President George W. Bush takes a moment from his busy schedule of vetoing health care for children and threatening the veto of equal rights for gays and lesbians for this meeting and photo-opp with Ugandan Dictator President Yoweri Museveni. The presidents discussed trade and HIV/AIDS, and, not surprisingly, ignored the many reported human rights abuses of gays and lesbians.
Official White House Transcript:
"We talked about other issues as well. I am very proud that the United States taxpayer has supported this President in his efforts to deal with HIV/AIDS. And Uganda is the epitome of how one can implement a comprehensive ABC strategy to achieve concrete and specific results for the sake of humanity. And so, Mr. President, I assure you we'll continue to support you on HIV/AIDS and, equally important, we'll support you on fighting malaria. And I thank you for your determined efforts...Mr. President, thanks for coming. Really good to see you again."
Uganda and its president certainly are determined—to be awarded more of the Bush Administration largess toward social conservative governments and religious fundamentalists. Earlier this month, Rod 2.0 reported the George W. Bush Administration, through its much criticized abstinence-based HIV strategy, is funding religious organizations in Uganda that "actively promote violence and discrimination against lesbians and gay men." Members of one group have threatened Ugandan LGBT rights activists and posted their names, photos and addresses on a website.
Uganda's leading Muslim cleric suggests all gays should be detained, marooned on an island in Lake Victoria and left to die. Not sure if that was one of the President's talking points. It probably wasn't.
More UGANDA
More GEORGE W BUSH
Some Background ...
Uganda Ethics Minister Advises Gays to Leave [R20]
Report: "Abstinence Only" Policy Spreads HIV, Death [R20]
Bush Administration Funding Anti-Gay Groups in Uganda [R20]
Though I'm not surprised, I am horrified and disgusted nonetheless.
Posted by: johnozed | 30 October 2007 at 18:31
Are we able to imagine a president who would actually confront a leader like Museveni on gay rights in his country? Who would that president be?
I can't imagine Clinton's ever bringing the subject up in a meeting with Museveni. Edwards? Obama? Nope, not them either.
On this matter, as on so many others, gay people are on our own. Too bad the average gay man couldn't find Uganda on a map if maintaining his tight abs depended on it.
Posted by: Jim | 31 October 2007 at 00:09
You're right, Jim, they're too busy screaming at Obama for letting Ms McClurkin sing down in Dixie. I wonder if they'd have been so offended if Ms Donnie had actually sang, "Dixie"...I'ma comin', Mammy, sorry that I made you waiiiit.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 31 October 2007 at 09:32
Screaming at Obama was appropriate-- though throwing tomatos would have been even better.
The only president I imagine who would have the balls to confront this lunatic on gay rights would be Gravel or Kucinich. Clinton and Obama would keep doing their dance.
And even though my tight abs don't depend on it, I do know where Uganda is -- though its not on my list of travel destinations.
Posted by: taylor Siluwé | 31 October 2007 at 13:03
Taylor, you ain't average.
Posted by: Jim | 01 November 2007 at 00:01