I am sickened by the GOP legislators who are shamelessly attacking Dr. Anthony Fauci over his role in valiantly leading our country through a disastrous global pandemic.
Dr. Fauci is a true American hero. During the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, Dr. Fauci called for rational responses to this terrifying pandemic. At this time, AIDS was primarily affecting gay men. The Reagan administration did not acknowledge or offer support to help understand this disease and how to combat it. Dear friends of mine were dying of this disease at an unfathomable rate. The gay community was isolated and under attack by ignorant political and religious zealots. We were terrified.
Dr. Fauci was already a preeminent physician and expert scientist of infectious diseases. In his role as chief medical advisor to President Reagan, he presented facts to counter the growing national hysteria. Dr. Fauci’s expertise led to the discovery of how HIV is transmitted. His efforts resulted in the development of treatments that have stopped HIV illness from being a death sentence.
Can you imagine how vulnerable it felt to be a gay man in the 1980s? If so, you may be able to appreciate how much we were relieved and aided by the presence of Dr. Anthony Fauci. You may also understand why this amazing man is a hero to people like me. Countless people are alive because of this man.
Dr. Fauci is arguably the most important figure in the fight against HIV. He is also one of the most effective and successful figures in protecting us from the catastrophic covid pandemic. He deserves to be honored and revered, not insulted and demeaned by ignorant political grandstanders.
Dale Palmer, Sandy
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