is a candidate education and voter education project working to make sure that candidates for public office know what it takes to end AIDS and that voters who care about ending AIDS know where the candidates stand on our issues.
NAPWA urges presidential candidates to oppose AIDS stigma and discrimination
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Raising deep objections to Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee’s un-recanted support for such stigmatizing and ill-informed policies as “quarantine” for persons living with HIV/AIDS, the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) urged all presidential candidates today to denounce AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, which only helps to fuel the HIV/AIDS pandemic around the world. NAPWA fears that Huckabee’s refusal to denounce his 1992 comments could generate a new wave of stigma and discrimination against people with HIV in the U.S. and around the world. “Twenty six years into this epidemic, such outrageous ideas as quarantine for all people with HIV/AIDS have no place in serious public policy debates of a free and enlightened society,” said Frank Oldham, Jr. NAPWA’s Executive Director. “This rhetoric only serves to heighten already severe stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive people and deter our collective efforts to engage the community in voluntary HIV testing, treatment, and other vital services.” In light of recent articles discussing the soon to be released updated HIV incidence numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many wonder when our country’s leadership will pay attention to… (more)
Iowans for AIDS Action Members Condemn Huckabee’s ‘92 AIDS Comments
PRESS STATEMENT Monday, December 10, 2007 Contacts: Tami Haught, Nashua: (c) 641-220-2579 Scott Clair, Ames: (w) 515-2940682 or (h) 515-453-2999 Iowans for AIDS Action Members Condemn Huckabee’s ‘92 AIDS Comments, Call for All Candidates to Support Smart Public Health Approaches to HIV Prevention and Treatment Des Moines, IA- Members of Iowans for AIDS Action today released the following statements regarding Governor Mike Huckabee’s 1992 comments about the AIDS epidemic. In his response to an AP questionnaire, Huckabee said, “If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague.” He continued by saying “It is difficult to understand the public policy towards AIDS. It is the first time in the history of civilization in which the carriers of a genuine plague have not been isolated from the general population, and in which this deadly disease for which there is no cure is being treated as a civil rights issue instead of the true health crisis it represents.” “Huckabee, a former pastor, should know well the words of Jesus – “In as much as you… (more)
Huckabee says he will not ‘recant’ 1992 comments on HIV/AIDS
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, on Sunday said that he will not “recant” statements made in 1992 in which he called for people living with HIV/AIDS to be isolated from the general population, the AP/International Herald Tribune reports. Huckabee—who made the statements in an Associated Press survey while running for Senate that year—wrote that in order for the federal government to effectively address the spread of HIV, “we need to take steps that would isolate the carries of this plague.” He added in the survey, “It is the first time in the history of civilization in which the carriers of a genuine plague have not been isolated from the general population, and in which this deadly disease for which there is no cure is being treated as a civil rights issue instead of the true health crisis it represents” (AP/International Herald Tribune, 12/9). Huckabee in the 1992 survey also said that HIV/AIDS research was receiving too much federal funding, The Politico reports. “In light of the extraordinary funds already being given for AIDS research, it does not seem that additional… (more)
Posted by Michael Kink on 12/10 at 04:09 PM
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Sunday, December 09, 2007
Huckabee stands by ‘92 comments on AIDS, gays
by Christi Parsons, Chicago Tribune Mike Huckabee says he stands by his statements fifteen years ago about AIDS patients, though he concedes he might phrase them differently today. In some old candidate questionnaires the Associated Press has dug up, Huckabee suggested back then that AIDS patients should essentially be quarantined. “Fifteen years ago, the AIDS crisis was just that. It was a crisis,” Huckabee told reporters at a campaign stop in Asheville, N.C. this weekend. “There were a lot of questions back in that time as to just how the disease could be carried. There was just a real panic in this country.” Huckabee said he also stands by his words that homosexuality is sinful. “I believe it would be, just as lying is sinful and stealing is sinful,” he said. Maybe some people were outraged by what Huckabee said, but those people didn’t seem to be in attendance at his weekend campaign events in the Carolinas. The former Southern Baptist preacher and Republican presidential candidate drew enthusiastic crowds for his message about conservative values and religious faith.
