January 23, 2003

With Thacker’s Refusal, America “Lucked Out”

When Jerry Thacker withdrew his candidacy, under pressure, for a position on the presidential AIDS advisory panel, AIDS activists across the nation blew a collective sigh of relief. In the opinion of many, President Bush’s selection of Thacker as a panel candidate was, at best, one of many misstep this administration has taken, and at worst, it was a deliberate attempt to derail the accomplishment of AIDS advocacy in the last 20 years. Either way, President Bush’s decision raises questions about how committed he is to the fight against HIV.

“When Jerry Thacker eliminated himself from consideration, America lucked out,” stated AIDS Action’s Executive Director Marsha Martin, D.S.W. “But,” she continued, “Luck won’t end the HIV epidemic. If we are to succeed, our national effort must be driven by science, supported by adequate funding, and led enthusiastically by our national leaders. Unfortunately, Thacker’s nomination suggests that AIDS politics are regressing while the epidemic advances, moving into communities across America.”

Noted among the Bush Administration’s president’s recent missteps in response to HIV are his contemplation of closing the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAD); not reappointing his own presidential AIDS advisory panel; his inability to identify and advocate for new resources to meet the current demands of the epidemic; and the federal audits of prevention programs, which have found little, if any, fraud or impropriety; yet, they have kept staff in many organizations away from the important work at hand: preventing HIV.

AIDS Action therefore calls upon the Bush Administration to reevaluate its policy and program strategy on HIV/AIDS. We strongly recommend that President Bush direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to reverse this trend, reassess its strategy, and send the people of America honest information about HIV, including effective ways for everyone to eliminate or reduce their risk of acquiring HIV. America needs purposeful communication and honest, comprehensive HIV prevention messages.

AIDS Action Foundation strives to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by working for public policies that promote prevention against new infections, provide care for people already living with HIV/AIDS, and support the search for a cure. AIDS Action is the national voice of all people living with HIV, representing community based organizations across the country.