frontline on AIDS

I've been watching the PBS Frontline series on the Age of AIDS. One interesting bit was the story of how Bono got involed in AIDS activism, and in particular how he managed to turn the heart of Jesse Helms ...

Jesse Helms is a tough guy; that's well known. But he's also rigorous from his point of view, and our argument is rational and considered, even on the scriptural front, even with considerable backup. You know, Christ only speaks of judgment once, and oddly enough, it's in regard to the poor. I think it's Matthew 23. It's the famous lines: "I was naked and you clothed me. I was a prisoner and you visited me." And then they say to Christ: "What are you talking about? You weren't. I was sick, and you came to me." And he says: "No, I wasn't. But as much as you do this to the least of these, you do it unto me." And the implication is also in the reverse, if you don't do it.

So that's a very powerful piece of Scripture, and he was very moved. Even emotionally, he kind of welled up. As I was leaving the room, he said -- this big, tall, Southern old boy, this amazing character -- he just said, "I want to give you a blessing." He put his arms around me, and then he gave me his blessing. And I take blessings pretty seriously. I would have liked one from Frank Sinatra. I think I got one, actually, now that you mention it. But an older person who's been through so much in their life, coming indeed as he did from a completely different political point of view to myself, it was a very powerful moment for me.

I went out and of course told the assembled press what had happened, and they couldn't believe it. But if that was it, that wouldn't have been enough. He followed through.

This story illustrates the importance of relationship building. It gives an example of how bridges can be crossed. And how one person, granted a rich and famous rock star, can use his power and influence to make a real difference in people's lives. There are many other stories in the series of everyday men and women who also made a real difference in people's lives ... like the woman in Brazil whose law suit guaranteed treatment to all HIV/AIDS patients.

At the same time though, the consistent theme in the series is how the egos and ideological agendas of politicians across the globe have killed people through inaction, denial and ill thought out programs.

But there does seem to be hope. And that in itself is a good thing.