Why have we forgotten about AIDS?

[TheMojoPin]

I just finished reading this new book...

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0743257553.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

...and it really got me thinking.

And scared.

The general sense in this country is that AIDS has been "taken care of" because of medical developments like the drug cocktail that keeps those infected with HIV alive 10, 20 years or even longer than they could when the disease was at its peak of hype in the late 80's and early 90's. Infection rates have decreased in this country in the last decade...but we're about the only one. A few other western European countries have seen drops, but in Africa, Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, the rate of infection is skyrocketing to higher and higher levels each year.

The global AIDS epidemic spread at an alarming pace last year with a record 4.8 million new infections, according to a U.N. report released Tuesday, which expressed concern that the virus is spreading quickly in Eastern Europe and Asia. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A30273-2004Jul6.html)

And please, don't start the, "well, how is it OUR problem" arguments. A disease is not somebody else's problem, or "their" problem...a disease is global. Especially this one. It knows no borders, color, religion or race. It will kill you and it doesn't care who the fuck you are.

America is out and about in the world. Our citizens go all around the world, and people from elsewhere come in and out of our country just as much, if not more so. We canNOT hide from this disease. It will not go away, and it will remain a problem for us, and it WILL get worse. We have medical treatments NOW, but diseases mutate and change and work around our drug defenses. If a disease is allowed to spread unchecked, as this one currently is, this WILL happen...there's no way to avoid it or stop it. It will conquer our medicines.

And hey, I'll be the first to say that the way some people in other countries approach this disease is beyond stupid. Some people are not blameless when it comes to spreading this thing. Too many aren't. But we need to continue fighting against it. Look at it as saving ourselves, because we will have to if we don't start kicking things up NOW. Medical research, drug production, medical outreach programs, educational programs...THESE should be the focus of America, the UN and NATO right now.

AIDS is hands-down the deadliest thing anyone in this world has to face right now, period. Hey, you wanna tie it into the current terrorism scare? I'm already ahead of you...

AIDS could breed terrorism in Africa. With heavy Muslim populations in the north and east of the continent, people suffering from an AIDS epidemic could be much more open to working for or as terrorist operatives. (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=515&ncid=515&e=2&u=/ap/20040707/ap_on_re_af/africa_aids)

"Hey, what do YOU care? You're gonna die anyways...just strap this bomb to your belt, walk into the US embassy, and BOOM. Quick and easy. And we'll toss some money to your family, too. Deal?"

Remember the bombings of our embassies in Africa a few years back? Times that by ten. At LEAST.

Wake up.

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1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

This message was edited by TheMojoPin on 7-7-04 @ 1:29 PM

[ChickenHawk]

I thought you couldn't get AIDS unless you were a queer.


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[JPMNICK]

I think that we have not forgotten, but other events have pushed AIDS out of the forefront of our minds. Also, when we see people like magic johnson, who has HIV and looks the same as he did before he got the desiese, it kind of puts people in a relaxed state about the severity of the issue.

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[TheMojoPin]

Exactly, Nick. People think it's "cured."

It ain't.

Those treatments won't last if the disease runs unchecked around the world.

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1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[JPMNICK]

MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5377027/) has a story about how HIV infections hit a record high last year.

They article goes on to say that they need more money (12 billion instead of the 5 they have) to push countries in Asia and parts of Russia to educate and treat people.

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[JPMNICK]

Mojo, here is something else to think about. One small mutation in HIV, and it could quickly become immune to all the drugs we are currently using. This is a virus, which are notorious for doing these types of things. Vaccination would be one of few ways I could think of to really stop this thing.

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Thanks to Monsterone for my first sig.

[TheMojoPin]

Very true.

Research into this drug and treating it canNOT slow down at all. It needs to be on a top priority list for EVERY major nation in the world, and fast.

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1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

This message was edited by TheMojoPin on 7-7-04 @ 1:49 PM

[Borne Too Loose]

the focus seems to have shifted from AIDS to other STD's in general. with Herpes and Valtrex commercials with statistics like 1 in 3 are infected, it just seems like the diseases with immediate consequences are what are most important right now I guess.

regardless, its still pretty scary. but, as lil jimmy norton said it best, "You can't catch Aids twice, hardee-har-har!!!!"

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[silera]

I have to commend Bush for pledging to commit 15 billion over the next 5 years to Aids prevention and treatment in Africa and the Carribean.

I will stop before this becomes a backhanded compliment.


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<font size="3" color="red">AND WHAT?</font></center><font color="FBF2F7">

[TheMojoPin]

I have to commend Bush for pledging to commit 15 billion over the next 5 years to Aids prevention and treatment in Africa and the Carribean.

Nice.

If Kerry gets elected, I'll be damn curious to see if he holds to that, or increases it.

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1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[TooCute]

Very true.

Research into this drug and treating it canNOT slow down at all. It needs to be on a top priority list for EVERY major nation in the world, and fast.



Another reason that we need to get the Bush crowd out of the whitehouse. Every single researcher - AIDS, cancer, etc. - has told me hands down that every time republicans are in the White House, funding for basic research goes waaaaaay down.

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[Mike Teacher]

I havent forgotten; its in my standard speech to all who think the war in Iraq is the big thing, Iraq is a whisper in a hurricane.

Sudan anyone?

::deafening silence::

exactly.

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[El Mudo]

Another reason that we need to get the Bush crowd out of the whitehouse. Every single researcher - AIDS, cancer, etc. - has told me hands down that every time republicans are in the White House, funding for basic research goes waaaaaay down.




????



I have to commend Bush for pledging to commit 15 billion over the next 5 years to Aids prevention and treatment in Africa and the Carribean.


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[HBox]

Another reason that we need to get the Bush crowd out of the whitehouse. Every single researcher - AIDS, cancer, etc. - has told me hands down that every time republicans are in the White House, funding for basic research goes waaaaaay down.


I have to commend Bush for pledging to commit 15 billion over the next 5 years to Aids prevention and treatment in Africa and the Carribean.

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[NewYorkDragons80]

The general sense in this country is that AIDS has been "taken care of" because of medical developments like the drug cocktail that keeps those infected with HIV alive 10, 20 years or even longer than they could when the disease was at its peak of hype in the late 80's and early 90's.
I got into a fight with my History professor about this last semester. I think the public is largely aware of AIDS and the epidemic and those who aren't feel that way because American AIDS cases are on the decline when compared to the 80s.

