth.org/archives/17798#sthash.ozHojD85.dpuf

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