Mike Huckabee is a Genius

Now that Huckabee is actually showing to be somewhat competitive in the latest polls, the press is starting to actually look into what he's said during his political career. I thought this was a particularly brilliant position he took during his failed senate race.

Hollywood should pay for AIDS research.. or... gays r evilz!!1

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Huckabee wanted to isolate AIDS patients By ANDREW DeMILLO, Associated Press Writer
Sat Dec 8, 5:13 PM ET



LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - 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."

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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.

Huckabee said Saturday that his comments came at a time when the public was still learning about HIV and AIDS and promised to do "everything possible to transform the promise of a vaccine and a cure into reality."

In 1992, Huckabee wrote, "If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague."

"It is difficult to understand the public policy towards AIDS. It is the first time in the history of civilization in which the carriers of a genuine plague have not been isolated from the general population, and in which this deadly disease for which there is no cure is being treated as a civil rights issue instead of the true health crisis it represents."

The AP submitted the questionnaire to both candidates in the 1992 senate race; only Huckabee responded. Incumbent Sen. Dale Bumpers won his fourth term; Huckabee was elected lieutenant governor the next year and became governor in 1996.

When asked about AIDS research in 1992, Huckabee complained that AIDS research received an unfair share of federal dollars when compared to cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

"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 said in a prepared statement released by his campaign Saturday afternoon that he called for quarantine when there was a lot of confusion about how AIDS is spread. He said he wanted at the time to follow traditional medical practices used for dealing with tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.

"We now know that the virus that causes AIDS is spread differently, with a lower level of contact than with TB," Huckabee said. "But looking back almost 20 years, my concern was the uncertain risk to the general population — if we got it wrong, many people would die needlessly. My concern was safety first, political correctness last."

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.

The nation had an increased awareness of AIDS at the time because pro basketball star Magic Johnson had recently disclosed he carried the virus responsible for it. Johnson retired but returned to the NBA briefly during the 1995-96 season.

Since becoming a presidential candidate this year, Huckabee has supported increased federal funding for AIDS research through the National Institutes of Health.

"My administration will be the first to have an overarching strategy for dealing with HIV and AIDS here in the United States, with a partnership between the public and private sectors that will provide necessary financing and a realistic path toward our goals," Huckabee said in a statement posted on his campaign Web site last month.

Also in the wide-ranging AP questionnaire in 1992, Huckabee said, "I feel homosexuality is an aberrant, unnatural, and sinful lifestyle, and we now know it can pose a dangerous public health risk."

A Southern Baptist preacher, Huckabee has been a favorite among social conservatives for his vocal opposition to gay marriage. In 2003, Huckabee said that the U.S. Supreme Court was probably right to strike down anti-sodomy laws, but that states still should be able to restrict things such as gay marriage or domestic partner benefits.

"What people do in the privacy of their own lives as adults is their business," Huckabee said. "If they bring it into the public square and ask me as a taxpayer to support it or to endorse it, then it becomes a matter of public discussion and discourse."

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I'll assume you're being sarcastic. As the article points out:

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When Huckabee wrote his answers in 1992, it was common knowledge that AIDS could not be spread by casual contact.

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He's clearly a colossal jackass.

:thumbsdown:

lmao

Romney Rulez!

Just when I was starting to like the guy...

That said I'm an Aussie, so its not like my opinion matters...

He's very unethical all round. Using public funds for personal use etc.

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Originally Posted by Huckabee

Hickabee said, "I feel homosexuality is an aberrant, unnatural, and sinful lifestyle, and we now know it can pose a dangerous public health risk."

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So the Republican line-up for '08: one homophobe, one saying the non-religious have no morals and no place in America, and one who'll abolish the Fed and return to a metal standard. Great.

Can we ask Bush to serve another term, please? :shame:

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

So the Republican line-up for '08: one homophobe, one saying the non-religious have no morals and no place in America, and one who'll abolish the Fed and return to a metal standard. Great.

Can we ask Bush to serve another term, please? :shame:

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You forgot tancredo, who refused to attend the debate today because it was sponsored by a spanish language group and he wants to end all immigration.

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

one saying the non-religious have no morals and no place in America

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Oh, come on Louis. That's lame and you know it. The speech was about religion. Atheists go on about how they think religion is bunk, and then complain when a speech about religion doesn't include them? What a pathetic 'you didn't mention me and you made me a victim' whining.

Oh, yeah, I really hope Huckabee becomes a non-factor in this election real soon. He's no fiscal conservative and ethically challenged.

CR

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

Can we ask Bush to serve another term, please? :shame:

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His brother would actually be a great choice.. :2thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

So the Republican line-up for '08: one homophobe, one saying the non-religious have no morals and no place in America, and one who'll abolish the Fed and return to a metal standard. Great.