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[TheMojoPin]

those who aren't feel that way because American AIDS cases are on the decline when compared to the 80s.

Which I brought up. These people need to realize that the downtrend will inevitably go the other way and rise if the disease contines to skyrocket around the world. Mutated diseases don't recognize borders.

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1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[Mike Teacher]

One small mutation in HIV, and it could quickly become immune to all the drugs we are currently using. This is a virus


yep, but a bit more: this is exactly what HIV does, and is doing now. HIV, undergoes constant mutation, so much so, and so fast, it shifts shape to outfox any vaccine we can throw at it. For now.

Yep its a virus, but a special kind of virus. It performs [biology lesson alert] a Reverse Transcription. Its usually DNA to RNA, remember? When DNA splits aparts and RNA comes along and makes copies of whatever it is, ok?

But here the Virus takes its own RNA and uses the hosts DNA to make more copies of itself. Hence, Retro-Virus.

It's a Shagadelic Virus. OK shoot me for that.

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[Yerdaddy]

But every time a foreigner dies an angel gets his wings.

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Fuck it from behind.

[Mike Teacher]

foreigner


ok between AIDS, foreigner, and the alternate lyrics to 'Hot Blooded' now running in my head excuse me while i take the express elevator going down to HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

=

Hot Blooded, Check it and See...

I got a T-Cell Count that's Lower then Three...

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[HBox]

foreigner

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"You're a dirty white boy."

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[Se7en]

And please, don't start the, "well, how is it OUR problem" arguments.

Look, I got a problem with this. Your entire post makes it seem as if America's doing NOTHING for AIDS, when in fact the U.S. alone provides at least HALF of ALL.......I'll repeat.....ALL funding for HIV / AIDS assistance. We contribute more than anyone else.

Now, you may argue that we're not using that money properly, that we should be using it for treatment and not prevention (something you can't blame Bush for, I should note, without also blaming Clinton, because it was only *after* he left office did Clinton admit that the whole "prevention" strategy may have been ill-conceived). And maybe you have a point. But don't act as if we've really "forgotten" about AIDS, because we do more than anyone else out there, and it'd be nice to get at least that much appreciation.

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[TheMojoPin]

Didn't say America wasn't "doing anything" about AIDS. I said we're not doing enough. It's a fact. We're trying to beat the disease. We haven't. We're not doing enough. Even if it was just that we're trying to protect/cure only Americans, we've failed. It's disturbingly simple.

Didn't blame Bush.

Didn't blame Clinton.

Went out of my to specifically mention the US, the UN and NATO TOGETHER as the key nations/organizations that need to make fighting this disease a BIGGER priority than it is now. I emphasized throughout my entire post that this is a GLOBAL issue, and that's WHY America should be so concerned.

The quote you pulled out of my post was put there because in the past when we've discussed this disease, the threads have gone right in that direction. As I stated very clearly, that bothers me since we haven't stopped the disease, and we can't stop the disease. Bragging about us spending money isn't going to impress the diesease into going away. So maybe we spend the most. So the fuck what? If it's not enough, it's not enough. Either we spend more if we have to and try and stop this thing, or we die. You can have self-satisfaction, but only at the cost of your fellow citizens, friends, family, or maybe yourself.

In my opinion, the US has NEVER done all that it could to fight, research and treat this disease JUST AT HOME...under ANY president (For various reasons. Reagan dragged his feet until the last possible moment, and the faux-"cures" showed up under Clinton. In fact, it was the first Bush that's done the most in terms of funding more research). I'm not trying to "pick" on the goddamn country...it's just how it is. And because of that, our international attempts to do the same don't fill me with comfort. And we ARE at the top of the heap in terms of AIDS funding...but that heap has the effectiveness of a heap of trash. We shouldn't settle for being the top of a heap of garbage, especially since the issue at hand CAN KILL ALL AND ANY OF US.

My point was that the American public's perception of this disease in general is that "it's handled." I went out of my to address this as an INTERNATIONAL problem that we cannot and should not fight alone. The "we" is us as the general public. I can't possibly make that more clear.

And, quite frankly, give me a stat that proves we provide at least half of all the funding against AIDS in the entire world. I'm more than a tad skeptical about such a claim since most of the key breakthroughs in reasearching and treating the disease have come from western Europe over the last 20 years. (And if I'm wrong, feel free to rub it in my face. I still stand by what I said at the beginning of this post. This last paragraph came out because I was pissed, and like Mike the T said, I could be wrong. It just doesn't sound right to me)

Why do these kind of issues ALWAYS have to come back to us not "appreciating" America enough, when we haven't even accomplished the ultimate goal of the issue at hand? I swear to Christ, if we we're this pussified and sensitive 60 years ago, we would have never won WW2 because we'd have to keep stopping along the way and complaining that the rest of the world wasn't slapping us on the back enough.

I can't believe a DISEASE can even become a partisan/nationalist issue.

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1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

This message was edited by TheMojoPin on 7-8-04 @ 12:19 AM

[Mike Teacher]

But don't act as if we've really "forgotten" about AIDS, because we do more than anyone else out there, and it'd be nice to get at least that much appreciation.


True that on the other countries; even the wealthier european countries havent given shit; which is truly truly pathetic, but isolationism being what it is, or whatever reason; most other countries arent doing shit.

I think the 'we' is the collective we of the American Public, and by and large; most couldnt point out sub-saharan Africa on a map, much less give you anything substantial about the global HIV/AIDS problem.

Irrespective of who is in office, or controls the hill, or the UN: This is genocide; genocide by indifference. A crime of omission cuts just as deep as crimes of comission.

In many ways; we are a species poised very nicely at the edge of utter failure.

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[FMJeff]

People need to stop playing the blame game.

Millions of dollars have been thrown at this disease. It's proven to be a tough nut to crack. It's not like we're not doing anything about it. There's some pretty fucking brilliant minds trying to work this thing to an end. Viruses are natures response to rampant overpopulation. I'm not going to make a "thin the heard" arguement here because I have a respect for human life, but nature doesn't. It treats all life fairly. This may very well be a disease that can't be stopped...in which case, a lot of people will die, leaving more resources around for those who live. It's cold, but that's mother nature...without empathy...just trying to keep everything in balance.

