Swine Flu

So by now we've all heard about the swine flu and how numbers are growing rapidly each day. It's a big topic of conversation around our staff room table and some people are quite scared. I understand... it is hitting close to home and can be deadly. I feel for those who are infected and for the families of those who have lost their lives.

But I couldn't help feel frustrated that we care so much about this but not about other "pandemics" in the world. Who cares that in 2007 33.2 million people were living with AIDS and that 2.1 million people died? Who cares that 25,000 people die a DAY from hunger or hunger-related causes? Every loss of life is tragic, I just wish we'd pay more attention to the issues that are killing the most people in the world. I know it's hard to care when it isn't hitting close to home. I guarantee that if AIDS and hunger were killing as many people on this side of the world a heck of a lot more would be done about it. I have many friends affected by these things, and I still don't care enough. I want to care more, and I think my level of caring should be measured by what I DO about it.