The US Senate has passed legislation that will increase the funding to Africa for AIDS RELIEF to about $41 Billion. In addition it will spend about $2 Billion for Native water, health and Law Enforcement programs within the United States.

WASHINGTON - The Senate voted Wednesday to triple spending for a much-acclaimed program that has treated and protected millions in Africa and elsewhere from the scourges of AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. (source - MSNBC News)

While that is a good plan, I have to wonder, what STRINGS are being put on this aid to Africa? If I remember right, the original plan insisted that ‘abstinence only’ was required in order for the money to be released, or was that another program? Still it does bring up the fact that way too much Foreign Aid Packages come with strings attached.

I also have to wonder, what about those who require the AIDS/HIV Cocktails in the United States, who DO NOT HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE? What relief is being given to them?

There is also a comment in the article, on how this is improving America’s image abroad, which makes me wonder, is that why Bush is supporting it? I mean he sure wasn’t keen on adding the money when he first proposed his plan in 2003, so why now?

I think we all know that the Republicans are anything but Gay Friendly.

John McCain is so busy courting the so called Conservative Vote, that you just KNOW he isn’t going to grant Gays any rights that upsets those pantywaist faked religious types, known as the Religious Right. But is Senator Obama any better?

On the surface you have to think so, but then again Bill Clinton appeared that way too, and he gave us DADT (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell) that has persecuted Gays serving in the military in a most cold hearted fashion. I mean come on, they serve, win medals even, THEN GET TURFED.

Touting her husband’s record pushing for workplace discrimination legislation as an Illinois state senator and his support of civil unions, Obama noted her husband also had brought a call for equality to conservative groups, telling churchgoers they need to combat homophobia in the black community. (source - MSNBC News)

While it is nice that his wife says he supports Gay Rights, the real question is, DOES HE? I’d like to hear him say it, not a surrogate, even if it is his wife. After all, John Edwards wife said he supported it, but he never did quite get there. So, does Senator Obama support EQUAL RIGHTS FOR GAYS?