Don't blame me, I voted for the other guy. (Politics General)

And because of the fact that both the right political forces as well as the left constantly engage in a war of dominance and seek to expand their own numbers to support their agendas and world-views, I chose to become an Independent, free of party affiliation. True, I do lean considerably to the progressive left, but I strive to never follow any one individual or idolize any one movement or ideology.
 
I strive to be an optimistic realist, one who desires truth, justice, and fairness in all aspects of society. I’m also a no nonsense person and strongly dislike religion and partisan politics because they feed off of false hope, tribalistic mentality, and corruption and greed. I do not view Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton favorably and will never support either of them or the respective parties from which they hail from. Hell, I’d just as soon throw Bernie Sanders under the bus if he ever changed enough of his policies or decided to capitulate and compromise with the Democratic establishment.
 
I have no zeal or loyalty to any one person or leader, nor do I follow any creed or group. My only concern is what’s best for the country and by extension, the world. My voting methodology therefore seeks out often times the lesser of evils or individuals with good ideas and sound policies, of which is getting harder and harder to identify and follow in these tumultuous days.

To requote Alexander Hamilton in No. 1 of The Federalist Papers:
 
Among the most formidable of the obstacles which the new Constitution will have to encounter may readily be distinguished the obvious interest of a certain class of men in every State to resist all changes which may hazard a diminution of the power, emolument, and consequence of the offices they hold under the State establishments; and the perverted ambition of another class of men, who will either hope to aggrandize themselves by the confusions of their country, or will flatter themselves with fairer prospects of elevation from the subdivision of the empire into several partial confederacies than from its union under one government.
 
It is not, however, my design to dwell upon observations of this nature. I am well aware that it would be disingenuous to resolve indiscriminately the opposition of any set of men (merely because their situations might subject them to suspicion) into interested or ambitious views. Candor will oblige us to admit that even such men may be actuated by upright intentions; and it cannot be doubted that much of the opposition which has made its appearance, or may hereafter make its appearance, will spring from sources, blameless at least, if not respectable–the honest errors of minds led astray by preconceived jealousies and fears. So numerous indeed and so powerful are the causes which serve to give a false bias to the judgment, that we, upon many occasions, see wise and good men on the wrong as well as on the right side of questions of the first magnitude to society. This circumstance, if duly attended to, would furnish a lesson of moderation to those who are ever so much persuaded of their being in the right in any controversy. And a further reason for caution, in this respect, might be drawn from the reflection that we are not always sure that those who advocate the truth are influenced by purer principles than their antagonists. Ambition, avarice, personal animosity, party opposition, and many other motives not more laudable than these, are apt to operate as well upon those who support as those who oppose the right side of a question. Were there not even these inducements to moderation, nothing could be more ill-judged than that intolerant spirit which has, at all times, characterized political parties. For in politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword. Heresies in either can rarely be cured by persecution.
 
And yet, however just these sentiments will be allowed to be, we have already sufficient indications that it will happen in this as in all former cases of great national discussion. A torrent of angry and malignant passions will be let loose. To judge from the conduct of the opposite parties, we shall be led to conclude that they will mutually hope to evince the justness of their opinions, and to increase the number of their converts by the loudness of their declamations and the bitterness of their invectives. An enlightened zeal for the energy and efficiency of government will be stigmatized as the offspring of a temper fond of despotic power and hostile to the principles of liberty. An over-scrupulous jealousy of danger to the rights of the people, which is more commonly the fault of the head than of the heart, will be represented as mere pretense and artifice, the stale bait for popularity at the expense of the public good. It will be forgotten, on the one hand, that jealousy is the usual concomitant of love, and that the noble enthusiasm of liberty is apt to be infected with a spirit of narrow and illiberal distrust. On the other hand, it will be equally forgotten that the vigor of government is essential to the security of liberty; that, in the contemplation of a sound and well-informed judgment, their interest can never be separated; and that a dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the forbidden appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government. History will teach us that the former has been found a much more certain road to the introduction of despotism than the latter, and that of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants.

@neutralgrey  
I’ve been searching articles of the march myself, but have only found very partisan viewpoints surrounding it. It’s likely that the better sources would be written by Polish papers.
 
