"I have a file of letters and bits of ephemera from friends who have died. I have had lots of friends who died of AIDS"

Rachel Maddow's quote speaks to the tragedy of the AIDS epidemic and the impact it has had on her life. She has a file of letters and other mementos from pals who have actually passed away due to AIDS, a pointer of the people she has actually lost. This quote is a powerful tip of the devastating effects of AIDS and the importance of continuing to fight for a treatment. It likewise speaks to the strength of Rachel Maddow's relationships with her friends, and her dedication to honoring their memories. Her quote is a pointer of the value of valuing the time we have with our liked ones, and of the requirement to continue to defend a world free of AIDS.