November 30, 2007
AIDS Activists To Risk Arrest Outside White House
December 1 is World AIDS Day, and several vigils and protests are planned in D.C. today and through the weekend to mark the occasion.
In the wake of the recent report by the D.C. HIV/AIDS Administration calling the HIV infection rate in the city "a modern epidemic," over 40 protesters are planning to drape themselves in red tape and stage a sit-in on the White House sidewalk by Lafayette Square at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon. The web site Fight HIV in D.C. indicates the protesters, which include members of local HIV/AIDS advocacy organization DC Fights Back, are planning on risking arrest in an attempt to draw attention to the government bureaucracy they say is "interfering with an effective response to HIV, locally, nationally, and globally." In addition to the red tape, some demonstrators plan to dress as teachers and doctors, while others will wear shirts identifying them as people living with or at risk for HIV.
The Post details some of the other events planned in Washington to mark World AIDS Day. The Whitman-Walker Clinic, La Clinica del Pueblo and the mobile van of the Women's Collective parked at North Capitol and K streets NE are all offering free HIV tests.
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Why don't they instead protest outside City Hall? The Mayor and Council are much more responsible for DC's HIV/AIDS policy... or lack thereof.
Trying to get arrested for a photo op is so stupid. Like whatshisnuts the GW kid. Just friggin protest the issue, instead of the shock value... Tasering is going to be the new handcuffed this season, I'm sure.
Thanks Disco Stu, we will be sure to note your sage advice before we calculate our next move.
Southern Expat the protest was not only focused on local issues, in fact the most unique aspect of the action was that it brought together local, national and global organizations. We are calling for the government to cut the red tape that surrounds much of our response to HIV/AIDS, and the Bush White House is where the abstinence only focus and other wrong policies are emanating from.