I have had numerous acquaintances and friends with HIV. Many died, many lived. Most gay, some not. That said, I have a tough time understanding why HIV is feared by the non-promiscuous, non-drug shooting crowd in the U.S. of A. You have a much better chance of being shot between the eyes walking out of Antico Posto in Oak Brook (faaaaaaaabulous, sister!) than "inadvertently" picking up a nasty case of HIV. I'm not saying that my man BB is alone, nor do I pretend to know what he meant by including HIV as a scary homeless-related disease, but it is kind of sad that this stigma still exists in 2008.

Bell has to be wondering what the hell she started!

After I posted about the assumption that all drug or addicted folks are "dangerous", I too had a discussion with my husband and brought up the HIV comments from BB. Yes, BB, I still love you but there is again nothing inherently "dangerous" about people with HIV. My husband is a physician and deals with patients who are HIV positive - he deals with bodily fluids all the time, unfortunately, and he has yet to have a "problem" regarding this (knock on wood). Other than a drug user who shares needles or having sex where bodily fluids are exchanged, the population most at risk of contracting HIV are medical personnel and yet plenty of people do this work and remain HIV free their entire lives. We really have nothing to fear regarding HIV infected folks.

quote:

Please, don't spread unnecessary fear about this disease. We have learned a great deal about this disease in the last 20+ years and to have someone include it in a list of rants about 'vagrants' is just plain ignorant, IMO.

A list of rants? As if I pull this stuff out of my ***. Attached is my support. It is perfectly reasonable to include HIV as a characteristic when describing who PADS targets.

See Appendix L, Last Page

The problem, IMO, is that PADS targets individuals who are diagnosed with multiple characteristics; therefore, they very well may be importing mentally ill, drug addicts who have HIV. Yes, this gives me concern.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bitterboy,

Wow, talk about a thread jack!

Let's all agree-AIDS is a terrible disease that does not recognize gender, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Regarding B & W-Bell help the homeless by being profitable and donating a portion to PADS or the charity of your choice. I know you have the best of intentions, but if B & W becomes known as a vagrant hang out, we all lose.

BB...I have been carrying your smoking baby in my man sack for the better part of two weeks. It is hurting my back lugging it around. Why the hell are you never on the 4:11?

Bitterboy,
That just indicates who is permitted at the various shelters/in the various programs.

Yoss, yes, it's sort of a thread jack but BB made what I view as inflamatory statements and people responded. It's more consistent in terms of topic than most thread jacks, to be sure.

quote:

Originally posted by GlenEllynRing:

quote:

GER, maybe you need to relax a little about this.

Yes, there may be a higher rate of drug addictions/HIV infections within this population of PADS clients. How does this effect whether a person will have any normal, day-to-day contact with such a person, Rob? This is where the ignorance comes in. If you aren't educated about this disease and its transmission, it is ridiculous to include it in a list of rants. It is being used as a belittling or fear factor to support a claim. Lets be honest, that is why it is being used, IMO.

1st off GER, I apologize for the attitude yesterday. I misconstrued the intent of your message to BB, and Yes, I did assume something that obviously wasn't there.

I don't believe BB needs my protection on this board, it just seemed like the point was made that HIV positive folks attend PADS. They may very well be all over the spectrum of todays society, but that doesn't lessen the fact that a high percentage of people attending PADS has some form of medical problem (I am including addictions). Does this pose any more inherant threat to society than a drunk or drug addict? Maybe not, but the statistic is from PADS.

[Quote]Oh, and just an FYI, I won't 'relax' about this. Again, I thought this was an open discussion. Why should I hold back when I feel passionate about something and maybe can actually add to the discussion? I happen to have a background in this area. If this was concerning an area of the law, we would welcome our group of law professionals to voice what they know.[Quote]

Agreed. This has always been a place for open discussion and an exchange of opinions. I welcome yours and everyone's additions to discussions. If I didn't, it would get rather boring just hearing from Clam all the time.

RH, thanks for the apology. And agreed, a board full of Clam comments would certainly make my days a lot more productive!

I heard that....

Due to increased popular demand...my 10,000th post cannot come soon enough for many. I have been trying my damndest to get to it. Be patient.

Heard or read it?

Heard. People in town feel quite free to tell me to my face that they are sick of me. I suppose I've read it also.

Did you hear they will need a soda jerk at B&W?

Your half qualified!

At least that Mc&Mill thread got the heat off of Bell.

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
BB...I have been carrying your smoking baby in my man sack for the better part of two weeks. It is hurting my back lugging it around. Why the hell are you never on the 4:11?

Aw-shucks Clam, and to think...he looks just like me. All 2.5 ozs of him.

Bell,

Keep up the good work and looking forward to the opening! I applaud you for supporting the less fortunate and not being afraid to say it. Far too many people around here love to throw stones and mock others who openly state their beliefs.

Thanks Dan the Man! I respect and understand everyones concerns. My 12 yr daughter, along with my team member safety and comfort, will be the stick by which I'll measure the concerns of the community. As you see when passing BWS, no detail or dollar has been spared. I am making every attempt to create a venue of value with an eye and heart to the future. In order to
succeed, BWS needs to appeal to a large sector of the community in a multitude of areas. I will work tirelessly to achieve that, yet I will stand true to my core values.

Yes, I was shaking my head at what was unleashed after my post...

Cat litter in the Chevette wasn't pretty. A good home was found for the cat, it took me just a bit longer...the experience priceless.

Stop by the Madonnari on Main Saturday (space for artists still available) and ask me to show you what I'm doing behind the plywood!

If you don't know who I am, look for the redhead. If you don't see me, I may be at the Lake making Popcorn for the Festival of the Arts, I'll definitely be around Sunday while our professional artist finishes her 8'x8' masterpiece. Come out Saturday and enjoy a beer or cocktail from one of the S. Main St restaurants while enjoying the artwork 6-10pm.
And if you need stuff from the hardware store, buy it on Saturday, you can park behind the store, at the flower clock lot, St. Marks or better yet walk with a wagon...

Shamless Plug from the DGEA - "Think Global, Shop Local", your dollars spent in town stay in town. All comments and suggestions for retailers, taken here - go easy on me this time !

quote:

Originally posted by Dan the Man:
Far too many people around here love to throw stones and mock others who openly state their beliefs.

You're an idiot.

Dan,

Every time I see your avatar and read your comments it makes me wonder what they are teaching at my alma matter

P.s. I don't think you're an idiot.

Bell someone read your post

quote:

Originally posted by GEM:


P.s. I don't think you're an idiot.

Screw you GEM.


BTW - I-L-L!