Maryland Comptroller Delivers Meals to AIDS Patients

Maryland Comptroller William Donald Schaefer -- whose comments about AIDS patients were met with anger earlier this year -- on Christmas Eve delivered meals to homebound people with HIV. In October, as he tried to explain his support for a public registry of state residents with AIDS, Schaefer called AIDS patients "a danger" and said those with the disease "brought it on themselves."

At the Highlandtown headquarters of Moveable Feast, which delivers meals and groceries to AIDS patients, Schaefer said he had been "misunderstood" and added, "I have great sympathy for people with AIDS." Vic Basile, Moveable Feast's executive director, said Schaefer's gesture was appreciated, as it led media organizations to spotlight AIDS on Christmas Eve -- which they probably would not have done otherwise. "Had he not been, as he says, 'misunderstood,' we would not have had the opportunity to engage him like this," Basile said. "He's a compassionate guy, and I don't think he said anything to be mean-spirited. But his comments reflected what some people believe: that blame is associated with this." Schaefer talked to reporters about his feelings regarding AIDS, then he and his entourage left to deliver two meals.

Moveable Feast serves 600 people with HIV in metro Baltimore and the Eastern Shore.

Back to other news for December 28, 2004