Huckabee Advocated Quarantine for AIDS Patients

by Michael Kuykendall [courtesy of Blog for America]

Former Arkansas governor and GOP presidential hopeful advocated quarantining AIDS patients, amongst other draconian measures, in 1992. Is this the guy we need running the country?

Former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee advocated isolating AIDS patients, amongst other fascist and clearly homophobic responses, in a 1992 Associated Press questionnaire. From the AP;

Mike Huckabee once advocated isolating AIDS patients from the general public, opposed increased federal funding in the search for a cure and said homosexuality could "pose a dangerous public health risk."

As a candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in 1992, Huckabee answered 229 questions submitted to him by The Associated Press. Besides a quarantine, Huckabee suggested that Hollywood celebrities fund AIDS research from their own pockets, rather than federal health agencies.

[...]

"In light of the extraordinary funds already being given for AIDS research, it does not seem that additional federal spending can be justified," Huckabee wrote. "An alternative would be to request that multimillionaire celebrities, such as Elizabeth Taylor (,) Madonna and others who are pushing for more AIDS funding be encouraged to give out of their own personal treasuries increased amounts for AIDS research."

Huckabee did not return messages left with his campaign.

Here's the kicker that shows such an authoritarian approach was and still is totally unnecessary;

When Huckabee wrote his answers in 1992, it was common knowledge that AIDS could not be spread by casual contact. In late 1991, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were 195,718 AIDS patients in the country and that 126,159 people had died from the syndrome.

So even though the Huckster knew casual contact would not spread the virus, he wanted to quarantine AIDS patients so that... what? They wouldn't accidentally have sex with someone?

Ladies and gentleman, your likely GOP candidate in action. Congrats on a great choice, you right wing whackjobs!