Edward S. Gould

Edward S. Gould 16655 Calneva, Drive Encino, CA 91436 (818) 501-4160 FAX: (818) 906-0766 February 1, 1996 President Bill Clinton The White House Washington, D. C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: Both individually and as a member of your HIV Advisory Council, I am deeply distressed that you will sign the defense authorization bill containing the language regarding the dismissal of HIV positive personnel AND the REDUCTION of benefits of these people. This is the most blatant piece of discrimination that has been passed by Congress in a long, long time. I fully understand that your Administration opposed this provision and worked against it and your certainly have no desire to sign the bill. Under these circumstances, I urge you to veto the bill specifically stating that this provision is the SOLE reason and that discrimination of this kind flies in the face of logic, medical science and common sense. Congress may override such a veto, but the principle of discrimination by singling out one group over all others must not stand. Dr. Scott Hitt has written you as well suggesting a strategy if your veto is overridden. I endorse each and every one of his suggestions that you and your Administration can take should the veto be overridden. There is no need to compromise on this issue. The people of the United States fully understand the nature of this provision. Homophobia (a word you used so eloquently in your remarks in December) is the reason for this bill and the author is clearly a hateful man that should not be allowed to succeed with this provision. Very truly yours, Eel Maryl Edward S. Gould cc: Dr. Scott Hitt Marsha Scott Patsy Fleming Jeff Levi