AIDS Activists Shut Down Capitol Rotunda Over Obama Reversal

AMERICA blog:

A group of 26 AIDS activists chained themselves to each other in the Capitol Rotunda on Thursday morning, startling visitors, shutting down the landmark area and prompting their arrest by Capitol Police.

Read the whole story: AMERICA blog

Comments

[larry278]

The blog HP used has an interestiong mast head. It state, "A great nation deserves the truth.'. They can't mean that the USA is a great nation. The USA is broke & up to its eyebrows in debt. The USA has lost 'Nam & Iraq & will lose in Afghanistan. Great nations don't go bankrupt & lose wars & then go into unwinnable wars right after another lost war.

[PAposter]

With all due respect if supplying needles for intravenous drug use holds up health care reform for everyone..­.I say, let drug addicts buy their needles first, a make their drug purchase with what's ever left over. Seems to me they should be more concerned with rehab and maybe being productive citizens.

"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." ~ JFK

[missjulz]

Wow, you really know nothing of addiction, huh?

[PAposter]

I have two siblings that are recovering heroin addicts...­I know all I need to know.

[MadHeart]

Many of us have had a loved one who was addicted. Until you go through hell with them, you don't know sh*t.

[Disuberence]

Actually the easiest solution to this issue would be to have places like free clinics where you can go and sho.ot up your drugs using clean needles and medical supervision.

[PAposter]

I agree...an­d we don't yet know if this is part of the Health Care Bill.

[Hare]

I opt for an educational approach. Have drug users (even casual ones) go and see for themselves the damage they do to the communities that produce their merchandise. Mexico is a good beginning down to C. A Peru and Colombia. Just show them what their little fun habit is creating down there, and if they are caught in the cross-fired then so be it.

[lordjin]

yeah, maybe in Sweden. But American society is waaaay to uptight for that. People still go away for pot in this country.

[Hare]

My tough love approach might work better than this follow the European nonsense style.

[Cambridge9]

Maybe you are right; but maybe you are an enabler. Let's try to get these folks OFF drugs.

[957]

republicans are figuring it out, just kick back and let the democrats self destruct as usual.

[Hank10303]

????? - what - where have you been - who leads the RUSHPUBLICANS

[PAposter]

Not this time...Nev­er again!

[mag68]

Do you need some lube to help extricate your head from your a$$????

[lieslgee]

I am losing confidence that the President is going to do anything that he said during the campaign. One after another, he keeps reversing himself. This is very upsetting.

[PAposter]

Your a joke!

[SantaFeConservative]

You're illiterate.

[Steamboater]

The joke's on you and everyone, including myself, who voted for Obama. Another turnaround. The list is getting longer and longer and to call someone a joke or illiterate because that voter is holding Obama to his word is juvenile and shows any excise will do so you don't have to admit your vote went down the toilet.

[Carnacamarna]

Really? As if he has not made many a turnaround on policy initiatives he said that he would support.

He has made great strides, but I don't think he's being bold enough.

[Cambridge9]

It's too bad that our President had to take over an abominal mess from the last administration.
It's too bad that he has every Rethug opposing everything that he is trying to get done.
It's too mad that it is taking a lot more time for this recession to hit bottom.
But what is worse is that it is too bad that "We the People" are not ready to stand behind the man who took office under the worst of possible conditions. Don't be so impatient.

By the way, What would your solutions to all these problems be - and could you do better??

And where was your outrage when Bush took office saying he was going to be a "Compassionate Conservtive" but broke every pledge he ever made - and turned us into a fearful nation.

[Steamboater]

It's too bad Obama made promises he's not keeping including this one about the syringes and DADT and DOMA and it looks like a public health care option to boot. It does no good continuously saying Obama was handed a lot of sh*t when he can do something about it and hasn't. Bush was one bad@ass but Obama made made promises I'm sure even you expected him to keep, as did everyone who voted for him.

[Hank10303]

Really, so all the laws he has signed and enacted over the last six months and the only three things you can remember are Gitmo, DoDt and needle exchange. We see you've been following very closely. How about a suggestion - check this link on politico and get a list of accomplishments for the last six months, including the most recent nuclear reduction agreement with Russia or the agreements with the pharmaceuticals and hospital corps. in the continuing work on health care or Lilly and get back to us.

http://blog.beliefnet.com/progressiverevival/2009/04/the-first-100-days-barack-obam.html

http://dyn.politico.com/politico44/index.cfm?category=POLICY

[Steamboater]

You forget that during the primary Obama said he would filibuster FISA but instead voted for it. No red flag for you? Add in that repulsive court filing against Gays, plus his making the situattion worse in Afghanistan by throwing in more troops (and more will come) , which is just another Iraq and AIDS activisits on his watch still disallowed from entering this country or anyone with HIV/AIDS even to attend AIDS' conferences, plus all the above you stated and I guess these things have little importance to you. What he's done so far is insignificant to everything else.

