LebaneseDude 6,146 Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 HIV/AIDS activists were far from satisfied by the one-line apology issued yesterday afternoon by Hillary Clinton after she made the astoundingly ahistorical claim that Nancy Reagan’s “low-key advocacy” had spurred advances against the virus. Tonight Clinton issued a second and quite lengthy statement. Below is her message in full: Spoiler Yesterday, at Nancy Reagan’s funeral, I said something inaccurate when speaking about the Reagans’ record on HIV and AIDS. Since then, I’ve heard from countless people who were devastated by the loss of friends and loved ones, and hurt and disappointed by what I said. As someone who has also lost friends and loved ones to AIDS, I understand why. I made a mistake, plain and simple. I want to use this opportunity to talk not only about where we’ve come from, but where we must go in the fight against HIV and AIDS. To be clear, the Reagans did not start a national conversation about HIV and AIDS. That distinction belongs to generations of brave lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, along with straight allies, who started not just a conversation but a movement that continues to this day. The AIDS crisis in America began as a quiet, deadly epidemic. Because of discrimination and disregard, it remained that way for far too long. When many in positions of power turned a blind eye, it was groups like ACT UP, Gay Men’s Health Crisis and others that came forward to shatter the silence — because as they reminded us again and again, Silence = Death. They organized and marched, held die-ins on the steps of city halls and vigils in the streets. They fought alongside a few courageous voices in Washington, like U.S. Representative Henry Waxman, who spoke out from the floor of Congress. Then there were all the people whose names we don’t often hear today — the unsung heroes who fought on the front lines of the crisis, from hospital wards and bedsides, some with their last breath. Slowly, too slowly, ignorance was crowded out by information. People who had once closed their eyes opened their hearts. If not for those advocates, activists, and ordinary, heroic people, we would not be where we are in preventing and treating HIV and AIDS. Their courage — and their refusal to accept silence as the status quo — saved lives. We’ve come a long way. But we still have work to do to eradicate this disease for good and to erase the stigma that is an echo of a shameful and painful period in our country’s history. This issue matters to me deeply. And I’ve always tried to do my part in the fight against this disease, and the stigma and pain that accompanies it. At the 1992 Democratic National Convention, when my husband accepted the nomination for president, we marked a break with the past by having two HIV-positive speakers — the first time that ever happened at a national convention. As First Lady, I brought together world leaders to strategize and coordinate efforts to take on HIV and AIDS around the world. In the Senate, I put forward legislation to expand global AIDS research and assistance and to increase prevention and education, and I proudly voted for the creation of PEPFAR and to defend and protect the Ryan White Act. And as secretary of state, I launched a campaign to usher in an AIDS-free generation through prevention and treatment, targeting the populations at greatest risk of contracting HIV. The AIDS crisis looks very different today. There are more options for treatment and prevention than ever before. More people with HIV are leading full and happy lives. But HIV and AIDS are still with us. They continue to disproportionately impact communities of color, transgender people, young people and gay and bisexual men. There are still 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States today, with about 50,000 people newly diagnosed each year. In Sub-Saharan Africa, almost 60 percent of people with HIV are women and girls. Even though the tools exist to end this epidemic once and for all, there are still far too many people dying today. That is absolutely inexcusable. I believe there’s even more we can — and must — do together. For starters, let’s continue to increase HIV and AIDS research and invest in the promising innovations that research is producing. Medications like PrEP are proving effective in preventing HIV infection; we should expand access to that drug for everyone, including at-risk populations. We should call on Republican governors to put people’s health and well-being ahead of politics and extend Medicaid, which would provide health care to those with HIV and AIDS. We should call on states to reform outdated and stigmatizing HIV criminalization laws. We should increase global funding for HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment. And we should cap out-of-pocket expenses and drug costs—and hold companies like Turing and Valeant accountable when they attempt to gouge patients by jacking up the price of lifesaving medications. We’re still surrounded by memories of loved ones lost and lives cut short. But we’re also surrounded by survivors who are fighting harder than ever. We owe it to them and to future generations to continue that fight together. For the first time, an AIDS-free generation is in sight. As president, I promise you that I will not let up until we reach that goal. We will not leave anyone behind. http://www.joemygod.com/2016/03/12/hillary-clinton-issues-second-and-lengthy-reagans-aids-apology-i-made-a-mistake-plain-and-simple/#disqus_thread I commend her for elaborating on her apology, and using this controversy to trigger more discussions on the issues that actually matter. Edited just now by LebaneseDude. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himeros26 1,688 Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 Queer Baiting at it's finest Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PartySick 174,425 Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 Good lord 5 minutes ago, LebaneseDude said: I commend her for elaborating on her apology, and using this controversy to trigger more discussions on the issues that actually matter. I second this^. And it's not just because I'm trying to like her more, either :sweat: I appreciate a well thought out apology Whimsical bitch Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LebaneseDude 6,146 Posted March 13, 2016 Author Share Posted March 13, 2016 3 minutes ago, Himeros26 said: Queer Baiting at it's finest It's funny how some of you quickly tag any politician who discusses social issues as "baiting". Edited just now by LebaneseDude. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
weed 79,306 Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 I wish she spoke against the Reagans a little more, but it's a very well written essay/apology! Props to ha for making HIV/AIDS a part of her campaign, with the history of her work behind it. I'm #feelthebern but if the FBI thing ends up well who knows Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LebaneseDude 6,146 Posted March 13, 2016 Author Share Posted March 13, 2016 Just now, PartySick said: Good lord I second this^. And it's not just because I'm trying to like her more, either :sweat: I appreciate a well thought out apology It's not just an apology. It's a call to action. Talk about using a stand to spread awareness on something that matters. I honestly never expected not one but two apologies. I respect her more than ever. Edited just now by LebaneseDude. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LebaneseDude 6,146 Posted March 13, 2016 Author Share Posted March 13, 2016 1 minute ago, neptugne said: I wish she spoke against the Reagans a little more, but it's a very well written essay/apology! Props to ha for making HIV/AIDS a part of her campaign, with the history of her work behind it. I'm #feelthebern but if the FBI thing ends up well who knows Well I agree but it would be inappropriate for someone in her position to attack the Reagans so close to Nancy Reagan's death. Edited just now by LebaneseDude. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiscoHeaven23 35,007 Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 It's not like Hillary is against the gay community. Yes, she misspoke, it was an error. She apologized. Should we beat her down more so Trump will beat her in the election? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LebaneseDude 6,146 Posted March 13, 2016 Author Share Posted March 13, 2016 1 minute ago, DiscoHeaven23 said: It's not like Hillary is against the gay community. Yes, she misspoke, it was an error. She apologized. Should we beat her down more so Trump will beat her in the election? Some Berniebros would rather see the world burn than vote for Hillary. It's not exactly shocking. Edited just now by LebaneseDude. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
monstereo 1,232 Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 I just don't feel she's genuine. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andres Miller 206 Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 Vote for Bernie! This woman is not genuine and she panders her audiences with what is relevant to them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadow 6,707 Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 20 minutes ago, DiscoHeaven23 said: It's not like Hillary is against the gay community. Yes, she misspoke, it was an error. She apologized. Should we beat her down more so Trump will beat her in the election? 17 minutes ago, LebaneseDude said: Some Berniebros would rather see the world burn than vote for Hillary. It's not exactly shocking. It's sad because you'd think anyone On the left would capitalize on the GOP chaos with Trump and infighting to assure a win come autumn. Would it be so terrible if Hillary made Bernie a VP or vice versa if it were the other way around to unify the liberals and encourage more turnout? A divided GOP and divided Democrats make this election more of a free for all and gives independent or third party candidates more incentive to run as to earn more states for delegates. Stand in the light, cast your shadow. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andres Miller 206 Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 25 minutes ago, DiscoHeaven23 said: It's not like Hillary is against the gay community. Yes, she misspoke, it was an error. She apologized. Should we beat her down more so Trump will beat her in the election? Too much contradiction with HiIllary... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LebaneseDude 6,146 Posted March 13, 2016 Author Share Posted March 13, 2016 3 minutes ago, Shadow said: It's sad because you'd think anyone On the left would capitalize on the GOP chaos with Trump and infighting to assure a win come autumn. Would it be so terrible if Hillary made Bernie a VP or vice versa if it were the other way around to unify the liberals and encourage more turnout? A divided GOP and divided Democrats make this election more of a free for all and gives independent or third party candidates more incentive to run as to earn more states for delegates. I agree with you. I assume from the quote you think I have something against Sanders. I don't. It's his followers that I am disparaging. Edited just now by LebaneseDude. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LebaneseDude 6,146 Posted March 13, 2016 Author Share Posted March 13, 2016 4 minutes ago, Andres Miller said: Vote for Bernie! This woman is not genuine and she panders her audiences with what is relevant to them. 3 minutes ago, Andres Miller said: So Bernie can win the election. He is the only one who will make a difference and the only one who is truly trustworthy. Do you have any non-GOP-affiliated receipts for these accusations? Edited just now by LebaneseDude. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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