P.S. diddallas, I don't mind being challenged, but please do so intelligently with facts and evidence. Starting with a FACTUAL refutation of the very well researched, unchallenged article written in the Wall Street Journal about research presented to Congress by Congressional Research Services. However, you need to read the article FIRST before you can challenge the facts.

jdmac:<p>I want to apologize to you for the remarks I made about your post. While I still do not understand what you said, and I think the words can easily be taken the way I did, I am sure that you did not mean them in the way I took them.<p>No, I am not going to agree with you on a lot of points and I know you aren't going to agree with me on many. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did, there was a much more appropriate way to do so.<p>[ December 09, 2001: Message edited by: Not Doing too Well ]</p>

Apology accepted. I would still be happy to try to explain what I meant further, if you care to do it over email. jdmac1@yahoo.com<p> I meant no disrespect or ill will.<p> jd

Ok, I can see a lot of dander is being thrown up here. I am not here to knock anyone's thoughts or opinions. Just say a few things.....<p>Studies and research on Aids and related diseases is an ever changing field. It is reasonable to note however that Aids is real and deadly. That piece of info has not changed. For me that piece of info alone is enough to make me want to take precautions. Statistics just confirm it more. I too have known people to die from Aids. No they are not kind of dead, they are dead and gone. There families have suffered and are still suffering. <p>Religion: Highly controversial subject. Many religiions (both Christian and non-christian) condemn audltery and homosexuality. Not an opinion but a fact. However, the tolerance of both are allowed by these same religions. Many of which most of us claim to be a part of. <p>What does that mean? What someone may believe in or been taught may not be what is being practiced? Look at this country. Both adultery and homosexuality is 'practiced' at all levels of life (blue/white collar worker, students, etc.) and tolerated by most religions. So while the belief may be taught it is not practiced. <p>What does that sound like? Sounds like the adage, 'do as I say but not as I do'. Hm...... <p>Bottom line is that families, all affected families have paid the price for individual members not heeding health and moral (biblical) warnings. Are we going to allow that to be the case on our families? Well we each individually get to decide. <p>For me? My beliefs and the religion that I practice did enforce the Adultery charge. My H was 'disfellowshipped' from our religion. He understands why. At first I was ashamed and still am but we understood why it was important. It was important to help him heal and protect our family at the same time. Kind of like a plan B. Was the disfellowshipping action necessary? Yes. At the time, the Ws was not remorseful and told the elders so. He said is as respectfully as he could but he did say it, so they had no choice. If the elders were going to continue to teach the congregation that adultery was wrong, then to harbor such would be an act of condoning. <p>Now don't get me wrong, they did let H know that they would be available for him to talk with them and that this was not meant to estrange him in any way. If H wanted to come back the door was open to him and the way outlined. My H knows that to this day. But you see, H's attitude as a WS played out even beyond his immediate family, this A of his even affected his personal relationship with God. His recovery? It will include all those he affected. .......another food for thought for any of us thinking of stepping over to that lifestyle. <p>For those who have been there done that..... I am not condemning you, I don't have that right. If you ask my opinion or for me to condone it, I will share with you my personal beliefs. But you live with the choices you make. Is repentance only for those who say they are christans? Repentance is something for all mankind. Just as much as saying 'I am sorry' are words we all need to say at some point in our lives. <p>No judgement here, just IMHO.
L.