Read this ARticle and please help Bush et al wake up and start helping millions.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4513805.stm
Well this is how out of touch US policies are.
In a need to pander to the far right the US has placed conditions upon those that need money to help those in need. I would think that this type of effort hurts more then it helps, I also believe that the people that wrote this policy have never set foot inside a third world country without security.
Okay this pisses me off because it is killing people, thousands of people. What could 40 million do for the fight for AIDS in Brazil.....well a lot is the short answer.
More below the Fold:
Now basically, Bush has put into place a policy that earmarks funding for countries that would follow his narrow world view.
This is what is destroying Foreign Relations and American Popularity in the world. While these types of things may seem small compared to the Iraq War they are so obviously stupid and hurtful to those that most need it it drives people to dislike the US Administration.
This is how The US is making other countries feel.
"'Bullying'
Much of the spending is being channelled to programmes that advocate abstinence, rather than condom use, and cannot be used for abortions or to treat prostitutes. "
And this is what it' causing in countries that can't afford to turn down the money.
"Sonia Correa, an Aids activist in Brazil, said accepting the US conditions would have set back a Brazilian programme that was successfully bringing down the infection rate."
Lets review why would the US not want these funds for certain things: Lets take prostitutes as an example:
"Washington says it is important not to promote prostitution, and does not want any of its funds to be spent on treating prostitutes.
How is giving condoms or giving treatments to reduce chances of infections not helping fight AIDS? Man my mind boggles, I just know what to say, the US has a chance to great good and fund 15 Billion US in the fight against AIDS but they had to use the money not only to fight AIDS but also to push its agenda on other nations.
By doing this they are killing people. They are using a high horse based upon James Dobsen Family values and not supplying a good solution.
What can we do about this, ask the government call a senator a congressman and ask them if we can give that 40 million to Brazil without the conditions?
Hell lets give the money to programs that have proven results that are working lets not start a program that doesn't work even in the states. AIDS infection rates in the US are double Canada and most of Europe!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm done please contact your senators and ask them if we can show the world some good will and give the money without conditions. And lastly this can be a great wedge issue......why are we pandering to the religious right on foreign aid.