Group assails Giuliani comments on AIDS as ‘hypocrisy’
Group assails Giuliani comments on AIDS as ‘hypocrisy’ Had battled with him on contracts By Brian C. Mooney, Boston Globe Staff | December 7, 2007 On World AIDS Day last weekend, Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani vowed that if he were elected president he would “continue America’s life-saving role as a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS until the day humanity can declare victory against this deadly disease.” But in his eight years as mayor of New York City, Giuliani “showed absolutely zero concern for people living with AIDS and HIV,” said Charles King, president of Housing Works, the New York-based service provider for people with the illnesses. He called Giuliani’s declaration “gross hypocrisy.” “We had to litigate against him from the beginning of his term to force his administration to follow New York law with regard to the provision of services and care to persons with AIDS and HIV,” King said. Giuliani’s administration pulled his group’s city contracts, he said, as retaliation for their frequent, very aggressive criticism of the mayor and his policies. “It’s pretty safe to say that on HIV/AIDS, relations between Mayor Giuliani and the… (more)
By ANDREW DeMILLO, Associated Press Writer1 hour, 25 minutes ago Mike Huckabee once advocated isolating AIDS patients from the general public, opposed increased federal funding in the search for a cure and said homosexuality could “pose a dangerous public health risk.” As a candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in 1992, Huckabee answered 229 questions submitted to him by The Associated Press. Besides a quarantine, Huckabee suggested that Hollywood celebrities fund AIDS research from their own pockets, rather than federal health agencies. “If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague,” Huckabee wrote. “It is difficult to understand the public policy towards AIDS. It is the first time in the history of civilization in which the carriers of a genuine plague have not been isolated from the general population, and in which this deadly disease for which there is no cure is being treated as a civil rights issue instead of the true health crisis it represents.” The AP submitted the questionnaire to both candidates; only Huckabee responded. Incumbent Sen. Dale Bumpers… (more)
Richardson promises to implement comprehensive national strategy and fight epidemic worldwide
Richardson Unveils HIV/AIDS Policy on World AIDS Day DES MOINES, IA-- New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson today unveiled his policy on HIV/AIDS. As President, Richardson is committed to tackling this epidemic, both in the United States and around the world. He will do so by focusing on evidence-based prevention, providing quality and affordable treatment, and renewing our commitment to research. “The United States must lead the world in dealing with the HIV/AIDS epidemic,” Richardson said. “On the home front, it is shameful that we do not have a comprehensive national strategy to address the HIV/AIDS crisis. 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV/AIDS, including more than 400,000 who have full-blown AIDS. This must be addressed now. “To resolve the HIV/AIDS crisis in the developing world, we need a multi-faceted approach. First, we must fund prevention, treatment, and care worldwide. Second, we must reduce the number of people living with AIDS who die from a tuberculosis infection. Third, to allow impoverished nations to implement specific AIDS programs, I will urge the International Monetary Fund to cancel 100% of the debt that they owe. Most importantly, we must… (more)
The suffering and loss of life caused by HIV/AIDS is a national and international tragedy. Here at home, more than a million of us have HIV or AIDS, with 40,000 new cases last year. The incidence of new infections has not declined in fifteen years. This disease is especially devastating to our minority communities, which account for two of every three new cases. While African-Americans are only 13% of our population, they are half of our AIDS cases. The rate of infection is ten times as high for African-Americans as for whites, and three times as high for Latinos. Ending this disparity must be one of our top goals. While we must continue our global leadership on HIV/AIDS, we must also take care of our own. My administration will be the first to have an overarching strategy for dealing with HIV and AIDS here in the United States, with a partnership between the public and private sectors that will provide necessary financing and a realistic path toward our goals. We must prevent new infections and provide more accessible care. We must transform the promise of a vaccine and a cure into… (more)
Mayor Rudy Giuliani released the following statement on World AIDS Day:
“Over 33 million people are infected with HIV around the world. More than 2 million people have died of AIDS in 2007 alone. Thanks to the dedicated health professionals, researchers, and innovators in the United States, many HIV-positive people are able to live longer and more fulfilling lives. But our work is far from done – especially in addressing the unique challenge which HIV/AIDS presents to developing countries. As President, I will continue America’s life-saving role as a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS until the day humanity can declare victory against this deadly disease.”
Clinton Builds On HIV/AIDS Plan With Global Development Agenda
Would Set Goal To End All Malaria Deaths In Africa
Just days after announcing a comprehensive strategy to fight HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and abroad, the Clinton campaign unveiled an aggressive agenda to combat other infectious diseases and poverty in developing nations. Hillary Clinton will discuss her proposals at the Third Annual Global Summit on AIDS and the church hosted by Pastor Rick and Kay Warren at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA.
The plan includes at least $50 billion to provide universal access to treatment, prevention, and care for global HIV/AIDS by 2013. The plan also includes a $1 billion per year commitment to address malaria infection in Africa, with the goal of stamping out malaria deaths in Africa altogether by the end of her second term.
Groups working to fight malaria lauded the plan and Clinton’s leadership on the issue. “The Roll Back Malaria Partnership applauds Hillary Clinton’s bold commitment to fight malaria,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,… (more)
Posted by Michael Kink on 12/01 at 09:41 PM
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Obama statement on World AIDS Day—full video and PDF of Obama AIDS plan at the link
This World AIDS Day is a time to reflect on what this global crisis is costing us. It’s a cost that’s measured in generations lost, in cultures traumatized, and in societies that have grown more unstable as a result of this pandemic. And it’s a cost that 33 million people worldwide bear each day as they struggle to live with this disease. And what makes all of this so heartbreaking is that it was – in each and every case – entirely preventable.
