Nancy Reagan and her husband were silent as tens of thousands died. They were monsters.

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17. Truth. Welcome to DU.

It's true. If they had spoken out sooner it is likely thousands upon thousands would still be alive today. By speaking out and taking a leadership role on the issue, they would have stood opposed to the general public that was cheering for the spread of AIDS. They could have helped disseminate information about the causes of AIDS, and champion funding and legislation to help facilitate proper treatment--including patients rights.

This is what a truly just and good President and First Lady would have done.

Imagine how Nancy Reagan would have been remembered had she, instead of championing bullshit like "Just Say No", she was testifying to Congress while demanding funds for research and treatment. Imagine the First Lady visiting dying AIDS patients in the hospital, and showing compassion toward them while speaking about compassionate treatment. She could have been one of the most memorable and influential First Ladies in history, historians would have lauded her actions as she stood up against bigotry and prejudice to do what was right.

If there is a lesson that we can take away from any of this it is that doing what is right, even when it is unpopular, will only make you look good in the end.

Instead, Nancy and Ronald Reagan chose to be cowards and bigots. They chose to court the Religious Right over doing what was morally right, and as a result they both go to the grave with the blood of tens of thousands of people on their hands.