I understand that we should help all people everywhere suffering with

[acmavm]

AIDS, I'm not stupid. But what I don't understand is why are we not making sure that people in THIS COUNTRY that have AIDS receive the same consideration and healthcare? I don't know the exact cost of the medication and treatment that helps slow the deadly symptoms, but I do know that is is expensive and that many, many people who suffer from AIDS can't afford it. I also understand that Africa has the greatest number of AIDS cases, and contrary to some people I don't care how they got it or why. But I do care that people in this country are not being given the same attention as Africa. ALL PEOPLE with AIDS need help.

Please don't tell me it's because it doesn't get headlines like it does if we say we're going to help another country, that part I understand. What I am asking is why are not more people demanding the same help for Americans?

P.S. - Does anyone else remember reading the story in the Rolling Stone a number of years ago which said that it is possible that the disease jumped species to humans because of research into the cure for polio? They used the kidneys from a particular monkey, the kind that carried the AIDS virus as we know it, to incubate vaccines they were testing for polio. In the race to test the vaccines they went to Africa because of the high number of polio cases and no supervision of medical testing methods.

[flamingyouth]

1. Since * stole the presidency

Federal funding to support people with HIV and AIDS has been cut by 50%. You're right - it's criminal. The place where my husband works is barely hanging by a thread (they offer food, medical assistance and social work to people with AIDS).

[LiberalLibra]

2. We all know that Bush & Co wouldn't send aid of any kind to Africa....

....if it wasn't that Bush wants something from Africa. He wants Africa/American votes in 2004, Africa might have oil or natural gas, or some such thing.

I agree with the idea of taking care of our own first. But, from Bush's point of view what can AIDS patients in this country offer in return?? Nothing!!

[SOteric]

3. AIDS does not respect the artificial construct we call boundaries.

We live in an age when travel is the matter of a few hours. We can import disease just as easily. This is not an era when the U.S. or the world can afford to say "me first, then them."

In Africa AIDS is astronomically rampant. It is a plague that is more than decimating some populations. It is also not spoken of, and information is not offered on how to protect oneself, -owing to the culture as well as governmental edict.

I understand and empathise with your concerns about the difficulties facing AIDS and HIV patients in America.

In this instance, asking why not America first is a bit like the Fire Chief's wife asking why he isn't coming home to put out their garage fire while the whole of the city itself is threatened by a raging inferno.

[acmavm]

4. Please notice, I didn't say "me first". I said why aren't people asking,

demanding the SAME consideration and treatment for people who have AIDS in this country.

[SOteric]

6. They're already getting MORE care and treatment in the U.S.

They're getting NONE in Africa.

The AIDS problem in the U.S. will affect a modestly sized part of the U.S. population.

The AIDS problem in Africa is literally threatening the entire world.

Its a matter of priorities. Its why the Dr.'s in the emergency room treat the fellow who's having a heart attack before they treat the follow who's broken his arm in two places.

[twilight]

5. its not that I am against AIDS care

It just makes me angry because there is so much need right here in the USA. I say this as a person that is totally disabled and cannot work thanks to MS.

I see no help out there.

And lets give $15 billion to Africa, $3.5 billion a month for the war in Iraq while the poor and sick have not enough to pay their power bills.

The people here in the USA should always come first. I know that sounds selfish, but there is so very much need and it is very sad. Lots of homeless people out there without a roof over there head. Lots of people out there that never go to a doctor because they don't have health insurance (maybe they have AIDS?) ...

All very sad indeed.

I say put America first and to hell with all these other places. I had to look on a map to figure out where Liberia is for God's sake!!

:kick: