Comments on: Magic Johnson rips KTLK over “faked AIDS” comment

By: Juanis

Juanis — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:28:41 +0000

Jimmy C: You read Magic’s comment:
Chris, Langdon and KTLK should use their power in a more positive light by encouraging people to get tested for this disease instead of making up such ridiculous lies.
I’d say “ridiculous lies” is a pretty good indication that he’s denying it.

By: bob yates

bob yates — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:28:10 +0000

What was said requires no talent. God forbid that anyone with talent should be on Twin Cities radio.

By: Jennifer B.

Jennifer B. — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 03:32:17 +0000

I still remember the day Magic announced he had HIV. I was only 13 and I remember being in disbelief that this could be happening to him. I remember the news conference that was held and Magic and his wife crying. He looked very gaunt and it was very obvious that he was very, very sick. A lot has changed in the last 17 years. Research has made way for promising new drug therapies to combat the virus. Medical care is also more accessible for those that might otherwise not be able to afford it. This means that those that are living with the disease are healthier and living longer. Some doctors are now treating HIV as more of a “chronic” health condition than a death sentence. Alternative therapies (meditation, acupuncture, etc…..) have also helped those with the disease become not just physically healthy, but, mentally “healthy” as well. Magic put a “face” to AIDS. I am so happy to see that he is doing well. I think it is so apprehensible that people can make comments that he’s “faking” this horrible disease. I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy. KTLK needs to do what’s right….ethically, morally, and socially. These two should have at the very least been suspended. Not only do they owe Magic an apology, they owe those that suffer or are watching loved ones suffer from this horrible disease. As a Minnesotan, I am embarrassed that these two can make these terrible comments and their “employer” just sits back and does nothing. They are a disgrace to the entire Twin Cities broadcasting community.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:32:48 +0000

And Langdon Perry is supposed to be a credible journalist? I’ve heard him blither on KFAN without looking up even the morning newspaper of the day, giving his personal opinion. He’s full of b.s.

With someone of Magic’s wealth, he has the means to have the best anti-viral drug regimen possible. There are many people with an HIV positive test who are alive many years later.

IDIOTS portraying themselves as journalists (who should be on KQRS).

By: Jimmie C.

Jimmie C. — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:57:22 +0000

Sorry guys, but members of my family have already questioned why Magic looks so entirely healthy for someone with the AIDS virsus. Perhaps money can do it … keep one safe, but I agree with all of those who said “read Magic’s response”. He does not confirm or deny anything. But, who cares - listen to KQRS Morning Show for really good idiot stuff. 401K plans are being hit across the nation and I’ve got other things to worry about!

By: Alan

Alan — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:16:43 +0000

Freedom speech is such an ugly thing. Lets “punch” and “fire” them for exercising their freedom to speak their mind no matter how much we disagree or find it offensive.

By: Grinivarez

Grinivarez — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:33:07 +0000

I guess I would like to jump on the comment bandwagon on this one… I very rarely blog, but I couldn’t let this one go. I work with people with HIV everyday.

Right now our country is in big trouble, true the economy is a mess, people are losing their shirts in the market, jobs are being lost, there are hiring freezes. AIDS is not on the forefront of most people’s minds these days. Although it was an insensitive comment, I am glad that it was brought up because it gets people talking about the disease that many (unless it affects them) have forgotten or choose not to think about. I have met “Cookie” Johnson, Magic’s wife. I can tell you that whether or not Magic “faked” AIDS both he and his wife do amazing work for people livng with the HIV virus and should be commended for it. Why in God’s name would anyone want to “fake” it. And by the way, Magic does not have “AIDS” he is “HIV” positive and taking anti-retroviral therapy called “kaletra” HIV is the virus that causes AIDS and AIDS is defined by a CD4 count lower than 200, and according to what I have learned, this has never been the case with Magic. So this must be why de didn’t confirm or deny because he doesn’t have AIDS he has HIV. Maybe the morning crew should do some research before the spew out comments about something they know nothing about.

I urge all who read this to GET TESTED! There are millions of people infected that don’t know. We will never stop the spread of this disease if people don’t know that they have it!

By: Maxwell Smart

Maxwell Smart — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:19:08 +0000

The only radio stations with worse ratings are Air America’s, so I assume very few people ever heard about this. But KTLK just got all you moronic “Thought Police” to discuss this, now I am curious as to what else goes on at KTLK, so I think I’ll give it a listen.

By: kidk

kidk — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:27:48 +0000

Stigma, discrimination and disinformation are some of the biggest challenges faced by people living with HIV/AIDS - as well as to the efforts made to stop the transmission of the disease.
When media practitioners, who’s opinions are amplified, reinforce negative stereotypes and spread ignorant comments, even as a joke, they do a huge disservice in the fight against the disease.
Magic Johnson made us all realize that anyone and everyone is at risk. He is an easy target for attacks because he had the courage to stand up and fight publically.
It doesn’t matter how someone contracts the virus, what matters is the health and wellbeing of the person affected and that the disease isn’t spread any farther. Moralizing only creates more fear and ignorance and makes the lives of people who are already suffering more difficult.
There are approximately 1 million Americans living with HIV/AIDS - these people are living longer, healthier lives because of the research that has led to a greater understanding of the disease and improvements in prescription medication. Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS is no longer an automatic death sentence, but it does mean that life will never be the same again.
All of us have to fight against the ignorance of comments like those made by Baker and Perry, especially when made in the media, because we are all at risk.
Ignorance, fear and descrimination are the enemy, not someone who contracts a disease and then stands up to publically fight against it.

By: richard

richard — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:11:48 +0000

FOR THE IGNORANT…. you do not automatically get AIDS… AIDS is when your immune system is totally shut down and you are suseptable to illness. Most are HIV positive and can live many years without drugs or any intervention by a doctor. You can also have AIDS and return to an HIV positive status with drug treatment. So get your facts straight before you try to pretend you know the real deal on HIV and AIDS. IDIOTS!!!!