The march was for Polish independance and has to do with the refugee quotas and the subsequent strong arming of Polish soveiregnity by the EU, that much seems true from source to source, but any detailed analysis is lacking. The fascist inspirations of the march is contested and while any march for nationalism and independence does invite the radical, exclusionary portions of nationalism alongside it, the bulk of the marchers seemed to have disvowed any further fascist affiliations other than general membrance of Polish independence and concern for the perceived Islamisation of Europe and Poland.
 
I don’t consider active stance against mass migration, EU or Islamisation to be far right, so I can admit my own bias when I hear the march described as far right, which really has to be given a less ambigious and relativist term.

If you make moderate objections based on science and economics against immigration, you could still be labeled far right. If you suggest any kind of taxation and societal redistribution you cold still be labeled far left.
 
Politics are bullshit.

@ArkyNoid  
This. Like, it’s called the political spectrum for a reason and not the political teeter totter.

@HJSDGCE
 
When people are talking politics about things that affect people’s quality of life and even survival, I feel that is sheer childish wickedness. I don’t know how else to put it. In this “Christian” country you could have a man laying in bed dying of cancer and one side will say he should have his health care covered, the other side will say he has to pay. Few care about the actual dying man.

@Turkeynomster  
I thought the polish government was already against this mass immigration, or am I wrong?

@neutralgrey  
From what I understood, it was mostly done as a proof of strength for Polish culture that was enhanced by demands from the EU and the timing of the Polish independence day (November 11), so it wasn’t specifically a protest against the government, just a large gathering of patriotic citizens with political opportunists using it as a podium to potentially further their agendas and public visibility.
 
In other words, if the march had a large political motive, it was directed against the EU and Muslims rather than the current Polish government.

So the people of Zimbabwe are rejoicing after the President of Zimbabwe is placed under house arrest.

Restaurant Hires Exclusively HIV+ Employees
 
I swear to the dark lord Satan, Canada and California are in a war to see who can out progressive the other.

@Cyborg_pony
 
Soooo a blood borne illness, most of the staff working with knives and cutlery no doubt. Upside down world sure is fuunnnn!

@Turkeynomster  
I see, from what I read shits not looking good in Poland. Apparently there was a polish man who set himself on fire in protest in October, I thought no one did self-immolation anymore but I guess I was wrong.

+*How does stigma affect HIV prevention and treatment?  
Prepared by Pamela DeCarlo and Maria Ekstrand, PhD
 
Community Engagement (CE) Core | October 2016
 
What is HIV/AIDS stigma?
 
HIV-related stigma is a significant problem globally. HIV stigma inflicts hardship and suffering on people living with HIV and interferes with research, prevention, treatment, care and support efforts.
 
HIV-related stigma refers to negative beliefs, feelings and attitudes towards people living with HIV, their families and people who work with them. HIV stigma often reinforces existing social inequalities based on gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality and culture. Stigma against many vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected by HIV (such as the stigma of homosexuality, drug use, poverty, migration, transgender status, mental illness, sex work and racial, ethnic and tribal minority status) predates the epidemic and intersects with HIV stigma, which compounds the stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV (PLWH) who belong to such groups. ¹
 
HIV-related discrimination, also known as enacted HIV stigma, refers to the unfair and unjust treatment of someone based on their real or perceived HIV status. Discrimination also affects family members and friends, caregivers, healthcare and lab staff who care for PLWH. The drivers of HIV-related discrimination usually include misconceptions regarding casual transmission of HIV and pre-existing prejudices against certain populations, behaviors, sex, drug use, illness and death. Discrimination can be institutionalized through laws, policies and practices that unjustly affect PLWH and marginalized groups. ¹
 
How is HIV stigma harmful?
 
Stigma and discrimination add barriers which weaken the ability of people and communities to protect themselves from HIV and to stay healthy if they are living with HIV.
 
To persons living with HIV. Fear of stigma, discrimination and potential violence, may keep people from disclosing their status to family, friends and sexual partners. This can increase isolation and undermine their ability to access and adhere to treatment, and undermine prevention efforts such as using condoms and not sharing drug equipment. Enacted stigma can result in losing housing and jobs, being ostracized by family, and being treated badly in healthcare facilities, among other effects.
 
To vulnerable populations. The way people experience stigma varies across countries and communities. Stigma discourages people from seeking information and programs, for fear it will make others think they have HIV, are promiscuous or unfaithful, or are members of populations associated with HIV, like people who inject drugs, sex workers and gay men. It can make people less likely to get tested for HIV, use condoms, ask their partners about their status, use clean needles and injection equipment, or access biomedical prevention options such as male circumcision and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
 
How do people cope with stigma?
 
