Comments on Epidemic: A Global History Of AIDS -- Jonathan Engel

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You were never alone, M. I like the theory that he went out at the top of
of his game out of professional jealousy for the rising and eclipsing star of Michael Jordan...

posted by saul_relative on August 31, 2007 at 8:28 PM | link to this | reply

Really? There are actually others who think Magic is a big, fat liar?

I just assumed I was the only one.

Dad always thought laughter was the best medicine,
which I guess is why several of us died of tuberculosis.

posted by Mademoiselle on August 31, 2007 at 12:27 PM | link to this | reply

The hope is for humanity, Mademoiselle. What is depressing is all the time

wasted fighting over whether or not AIDS was just a gay issue.  Now it seems that it is just a minority issue (here in the U.S.) or an African issue, although it is gaining ground in Southeast Asia, China, India, and Eastern Europe.  The "let's-just-ignore-it-and-it'll-go-away" ploy worked so well we've got a worldwide epidemic on our hands.

Magic Johnson either is a liar (never had HIV, as some claim) or he is one of those people (and there are a few) who are carriers that do not actually progress into full-blown AIDS.  Hell, there are even some people whose blood actually fights the virus, where it never gains even a foothold.  Now, these are the people they need to study.  Still, M., there are various forms of AIDS (a couple dozen, if I recall correctly) that prey upon individual's immune system.  As counterintuitive as it sounds, this depressing book is quite hopeful -- for the future... 

posted by saul_relative on August 31, 2007 at 12:03 PM | link to this | reply

I know you say the book is full of hope ... but, quite frankly, it sounds pretty depressing though.

And what's the deal with Magic Johnson? What is he, immortal or something?

If you ever catch on fire, try to avoid seeing yourself in the mirror,
because I bet that's what really throws you into a panic.

posted by Mademoiselle on August 31, 2007 at 11:49 AM | link to this | reply