[Hank10303]

I'm under the impression this is the same situation as with the "don't ask don't tell" legislation. I would appear there is a law in place and out President justifiably so - doesn't want to do anything to avoid or side step the law. Yet, he is willing to stand by all of is campaign promises to "sign and approve" a reversal of these laws enacted by congress. The President doesn't have the power to change laws enacted by congress only to veto or approve them. Why aren't these activist chaining themselves to the halls of congress?

[Hare]

Obama reminds me of the naive teenager who decides to have a party then realizes too late it takes a whole party to destroy a home.

[KrugnacTheMagnificent]

I didn't realize that Congress spends their time and effort trying to fund controversial banned procedures.

Usually even the slightest hint of a veto threat is enough to have them give up and do something else more productive.

[Hank10303]

When Bush was in office - you remember those days do you not - the republican often put little trinkets in and attached to spending bills - needle exchange was one.

NOW YOU KNOW

[KrugnacTheMagnificent]

Hilarious.

Add another item to the laundry list.

[Cambridge9]

To present a Presidential Order (I'm not sure if that is the exact term) is OK but it is not a 'law'.

We noticed that as soon as he took office the President cancelled several of Bushes Presidential Orders within days. With that in mind he has said that he wants to work with Congress to get these changes done which will make the changes into law - which will not be easy to repeal.

I'm sure we can all understand that our POTUS has much on his plate - as does the Congress; and the work is taking a lot longer than it should because the Rethugs are fighting us every step of the way. I don't have a dog in this fight but I do want to give our President - and Congress - time to get this job done. I wouldn't suggest that he has renegged on a promise at this point in his first term.

[Hare]

He needs to be more assertive.­. too many nos lately

[Cambridge9]

Do you really think the Rethugs are going to give in because he is 'assertive'??

[MaryanneAZ]

President Obama's assertiveness is not going to break through the Party of No barricades or the Conservadems for that matter. It is up to constituents to roust our representatives and get them to vote our agenda or else.

[KrugnacTheMagnificent]

It's called leadership.

In order for Congress to act, the President must first lift the ban. Trying to pass funding for a banned procedure doesn't make much sense, does it?

What could possibly go wrong by lifting the ban? Nothing. That alone doesn't force Congress to fund it. All it does is fulfill his campaign promise and open the door for Congress to act in the future.

What could possibly be gained by waiting?

[Cambridge9]

Lifting the ban is fine but it doesn't put money behind it. Where do we get the money? And if the money was alloted you can bet your bottom dollar that the opposition would call it 'pork' - and it still wouldn't be law.

[Hank10303]

Apparently people have already forgotten that they had to wait 8 long years before they could even be heard, just 6 months and a winding down recession, two wars, a swain flu outbreak and numerous other issues later is way to long to wait. Before I turn on our President I'd give him a full two years. Its easier to screw things up and be destructive than it is to build and be constructive. We now have someone that will do the work of the people; our continued support is the best thing we can do if we want things done swiftly. Remember unlike the republicans the democrats won't rubber stamp President Obama's agenda - unfortunately - if they did I'm sure several bills and campaign promises would be water under the bridge by now. So if you think things are going to slow email and call your House Representatives and Senators. They are the ones holding up the passage, reversal and enactment of legislation not the President.

[MaryanneAZ]

Faved and absolutely correct. Open up a second internet explorer and google your reps and email them now. Now is the time.

[Hare]

We really need to remind the democratic party why the people voted for Obama. They need to start working a little harder to fulfill some of the promises made or it will begin to look like a charade. More of the same. It is not just Obama that needs to hear from us.

[missjulz]

I think Repubs are going to unfortunately gain ground in the next elections. But maybe that will finally teach the Democratic Party a lesson.

I thought we had sent them a message in November. They are clearly tone deaf and deserve their own demise.

[Hare]

Calling for a third party, quick before Palin and company think they are better suited for the job.

[MaryanneAZ]

It's NOT going to happen. No thinking person would withdraw support from the Party that holds out their best hope for getting their agenda at all. Does anyone reasonably believe the Republicans are going to take up their causes and bring them to fruition? Of course not. The Republicans will only gain ground next election if Dems are silly enough to sh.oot themselves in the foot in a fit of pique (temper tantrum). Just like temper tantrums, voting AGAINST our interests would be a real waste of time and energy. Anyone who talks about a Party deserving its own demise only six months in is clearly not aware of the machinations of politics. Everything takes time and Congress is notoriously slow and, sadly, corporate driven. We just have to keep reminding them that WE are the constituency they need to listen to and that they must vote for our issues or else. The best thing we can do is to grow the majority in the House and Senate to counter the ConservaDems who are Repubs Lite and cannot be counted on to support our agenda.

[PaxEterna]

This time he is not so much as "present" but MIA.

No leadership = no change.

