Democrats leave Bono disappointed

Dreadsox · 12-18-2006, 04:50 PM

[Q]Anti-poverty activist gets no promise of funds

By STEVE TETREAULT and MOLLY BALL
REVIEW-JOURNAL
Meetings in Washington last Thursday between rock star Bono and Democrats, including Senate leader Harry Reid of Nevada, yielded a nice photo-op but not much else, according to Bono.

Bono, the U2 frontman and anti-poverty activist, was on Capitol Hill to seek assurances that $1 billion in planned U.S. spending to fight AIDS and malaria in Africa would not be lost if Congress freezes agency budgets in the coming year.

Bono said he also was seeking to close a "commitment gap" between what President Bush has requested for anti-poverty efforts and what Congress has agreed to spend in the past.

After meetings with incoming Senate Majority Leader Reid, House Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee, Bono said he came away empty-handed.

"I'm alarmed we could not get a commitment from the Democratic leadership to prevent the loss of $1 billion in the continuing resolution," Bono said Thursday in a statement.

"I don't know who to blame. Democrats are blaming Republicans. Republicans are blaming Democrats. But the million people who were expecting (mosquito) bed nets don't know who to blame. They just know that a promise made by the United States to keep their families safe is in danger of being broken next year."

A day later, Bono reconsidered his tough comments and took a softer tone in a follow-up.

Bono said Friday that Reid "acknowledged a difficult situation" with the congressional budget "but he sincerely pledged his best efforts to improve the situation."

Bono said Reid "made my day taking me onto the Senate floor and leading me through the history of that great room."

Reid spokesman Jon Summers said he could not provide details of the sessions, but said the Nevadan "enjoyed his meeting with Bono. They come from different places, but both share a true commitment to solving these critical problems."

[/Q]

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_ho.../11460940.html

Welcome to Washington politics Bono.

DontExpect · 12-18-2006, 04:57 PM

Hm, its certainly a tough situation. I feel like the leaders can't guarentee anything at this point, but that once they're in control they'll start to allocate funds to match those promises. While it's hard to think of a lot of other reasons to like Bush for me, I have to be impressed by his commitments to AIDS over the past year, and I think that with the new Congress none of that will change.

BVS · 12-18-2006, 05:01 PM

Shitty politics as usual...

Justin24 · 12-18-2006, 05:04 PM

So who is really to blame out of the two parties?? As far as I knew the Republicans were willing to shell out the money. hmmm

redhotswami · 12-18-2006, 05:12 PM

Bono was here??

But really, that's heartbreaking. I don't know who it is to blame, and I don't care. I'm tired of pointing the finger. I wanna see some action damn it.

BVS · 12-18-2006, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Justin24
So who is really to blame out of the two parties?? As far as I knew the Republicans were willing to shell out the money. hmmm

Oh yeah, how much have they given?

Justin24 · 12-18-2006, 05:16 PM

Well didn't Bush approve 15 Billion dollars to help fight aids in africa?

redhotswami · 12-18-2006, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Justin24
So who is really to blame out of the two parties?? As far as I knew the Republicans were willing to shell out the money. hmmm

I don't think the Republicans making promises they can't keep make them any better than the Democrats who are too tight-wad-reluctant to make any promises at all.

Justin24 · 12-18-2006, 05:20 PM

But I think Bush was going through with it? Am I right or wrong?

diamond · 12-18-2006, 05:20 PM

Bono hanging out with yet another Mormon.

BVS · 12-18-2006, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Justin24
Well didn't Bush approve 15 Billion dollars to help fight aids in africa?

Not quite. Bush couldn't get his party behind it, not sure he actually tried. But doesn't it sound good when a President says he will?

redhotswami · 12-18-2006, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by diamond

Bono hanging out with yet another Mormon.

Are they the same height???

Justin - according to the article, the 1 billion was "planned". Didn't say whether it was in progress or not, just that it was "planned." That's what I mean by empty promises.

randhail · 12-18-2006, 05:23 PM

I can't blame Reid for not commiting to giving the money. The democrats need to get in there, evaluate, and see where things stand before they do much. Before people bash the dems, lets give them a little time and see what they do - then the bashing can commence.

