In the fight against global AIDS, "if you oppose the use of condoms, something is more important to you than saving lives."
A culture of life should not include restrictions on U.S. aid to countries on the front lines of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. A culture of life, to me, includes arming people with the one thing that could stand between them and death.
A culture of life means not diverting money from preventing transmission of HIV from mothers to their unborn children, something the nonpartisan GAO found some countries are doing due to our confusing requirements.
When 40 million are infected, their children orphans-to-be if their life is not extended, and many more being infected every day, our only "requirement" is to have the most comprehensive strategy possible.
The house Bill discussed in this editorial is such a strategy. Please let your Representatives know that you do not want AIDS funding to be cut and that you want to support the House Bill that repeals the 33% rule.
Stay involved in the war we aren't fighting. Check out the action resources I have put together. You can read articles and reports on the state of AIDS in the world and a book I highly recommend, the first one that truly addresses the devastating crisis our world faces in AIDS.
You can find out about Federal and State appropriations and Medicaid, and you can decide to help provide lifesaving AIDS medicines directly to children and families with HIV/AIDS.
As I have mentioned before, World AIDS Day might be filled with red ribbons, demonstrations and Internet greeting cards, all to "prove" that we still care about finding a cure for this deadly affliction, but if we are to truly win this war, every day will have to be AIDS day. It certainly is for those who live with HIV/AIDS.
If you think this is a problem that exists far away in Africa, think again: According to the Centers for Disease control, HIV/AIDS is the No. 5 killer of Americans 25-44, and the leading cause of death for African-American men 35-44 and African-American women 25-35.
When World AIDS Day rolls around again this fall by all means attend a rally to increase awareness, but let's commit to spend the other 364 days figuring out a solution.
Flavia I took a look at your new pick. You look great. Was it cold in that room? It looks like it was if you know what i mean. dont want to be rude. just thought you might want to know.
Posted by: just visiting at August 28, 2006 02:59 PMAhh, are you telling me I was having an Kramer photo shoot moment like Elaine, thank goodness it is not on a holday card right? I think it is just the material on the shirt, so PG rated. Thanks for stopping by to visit our family here, I hope you make it a daily ritual. I would love to hear your thoughts on the issues discussed on the pages.
Posted by: Flavia at August 28, 2006 03:24 PMtheres a lot more we should be doing about this problem.
Posted by: Joe at August 28, 2006 04:33 PM