Tragedy has once again gripped the nation and brought the reminder of human mortality a little closer to home, even if only for a moment.

Ryan White, the courageous young boy who began his fight with AIDS, as well as with the entire nation, passed away Sunday. Hopefully, he is resting in a much better place now.

The AP wire service likened his funeral to the “pomp and circumstance usually reserved for state funerals.” Even the rich and famous like Barbara Bush, Michael Jackson, Phil Donahue and Howie Long were in attendance. Also in attendance were more than 1,500 people, as well as more than 300 of White’s schoolmates.

Small ribbons of orange, his school’s color, were strewn all over and white banners adorned with Ryan’s name were reverently hung for all to see. To top it off, the school choir played their part by singing “Through good times, through bad times, I’ll be on your side forever more, that’s what friends are for.”

People from all corners of the country showed up and endured the rain to pay their last repects. It was one of the most touching events of our history, and one thought about the whole incident prevails in my mind. HYPOCRITES!

Where in the hell were all of these people when Ryan was still alive? Where was the total school support when Ryan first contracted the disease and wanted to continue his education? Where were the friends through good and bad when mothers pulled their children from classes and refused to let their children aywhere near Ryan?

So, let me guess. Everyone has had a change of heart and realizes the terrible error of their ways. Just like that. The country realizes how cruel they’ve been to AIDS patients all these years and is now ready to repent. Well, if this is even true, which I doubt it is, I say it’s too little and way too late anyway.

One of my fellow columnists brought up another equally important point. Why Ryan White? This is by no means derogatory either. My heart broke for Ryan White. He was more courageous and brave than any boy his age should have to be. I do agree that he should be remembered and sent out with as much respect and love as is humanly possible, but then again I felt this way while he was alive. I didn’t change my uniform after the fact like most people did.

Anyway, Ryan got the type of funeral he deserved, but so many other chidren are dying of AIDS as well, and why not them? Why doesn’t Michael Jackson go to their funerals? Or Barbara Bush? Or Elton John? Many other children are fighting the same battles Ryan did, and are getting little and even no support.

Some argue that Ryan helped the country distinguish between the person and the disease, and he did. But many young hemophiliacs contracted AIDS and died before him. What about them?

I guess this episode is just another reminder of how hypocritical, unstable, fickle and cruel society can be. Those who truly care for Ryan and others like him know who they are deep down inside. Those pretending to care need to re-examine their outlook and learn the facts. Our children are the last ones who should have to suffer.