BVS · 12-18-2006, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by diamond

Bono hanging out with yet another Mormon.

And here I thought religion didn't matter.

Dreadsox · 12-18-2006, 05:48 PM

What is troubling to me is the fact that it was promised, and followed through up until now, unless my facts are wrong. I think there was an assumption that it would be met with the change in leadership in the congress.

I am wondering how much of this is a play to be fiscally conservative on the new leaderships adgenda.

redhotswami · 12-18-2006, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by randhail
I can't blame Reid for not commiting to giving the money. The democrats need to get in there, evaluate, and see where things stand before they do much. Before people bash the dems, lets give them a little time and see what they do - then the bashing can commence.

if you say so...

:tapsfoot:

verte76 · 12-18-2006, 05:53 PM

Politics as usual.

Justin24 · 12-18-2006, 06:18 PM

This is a shame. I dont think Bono will trust our govt anymore. Why wont they listen to our VOICES!!!!

You can spend Billions on a war, but can't spend a Billion to help the poor and sick in Africa.

Harry Vest · 12-18-2006, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Justin24
So who is really to blame out of the two parties?? As far as I knew the Republicans were willing to shell out the money. hmmm

EXACTLY!!!
What the hell is up with that!!!
Generally it would be the Democrats who would more likely be the more generous of the two. What the hell is up with these new Democrats. Can't Bill Clinton just spank them all into submission. Obviously someone has to.

NOTE: In a perfect world you Americans would throw both the Republicans and the Democrats right out of office and go with Independent candidates - in other words "Throw the bums out!!!"

Sherry Darling · 12-18-2006, 08:05 PM

Hi all!

I am actually dealing with this in the public policy unit at the NGO where I work (which is one of the founders of the ONE campaign, and no, it's not DATA

). A lot of the mess has to do with the Continuing Resolution (CR) we're now under. My understanding is the it was passed by the outgoing GOP-controlled Senate, which depending on ones view leaves an irresponsible mess designed to embarrass the Dems or forces the tough decisions that need to be made. Whatever.

Either way the CR is up Feb 15 and so things will be as decided as they ever do by then.

In the meantime, check out one of my NGO's partners, GIVE YOUR CONGRESS CRITTERS A CALL! Let them know that you want poverty to be top on their list as they make hard choices, and that it IS an Election 2008 issue.

Peace,
SD

12-18-2006, 04:50 PM	#1
Dreadsox ONE love, blood, life Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 10,885 Local Time: 03:40 PM	Democrats leave Bono disappointed [Q]Anti-poverty activist gets no promise of funds By STEVE TETREAULT and MOLLY BALL REVIEW-JOURNAL Meetings in Washington last Thursday between rock star Bono and Democrats, including Senate leader Harry Reid of Nevada, yielded a nice photo-op but not much else, according to Bono. Bono, the U2 frontman and anti-poverty activist, was on Capitol Hill to seek assurances that $1 billion in planned U.S. spending to fight AIDS and malaria in Africa would not be lost if Congress freezes agency budgets in the coming year. Bono said he also was seeking to close a "commitment gap" between what President Bush has requested for anti-poverty efforts and what Congress has agreed to spend in the past. After meetings with incoming Senate Majority Leader Reid, House Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee, Bono said he came away empty-handed. "I'm alarmed we could not get a commitment from the Democratic leadership to prevent the loss of $1 billion in the continuing resolution," Bono said Thursday in a statement. "I don't know who to blame. Democrats are blaming Republicans. Republicans are blaming Democrats. But the million people who were expecting (mosquito) bed nets don't know who to blame. They just know that a promise made by the United States to keep their families safe is in danger of being broken next year." A day later, Bono reconsidered his tough comments and took a softer tone in a follow-up. Bono said Friday that Reid "acknowledged a difficult situation" with the congressional budget "but he sincerely pledged his best efforts to improve the situation." Bono said Reid "made my day taking me onto the Senate floor and leading me through the history of that great room." Reid spokesman Jon Summers said he could not provide details of the sessions, but said the Nevadan "enjoyed his meeting with Bono. They come from different places, but both share a true commitment to solving these critical problems." [/Q] http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_ho.../11460940.html Welcome to Washington politics Bono. __________________