That being said, I also feel more people than ever are practicing safe sex. Every one of my sister's girlfriends, although very young, still demand thier boyfriends/fuck buddies to use a condom. We might not have the teenage monogamy/celibacy message recieved, but I think its safe to say the "put a rubber on or you might die" message has been recieved and acknowledged.

Now we need to drill that fucking shit into the minds of Africans and I think you'll see this disease balance out naturally. I mean, it IS preventable...just don't fuck someone who has it...it's that simple. It's a disease of action and choice...and for me I take a great relief in that...it's better than fucking cancer...it never gives you a choice. You just get it...whether you fuck or not.



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[UnknownPD]

but I think its safe to say the "put a rubber on or you might die" message has been recieved and acknowledged.

In Sub-saharan Africa I seriously doubt there's a 7-11 to pop in and buy condoms at. That is if you had money left over from buying food.

Secondly I think I am right when I say we have never found a cure for a viral disease in the history of man. We have vaccines which prevent the viral infections. (Polico Vaccine) We have meds which treat symptoms, but have never cured anyone that has a viral infection ie "The common cold"

Knowing that we have never been able to find a cure the "prevention" strategy makes sense.

This doesn't mean that we should not be trying to find a cure, but AIDS has become a political disease
and much of the research and treatment has been removed from the hands of scientists.

Anyone remember the President of South Africa not allowing the distribution of AIDS meds because he felt they were a western plot to poison Africans.

Just a suggestion that there may be more to the story than a failure by western governments.

[TheMojoPin]

Just a suggestion that there may be more to the story than a failure by western governments.

Obviously. Which is why I said the following in my very first post...

And hey, I'll be the first to say that the way some people in other countries approach this disease is beyond stupid. Some people are not blameless when it comes to spreading this thing. Too many aren't.

But we simply can't play the blame game with anyone here. Contrary to what anyone here thinks, I'm not "blaming" the US for the spread of AIDS...I'm berating the fact that we as a nation have the chance to do the most to fight this global problem, and we're not. That doesn't make the disease itself or its spread our fault somehow...not by a longshot. There's no stopping point where we can sit back and say, "well, we've already put in this much money...we're done!" THAT'S the only part that bugs me. Yes, we can effect the most change with all this. Yes, we'll have to contribute the most. Yes, we SHOULD contribute the most. Yes, we should contribute more. Why? Because we're about the only ones that can.

I also very specifically did not use the "word "cure", because like UPD said, the odds of actually "curing" AIDS is nearly impossible. But we will need cheaper, less complicated and more effective treatments for this to go into arrest around the world. As of right now, the current drug cocktail is too expensive and complicated to be produced, sold and distributed to most of the world. It's also really the only option. There are substitutions available for certain medications in the cocktail, but already there are cases in the US showing up that are almost completely (If not totally) resistent to ANY of the drug combinations. Odds are the current cocktail wouldn't work with nearly half of the current infection cases around the world.

One thing America should be proud over is how we finally overcame our own prudishness in the 90's and bombarded the public (And especially younger people) with warnings and information about AIDS, STD's and safe sex. As Jeff indicated, to a large degree, that DID work in this country. HIV/AIDS infections are way down here, more people are having safe sex than 10-20 years ago, and more teens are choosing virginity over the risks of STD's. This is something that we need to spearhead (Along with massive efforts by NATO and the UN) to spread to other parts of the world, starting with Asia and Eastern Europe. Education is the only truly effective weapon we have against AIDS at this point...and it's by far the cheapest to use and spread out.

But we can't rest on our laurels. The cocktail will not last. Compare how many AIDS/STD/safe sex-related educational material you see on TV or the radio or in schools or at work to what it was like 10 years ago. There definitely has been a shift in public perception that AIDS "isn't as bad as it was before," when everywhere else in the world it's 10 times WORSE than it was before, and we won't be able to keep that problem out forever.

Nobody is saying there isn't plenty of blame to go around. But do we really want to take the time to just point fingers when we could be spearheading a global crusade to knock this thing down a peg? It's a 100% just a noble cause. Imagine if we through all the money and resources we toss into the "war on drugs" and use it for a "war on AIDS."

Finding blame won't stop a disease. Self-satisfaction won't stop a disease. Ultimately, that has been my ONLY main point this entire thread...this is NOT a political/nationalist/partisan issue. It's a life and death issue. You cannot argue or debate this disease away...period.

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1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

This message was edited by TheMojoPin on 7-8-04 @ 1:04 PM

[East Side Dave]

I for one, Mojo, have not forgotten about Aids...the candy. If, on the other hand, you're talking about the disease that Rock Hudson died from well then you're just whistlin' dixie.

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[Se7en]

And, quite frankly, give me a stat that proves we provide at least half of all the funding against AIDS in the entire world. I'm more than a tad skeptical about such a claim since most of the key breakthroughs in reasearching and treating the disease have come from western Europe over the last 20 years. (And if I'm wrong, feel free to rub it in my face. I still stand by what I said at the beginning of this post. This last paragraph came out because I was pissed, and like Mike the T said, I could be wrong. It just doesn't sound right to me)

This year America is going to spend around 2.4 billion on AIDs. That's about half of what the rest of the civilized nations of the world spend, including the other nations in the G8 AND the United Nations. Some organizations / corporations / philanderers, like Bill Gates, donate a few million every year as well. Go look it up on the Council of Foreign Relations page.

Forgive me if you thought my post was directed towards you, since I quoted your post; my comments were more accurately aimed at HBox, because he's the one who started this thread.

The reason I quoted you was because no one is stating that his isn't our problem. Most experts believe we aren't spending near enough. But to somehow postulate, as Hbox essentially did, that America has "forgotten" about AIDs is, if you will excuse me, utterly absurd.

Why do these kind of issues ALWAYS have to come back to us not "appreciating" America enough, when we haven't even accomplished the ultimate goal of the issue at hand? I swear to Christ, if we we're this pussified and sensitive 60 years ago, we would have never won WW2 because we'd have to keep stopping along the way and complaining that the rest of the world wasn't slapping us on the back enough.

I'd argue that we wouldn't have won it because there would be too many people who'd say that we shouldn't be over there in the first place.

