Why ACT UP succeeded & is American as apple pie

An excerpt from a powerful article on ACT UP and AIDS:

"ACT UP worked because America worked. I'm not sure we expected that, even as we hoped for it. It taught me that everything that is marginal and powerful in American life eventually becomes central, part of the great churning from edges to mainstream that is one of the most underheralded but deep-seated patterns of our politics. That politicians only ratify social changes that start elsewhere, while true leadership comes from the grassroots, and the people. And that whoever has the most energy in any political battle usually wins. ACT UP was a fireball of energy."

-- Garance Franke-Ruta

And if you have not watched the documentary "How to Survive a Plague," see it on Netflix or buy the DVD.  My men's meditation group watched it recently and most everyone did not know the extent of the ACT UP had in changing the drug trials and approvals in the U.S.