The Centers for Disease Control Has Issued a Shocking Report that AIDS Has Reached Epidemic Proportions Among American Latinos:
It Is Urgent that Obama Reaffirm, Particularly to Latino Americans, His Decisive Commitment to Combat AIDS
This week’s identification of a near epidemic is a perfect opening for Obama to establish his strategies for combating AIDS in Hispanic communities.
AIDS is reaching epidemic proportions among Latinos in this country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one quarter of all new AIDS cases are Latinos. In major inner-city areas, often 25 percent of Latino men are infected with the virus.
This frightening new data on AIDS will raise grave concerns within Latino communities throughout the United States. Obama must promptly tell the public why he would be a far stronger advocate to combat AIDS than would John McCain. It now may be necessary for Obama to address the issue on national television.
Obama’s healthcare reform measures have consistently promised support to patients who suffer from AIDS. Obama has already declared that if elected president, he will lead the fight against AIDS not only in the United States but throughout the world. Obama’s words: “We are all sick because of AIDS.”
Here are specifics:
• Obama has pledged to develop a national strategy to combat AIDS during the first year of his presidency.
• Obama supports nationwide efforts to provide healthcare and drugs for patients suffering from AIDS.
• Obama has announced programs that provide housing for AIDS patients who are unable to work or pay rent.
• Obama has pledged increased funding for research programs to find a vaccine to prevent AIDS.
• Obama calls for increased educational funding for AIDS prevention programs.
In a 2007 interview John McCain was asked by a reporter, “Do you think contraceptives helped stop the spread of HIV?” McCain’s response, “You’ve stumped me. I’m not informed enough on it. I’ve never gotten into these issues before.”
The Obama organization needs to immediately inform the American public, and particularly Latino communities, that there is no mention whatsoever of AIDS or HIV on the healthcare page at John McCain’s campaign Web site.