And yet, this is also a time to draw inspiration from the stories of heroism that are being lived each day. It’s a time to draw hope from the extraordinary perseverance of those helping combat this disease around the world. And above all, it’s a time to stay focused on the task ahead – stopping the spread of this disease once and for all.
That is what I will fight to do as President. As part of my comprehensive national HIV/AIDS strategy, we’ll provide $50 billion by 2013 to… (more)
Posted by Michael Kink on 12/01 at 09:32 PM
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McCain Statement on World AIDS Day
Statement By John McCain On World AIDS Day
U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on World AIDS Day: “Today we offer our thoughts and prayers to the over 33 million people around the world that struggle to live each day with HIV/AIDS, and we mourn the millions of lives lost to the deadly virus. Today is a day to give comfort, and recognize the caregivers, and over 40 million AIDS orphans on this planet whose lives have been forever altered by this killer that respects no international or economic borders. Each and every life lost, infected and impacted by HIV/AIDS, is a loss to our common humanity. “America’s response to this crisis reflects the values and respect for life, upon which this nation was founded. Today is a call to action to roll-back the scourge of HIV and save lives. It’s critical that we face this crisis head-on, which is why I have consistently supported the most aggressive global AIDS program in the history of this pandemic, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).… (more)
Posted by Michael Kink on 12/01 at 09:24 PM
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Romney World AIDS Day Statement
Saturday, Dec 01, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Romney Press Shop (85) 288-6390
Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement on World AIDS Day: “On World AIDS Day, we are reminded of the importance of America’s commitment to fighting one of mankind’s most deadly infectious diseases. Around the world, over 33 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. In 2007 alone, 2.5 million people became infected with HIV and another 2.1 million died from AIDS. To strengthen our fight against HIV/AIDS and bring hope to those afflicted with this disease, we need strong executive leadership that can build on President Bush’s groundbreaking efforts. “As President, I will mobilize our civilian instruments of power to address HIV/AIDS, poverty and other challenges across Africa by empowering a single U.S. official with the responsibility and authority to lead all of America’s civilian efforts in the region. I will fundamentally transform our international aid efforts so that more of our assistance goes to those suffering rather than bureaucracy. Today, only one-third of all foreign… (more)
Posted by Michael Kink on 12/01 at 09:14 PM
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US HIV infections 50% higher than previously thought
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/30/AR2007113002535.html?hpid%3Dtopnews&sub=AR Estimate of AIDS Cases In U.S. Rises New Test Places the Rate Of Infection 50 Percent Higher By David Brown Washington Post Staff Writer Saturday, December 1, 2007; A01 New government estimates of the number of Americans who become infected with the AIDS virus each year are 50 percent higher than previous calculations suggested, sources said yesterday. For more than a decade, epidemiologists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have pegged the number of new HIV infections each year at 40,000. They now believe it is between 55,000 and 60,000. The higher estimate is the product of a new method of testing blood samples that can identify those who were infected within the previous five months. With a way to distinguish recent infections from long-standing ones, epidemiologists can then estimate how many new infections are appearing nationwide each month or year. The higher estimate is based on data from 19 states and large cities that have been extrapolated to the nation as a whole. The CDC has not announced the new estimate, but two people in direct contact with the scientists preparing it confirmed it… (more)
Posted by Michael Kink on 12/01 at 03:05 PM
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Huckabee releases AIDS statement
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Blogs.View&Blog_id=778 Mike Huckabee has become the first Republican Presidential candidate to put out a statement on domestic and global HIV/AIDS policy—here’s the details:
The suffering and loss of life caused by HIV/AIDS is a national and international tragedy. Here at home, more than a million of us have HIV or AIDS, with 40,000 new cases last year. The incidence of new infections has not declined in fifteen years. This disease is especially devastating to our minority communities, which account for two of every three new cases. While African-Americans are only 13% of our population, they are half of our AIDS cases. The rate of infection is ten times as high for African-Americans as for whites, and three times as high for Latinos. Ending this disparity must be one of our top goals.
While we must continue our global leadership on HIV/AIDS, we must also take care of our… (more)
Posted by Michael Kink on 12/01 at 02:19 PM
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Raising deep objections to Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee’s un-recanted support for such stigmatizing and ill-informed policies as “quarantine” for persons living with HIV/AIDS, the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) urged all presidential candidates today to denounce AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, which only helps to fuel the HIV/AIDS pandemic around the world. NAPWA fears that Huckabee’s refusal to denounce his 1992 comments could generate a new wave of stigma and discrimination against people with HIV in the U.S. and around the world. “Twenty six years into this epidemic, such outrageous ideas as quarantine for all people with HIV/AIDS have no place in serious public policy debates of a free and enlightened society,” said Frank Oldham, Jr. NAPWA’s Executive Director. “This rhetoric only serves to heighten already severe stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive people and deter our collective efforts to engage the community in voluntary HIV testing, treatment, and other vital services.” In light of recent articles discussing the soon to be released updated HIV incidence numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many wonder when our country’s leadership will pay attention to… (more)
