Christianist Mike Huckabee wanted to isolate AIDS patients

I am glad to see that even the Virginian Pilot is carrying stories (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/H/HUCKABEE_AIDS?SITE=VANOV&SECTION=HOME) that reveal just what an extremist Mike Huckabee (pictured at left, but lacking an appropriate Hitler mustache) is in his views. This story focuses on Huckabee's past views on AIDS patients and homosexuality. If Huckabee were to be elected President, I truly believe I'd start looking into emigrating from this country. It would be a clear sign that the majority of voters had lost their minds and/or that a Christianist dictatorship was well on the way to becoming a reality. It is of course telling that Huckabee is now leading in the GOP polls in Iowa, thereby clearly showing just how extreme the rank and file members of the GOP have become . Here are some story highlights:

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- 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." 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.

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 did not return messages left with his campaign. 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.

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.