Congressman Uncovers the HIV Conspiracy

Science (04/14/95) Vol. 268, No. 5208, P. 191

In a recent letter sent to eight government scientists and authorities who influence AIDS research and policies, freshman Rep. Gil Gutknecht (R-Minn.) challenges the "HIV=AIDS hypothesis and its inability to come up with a cure, vaccine, or effective treatment." His question echoes the arguments of retrovirologist Peter Duesberg, who claims that HIV is harmless. The federal AIDS effort "will be seen as the greatest scandal in American history and will make Watergate look like a no-fault divorce," says Gutknecht's senior legislative assistant, Brian Harte. If the response of the government officials who received the letter reflects the views of the scientific community, Harte says that Gutknecht will push for hearings by the House basic research subcommittee, of which Gutknecht is a member.