Is HIV Karma’s Payback? The Case of Rapist Richard Thomas
by Michael Paolo Telan Jamias Many find it impossible to sympathize with Richard Thomas , the 27-year-old British man who knowingly raped a sick woman who turned out to be HIV-positive. Thomas reportedly “ collapsed in terror ” when the police revealed that the victim was living with the virus, and the public has seemingly rejoiced in his predicament: “Hope he catches the virus. That would serve him right.” “Karma at it’s best.” (sic) “Now that’s justice!” A flood of these comments came in even as Thomas possibly faces a hard road ahead living with HIV, and the possible onset of AIDS plus other deadly complications. (His results from HIV exposure come out in a week.) Commenters believe Thomas deserved contracting the HIV as punishment for his brutality. He admitted to binging on alcohol and drugs, according to news reports , before breaking into the sleeping woman’s home. He penetrated her until she woke up helpless from the ongoing assault. We understand the thirst for...