Although I'm quite sure we could get into a fun little discussion about how much nasty business could have been prevented had a preemptive policy been used against Hitler.

It isn't so much you as it is the United Nations. Koffi Annan, one of my least favorite human beings, had the stones to bitch at us for spending 200 billion on national defense (cause we don't need it or anything, after 9/11) and not spending enough on AIDS.....and maybe he has something of a point, but when we, as a nation, spend a good half on what the other fucktards in the U.N. (MANY of whom, if you look at the World Fund records, haven't even bothered to pay all of the money they owe for AIDS funding two or three years ago) do, it's not unusual to feel a little unappreciated even though we do most of the work.

I can't believe a DISEASE can even become a partisan/nationalist issue.

It hasn't in this thread, yet; my remarks about Bush / Clinton were to head it off before it started. Because you KNOW that this could turn quite quickly into a bitchfest about how it's not America who isn't doing enough, but BUSH. In THIS folder, on THIS messageboard? It could happen. But it's more than a partisan issue, on that you're correct.

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[A.J.]

Why have we forgotten about AIDS?


Because nobody wears red ribbons anymore.

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[TheMojoPin]

HBox didn't start the thread.

I did.

I used "we" in terms of the American public as a general entity, and much of the "civilized" world at large. While AIDS cases are skyrocketing, it's mostly amongst the poorest people on Earth (Throughout Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa), and they tend to parts of social and economic circles that most of us can ignore, and even other people in those very nations don't see. It's not that anyone is turning their back on them...we just don't even see or hear about them in the first place.

Someone coined AIDS as "the invisible plague," and that's more true than ever before.

And again, I'm not trying to "blame" anyone or drop fault with any specific country or people or organization. People ARE trying to study and fight against this disease...all of that is greatly detailed in the book that got me to start this thread. But they're still fighting an up hill battle.

Yes, the US is shelling out 2.4 billion towards AIDS treatment and research and charity (And you were right about the figure of that almost being half of the global funding towards such projects)...but it's flat-out not enough, pure and simple. We shouldn't go it alone, and, quite frankly, we can't. We'd fail if we tried to do so. This disease is THAT big right now, and it's only going to get bigger.

It's a backburner issue for the US and NATO right now, and the UN is the only organization that seems to truly hold it as a priority (Outside of the WHO), and they're essentially useless to do anything about it.

I used "forgotten" in a really broad sense (Especially in reagrds to America...I was referring to the American PUBLIC, not the actions of the government, and I thought I made that very clear), mostly just so I could fit everything in the subject line. I DO feel that most "middle class" and higher people in western and "westernized" nations HAVE "forgotten" about the disease, since they have easy access to the medications if necessary, infection rates aren't very high around them (Relatively speaking), and they don't have to even be aware of the poorest people on Earth (Who make up a bulk of the new infections) on a regular basis.

There's a distinct difference between the ready awareness of 10 years ago and the creeping apathy of today (Is AIDS even on the plate as an issue for the presidential candidates?!?), and we as a species will pay a HUGE price for it.

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1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[Yerdaddy]

philanderers, like Bill Gates, donate a few million every year as well.
People give to AIDS charities to make up for cheating on their wives?
my comments were more accurately aimed at HBox, because he's the one who started this thread.
Actually, your comments were less accurately aimed at HBox, because Mojo's the one who started this thread.
But to somehow postulate, as Hbox essentially did, that America has "forgotten" about AIDs is, if you will excuse me, utterly absurd.
Other than just quoting another person's post, the only words HBox has actually typed in this thread are "Dirty White Boy." You're excused.
It hasn't in this thread, yet; my remarks about Bush / Clinton were to head it off before it started. Because you KNOW that this could turn quite quickly into a bitchfest about how it's not America who isn't doing enough, but BUSH. In THIS folder, on THIS messageboard?
I think you need a smarter, less arrogant role model because this is the most fucked up post I've seen in years. On second thought, don't ever change. It was also the funniest post in years.

<img src="http://scripts.cgispy.com/image.cgi?u=bonedaddy5">
Fuck it from behind.

[SatCam]

AIDS is yet another reason to keep the dick out of your mouth for christs sake!

The only place my money should be going is to the new AID Island. Yes, that's right, the place where they aid all AIDS patients. Kind've like lepards, but AID Island is a place where all AIDS infected beasts can fuck freely and enjoy life while it lasts.

The hell with finding a cure. It's not going to happen. It's the same with cancer. There's hope with other sicknesses, but AIDS can only be cured with education. Teach those sex hungry foreign monkeys to stop boning the rectum of the infected.

<img src="http://img30.photobucket.com/albums/v91/SatCam/sig86_general_craigcoleman.jpg" align="right"><A HREF="http://www.satelitecam.tk">Ron and Fez Drops and Bits</A>

50%[color=white]

[HBox]

Forgive me if you thought my post was directed towards you, since I quoted your post; my comments were more accurately aimed at HBox, because he's the one who started this thread.

The reason I quoted you was because no one is stating that his isn't our problem. Most experts believe we aren't spending near enough. But to somehow postulate, as Hbox essentially did, that America has "forgotten" about AIDs is, if you will excuse me, utterly absurd.

In the future, can I make my pro-communist, America-hating comments before I get criticized for them?

http://www.myimgs.com/random/hbox/sig

[sr71blackbird]

Europe constantly calls America a bunch of prudes when it comes to sex. We give far more than other countrys and they are the one who seem to be "suffering" from it. But what more are we to do? Give more and more? Probably it would be better if they focused the funding better in the companys that could be working in a "cure". But given the nature of this thing, I dont see how there can ever be a cure. From what Ive read, we have never eliminated any virus. Id like to think that we could wipe a virus out, but it looks like we cant, at least not yet. Its my hope that pharmacutical companys arent just focusing on treatment instead of a cure. How can we pressure the rest of the world to help out in this thing, if they arent giving money or even practicing safe sex? Its kind of like we are fighting a fire and they are adding fuel to it.

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<center><B>My Thanks to Just Jon, Reefdwella, ADF, Yerdaddy,Monsterone and Katylina for the sig-pic help and creation!</B></center>
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[CaptClown]

We haven't forgotten about it. It just isn't in the forefront of our minds right now.
We were supposed to have wiped out Polio by now, but that is on the rise again. That is due to misinformation about AIDS being in the vaccine sent to Africa. You have governments in Africa just flat out denying that they even have as bad a problem as they currently do. It's not just an American problem. Let the countries step their asses up instead of just blaming America for not doing enough.

