Reagan and AIDS. Let me get this straight. It's the mid-80's. We know very little about AIDS. Scientists believe, but are not certain, that being around someone with it is not a risky situation. And Reagan expressing understanding for why people were afraid of being exposed shows he's a "pusillanimous Bastard"? Granted, based on this excerpt it looks like he didn't condemn the atrocious mob-like behavior like he should have. Maybe I'm reading into it what I want to, but it seems more likely this guy is. Think of it this way: would you let your kid spend time alone with Michael Jackson? I don't know if Jackson has done any of the things he's been accused of, and he shouldn't be treated as a pariah until proven guilty, but it's irrational to act as if lack of proof is proof of safety. In Reagan's situation I would have clearly condemned the violence and harassment, but given the knowledge of AIDS at that time, being worried about it spreading and trying to prevent it from doing so were not contemptible offenses.