Several factors help individuals cope with HIV-related stigma, and respond to feelings of worthlessness, depression, and anger associated with their diagnosis. Many people learn to manage or cope with stigma quite well and have very positive relationships not impacted greatly by stigma, especially if they have supportive family and friends.
 
Social support. For many PLWH, social support can help buffer the impact of any stigma. A study of African American PLWH found many had experienced stigma and discrimination, but the impact was softened by having non-PLWH in their social networks express interest and take the initiative to offer help. Connection with other PLWH gave them an opportunity to share their feelings and to fight for their rights. ² A study of young African American men who have sex with men (MSM) found that stigma of racism and homophobia was associated with delayed HIV testing, but that men with peer support tested earlier. ³
 
Adapting and coping. Although it can be difficult for persons in already stigmatized communities to identify as HIV-positive, many PLWH do accept their HIV status and successfully form an identity of being pro-active and choosing to live. Adequate treatment for depression and anxiety, along with acceptance of one’s diagnosis, provide a protective buffer against stigma and promote acceptance of lifelong HIV treatment. ⁴
 
How is HIV stigma addressed?
 
Stigma exists, and should be targeted at multiple levels: individual, interpersonal (family, friends, social networks), organizational, community and public policy. ⁵ Involving PLWH in the design, creation, implementation and evaluation of stigma reduction programs is critical to success.
 
Individual level
 
Increasing individual knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention and care, as well as access to services and legal rights is important. One study in South Africa found that while some PLWH experienced stigma through insults and arguments with family members during conflict, they knew that disclosing someone’s status without their consent was a crime. In these instances, threatening to go to the police, or sometimes actually calling the police, allowed PLWH to fight back and maintain their self-esteem. ⁶
 
Interpersonal level
 
The We Are Family campaign from Greater Than AIDS and the Georgia Department of Public Health, reinforces the importance of social support for PLWH. The video campaign features a grandmother and her grown son, a college student and his parents, a pastor and his congregation, a recovering addict and his mother, a transgender woman and her sister, and childhood best friends, all supporting one another following an HIV diagnosis. ⁷
 
Organizational level
 
Healthcare providers are often named by PLWH as important sources of stigma. ⁸ Programs for training healthcare workers ⁹ should address culturally-specific stigma drivers, including personal fears of infection, prejudice towards vulnerable groups, and misconceptions or lack of knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention, treatment and universal precautions. ¹⁰ Programs also should address how the effect of stigma, discrimination, breaches of confidentiality and negative attitudes can negatively impact patients’ lives, health, and ability to follow treatment regimens.
 
Biomedical and behavioral approaches to HIV prevention, such as PrEP, routine HIV testing, starting treatment soon after diagnosis (test and treat), and treatment for PLWH to viral suppression, have been successful in the US and several countries in reducing new HIV infections and improving the life and health of PLWH. However, HIV stigma and discrimination can greatly impact the success of these interventions. Stigma surrounding PrEP use, including assumptions about promiscuity, can negatively affect PrEP access and uptake. ¹¹ Prejudice among healthcare workers may result in drug users, young adults, women ¹² and other marginalized populations not being offered either PrEP or HIV testing.
 
Community level
 
The Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign, launched by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raises awareness about HIV and its impact on the lives of all Americans, and fights stigma by showing that persons with HIV are real people—mothers, fathers, friends, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, partners, wives, husbands, and co-workers. The campaign offers facts about HIV, links to testing sites across the US, guidance for taking action against stigma, and online stories about PLWH, and the people who care for them. ¹³
 
Policy level
 
In Ghana, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the Ghana AIDS Commission and the Health Policy Project developed a web-based mechanism for PLWH to report discrimination in employment, health care, education and other areas. Reports can be anonymous, and all reports result in mediation, investigation and legal resolution by human rights and legal organizations. ¹⁴
 
What needs to be done?
 
Both the US White House and UNAIDS reports recommend focusing on key populations that have high and disproportionate rates of HIV, and are at higher risk for transmitting and acquiring HIV. ^1,15 Reducing stigma for other conditions common among persons at risk for or living with HIV—such as substance use, mental health problems, sex work and homelessness—and addressing homophobia are important efforts to improve health outcomes. However, promotion of disclosure of HIV status must be accompanied by protections for PLWH. This calls for a continued commitment to civil rights enforcement.
 
