Lighten up

PETER BRAUN of the Southland chapter of Alzheimer’s Assn. couldn’t be more wrong when he says people don’t laugh about AIDS [“No Alzheimer’s Jokes, Group Urges,” by Robert W. Welkos, Feb. 18].

As someone who has been a part of the AIDS community for over 23 years, I have heard and seen some of the funniest things you can imagine, along with the tragedy. It is that laughter that has helped keep our sanity and humanity in the world of fear and doubt and heartbreak. Once you give away not only your health but your funny bone, then you’ve given away everything.

Lighten up, Peter: Julie Christie’s comment was funny. Stop telling people how to feel and how to deal with their fears. It’s none of your business. We know Alzheimer’s is a serious disease. AIDS is a serious disease. I’ve known hundreds who’ve died from it, but I still smile when I think about some of the silly things they did in the process.

Fritz Hoffine

Los Angeles