Originally posted by BDBionic
[B]It very well may be the case that he was despised by the gay community in the 1980s and that there was little tangible evidence of a concerted effort - or even caring - on his part to mobilize the federal government to confront the AIDS epidemic. But logic dictates that does not translate in to irrefutable evidence that he despised gays and maliciously encouraged the spread of the virus.{/B}
I think that more or less the same people who hated him then, still hate him now.

You know - a lot of people - including Reagan Administration folks who were around in 1985 - have learned a lot and modified their opinions about gays and homosexuality. Everyone has.

LOTS has chnged for us for the better. The general knowledge and awaremenss of gay people is much more mature then in 1985.

It's interesting that people in the gay community have not changed their opinions at all. Holding grudges for 20+ years is silly.

Steve

PS: Gay revisionism has always been alive and well regardng Reagan. It is routinely omitted that Reagan came out publically against the Briggs Initiative in 1978, which was California's first public referendum on gay tolerence. If you watch "The Life & Times of Harvey Milk" for example... Anyhoo --- good rule in life - don't hold grudges.