Right-Wing Calls AIDS a "Smaller Issue"

Despite AIDS having killed or infected 58 million people worldwide, and despite the CIA billing the spread of the disease a serious national security threat, the major right-wing think tanks are still downplaying its significance. Check out this quote from the conservative Media Research Center:

"Liberals like to attack [Reagan] on a range of smaller issues, like AIDS and homelessness and so-called budget cuts."
- Media Research Center, 6/14/04

None of these issues are "small," especially AIDS. The country has every right to criticize at the Reagan administration's malicious disregard for the disease. And make no mistake about it - it was not just harmless ignorance. Top Reagan officials regularly joked about the disease, even as it was killing thousands of Americans. See the transcripts of Reagan's top spokesman joking with reporters about AIDS.