Says who?
 

@ArkyNoid  

 
It doesn’t help when there are dipshits in office making it no longer a punishable offence to purposefully spread HIV.
 
With that, and this restaurant, what do they possibly think would happen?
 
I think people’s priorities should be on trying to cure a life-altering disease rather then curing hurt feelings.
 
Cancer: Can’t be transmitted  
Diabetes: Can’t be transmitted  
HIV: Can be transmitted a screw people’s lives up on needing to spend $1,000 a year just to live a semi-normal life. And guess what; Not everyone has the money magic Johnson has.

@Cyborg_pony  
What kind of food will they serve?
 
Also, I think that might belong on the vent thread not the politics thread

@Cyborg_pony
 
This is probably an elaborate joke. We can’t be this gullible right? Maybe this is a fun thing to do.

@neutralgrey
 
Medium rare steak. And the red won’t be from cow’s blood.

@Dustcan  
What will the red be?

@ArkyNoid  
It’s Canada. I doubt it is.

@Cyborg_pony  

 
They are doing both. If HIV stigma isn’t addressed, then people with HIV will refuse to tell others of their condition, thus making it easier for the virus to be spread because of people’s instinct of keeping up a good perception of oneself. You could argue there should be a law prohibiting people with HIV from not telling others of their plight, but in a population of HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), believing it should not be illegal for persons with HIV to have unprotected sex without disclosure is associated with lower perceptions of responsibility, so HIV-specific laws would not deter high-risk sexual behavior, particularly high-risk sexual behavior from HIV-positive MSM.

@Fluttershy Studios  
Removing laws to protect willing spreaders of the virus and this restaurant idea is NOT doing either.
 
If a carrier has unprotected sex it should be illegal, since it is a serious and damaging virus.
 
Need I remind you THIS and THIS happened.
 
And you want to spare people like this punishment, because of some B.S. ‘stigma’? Because if this happens in California, the victims not only don’t get justice, but now have to live with mounting medical bills.

When you’re cooking in a kitchen, especially a commerical one you sort of don’t serve anyone food you’ve bled on. HIV or not, so the differences in cleanliness between an HIV positive work force and HIV negative workforce is pretty moot. There are other blood borne illnesses you should more readily be worried about than HIV.
 
But in any case, cutting yourself and bleeding over food is grounds to scrap the dish and throw it out, and probably put someone new on the job as the previous chef gets patched up. You’re not going to get HIV through eating a lose skin cell or hair.

*+Criminalization of HIV Transmission and Exposure: Research and Policy Agenda
 
Zita Lazzarini, JD, MPH, Carol L. Galletly, JD, PhD, […], and Robert J. Levine, MD
 
Abstract
 
More than half of US jurisdictions have laws criminalizing knowing exposure to or transmission of HIV, yet little evidence supports these laws’ effectiveness in reducing HIV incidence. These laws may undermine prevention efforts outlined in the US National HIV/AIDS Strategy, in which the United States has invested substantial federal funds.
 
Future research should include studies of (1) the impact of US HIV exposure laws on public health systems and practices; (2) enforcement of these laws, including arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and sentencing; (3) alternatives to HIV exposure laws; and (4) direct and opportunity costs of enforcement.
 
Policy efforts to mitigate potential negative impacts of these laws could include developing prosecutorial guidelines, modernized statutes, and model public health policies and protocols.
 
All US jurisdictions have criminal provisions that can be used to punish knowing exposure to or transmission of HIV to another person. More than half the states have HIV-specific criminal laws, whereas all have traditional criminal provisions. Yet criminal laws have not been shown to be effective in reducing rates of HIV infection. The Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS at Yale University created a multidisciplinary working group to address the legal, public health, and advocacy issues raised by US laws criminalizing HIV exposure or transmission. The working group convened meetings with presentations of current research by members and outside experts, drafted a literature review and annotated bibliography, and, following a year and a half of activities, brought together stakeholders from research, practice, and advocacy to develop this research agenda.

@Cyborg_pony  
I am talking about reforms of HIV-specific laws, not repealing them nor the restaurant.

@AaronMk  
My thoughts exactly, and even then these chefs know that people will be scrutinizing them so they won’t exactly be goofing off in the kitchen. They’ll follow every regulation to the letter, or risk getting shut down. It’s not like they’re lepers or are doing this to infect more people with HIV