S.O.S.

President Bush signed a $15 billion, five year AIDS relief package into law yesterday. Democrats came out strong - first time they've been strong on anything for a while - in criticizing Bush's lack of commitment to the bill. For Africa's sake, I hope they're wrong, but InstantReplay applauds the Dems for using their position as opposition party correctly: to force the majority party to live up to its promises. If Bush delivers on this, it could really be one of the crowning achievements of his presidency.

Funding would go to AIDS treatment and prevention, including abstinence programs. And if you think $3 billion per year is a lot, remember the guestimated price tag on the war in Iraq: $80 billion. Funding AIDS relief is going to win the US a lot more favor in the world than removing Saddam, and could help us get a hand into Africa, where Europe has really been exerting a sphere of influence. It's also more likely to result in God blessing the US, as He does to all who use what He's given them to bless others and advance God's work - which include healing - on earth.