Today is World AIDS Day.  You've heard me talk about AIDS epidemic for years. For instance ... the spread of AIDS has never been severe enough, at least in the United States, to earn the title of "epidemic."  But maybe there was a political reason to attach that label.  Possible?  Well, let me give you a little clue: perhaps some were just looking for an excuse for the redistribution of wealth - America's wealth. Did you know that by 2006, 80% of American aide for health issues went to AIDS organizations?  We are talking some serious money here, folks.  And for what?

More and more experts are now coming out a saying that we are grossly over-funding AIDS organizations compared to other arguably more pressing health needs.  In fact, Roger England of a think tank called Health Systems Workshop believes that UNAIDS has "outlived its purpose and should be disbanded."  He says, "The global HIV industry is too big and out of control. We have created a monster with too many vested interests and reputations at stake, ... too many relatively well paid HIV staff in affected countries, and too many rock stars with AIDS support as a fashion accessory." 

Here's something else you may not realize.  A huge percentage of AIDS cases in Africa are really AIDS at all.  You see, there was no real way to do complete testing and screening for HIV throughout Africa, so many cases are diagnosed from some simple guidelines .. like persistent exhaustion.  So much for scientific accuracy.  Who needs accuracy when you're only spending American taxpayer dollars. 

So there you go.  Similar to entitlement culture, once you create a program you can never ever take it away.  England got it right - we have created a monster.  Too many people become dependent on them.  This isn't justification, just the sad truth.