Director of the C.Y.A. Society.
Field Marshal of the K.I.S.S. Army
Poison Clan rocks the world

[TheMojoPin]

Let the countries step their asses up instead of just blaming America for not doing enough.

Why do I bother trying to explain myself? No wonder people here just drop links and run without another word.

I've said numerous times in this thread that this is a GLOBAL problem that HAS to be fought with a GLOBAL effort. I didn't do that latter at all. Asking, "why can't we do more?" and "what more can we do?" is NOT blaming.

You pass off AIDS as not being "on our forefront" right now as if it ain't no thing. Why is it not on the forefront? What is our plan for dealing with this disease down the line? Why is it acceptable that it's not on the forefront right now? I'm not even saying it has to replace terrorism as our main international focus...but why isn't at least #2? Or #3? And how do the blatant faults of the African governments and people somehow mean WE shouldn't take steps to protect OURSELVES from this killer down the line? And why do people toss out Africa as if it explains why the infection rates are through the roof in South America, Eastern Europe and Asia?

Oh, but please, let's just keep on keepin' on. It'll all sort itself out, right? If we don't bother trying to step things up for the future, maybe the disease will just get bored and go away. Let's not do anything to protect ourselves ever again just because other people in other countries aren't doing enough or keeping pace with us. Hey, Saudi Arabia isn't doing enough to stop the terrorists originating from their country! I say we cut our OWN funding to our OWN anti-terrorism efforts, at home and abroad! That'll fucking show 'em, right?!?

<img src="http://scripts.cgispy.com/image.cgi?u=TheMojoPin">
1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[FMJeff]

In Sub-saharan Africa I seriously doubt there's a 7-11 to pop in and buy condoms at. That is if you had money left over from buying food.


What does this even mean? Not all of Africa is barren wasteland full of savages. Most have access to condoms just like we do. And if they don't they certainly have the international community to ask. I'm sure many countries would be happy to donate condoms instead of cash. That's a ridiculous and moot point.

They have towns and cities just like we do. The idea of safe sex is not part of thier culture. African people believe in large families...some even in polygomy...sexual education is not a priority...but its becoming one...from what I've read the issue is taught more and more in schools. It's going to take time. Unfortunately the disease is rampant there...so its going to take work to reduce infection rates.

<center><img src="http://thereisnogod.faithweb.com/images/fmjeff.gif">
<br>
It made my heart sing.

[TheMojoPin]

Europe constantly calls America a bunch of prudes when it comes to sex. We give far more than other countrys and they are the one who seem to be "suffering" from it. But what more are we to do? Give more and more? Probably it would be better if they focused the funding better in the companys that could be working in a "cure". But given the nature of this thing, I dont see how there can ever be a cure. From what Ive read, we have never eliminated any virus. Id like to think that we could wipe a virus out, but it looks like we cant, at least not yet. Its my hope that pharmacutical companys arent just focusing on treatment instead of a cure. How can we pressure the rest of the world to help out in this thing, if they arent giving money or even practicing safe sex? Its kind of like we are fighting a fire and they are adding fuel to it.

Infection rates in western Europe are on par with those here in the US, and were actually almost 10,000 less than the US in 2003.

And how are we not "suffering" from the disease? Several million people have contracted HIV or AIDS since it first emerged here in the late 70's. I'm sure the 1.2 million here in this country currently living with either disease appreciate the fact that you've decided they're not "suffering" as badly as the rest of the world. It was "just" 50,000 infected last year. No biggie.

And you're right...nobody's really thinking we can cure this disease. The best bet is treatment and eventual vaccination to help fight the virus before it infects people. We do have a treatment for the time being, but that is already showing to not be effective, or even useful at all, on newer infections, even new ones here in America. The disease doesn't care how much money we spend, or if we're "#1." If it can work its way around our drug cocktails, it will...and it will. It already is. THAT is my main fear, and yet some people still think the bigger issue is me "blaming" America for God-knows-what. Certainly a fatalistic sense of priority, eh?

The key is education about the virus. And yes, you're very right that many people, and sometimes entire countries, go about INCREDIBLY moronic ways of not dealing with this disease. Of course, a lot of the time, these people have NO idea what the disease is...if they even realize they have it before it's too late. Somebody needs to reach these people, which is going to be hard, because most new infection rates are amongst the poorest people on Earth. This is no coincidence. These people have little or no access to ANY kind of education, much less anything about avoiding AIDS/HIV, or what it even is. They have little to no access to any kind of mass media outlets. There are tens of millions of people like this in the world right now, if not more. Yes, there ignorance about the disease is ridicuously stupid at times...but how else are they going to know anything? Either they have zero opportunity to learn, or they're under the thumb of a government who feel the country's money to such education would be better spent elsewhere. Hence why we can't just throw money at the problem. We spent $2.4 million. Great. How much of that was pissed away by governments that had no intention of using it for anti-AIDS programs?

We need to follow our money, or we need to re-direct it towards our own research. Trust me, my main concern here is keeping myself, my family and my friends from dying from a mutated form of HIV/AIDS. I don't expect America to save the world first. If we can best serve the fight on AIDS by spending more of the foreign AIDS assistance on our own research, education and treatment, then that's what we should do. It doesn't do anyone any good to be throwing money around if it's not going to do anything.

<img src="http://scripts.cgispy.com/image.cgi?u=TheMojoPin">
1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

This message was edited by TheMojoPin on 7-8-04 @ 11:06

[TheMojoPin]

In Sub-saharan Africa I seriously doubt there's a 7-11 to pop in and buy condoms at. That is if you had money left over from buying food.


What does this even mean? Not all of Africa is barren wasteland full of savages. Most have access to condoms just like we do. And if they don't they certainly have the international community to ask. I'm sure many countries would be happy to donate condoms instead of cash. That's a ridiculous and moot point.

They have towns and cities just like we do. The idea of safe sex is not part of thier culture. African people believe in large families...some even in polygomy...sexual education is not a priority...but its becoming one...from what I've read the issue is taught more and more in schools. It's going to take time. Unfortunately the disease is rampant there...so its going to take work to reduce infection rates.

