This is Bono's and DATA's response in case some haven't seen it!
?Wow, don?t mess with the American people... from churches, campuses, coffee shops and computers they got their message through to Washington: AIDS in Africa is an emergency. This week, the President responded. Now, he and Congress have to rapidly translate his bold vision into cash that saves lives. Africa needs the people of America to keep raising awareness of the AIDS crisis, and make sure the politicians deliver the money. AIDS is not just an unprecedented humanitarian tragedy in Africa, it?s a threat to peace and global stability everywhere.??Bono
Friends,
We had quite a night last night and you all need to be heartily congratulated. As a result of your phone calls, emails, persistence and determination- the President stood up and responded to the will of the American people. His announcement for $15 billion over the next five years is cause for celebration. We?re thrilled that the President has committed his Administration to this initiative and thrilled that he has attached a meaningful total of money to the cause.
The next step is to keep a keen eye on what happens in this next week. The President?s 2004 budget will be released on February 4th at which time we will learn more about exactly how this money will be spent. We will also begin to answer very important questions that will enable us to truly evaluate the President?s initiative. We need to find out whether this is truly all new money or if it has been taken from other foreign aid accounts. We feel quite certain that at least $2.5 billion is needed in 2004 for the AIDS crisis to make up for lost time and to kickstart the programs. We also feel strongly that a substantial amount should be directed through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria which is a funding mechanism that draws upon global resources to fund the very best country-driven, technically reviewed proposals around the world. These are all important questions and we must strongly encourage the Administration, the Senate and the House of Representatives to ensure that the best possible and most effective mechanisms are used to deploy this money.
Keep an eye out and we?ll be back in touch once we know more about exactly what the President?s announcement means. We have won a huge battle and we truly owe it to you. We now have to make sure that these dollars we fought so hard for are used effectively and efficiently on those who need them so dearly. If we continue to work together, we really can make a difference.
Thanks again!!!
DATA
