Madam, - Ann Nolan's letter of July 29th is typical of the "vapid empowering UN/feminist mumbo jumbo" of which Kevin Myers speaks in An Irishman's Diary of July 22nd.
I wish to make it clear at the outset that I have no intention of detracting from the wonderful work done by Ms Nolan and so many others; our society owes them a debt of gratitude. However, her letter is indicative of how so many people only see one side of a problem - in this case the undeniable psychological burden and social stigma of those suffering with HIV/AIDS.
Kevin Myers set out in black-and-white terms the cause of so many instances of HIV/AIDS in the world. If people are going to go out and engage in unprotected homosexual or heterosexual sex in a highly promiscuous fashion, it is inevitable that a certain percentage of them will contract sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.
Furthermore, those who engage in promiscuous anal sex put themselves at greater risk than others. And if it takes an alarming play on words to highlight this fact - which so many still choose to ignore - then we should be grateful to Mr Myers for saying what so many delegates in Thailand could not.
This is the kind of education that Kader Asmal spoke of - addressing the problem for what it really is and understanding the actual causes of the disease. To pretend otherwise is ignorant, foolish and wrong.
In so many instances HIV/AIDS could have been prevented by a more informed and realistic choice; this is what Kevin Myers meant when he spoke of AIDS being a "disease of volition".
For Ms Nolan to distort this so as to imply that Mr Myers somehow is asserting that people choose to contract AIDS is irresponsible in the light of what the article is trying to tell the reader.
As for Ms Nolan's assertions to the effect that the article was in breach of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989, it amazes me that someone in her position can possibly decide that an article declaring, in harsh and brutal terms, the major cause and harsh and brutal reality of AIDS is in any way ostracising AIDS sufferers, let alone inciting people to hatred. It is merely stating the truth.
The aim is not to stigmatise HIV/AIDS patients but rather to stigmatise those who feel there is any merit in squandering millions upon millions of dollars - which could be much more effectively spent - on a conference that can't even bring itself to talk about a truly monumental problem in the candid and often unpleasant terms required (not to mention that most of those present couldn't be bothered listening to the only delegate with AIDS).
The truth is not always pleasant and can sometimes leave a sour taste. It is, however, essential if we are to come to an effective and lasting solution to this problem. - Yours, etc.,
J.P. MATHEWS,
Mather Road North,
Mount Merrion,
Co Dublin.