ONE suggestion though for further outreach to the American public regarding the reason(s) why it’s important to vote FOR PEPFAR.

We need to be able to answer the question/comment that followed this op-ed in the link to be able to effectively reach the American People with our message.

In this downturn economy (I know this becasue I just lost my job this past Friday), people are gpoing to need to know what the “bang for the buck” (as Bono used to say) for them is in passing PEPFAR. Where do they benefit with the passage of this program?

In a downturn economy it’s not enough for us (unfortunately) to sing the same melody line that we’ve been singing in ONE for the last four years. The American People are looking at their pocketbooks and, with less change in their pockets, are less inclined to support programs like PEPFAR unless they can SEE HOW PEPFAR BENEFITS THEM.

This op-ed is lovely but it doesn’t answer the reader’s question. We need to show how PEPFAR not only benefits Africa but also BENEFITS US through more stable governments in Africa ( U.S. national security), more economically productive countries which will make better trading partners for U.S. goods, etc.

In other words, ONE WILL HAVE TO CONNECT THE DOTS for the American people as to how this program makes sense to this country at this point in our current economy & historical moment.

This is how ONE got started four years ago - by Bono & DATA connecting our movement with ideas that the American people could get behind and support.

I’m not saying that we change our melody line. I’m just saying that we have to UPDATE its delivery a bit to fit these uncertain times in the USA if we’re going to be successful for Africa.

Ask Bono about this - he’ll know what I’m saying. (smile)

ONE HEART, ONE HOPE, ONE VOICE, ONE LOVE - debbie
www.mpwn-uganda.org