But there is a LOT of that continent that really is as isolated as you don't think it is. That IS where the bulk of the problem is.

But again, why do people always reduce the "global" AIDS problem to just Africa? Yeah, it has the highest amount of people infected, but other regions are into the millions as well.

(People currently infected with AIDS/HIV as of the end of 2003)

Sub Saharan Africa: 25-28.2 million

North Africa & the Middle East: 470,000-730, 000

South & South East Asia: 4.6 - 8.2 million

East Asia & Pacific: 700, 000 - 1.3 million

Latin America: 1.3 - 1.9 million

Eastern Europe & Central Asia: 1.2 - 1.8 million

North America: 790, 000 - 1.2 million

So even if magically you got rid of all the AIDS/HIV cases in Africa, you'd still have over 20 million cases around the world.

Worldwide AIDS Statistics 2003 (http://www.avert.org/worldstats.htm)

<img src="http://scripts.cgispy.com/image.cgi?u=TheMojoPin">
1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[CaptClown]

Why do I bother trying to explain myself? No wonder people here just drop links and run without another word.
MAybe you're secretlly a masochist?

I've said numerous times in this thread that this is a GLOBAL problem that HAS to be fought with a GLOBAL effort. I didn't do that latter at all. Asking, "why can't we do more?" and "what more can we do?" is NOT blaming.

[quote]You pass off AIDS as not being "on our forefront" right now as if it ain't no thing. Why is it not on the forefront? What is our plan for dealing with this disease down the line? Why is it acceptable that it's not on the forefront right now? I'm not even saying it has to replace terrorism as our main international focus...but why isn't at least #2? Or #3? And how do the blatant faults of the African governments and people somehow mean WE shouldn't take steps to protect OURSELVES from this killer down the line? And why do people toss out Africa as if it explains why the infection rates are through the roof in South America, Eastern Europe and Asia?

I pass it off as "not being in the forefront" because we have 60 bazillion forms of cancer which can strike anyone for walking down the street, heart disease, MS, MD, STD's that are mutating and not responding to traditional drugs, blindness, deafness, and host of other illnesses that are just as insidious as AIDS that are vying to be in the forefront. Science is doing the best it can right now. If people don't want to listen you can't make them. As for the restAlso if you have people spreading rumors like this (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=AIDS+and+the+CIA&btnG=Google+Search) then you are going to have a lot of problems. You have a lot of disinformation that needs to be combated as well

Director of the C.Y.A. Society.
Field Marshal of the K.I.S.S. Army
Poison Clan rocks the world

[TheMojoPin]

AIDS is a helluva lot more preventable than cancer. That's why it should be "ahead in the line." There's also more of a chance of developing "easier" longterm treatments since it is a virus, and its causes and spreading can be more easily recognized and isolated.

You can't spread cancer, heart disease, MS, blindness or deafness. A plague is defined the way it is for very specific reasons. This is something that could end up being on par with the Black Death, yet people seem downright determined to keep it on the backburner.

I'm curious, though...what are the specific illnesses in this illustrious "host" that are as insidious as AIDS?

And you can't combat something, be it a virus or disinformation, if you're only doing a halfhearted job in the first place.

I have no doubt science is TRYING to do its best...but CAN it do its best, and is it at full capacity? Do we know the "magic number" for money and resources? No.

And "science" isn't the only answer. It's a social disease...it needs social solutions. That's one of the main things I've been tyring to emphasize in this thread.

But in the end, why are we seemingly making excuses to NOT try any harder? What's the purpose of such meandering? What does it serve to accomplish?

<img src="http://scripts.cgispy.com/image.cgi?u=TheMojoPin">
1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[CaptClown]

AIDS is a helluva lot more preventable than cancer. That's why it should be "ahead in the line." There's also more of a chance of developing "easier" longterm treatments since it is a virus, and its causes and spreading can be more easily recognized and isolated.
You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. By that I mean people have been warned about how the disease is spread and that hasn't stopped the controllable behaviors. You can screen and destroy the tainted blood. For some forms of cancer you won't ever be able to avoid the causes. You add that to the misinformation and you get what you have today.

They can't even cure the common cold and that is a whole lot simpler tham AIDS.

Director of the C.Y.A. Society.
Field Marshal of the K.I.S.S. Army
Poison Clan rocks the world

[TheMojoPin]

Nobody's asking for a cure, and nobody's done so in this thread. We're talking more affordable and available treatments and/or vaccinations. The majority of the new infections are amongts the poorest people in the world, who, for the most part, have literally ZERO access to ANY kind of education, much less about preventing AIDS, or what it even is. The symptoms of HIV/AIDS can lay dormant for months, and even years, with very few signs. If somebody has no clue what they're supposed to look out for, how are they supposed to know they have it until it's way too late, and they've infected God-knows-how many people, especially if they live in countries where there is NOT ready or affordable access to medical services where they could be tested?

This is what truly makes AIDS insidious. It's so deep in the blood, you never know when it's finally going to manifest itself in a way that someone can even guess they have it...if they even know what it is in the first place. The issue of people not being educated properly about AIDS in the first place far, FAR outweighs people receiving the knowledge and then bucking against it.

AIDS also is more of a threat than any of the other conditions you mentioned because it preys on our natural instinct. Human beings are programmed to have sex. Someone can easily get it from just one session as someone who's been with a thousand people, so even those who are careful or limit themselves are at dangerous levels of risk, especially if they're in a country without the aforementioned education or medical resources. Cancer is mostly a curse of the environments (Not always, but mostly. Look at canacer levels before the Industrial Revolution, and then afterwards) we've created around us. Heart disease has reached the levels it has because of our own unhealthiness. Generally, though, these sicknesses can be avoided, or hopefully the agents in the environment responsible for their cause can be found and dealt with (Pollution, junk food, etc.). AIDS, however, preys primairly upon a function that our species does ultimately require to live at its most base level, and THAT'S why it should "pull rank."

