Tuesday, June 4, 2002

Terror and Quarantine
On the Streets of San Francisco
Alive and Well and Raising Hell

by Clinton Fein

Click here for Original StoryOn Tuesday, December 04, 2001 in an editorial “Terror and Quarantine On the Streets of San Francisco” I wrote about San Francisco’s arresting of activist Michael Petrelis and ACT UP/San Francisco's David Pasquarelli, following a hearing on temporary restraining orders stemming from a series of allegedly harassing phone calls made to The San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Health Department.

"We are talking about terrorism here," District Attorney Terence Hallinan was said to have exclaimed to the San Francisco Examiner. "These people have terrorized health department officials ... all kinds of organizations devoted to fighting AIDS have been intimidated for years."

After a vigorous campaign to reduce the ridiculously high bail set at $500,000.00 each, and after a 72 day incarceration in San Francisco County Jail, a local judge dismissed 27 misdemeanor and felony counts against the men on a technicality on May 3, 2002.

The experience had unfortunate consequences on the health of the two men, yet their imprisonment and the accusations of terrorism against them, the high bail and the absurdity of the terrorism charges had the peculiar effect of galvanizing the support of many activists who were on the fence or otherwise intimidated by the strong-arm tactics ACT UP/San Francisco employs to drive its points, the most controversial of which refutes a connection between HIV and AIDS. After reports surfaced about the deteriorating health of the men, certain local organizations and publications could barely conceal their glee at the perceived irony. “AIDS Denialist in hospital with AIDS condition” barked the Bay Area Reporter.

While delicious irony is back in vogue again, unfortunately for some, ACT UP/San Francisco appears to be functioning just fine thank-you-very-much. On May 17, 2002, the organization called for the resignation of the Executive Director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF), Pat Christen, commenting on her $221,288 salary which they believe, among other things, represents a vested interest on behalf of such organizations to perpetuate the effects of AIDS and raise and receive funds accordingly. “Executive salaries in the name of AIDS, toxic drugs & worthless research, a community built on victimization, this the brutal legacy of the AIDS Lie.”

On June 3, 2002, the group petitioned Edward Harrington, the Controller for the City and County of San Francisco, to compile a tabulation of all costs relating to the prosecution of four criminal trials, as well as the cost of city involvement in multiple civil matters against the activist group.

Many may, and should, question the tactics ACT UP/San Francisco often use and their frequent missteps in the communicating of their messages. But it is difficult to question their motives when it comes to demanding accountability of corporate or government officials, deny the courage of their convictions, or appreciate the extent to which they exercise their rights. That is not terrorism. It's citizenry at its most robust. Anyone paying hundreds of dollars to attend black-tie dinners aimed at bestowing awards upon handsomely paid celebrities would be well served to look at real actions, real risk, and real passion. “Silence equals Death” has long been ACT UP’s slogan. Like it or not, this organization puts its money where its mouth is.


 
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