On the surface, Bush's speech today was apt. Actions speak louder than words, however.

While it is clear the Africa is being devistated by HIV infection and needs nearly insurmountable resources and assistance, I believe that Bostwana has shown the greatest promise of slowing the progress of this disease. Though radical, they have require testing for all citizens, education and are being proactive in many respects.

Here in the US, although we are significantly better off, there are still many challenges with patients getting their medication covered by insurance. Those that are insured have high co-pays that seem to be increasing by leaps and bounds yearly. There are no available generic drugs in the US. Those that aren't insured must rely on dwindling state resources and those willing to punish people rather than help those in need.

The full cost of monthly medications is normally between 1,000 and 3,000 dollars! This is an epidemic that is truly mind-boggling.

These drugs allow those infected to stave off and recover from a deadly illness. This allows people to become productive citizens, avoid less costly procedures in the future, hold down jobs and contribute to the tax base.