Not saying anything, but here are some key points from the Democratic and Republican platforms on HIV/AIDS:
Republicans -- 1 paragraph in a 25 page document:We recognize that the preventable diseases of AIDS and HIV infection represent a
threat to human health. We view with compassion all people infected with HIV. We
call for appropriate levels of research to find a cure for the disease and ask
that the government give full disclosure of the causes. However, because AIDS
represents such a severe threat to both the health and economic well-being of
our citizens, we insist that the epidemic be de-politicized and that as a
society, we take all appropriate steps to protect our children from this
epidemic. All people, no matter what disease they may contract, are worthy of
deep respect as humans; however, behavior has personal and social consequences.
We call upon the United States Health Service and all states to declare HIV a
"dangerous, yet preventable, infectious, communicable disease." It should be
legally reported in the same manner as any communicable disease. We oppose the
needle exchange and bleach kit programs. We urge the return to the requirement
of blood testing in order to obtain a marriage license with the previous
reporting responsibilities to prevent the spread of dangerous, infectious, and
communicable diseases.
Pro: Talks well about compassion and taking care of people. Pushes for de-politicization and further, more expansive names-based reporting (god help us, a Bush policy worked).
Con: No needle exchange?
No bleach kit?
Blood testing for marriage licenses? I think we moved away from personal responsibility on that last one. Also doesn't deal at all with international AIDS.
Overall: This is the entire statement on HIV/AIDS in the Republican platform. Period. End of story. You see where I'm going with this... especially when compared to...
Democratic Party Platform -- 5 paragraphs in 94 pages -- sample sentence from each:(page 12) We must fight HIV/AIDS in our country and around the world. We
support increased funding into research, care and prevention of HIV/AIDS. (goes
on to talk about Ryan White, ADAP, people of color, and Medicaid coverage of
HIV+ persons)
(page 37) We believe that sustainable economic growth and development will
mitigate and even help to reverse such chronic and debilitating challenges as
poverty, hunger, conflict, and HIV/AIDS. (in a section about Africa)
(page 40) We need to invest in building capable, democrat states that can
establish health and educated communities, develop markets, and generate wealth.
(Talking about the benefits of UN Millenium Development Goals, including
treating HIV/AIDS)
(page 41) The HIV/AIDS pandemic is a massive human tragedy. It is also a
security risk of the highest order that threatens to plunge nations into chaos.
(Also talks about malaria, TB, etc.)
(page 42) We also support the adoption of humanitarian licensing
policies that ensure medications developed with the US taxpayer dollars are
available off patent in developing countries. (YES!)
Pro: Covers the world -- and does step out of Africa to mention Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Carribean. Lists specific things to do to, including $50b/5y for HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria prevention. Specifically deals with programs in the US that are in desperate need of work. Oh and big pro: providing meds off-patent to third world countries --
WELL DONE.
Con: Talks nothing about prevention, only care. There may be sections on sex education, but the HIV/AIDS stuff is kept in health and development sections of the platform -- says something.
Overall: Expresses a great interest, but perhaps does not provide the
zing nor the silver bullet you may or may not expect.
Just a thought for this AM...
I'm a little late on this one, but I thought it was too funny to pass up. Michael Steele, the embattled chair of the RNC and its first African-American chairperson, has this to say on marriage equality:
