The microcosm of AIDS is no less a circus than the macrocosm of politics in general.
Recently, while browing the web - wading through the mountains of data about HIV and AIDS - we came across a typical page, with typical information about AIDS treatment (it costs a lot). At the bottom of the page is a thoughtful note stating that those interested in conflict-of-interest information about the author can send to find financial and professional ties. Being almost abusively curious, we at AIDS Authority decided to request the information, just to make sure this typical article was on the up-and-up.
After all, it was not that long ago that we learned of the potential for professional conflicts to skew journal writing. Leading journals are calling on such disclosures. How convenient that conflict information was available here on the web.
The following is the full text of the message we received following our request for conflict-of-interest information about the author:
You previously indicated that you are interested in the following information. If you are dissatisfied with your current situation, I'd like to talk with you.
The company I work with is publicly traded and has recently been featured in Success magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Investor's Business Daily, and has been ranked among the Forbes 200 Best Small Companies in America.
We are U.S. based and are aggressively expanding internationally.
I am currently expanding my team and would be interested in working directly with you in this extraordinary business.
To obtain a free cassette outlining this timely business, please call 1-888-387-6690 (24 hour recorded message).
Thank you.
In true "ignore the obvious" fashion that prevades AIDS science, we here at AIDS Authority can find no conflict of interest evidenced by this text.
Science is a circus. It is a dash for dollars, and AIDS science is a dash for dollars masquerading as a "Quest for the Cure" or some other such jingoistic nonsense. The biggest challenge with AIDS is figuring out how to hide the joys of big profits behind some token good news for people consuming the drugs.
Such constrains on presentation are only for the lay press: those who might actually care about saving lives as opposed to making profits off the bodies. The business press is much more honest about their loyalties.
With dozens of pills dumping into the mouths of each and every AIDS patient, it is understandable that it might get a bit confusing for those doing the dumping.
Of course it could be that physicians would prescribe the wrong drug for other reasons, reasons which, strangely enough, have to do with the influence of money on medicine.
The circus drones on. All that is left at this point are the clowns, and there is no sign that they are going to go home soon. It is both embarrassing and disgusting, and only a servile and stupified activist community could let the charade go on like it does.