If He Were A Republican, He'd Be Leading Off The CBS Evening News

It doesn't matter that his words might have merit, what matters is that he's a Democrat and that means he won't be on Meet The Press this Sunday, representing the entire Democratic Party.

Saying that AIDS patients are "a danger" and that they "brought it on themselves," are both arguably true. But, it conflicts with Newspeak, so no one dare say it. And they're demanding the head of the guy who did say it.

The man who served two terms as governor and four as mayor of Baltimore "has tarnished his legacy and embarrassed himself," said Del. Peter Franchot (D-Montgomery),

Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley (D) called the comments "sad, mean-spirited and counterproductive." Democratic Party Chairman Isiah Leggett said he anticipates a strong field of candidates to run against Schaefer in 2006 if he seeks reelection at age 85. Leggett predicted that the comptroller will face "a challenge to him the likes of which he's never seen before."

Unrepentant, the comptroller stood by his remarks, though his spokesman said yesterday that when Schaefer referred to those who spread HIV as "bad people," he meant that to apply only to those who passed the virus to others on purpose.

AIDS researchers have warned us for years that the virus is capable of mutating into a form that could be spread by casual contact, through coughing for example. And the larger the reservoir of virus around, the greater the chance of mutation. And of course anyone who carries the virus did bring it on themselves, unless they were raped. Everybody knows how it is spread and how to protect against contracting the virus.

Talk about speaking truth to power!