By chalking up Mercury’s death to anything less than AIDS, the crime of historical inaccuracy is committed. A strong message is being sent that those who died of AIDS under the watch of an administration that looked the other way, did so in vain, and that the efforts of those who worked tirelessly to change public opinion were all for naught. It also tells those living with HIV/AIDS right now that their status also doesn’t matter, and that if they die, they will also be swept under the rug by those who wish to construct a narrative that is more “comfortable”.