<img src="http://scripts.cgispy.com/image.cgi?u=TheMojoPin">
1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[CaptClown]

Nobody's asking for a cure, and nobody's done so in this thread. We're talking more affordable and available treatments and/or vaccinations. The majority of the new infections are amongts the poorest people in the world, who, for the most part, have literally ZERO access to ANY kind of education, much less about preventing AIDS, or what it even is. The symptoms of HIV/AIDS can lay dormant for months, and even years, with very few signs. If somebody has no clue what they're supposed to look out for, how are they supposed to know they have it until it's way too late, and they've infected God-knows-how many people, especially if they live in countries where there is NOT ready or affordable access to medical services where they could be tested?
The education is out there and there is miseducation out there. There is some asshole out there that was telling people that the CIA put the HIV virus in the Polio vaccine which corresonds with Mbeki saying AIDS is a CIA plot. Even if we come up with a cure what would you suggest to get it to those people?

This is what truly makes AIDS insidious. It's so deep in the blood, you never know when it's finally going to manifest itself in a way that someone can even guess they have it...if they even know what it is in the first place. The issue of people not being educated properly about AIDS in the first place far, FAR outweighs people receiving the knowledge and then bucking against it.[/quote]
Alot of the infections in Africa are continued by miseducation and disinformation. IT is hard to educate someone that doesn't have a reason to trust you.

AIDS also is more of a threat than any of the other conditions you mentioned because it preys on our natural instinct. Human beings are programmed to have sex. Someone can easily get it from just one session as someone who's been with a thousand people, so even those who are careful or limit themselves are at dangerous levels of risk, especially if they're in a country without the aforementioned education or medical resources. Cancer is mostly a curse of the environments (Not always, but mostly. Look at canacer levels before the Industrial Revolution, and then afterwards) we've created around us. Heart disease has reached the levels it has because of our own unhealthiness. Generally, though, these sicknesses can be avoided, or hopefully the agents in the environment responsible for their cause can be found and dealt with (Pollution, junk food, etc.). AIDS, however, preys primairly upon a function that our species does ultimately require to live at its most base level, and THAT'S why it should "pull rank."

You can't avoid te Sun, eating, drinking, breathing, genetic predisposition

Director of the C.Y.A. Society.
Field Marshal of the K.I.S.S. Army
Poison Clan rocks the world

[TheMojoPin]

IF they're getting the education in the first place. And even if some who are aren't getting enough, or taking seriously, is that any reason to just give up? We CAN'T, because it will eventually come back to us. If you don't give a shit about the Africans (Who, again, are the singular example for a GLOBAL problem), hey, great, fuck 'em. But continued unchecked infection rates in Africa WILL inevitably result in more Americans dead of AIDS than ever before.

You can't avoid te Sun, eating, drinking, breathing, genetic predisposition

Take a hundred people. Out of a hundred people who tan reguarly, how many are going to end up with, say, skin cancer? Take another hundred people. Put them all in the same "polluted" environment, maybe Mexico City. How many are going to end with lung cancer? Take another hundred people...more specifically, take a hundred women. Or a hundred gay men. Then have all of them have sex with one man with full-blown AIDS. How of them are going to end up with HIV/AIDS themselves? Do you think that the number of sick people is going to be higher or lower than the people in the latter two groups?

<img src="http://scripts.cgispy.com/image.cgi?u=TheMojoPin">
1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[grandzu]

I have to commend Bush for pledging to commit 15 billion over the next 5 years to Aids prevention and treatment in Africa and the Carribean.

If Kerry gets elected, I'll be damn curious to see if he holds to that, or increases it.


Sure Bush pleged $15 billion but with strings attached. A third of it is diverted to faith based groups who only preach abstinence.

[TheMojoPin]

I can't really fully disagree with that. Abstinence IS the only 100% safe way to not get this disease. Until we can somehow get it under control, really driving that message home is probably a necessity.

<img src="http://scripts.cgispy.com/image.cgi?u=TheMojoPin">
1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[CaptClown]

IF they're getting the education in the first place. And even if some who are aren't getting enough, or taking seriously, is that any reason to just give up? We CAN'T, because it will eventually come back to us. If you don't give a shit about the Africans (Who, again, are the singular example for a GLOBAL problem), hey, great, fuck 'em. But continued unchecked infection rates in Africa WILL inevitably result in more Americans dead of AIDS than ever before.
I brought that example of how misinformation through word of mouth even after being told what present science has learned so far. They chose not to believe it. Damn, that sounds harsh. Well, what so you suggest to get them to listen?

Take a hundred people. Out of a hundred people who tan reguarly, how many are going to end up with, say, skin cancer? Take another hundred people. Put them all in the same "polluted" environment, maybe Mexico City. How many are going to end with lung cancer? Take another hundred people...more specifically, take a hundred women. Or a hundred gay men. Then have all of them have sex with one man with full-blown AIDS. How of them are going to end up with HIV/AIDS themselves? Do you think that the number of sick people is going to be higher or lower than the people in the latter two groups?

That depends on whether they take safe sex precautions or not.

Director of the C.Y.A. Society.
Field Marshal of the K.I.S.S. Army
Poison Clan rocks the world

This message was edited by CaptClown on 7-14-04 @ 10:07 PM

[TheMojoPin]

I brought that example of how misinformation through word of mouth even after being told what present science has learned so far. They chose not to believe it.

Not everyone has been told in the first place.

That depends on whether they take safe sex precautions or not.

No. I should have clarified that none of the people being exposed to the diseases (Or environments that cause the diseases) in my example have any kind of prevention methods.

<img src="http://scripts.cgispy.com/image.cgi?u=TheMojoPin">
1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[keithy_19]

While I think AIDS is a horrible devestating disease and it would be great if we could get rid of it, I feel that we should start funding more research on diseases that aren't preventable. AIDS is a preventable disease and if people took some responsibility it wouldn't be as wide spread in the United States of America.

Major funding should go to diseases such as, but not limited to: Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Chord injuries, ect...

We are so close to finding cures for many diseases of the Central Nervous System and with a little more money we could possibly save millions from the devestating affects of these diseases.

http://www.silentpix.com/modules/Coppermine/albums/userpics/ducksig.jpg
<a href="http://keith_r.blogspot.com/" target=_new>My Blog</a>

[HBox]

We are so close to finding cures for many diseases of the Central Nervous System

No we're not!

http://www.myimgs.com/random/hbox/sig

[Mike Teacher]

Ok can I be Kofi Annan here and say you're both right?

Shimmer can be both a Floor Wax AND a Dessert Topping, so we can be both Precariously Close to a Cure for many CNS diseases, and yet it seems to remain light-years away, and Just out of grasp.

