Bay Area Reporter - May 12, 2000

New information is emerging about HIV/AIDS all the time. The recent debate in the scientific and HIV/AIDS communities around structured treatment interruption is but one example. But to date, scientific research has not supported the claims of AIDS denialists.

The council's formation and likely stalemates on discussions is not good news for the roughly 4 million South Africans living with HIV/AIDS. That's about 10 percent of the country's population, and what they need now more than ever is treatment, including HIV medications.

And that's where the Clinton administration comes into the picture. The president Wednesday issued an executive order allowing foreign governments in sub-Saharan Africa to import and manufacture cheaper versions of the world's most effective AIDS drugs without fear of punishment from U.S. trade authorities. The order was prompted in large part by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, and is welcome relief.

Last December, Vice President Al Gore, during the start of the presidential primary race, very publicly announced the change in administration policy, resulting in the country showing more "flexibility" in enforcing U.S. patent rights in countries with such public health emergencies.

Over the past several months, however, Gore hasn't been particularly vocal on this issue - or many others for that matter. The "alpha Gore" candidate that voters saw in January, February, and early March has been practically missing in action since he wrapped up the Democratic presidential nomination. A recent poll that shows presumptive Republican nominee George W. Bush ahead of Gore by 8 percentage points should not be taken lightly, even though it is several months until the November election.

The prospect of a Bush presidency should be enough to elicit strong support for Gore from lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender voters. This nation has moved forward on gay rights during the Clinton-Gore administration at a pace never before seen in this country. And, while we have our issues with the administration - notably around the failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy covering gays and lesbians in the military - the overall record is good, especially when you factor in that Congress is controlled by Republicans.

A Bush presidency almost certainly would include several appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court that could set back progress for gays, minorities, and a woman's right to choose. And we are deeply concerned about Bush's record as Texas governor with respect to enforcing the death penalty - Texas leads the country in executions - at a time when DNA evidence and other investigative tools have conclusively proven the innocence of several death-row prisoners. The Republican governor of Illinois has instituted a moratorium in his state on executions, and even Pat Robertson has echoed the call.

The recent poll by the Los Angeles Times shows Bush leading Gore in just about every demographic group, even among women, and especially among men - in spite of the robust economy and the fact that most of the people surveyed want to continue in the Clinton direction.

The findings tell us that while a lot can happen between now and November, Gore had better get his message out.

Don't be fooled by Bush's so-called "compassionate conservatism," his recent move to the political center, or his active courting of Hispanic voters. As California Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante told one of the local dailies, "It's time to just look past the veneer."

Bush's meeting last month with hand-picked gay and lesbian Republicans is another example of playing to the political center without any substantive move. Bush isn't about to change his opposition to equal rights for gays, and our community shouldn't be hoodwinked into thinking otherwise.
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