12-18-2006, 04:57 PM	#2
DontExpect Acrobat Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 437 Local Time: 03:40 PM	Hm, its certainly a tough situation. I feel like the leaders can't guarentee anything at this point, but that once they're in control they'll start to allocate funds to match those promises. While it's hard to think of a lot of other reasons to like Bush for me, I have to be impressed by his commitments to AIDS over the past year, and I think that with the new Congress none of that will change. __________________

12-18-2006, 08:05 PM	#20
Sherry Darling New Yorker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,857 Local Time: 04:40 PM	Hi all! I am actually dealing with this in the public policy unit at the NGO where I work (which is one of the founders of the ONE campaign, and no, it's not DATA ). A lot of the mess has to do with the Continuing Resolution (CR) we're now under. My understanding is the it was passed by the outgoing GOP-controlled Senate, which depending on ones view leaves an irresponsible mess designed to embarrass the Dems or forces the tough decisions that need to be made. Whatever. Either way the CR is up Feb 15 and so things will be as decided as they ever do by then. In the meantime, check out one of my NGO's partners, GIVE YOUR CONGRESS CRITTERS A CALL! Let them know that you want poverty to be top on their list as they make hard choices, and that it IS an Election 2008 issue. Peace, SD __________________

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12-18-2006, 05:01 PM	#3
BVS Blue Crack Supplier Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: between my head and heart Posts: 41,225 Local Time: 02:40 PM	Shitty politics as usual...

12-18-2006, 05:04 PM	#4
Justin24 Rock n' Roll Doggie ALL ACCESS Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Mateo Posts: 6,716 Local Time: 01:40 PM	So who is really to blame out of the two parties?? As far as I knew the Republicans were willing to shell out the money. hmmm

12-18-2006, 05:12 PM	#5
redhotswami Rock n' Roll Doggie VIP PASS Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Waiting for this madness to end. Posts: 5,846 Local Time: 03:40 PM	Bono was here?? But really, that's heartbreaking. I don't know who it is to blame, and I don't care. I'm tired of pointing the finger. I wanna see some action damn it.

12-18-2006, 05:16 PM	#7
Justin24 Rock n' Roll Doggie ALL ACCESS Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Mateo Posts: 6,716 Local Time: 01:40 PM	Well didn't Bush approve 15 Billion dollars to help fight aids in africa?

12-18-2006, 05:20 PM	#9
Justin24 Rock n' Roll Doggie ALL ACCESS Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Mateo Posts: 6,716 Local Time: 01:40 PM	But I think Bush was going through with it? Am I right or wrong?

12-18-2006, 05:20 PM	#10
diamond ONE love, blood, life Join Date: May 2002 Location: Tempe, Az USA Posts: 12,856 Local Time: 01:40 PM	Bono hanging out with yet another Mormon.

12-18-2006, 05:23 PM	#13
randhail Rock n' Roll Doggie Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Outside Providence Posts: 3,560 Local Time: 03:40 PM	I can't blame Reid for not commiting to giving the money. The democrats need to get in there, evaluate, and see where things stand before they do much. Before people bash the dems, lets give them a little time and see what they do - then the bashing can commence.

12-18-2006, 05:48 PM	#15
Dreadsox ONE love, blood, life Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 10,885 Local Time: 03:40 PM	What is troubling to me is the fact that it was promised, and followed through up until now, unless my facts are wrong. I think there was an assumption that it would be met with the change in leadership in the congress. I am wondering how much of this is a play to be fiscally conservative on the new leaderships adgenda.

12-18-2006, 05:53 PM	#17
verte76 Blue Crack Addict Join Date: May 2002 Location: hoping for changes Posts: 23,331 Local Time: 08:40 PM	Politics as usual.

12-18-2006, 06:18 PM	#18
Justin24 Rock n' Roll Doggie ALL ACCESS Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Mateo Posts: 6,716 Local Time: 01:40 PM	This is a shame. I dont think Bono will trust our govt anymore. Why wont they listen to our VOICES!!!! You can spend Billions on a war, but can't spend a Billion to help the poor and sick in Africa.