Newt, Magic Differ On Hiv

Thu., Feb. 15, 1996

Associated Press

House Speaker Newt Gingrich rejected Magic Johnson’s appeal on behalf of HIV-infected soldiers Wednesday, saying the basketball star doesn’t understand the realities of war.

Johnson had written to Gingrich and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, urging them to support President Clinton’s decision to fight in Congress and the courts against a new requirement to discharge military personnel with the virus that causes AIDS.

Johnson, who has the HIV virus, asked Gingrich and Dole to support the repeal on behalf of service members “who, like me, just want to do their jobs and provide for their families.”

But Gingrich said the risk was too great.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Newt, Magic Differ On Hiv

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Tehran could withstand blockade for four months, CIA report shows, as fighting flares

Trump plans to fire FDA chief Makary, sources say

White House announces 3-day ceasefire between Russia, Ukraine