Re: AIDS

From:kbmord@yahoo.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-03-16 18:11 Subject: Re: AIDS

Dear John, I was forwarded Secretary Clinton's official full length response to her apology two days ago. I was profoundly touched by what she did. (I even felt a subtle salute to us long-term survivors and our continuing challenges in PTSD, employment, housing, and mental health.) The statement hasn't gotten a lot of mainstream coverage, whether that's good or bad is undecided. It's a wonderful example of turning a lump of coal into a diamond. I was moved ... and even more inspired to continue my personal volunteer work with POZ people and Lifegroup LA. I've kept our discourse confidential except sharing with my Mother, who seems to enjoy my writing "skills" (I write from the heart with my brain in tow). I forwarded Hillary's official response to her as well and she reminded me, after asking a few history questions about the long battle with AIDS that Hillary's path has always been supportive regardless if the one little mistake. Also in saying how deeply moved she was by Hillary's response, I heard her making personal amends in a metaphorical way through Hillary's situation (Crying as I write this). Most profoundly, however, it inspired a woman, who has been mostly alone on her journey fearing for the life of her son this past 31 years to write this - "Well done, Keith. You were definitely heard. That has to give you a sense of satisfaction. While I don't write as beautifully as you, and I don't respond online to these types of things,if I did, I would write something like: 'My HIV positive son has long championed the rights of those who share his disease, and as his mother, while you initial inaccurate remarks were upsetting, I want to thank you for having the courage to acknowledge your mistake and offer such an eloquent and meaningful apology and message. I truly hope that all people will recognize the important significance of your willingness to clarify this situation, accept your explanation and move on. There is a lot of work that needs to be done on many fronts, and yours is the kind of leadership, guidance and courage our country needs. You have my support. Stay strong.'" It may appear simple but it means a lot. I wasn't supposed to share it with anyone ("shhh!") however from one Mother to another Mother it carries immense power of healing and support for each of them. Also, you (and Hillary!) need your nourishment of the "GOOD" during this challenging journey. So I wanted to give back. With Faith fully restored, I say thank you for all you do. An amazing policy platform has been laid out (unheard of I believe till now) for those with HIV/AIDS and those that love them. Apology accepted. Onto kicking ass in November. Our lives are quite literally in the balance. Until next time, dig deep, love large, live fully, dream big, and make it happen! My best, always, Keith B Molter > On Mar 12, 2016, at 5:06 PM, John Podesta <john.podesta@gmail.com> wrote: > > Thanks. Very helpful suggestions. And I feel really badly that we are in this place since I think there is no one whose heart would be more committed to tackle HIV/AIDS and be a partner to the community living with the consequences of the disease than Hillary. Thanks for your candor. > >> On Saturday, March 12, 2016, Keith Molter <kbmord@yahoo.comeb> wrote: >> John, >> I would really love to believe you. We've (my long-term HIV friend and I) just been discussing it. The consensus was either one of two things: she's tired or she got caught pandering. >> I would like to believe the tired part, to be honest. It's a tough spot. You're not allowed to be tired or it's shows weakness to some. That sucks. I don't envy you. >> >> Maybe taking a breath and publicly calling for some of the long time national leaders of AIDS together (after letting the grave dust settle on Nancy- a week?) to meet. Afterward make a public apology directly to their faces, thereby exhibiting the vulnerability and truthfulness behind it. It has to be seen. >> And then hopefully garnering the support of everybody in the room as a result of that. >> >> Heck She could even say, "to show that I am sorry and truthful to my word, I'm announcing now the commitment to a creation of a national policy for long-term HIV survivors- I'm committed to their continued struggle in the future, the PTSD, and all that goes along with their survival. Without them there never would've been a national dialogue on AIDS! They helped to save our nation." >> >> Of course those are my words because that is what I believe. But bottom line- piggybacking an action to a public apology as example of conviction is what I'm going for here. Just a suggestion. >> >> I take the time because I TRULY care. I know you are a busy busy ... busy man. >> >> Keith Molter >> >> >>> On Mar 12, 2016, at 2:02 PM, John Podesta <john.podesta@gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>> Keith, >>> I can't explain this other than sheer exhaustion. I know it was deeply hurtful and we are trying to make it right. I also know as First Lady, Senator and Secretary she has always tried to do everything she could to eradicate the disease for good. So I ask you to consider that and balance that in judging what was a terrible mistake. >>> John >>> >>>> On Saturday, March 12, 2016, Keith Molter <kbmord@yahoo.com> wrote: >>>> Dear Mr Podesta, >>>> >>>> With all due respect, please consider: >>>> If Hillary was truly ignorant, it is shameful. If not and she said what she said regardless, WHY?! >>>> I've been positive for 31 years. There's over a half a million of us over 50 living with this virus. I personally work with the PTSD and issues of Longterm Survivors (theLifegroupIa.org) and even believe I sent you my story about Hillary at the quilt and what it meant; which makes it nearly if not impossible for her NOT to have known about AIDS silence with the Reagan's! >>>> I'm considering changing my vote and possibly party (Kasich) as a result of her statement. Own up quick. >>>> "Misspoke"?! >>>> Come on guys. What does THAT mean?! >>>> >>>> Devastated, disgusted, and absolutely heartbroken, >>>> >>>> Keith B Molter >>>> >>>> PS. She was one of my heroes. >>>> >>>> PPS. Here was the published story of my Quilt experience, which now seemingly is fraudulent: >>>> >>>> "She was there. She was instrumental. She was not afraid. I know. I saw it. I saw her, in front of me, go to the AIDS Quilt, with then President Clinton, to see her friend's panel. No First Family had ever even acknowledged it before. >>>> It was if for the first time all the death, ACT(ing) UP, pain, loss, fight, and hurt were validated. It was stone silent on the vast Washington Mall. No fanfare. No hoopla. They simply went and we had stumbled upon it. >>>> Silence. Stillness. They got out of their motorcade hand in hand and walked through the Quilt. It was THE first time it was ever acknowledged by anyone of any higher level in government. >>>> They stood. They prayed. They looked at a few other panels. They wiped tears. We were 100 feet away. As they turned to leave, the still silence was broken by a squelching sound, like an animal in deep pain. It was me. I screaming "Thank you!" through my sobs, my voice cracking. They both turned. He put his hand up in a still wave and nodded his head -his mouth doing that mouth/chin thing he does. They turned and left. >>>> I was there. They were there....maybe too late for some we lost. But they got there first ... as soon as they could ... once the country elected two people who actually cared. Let's do it again. Hillary always."