My compliments to the Nathan Pitts family of Stonington for taking responsibility for their own welfare regarding HIV. It is gratifying to see that some families are taking their responsibility instead of leaving it up to the school system and-or local AIDS organizations. HIV disease is a “people problem,” and only through education can we change their behavior. If it weren’t for the activists in this epidemic, just how much education would be available to the American people? …

HIV is not a virus with the ability to think or discriminate. It cannot differentiate between good or bad. It is a “smart” virus in that it will attack any healthy CD-4 cell. Unlike other behaviorally transmitted diseases, HIV infection does not show immediate symptoms. A person can carry this virus for several years and appear to be very healthy, but during this time can pass the virus on to others, who in turn, can pass it on.

There are no risk groups concerning HIV. Any person that is having unprotected sex or sharing IV drug paraphernalia is at risk. Abstinence from sex and IV drugs are the only sure-fire way to avoid HIV infection; but whether we like it or not, most of us, including a lot of young people, are going to have sex. Don’t we as a community have the responsibility to try and save lives? Granted, the use of condoms is not 100 percent effective, but if we can save one life, aren’t we obligated to do so?

I am sure that Mr. Pitts misinterpreted the meaning of World AIDS Day. It is not a day of “pomp and circumstance,” but a day of reflection, a day for people to remember their loved ones and show compassion for the people now suffering with AIDS.

To date, 340,000 men, women and children have been diagnosed as having AIDS in the U.S. Of those, 205,000 have died. There may be upward of 2 million people infected with HIV and not know it. HIV infection is certainly a “people’s disease,” and only through education and informed choices can we stem the tide. Richard Bond, president Down East AIDS Network Ellsworth