In order for there to be a turf battle there has to be something to defend.

Karen Dotson keeps referring to the “turf battle”; alleging that we are “warriors” in this battle between ARCW and AIDS Network over who will provide ASO services in the southern region

Unfortunately, there is no turf worth defending in the southern region of Wisconsin when it comes to ASO provided services.  AIDS Network’s turf has dried up and and all that is left are remnants of the failed agency.  The turf,  having dried out and died, is still being tended to by Karen Dotson and her followers.  Dr. Vergeront and the DHS AIDS/HIV Program continue to turn on the sprinklers once in a while to water it; trying desperately to give it new life.

Sadly, once the “turf” dies, there’s no bringing it back to life.

You just rip it up and plant a new, more hardy and sustainable variety of “turf”.

ARCW has tended to their “turf” very nicely over the last many years.  It’s time to let them lay down roots in the southern region and show those living with AIDS what it’s like to have a real AIDS Service Organization providing a full array of prevention, care, treatment and social services.

There’s no turf war.  It’s time for AIDS Network to move from denial to acceptance of this very basic truth.