Can we ask Bush to serve another term, please? :shame:

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Rudy's the cream of the crop: A pro choice, gun control republican who has several moral dillema's. :laugh4:

Huckabee's surge looks to me like the christian right has found thier poster boy.

People get on me for liking Paul and Biden, honestly its a pretty poor field all around.

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Originally Posted by Odin

Rudy's the cream of the crop: A pro choice, gun control republican who has several moral dillema's. :laugh4:

Huckabee's surge looks to me like the christian right has found thier poster boy.

People get on me for liking Paul and Biden, honestly its a pretty poor field all around.

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Paul AND Biden? Are you serious? :inquisitive:

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Originally Posted by Vladimir

Paul AND Biden? Are you serious? :inquisitive:

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In the debates i have watched those are the only two who seem to be able to have a consistant position on issues and be able to articulate them no matter the forum.

Biden's been around a while and while he isnt my hearts desire, he could certainly get things done in Washington.

For right now its Paul, for the simple reason his platform is more in line with libertarian leanings, something the republican party should begin to consider adopting.

So yeah i'm serious. However I can be convienced otherwise. Im still an undeclared independent at this point.

I think we should send a formal invitation to Tony Blair. :laugh4:

Seriously, it's pretty sad when we're not even into, let alone out of primary season and I'm jaded on all the candidates. I understand your plight Odin, I don't like Romney one bit, I just think he's the leper with the most fingers left.

:help:

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Originally Posted by Don Corleone

I think we should send a formal invitation to Tony Blair. :laugh4:

Seriously, it's pretty sad when we're not even into, let alone out of primary season and I'm jaded on all the candidates. I understand your plight Odin, I don't like Romney one bit, I just think he's the leper with the most fingers left.

:help:

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For what its worth Don, he wasnt a bad Govenor. However he's got blood on his hands with this universal health care we have now.

Considering he was playing ball with one hand tied behind his back his entire term he fared well. Not only that but he did attempt to unseat Senator for life Uncle Teddy, which gets mucho points with me.

Well despite the fact that Huckabee is going to be tarred and feathered for this statement he did make a good point and one that I discussed with friends years ago. The idea that carriers of such a destructive, contagious disease are allowed to roam amongst the general population and fornicate at will is pretty horrifying (especially when the carriers know they're carriers and do nothing to prevent putting others at risk). Yes, I realize sexually transmitted diseases have been with us since... well forever and society has done little to isolate carriers of syphilis, gonorrhea & herpes but those STDs are minor league compared to the beast that is AIDS.

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Originally Posted by Don Corleone

Seriously, it's pretty sad when we're not even into, let
alone out of primary season and I'm jaded on all the candidates. I understand your plight Odin, I don't like Romney one bit, I just think he's the leper with the most fingers left.

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Now THAT'S a sig quote if ever there was one... :thumbsup:

If we allow people with tuberculosis to roam free we shouldn't lock up those with HIV, that is, in less it becomes airborne.

I don't respect Huckabee because of his backsliding and shying away from his convictions once he starts becoming a bit popular. His backsliding is by far the most disturbing aspect of the whole subject.

Does anyone know what his views on kangaroos are?

http://timesonline.typepad.com/comme...ckabee-th.html

:laugh4:

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Originally Posted by Vladimir

If we allow people with tuberculosis to roam free we shouldn't lock up those with HIV, that is, in less it becomes airborne.

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Except that TB etc are treatable and relatively stable diseases, while HIV is unreatable and it's impossible to know who has it and who doesn't. The who has it camp may include two thirds of some nations' militaries.

Forget the unprotected sex issue, what about a car crash, or an industrial accident.

While I'm not really in favour of locking these people away Leper Colonies existed for a reason and we at least need to start talking about some restrictions, even if it's just needing to wear an "HIV" bracelet.

Man up guys, we've got no cure, no vacine, and if this goes airborne everyone in the Mid East and Africa dies.

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Originally Posted by Philipvs Vallindervs Calicvla

while HIV is unreatable and it's impossible to know who has it and who doesn't.

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Wrong. HIV can be treated and those afflicted can live for decades before AIDS kicks in. The latest generation of medicines also have much fewer side effects than previously used cocktails. Having to use them still sucks pretty badly of course, not in the least because it's ultimately uncurable.

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Originally Posted by Philipvs Vallindervs Calicvla

Man up guys, we've got no cure, no vacine, and if this goes airborne everyone in the Mid East and Africa dies.

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:inquisitive:
How probable is it that a disease transmitted by blood contact becomes airborne?

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Originally Posted by Kralizec

How probable is it that a disease transmitted by blood contact becomes airborne?

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That would depend on the nature of the virus. While the HIV virus(es) mutate frequently it still lacks the ability to survive for long when exposed. There's a lot of blood in the lungs and even cough droplets can harbor a virus.

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Originally Posted by Vladimir

That would depend on the nature of the virus. While the HIV virus(es) mutate frequently it still lacks the ability to survive for long when exposed. There's a lot of blood in the lungs and even cough droplets can harbor a virus.

