Several newspapers reported today:

Four transplant recipients in Chicago have contracted HIV from an organ donor. The patients also contracted the Hepatitis C virus. 

I was very surprised to read this in 2007.  Back in the 80s a close friend was infected with HIV during an emergency blood transfusion, but that was when testing was in its infancy. 

Since transplant patients often wait for years praying for an organ, and many die waiting for a compatible donor, this is the cruelest twist of fate. 

I'm not blaming the Iraq War for this tragedy.  After all, contracting HIV or Hep C from a transplant is extremely rare.  However, where are our priorities when it comes to Federal Funding? 

"President Bush is willing to spend endlessly for the war in Iraq, with money borrowed largely from foreigners, while refusing to invest in important priorities here at home, like children’s health care, medical research, local law enforcement and homeland security. President Bush should stop playing politics and work with Congress to pass legislation that reflects the needs of our middle class families here at home."  Democratic Caucus's Senate Journal

Of course we need to protect our nation from terror and oppression.  But we first need to be strong in both mind & body or we will crumble.  When its citizens have to choose between buying home heating oil or prescription medication, it must be hard to have confidence in our leaders who make empty promises.