No change = Obama the hypocrite.

[MaryanneAZ]

The sky is not falling and the President is hard at work on many fronts. His Administration will ultimately be successful. What peace do you enjoy by bashing the President?

[viper234]

This should be covered by the networks and cable news. If they are willing to cover protests in Iran, they should cover protests in the US.

[Trustandalwaysverify]

Reverend Wright, who knows Mr. Obama well, said it best......

Rev. Wright: "Obama Says What He Has to Say as a Politician"
headline on the Huffington post April 25, 2008 | 01:34 PM (EST)

[Hank10303]

U know this because you were there are is that what you heard on Fox Noise

[MaryanneAZ]

As is painfully obvious on this admittedly lefty website, many detractors and worse come here for sport and to bash the President. No one ever said that the President is not a politician. However, our Constitution set up the framework for our government, and I, for one, stand behind it. Have you got a better idea?

[gbrooks]

Glad you stand behind the Constitution. How do you feel about indefinite detention? What do you suppose Obama has to say about it?

[gbrooks]

Okay, so, in regards to the gay community, his administration:

Keeps DADT.
Supports DOMA, even going so far as to compare homosexuality to pedophilia and bestiality.
Does the complete opposite of what he said in regards to the needle program, which would protect people from AIDS.

I'm starting to think that he actually dislikes gay people.

[Hare]

Looking back I don't remember him ever saying he liked gays. I guess he kept his feelings in check in that too, but yeah eventually actions speak louder than words.

[MaryanneAZ]

Liking is not the issue or even germane. Gays are individuals and Americans and are liked and disliked on an individual basis, as we all are. The President's actions are held back until a Bill reaches his desk for signature. He is no longer a Senator. CONGRESS' actions do speak louder than words (although there are priorities and first things must come first) and we should be voicing our support for repealing DOMA, DADT and funding the needle program.

[oceanofconsciousness]

As we see, campaign talk is cheap. It's all in the actions and results. If Obama, who has the majority vote in Congress, can't get things done, then he doesn't want them to get done. If he did, he'd push his agenda. (But point taken, what IS his agenda?)

Bill Maher is right. We should HOPE for a little more AUDACITY from Obama. The proof is in the pudding, as they say.

[MaryanneAZ]

Ocean, you must not be conscious of the fact that its only been SIX months since the President has been in office. Most of our priorities, while supported and pushed by the President and his staff, are being held hostage by the Congress. Let's focus on them for our whining and bashing. BTW, President Obama has a weak majority in the Senate as many are Conservadems or Repubs Lite and do not vote with the Party on many important issues (Nelson et al.). They fancy themselves as not being "rubber stamps," but it is a different ideology that really drives their dissent.

[MaryanneAZ]

Wow, the ha.ters and detractors are out in full force today! They want us to believe that a six month old Administration has finished its business and we should be taking score of the results today. The President has clearly stated that he wants to end DOMA and DADT and fund the needle program, BUT he chooses to accomplish these laudable goals through legitimate and permanent means -- the Congress. Bush43, the Dictator-in-Chief, used Executive Orders to make end runs around the Congress, but this President respects the co-equal branches of government and their roles in governing the Nation too much to follow suit. He is patient enough to do the job right. We need to exercise patience too. Supporters need to stand firm and proud, and detractors need to go to another website to spew their unhappiness and fear-mongering nonsense. I am all for offering a reasoned opinion on an article, but to simply distort the President's record and make unsupported statements is just wrong. Show some respect.

[gbrooks]

Tell ya what, Maryanne, you go right ahead and inform everyone when it's okay to criticize Obama. Meanwhile, continue to keep your head firmly planted in the sand.

No time period is necessary to do the right thing or, at the very least, not compare gays to pedophiles ala Pat Robertson. Didn't hear Obama denouncing his own administrations words on that, did we?

And please, tell me how I'm "fear mongering.­"

By the way, the only way to get the government we want is to make damned sure they know what is and isn't acceptable--and your deafening silence is only acceptance. Enjoy.

[SD Indy]

Um, the needle exchange program isn't really a "gay" issue. It is a public health issue. According to the statistics, Women are at higher risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS through IV drug use. Also according to the same surveillance MSM (male-male sex) who are IV drug users only made up 3% while other IV drug users made up 13% of HIV/AIDS transmissions (2006 - http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/united_states.htm) This transmission fact sheet also shows that men who do not have sex with other men, but are IV drug users made up 13% of new infections while women made up 19%.

[gbrooks]

I'm aware of that, however, AIDS and it's related causes are inextricably linked to "gay" issues. That said, Obama still went back on a campaign promise.

[machivellianX]

Sickness and disease is big business, BHO agrees

[Maka]

Good for them. It's always good to make your voice heard when politicians don't do what they say they were going to.

[bluemike]

If true, given the value of these programs, Obama has again voted, "Present."