Righteous Indignation, Ch. 14 (p 102-109)

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 14 (p 102-109)
The Global AIDS Crisis -- Jacob Feinspan and Julia Greenberg

(1) "In 2005, 4.3 million people were newly infected with the HIV virus, bringing the total number of people living with HIV close to 40 million. In the same year, nearly 3 million died from the virus, bringing to 2.5 million the number of people who have died since the AIDS crisis began" (p 103).

These are staggering numbers. It's hard to understand what these numbers mean. As Stalin is credited with saying, "The death of one man is a tragedy, the death of millions is a statistic." To put these numbers in perspective, the authors reveal, "there are three time as many HIV-positive people in the world as there are Jews" (p 108-109).

This enormity, couple with the knowledge that "the leading causes of death in most poor countries are still common diseases such as diarrhea and pulmonary failure" (p 103), and we begin to see the great need for improved health care in the world. And the best health care is prevention, arguably in the form of education and jobs.

Do these numbers motivate or paralyze you? For those motivated to act, what can your first steps be? For those overwhelmed, the question remains the same: What small step can you take today? Also, this group should read the rest of the chapter carefully as it shows that collective action does produce measurable results.

(2) "We believe that supporting people who are claiming the tools and resources that are rightfully theirs to care for one another represents the ultimate Jewish response to this pandemic" (p 103).

Why is supporting the work of others seen as the ultimate response? How is empowerment crucial for sustainable solutions? Can you think of an example of this in your own life?

(3) "TAC's leader, Zackie Achmat, an HIV-positive man with access to treatment, refused to begin therapy until the South African government made it available to all those who needed it" (p 105). " After a page of success stories, we read, "Zackie Achmat began taking his drugs and continues to lead TAC today" (p 106).

This reminds me of Gandhi's refusal to eat until conflicting factions stopped fighting. This is powerful, high-stakes leadership. In your situation, how can you increase your effectiveness as a leader in rallying people to the cause? Who can you partner with for increased leverage?

(4) "There is still plenty to do at home" (p 107).

This is quite true. There is great need both in the U.S. and abroad. Who and what is in your circle of influence today? By effectively reaching this circle today, how could you reach other further tomorrow?

(5) "...we are equally guilty of transgression if we fail to act to save a life, no matter the circumstances. And we can act to fight AIDS...." (p 108).

The authors list 4 ways to get involved: (1) advocate that orphanages are not the solution; (2) advocate for aid based on science not ideology; (3) stand with GLBT individuals and groups; and (4) advocate for increased professional care in the 2/3 world rather than poaching their providers.

What other ways can individuals get involved locally and internationally? How are you currently involved? How could you increase this work one notch? What local groups can you join in order to increase your effectiveness receive support for the journey?