Talking AIDS and Malaria Funding with the Bushes


Feb 4th, 2008 2:22 PM EST
By Virginia Simmons

During an interview aired on Saturday night, FOX News’ Bret Baier asks the Bushes about the administration’s $30 Billion package for AIDS and malaria programs in Africa.

The short conversation that ensues is about halfway through the clip below. (You’ll need Windows Media Player to watch it and it may take a minute to load.)

LauraGeorgeBushFOXnews1

I also transcribed some excerpts from both Laura and George Bush.

First Lady Laura Bush:

“Economies depend on a … workforce, people who are in good health. If your workforce [is] sick with malaria half the time it’s very difficult. Or sick with AIDS. So… making people healthy is really helpful also for those African economies that are trying to build a better life for the people in their countries.”

President George W. Bush:

“I think government has a responsibility to protect the American people. It’s just part of an overall strategy to protect us. And the United States has to make up its mind – if it’s going to confront the conditions that cause radicalism and protect ourselves, or retreat and withdrawl and say, ‘well you know it costs too much money, therefor we’re not going to try to help others.’”

-Virginia Simmons

TAGS: Africa, FOX News, First Lady Laura Bush, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, PEPFAR, PMI, President George W. Bush

 

  1. Michael Castaldosays: Feb 4th, 2008 4:48 PM EST

    February 4, 2008 at 4:48 pm

    thank you for that. thank you very much. proud to be an American – proud to be ONE

  2. daryl g shortsays: Feb 5th, 2008 2:17 AM EST

    February 5, 2008 at 2:17 am

    i applaud all effort…and dont wish to tear down anyone……not enough is being done…resources are being directed the wrong way……we need more to go toward projects that help people be healthy…….yes its good for the u.s. to give money for these causes…….we need to give more……..and it is only enough when we reach all who are affected…….impossible…..only if we keep thinking that it is……..

  3. Dirk Murcraysays: Feb 6th, 2008 12:57 PM EST

    February 6, 2008 at 12:57 pm

    “I think government has a responsibility to protect the American people…

    Yes, that is a primary function of government.

    ” It’s just part of an overall strategy to protect us…

    Aids policy is part-and-parcel of the War of Terrah?

    “And the United States has to make up its mind – if it’s going to confront the conditions that cause radicalism and protect ourselves,…

    ???

    ” or retreat and withdrawl and say, ‘well you know it costs too much money, therefor we’re not going to try to help others.”

    Hence your current budget proposal that slashes domestic spending, raises miniltary spending to the highest level since the end of WWII, and inflates the national debt. Good thinking Geedub. You can’t leave office soon enough.

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