How the Government Kills Blacks With AIDS Virus
Rucker C. Johnson and Steven Raphael, two researchers at the University of California, now claim to have solved the mystery of why AIDS so disproportionately afflicts the black community. There is a government policy at the heart of the epidemic: imprisoning black men and then not protecting them against acquiring HIV while in they are serving their time.
posted by Scott at 11:37 AM
4 Comments:
Wow, Scott. Powerful story. I didn't realize almost any of this (except for high prison rape stats). Guess I never put it all together....
Yea, no one did. But once its has been said it obvious.
People were looking at the down low, at drug use when the answer is obvious once one knows where to look.
03 31 06
Hey Scott:
I took a course at SFSU called Aids the modern Epidemic and policy was a real focus in the course. I didn't realize that when someone enters prison they are tested for HIV, but when they leave they are not retested. MY GOD! The implications for the areas where they live are powerful! HIV spreads among regular heterosexuals and in fact tatooing and IV drug use are the MAIN vectors for HIV tranmission in prisons. Well thatis what some stats say. But thanks for pointing this out; we really need to analyze our policies in prison and educate. There is an organization called Centerpoint (I think, cannot recall exact name) and they do job placement, counseling and advocacy for ex convicts. They are trying to make a difference, but they have a major uphill battle...Good post.
Well, personally, if I were Empress, one enormous change I would make is to alter our drug laws significantly. If the types of changes I thought made sense were put into play, a large number (I have no idea how large - but large) of black men would not enter the prison system - at least, not for drug abuse, involvement, etc.
Surely it would help a bit if the numbers going in were reduced.
Of course, some of the suggestions you made make sense, too - like condoms.
On the other hand, I've never known rapists to be very thoughtful and considerate.
Best plan: not so many folks in prison!!
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