Q: Why do some cells of your body get confused and think other cells are foreign enemies, and destroy them?

Answer that and I will be Cheering Loudly as you accept your Nobel in Medicine, and probably Peace just for the Hell of it.

Coz that's about it, man. That's seriously about what All of the research on this stuff boils down to. It's that simple, so near, and yet we Can't Figure it.

Q: Why do most Cells know when to stop Growing?

Answer that? Your Nobel for answering the Real Question that leads to a cure for cancer Awaits.

=

And let us remember, How is light-years away from Why. And it is Maddeningly Frustrating for Medical Science. Not to mention the sufferers.

=

Keith, I have two framed picture in my office. One is a pic of me and Carl Sagan. The other is the Autograph of Jonas Salk affixed to a Life Cover he was on. My mother, who gets her knee replaced wednesday, worked the Polio Wards, and the Iron Lungs, and was an RN at the wonderfully Un-PC Newark's Crippled Children's Hospital.

You better know who Jonas Salk is, Mofo...

<IMG SRC="http://members.aol.com/miketeachr/buzz">

[keithy_19]

Think what you want, but I just heard that from my doctor, who happens to be one of the most well known and respected neurologists in the world.

http://www.silentpix.com/modules/Coppermine/albums/userpics/ducksig.jpg
<a href="http://keith_r.blogspot.com/" target=_new>My Blog</a>

[TheMojoPin]

Can anyone say, "stem cells?"

I'm not saying people shouldn't have to be responsible around AIDS...but since it CAN and DOES spread so quickly, that's why we can't just chalk it up to, "tough shit for them."

<img src="http://scripts.cgispy.com/image.cgi?u=TheMojoPin">
1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[whoopsy]

ok, why not get partisan.

Reagan back in the day devised the Mexico City Policy, effectively cutting off governental aid to health care institiutions that promoted abortion/condom distribution.

Clinton retracted the policy while in office.

One of GWB's first moves in office was to reinstate the policy. This means, no more government sponsored condom distribution. We're gonna teach Africans about ABSTINENCE and cross our fingers.

Mexico City Policy (http://www.sptimes.com/2003/10/12/Perspective/HIV_spreads_under_Bus.shtml)

Over 3 years later, (with the problem completely fucking out of control) we realize the abstinence thing ain't quite working out, and Bush reverses the policy as part of our $15 billion funding). Doh, sorry!! Our bad!!

Bush lifts gag rule (http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/04/30/MN263403.DTL)

The thing is, the problem is a completely different animal over there. The abstinence model cannot be our one method of attack. Married men are going to hookers with Aids, not using condoms, bringing it back to the family, mothers then give birth to aids babies. Gang rape is rampant. How the fuck is abstincence education gonna combat that???

It would kill my mom to hear it being raised Catholic and all, but fuck the church and their influence. It's against Christian principles to condone sex through condoms, but it's ok to let millions die to protect this principle.

Rant aside, props for Bush for at least reversing the stance once it became utterly clear it wasn't working. But much damage was done in the meanwhile

- whoopsy -

[Ryan the Great]

What about the bubonic plague. didn't we wipe that one out, or we at least managed to contain it in a petri dish behind locked doors. Same with Ebola, where has he been.

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<marquee

[TooCute]

They can't even cure the common cold and that is a whole lot simpler tham AIDS.

It is??? There's nothing "simple" about the common cold.

Major funding should go to diseases such as, but not limited to: Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Chord injuries, ect...


You think it doesn't, already, relatively speaking?
And speaking of which, yes, Mojo is right, STEM CELLS.

All this fucking political religious you can't use stem cells bullshit and all it means is that more and more people are going to die before we find a cure.

<img src="http://www.chaoticconcepts.com/bans/toocute3.gif">

[TheMojoPin]

So thanks to religion (yes, in general), we can't try and find a treatment (Or even maybe a cure) for ANYTHING with stem cells, and we can't properly and fully educate people about the most murderous disease of the 21st century.

GRAND.

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1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[keithy_19]

You think it doesn't, already, relatively speaking?

Not enough.

And speaking of which, yes, Mojo is right, STEM CELLS.

I think that Stem Cell reasearch should be allowed, and this is coming from a big supporter of President Bush.



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<a href="http://keith_r.blogspot.com/" target=_new>My Blog</a>

[HBox]

Any treatments we might develop from Stem Cells are a ways off.

http://www.myimgs.com/random/hbox/sig

This message was edited by HBox on 7-15-04 @ 4:20 PM

[TheMojoPin]

Even further, considering nobody's allowed to fully research the damn things in this country.

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1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[Mike Teacher]

Stem Cell Therapies In Use (http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/stemcells/sctoday/)

Also: A fairly well known case; the rats have shown tremendous response to simply injecting their own stem cells of whatver is damaged to said tissue, and now to Humans:

A man in his mid-50s had been diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 49. The disease grew progressively, leading to tremors and rigidity in the patient's right arm. Traditional drug therapy did not help.

Stem cells were harvested from the patient's brain using a routine brain biopsy procedure. They were cultured and expanded to several million cells. About 20 percent of these matured into dopamine-secreting neurons. In March 1999, the cells were injected into the patient's brain.

Three months after the procedure, the man's motor skills had improved by 37 percent and there was an increase in dopamine production of 55.6 percent. One year after the procedure, the patient's overall Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale had improved by 83 percent - this at a time when he was not taking any other Parkinson's medication.


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This message was edited by Mike Teacher on 7-16-04 @ 2:22 AM

[TheMojoPin]

So what's the big damn deal with the baby fetus stem cells?

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1979 << December boys got it BAD >> "You can tell some lies about the good times we've had, but I've kissed your mother twice...and now I'm working on your dad..."

[torker]

6:12 PM GMT 20 Nov 2010

After decades of fierce opposition to the use of all contraception,
the pontiff will end the Catholic Church's absolute ban on the use of condoms. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/the-pope/8148899/Pope-approves-use-of-condoms-in-fight-against-Aids.html)

[Bob Impact]

Wait, I thought they didn't like condoms because of the whole spilling seed on the ground line, i.e. sex is only for procreation. Is it just me or does this take away literally everything they stand for in regards to sex?

[StanUpshaw]

God changed his mind?

That fickle twat.

[Contra]

What a chuckle I got from this