Bush Calls for Mandatory AIDS Testing

WASHINGTON — Vice President George Bush voiced strong support today for mandatory AIDS testing, saying most Americans want it and those who don’t “have their heads in the sand.”

“I know it’s troublesome,” Bush said in a speech to National Assn. of Broadcasters radio board members, emphasizing that he understands concerns about the constitutional right of privacy.

“We must ultimately, though, protect those who do not have the disease,” he said. “Those who oppose AIDS testing have their heads in the sand. We’ve got to have more knowledge. The majority of American people strongly support testing.”

He said the best way to combat AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is through research and education of young people, but, he added, “I don’t believe the federal government should dictate some broad program that is insensitive to the values of the local school board and the parents.”

Asked who will pay for treatment of AIDS patients and research to find a cure as the epidemic grows, he said, “I don’t have an answer for that,” but he said there appears to be enough money now for research.