June 5 of this year represents 25 years that America has been fighting AIDS. This war has gone on longer than any war in the history of America.  It has out lasted the Vietnam and Gulf Wars, and will probably out last the current war in Iraq. What is interesting is that in all of this time, there is still no cure or even a plausible vaccine. We still don’t know the origins of this disease, which would have me to believe that this is a bioterrorist weapon. Until scientists can prove otherwise, America better get hip and see it in that light. With that being said, who then should be held accountable for the millions of lives lost, as well as the millions of individuals living with this disease in America; on top of the 40-60 thousand new cases popping up each year? One thing we can do is have our government invest more funds in education & prevention, treatment, and ideally, a cure.

How much truth do we expect from the American government? What exactly are we supposed to believe in these days filled with scandal and revelation, and how much of an influence has our government had over the years in shaping our beliefs and opinions?
 
We all have ideas of right and wrong, good and bad, much of which has been influenced in no small part by the United States Government, through our leaders, public schools and public service announcements. Historically, government stamps of approval meant we didn’t have to think. Likewise, governments disapproval and warnings told us to stay away, there was danger. If you went to school in the 60’s and 70’s but have forgotten those scratchy black and white Super 8 films with the accent of a loud and overused projector, check out SOMETHING WEIRD . Their collection of classic school scare films (also available through Comcast On Demand Cable under the heading “The Cutting Edge”) will remind you of those important government sponsored teachings of the past, such as hiding under your desk in case of a nuclear attack or that masturbation can make you go blind.