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There's quite a bit of changes needed for that (aka very unlikely to happen naturally) and isolation would only help after this change, not preventing it.

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Originally Posted by Philipvs Vallindervs Calicvla

While I'm not really in favour of locking these people away Leper Colonies existed for a reason and we at least need to start talking about some restrictions, even if it's just needing to wear an "HIV" bracelet.

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Tbh it's because Lepra causes phyical deformities and that they don't die that made it feared enough to cause those colonies. It's the least infectible disease that's infectible known to man.

Oh, and are thgose braclets public or something? Such things will end soo well otherwise... :rolleyes:
How often do you get other peoples blood through your eyes or in a open wound?

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Originally Posted by Ironside

Oh, and are thgose braclets public or something? Such things will end soo well otherwise... :rolleyes:
How often do you get other peoples blood through your eyes or in a open wound?

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Medical alert bracelets are quite common all though they are designed to protect the wearer. It doesn't matter "how often" it happens, it only needs to happen once.

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Originally Posted by Spino

Well despite the fact that Huckabee is going to be tarred and feathered for this statement he did make a good point and one that I discussed with friends years ago. The idea that carriers of such a destructive, contagious disease are allowed to roam amongst the general population and fornicate at will is pretty horrifying (especially when the carriers know they're carriers and do nothing to prevent putting others at risk). Yes, I realize sexually transmitted diseases have been with us since... well forever and society has done little to isolate carriers of syphilis, gonorrhea & herpes but those STDs are minor league compared to the beast that is AIDS.

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Quite frankly I'm shocked at how often someone doesn't know if they're safe. Sure, perhaps they think so, but being sexually active yet not having a check-up every so often smacks of stupidity to me. It's one of the few conditions I set, just a bit of responsibility.

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Well despite the fact that Huckabee is going to be tarred and feathered for this statement he did make a good point and one that I discussed with friends years ago. The idea that carriers of such a destructive, contagious disease are allowed to roam amongst the general population and fornicate at will is pretty horrifying (especially when the carriers know they're carriers and do nothing to prevent putting others at risk). Yes, I realize sexually transmitted diseases have been with us since... well forever and society has done little to isolate carriers of syphilis, gonorrhea & herpes but those STDs are minor league compared to the beast that is AIDS.

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Jesus Christ. AIDS isn't a death sentence. People infected with it have a fairly normal life expectancy.

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So the Republican line-up for '08: one homophobe, one saying the non-religious have no morals and no place in America, and one who'll abolish the Fed and return to a metal standard. Great.

Can we ask Bush to serve another term, please?

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Theres still Mcain :yes:

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How probable is it that a disease transmitted by blood contact becomes airborne?

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If it is adaptable and resilient it could complete a course at Bragg or Campbell .

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Originally Posted by Sasaki Kojiro

Jesus Christ. AIDS isn't a death sentence. People infected with it have a fairly normal life expectancy.

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Yes it is, and your life expectancy isn't normal unless you don't get it until 60 or so. I think 20 years is fairly normal even today.

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Originally Posted by Kralizec

Wrong. HIV can be treated and those afflicted can live for decades before AIDS kicks in. The latest generation of medicines also have much fewer side effects than previously used cocktails. Having to use them still sucks pretty badly of course, not in the least because it's ultimately uncurable.



:inquisitive:
How probable is it that a disease transmitted by blood contact becomes airborne?

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It doesn't matter how long it takes, fact is prolonging life expectancy increases the chances of a new mutation, as does feeding the virus ultimately ineffectual drugs. These people aren't just carriers, they're walking incubators. The more the virus mutates the higher the likelyhood it becomes airbourne, the longer people live with it the more it mutates.

Unless you're lucky enough to have the two magic genes that make you immune the virus is 100% fatal. From my point of view prolonging the life expectancy of someone who has an incurable, virillant and infectious disease isn't a good idea medically.

In the end the question is simple: Who transmits the disease to new sufferers, it's not happening through transfusion anymore. There was a case over here of a man who knew he was infected and went on to infect his girlfriend regardless.

This isn't cancer, or a genetic defect, this can kill us all if it isn't stamped out and the best way to do that is to test everyone and then make sure those people that have the bug don't pass it on.

Normally I don't go in for the "greater good" arguement but this could potentially be the end of our species, because we are prolonging the life cycle of the virus.

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Originally Posted by Philipvs Vallindervs Calicvla

Unless you're lucky enough to have the two magic genes that make you immune the virus is 100% fatal. From my point of view prolonging the life expectancy of someone who has an incurable, virillant and infectious disease isn't a good idea medically.
...
Normally I don't go in for the "greater good" arguement but this could potentially be the end of our species.

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You defeated your own worst case scenario in the same post. Therefore why should we perform an AIDS carrier cleansing?