Have news about HIV? Send press releases, news tips and other announcements to news@poz.com.
September 14, 2012
AIDS Activists Interrupt Paul Ryan Values Voter Summit Speech
Two women were thrown out of a conservative gathering after yelling “corporations aren’t people” during a Washington, DC, speech by Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, Talking Points Memo reports. The women said they paid for their tickets to the Values Voter Summit, sponsored by the Family Research Council, which in 2010 was classified as an anti-LGBT hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. "Our politicians need to stand up for people with HIV," said one of the women, who identified herself as a member of ACT UP Philadelphia.
Rob in Albany, Albany NY, 2012-10-04 10:12:52
I am wildly amazed (and pleased) that the Act Up Philadelphia members who were protesting Ryan's speech were both women! Way to go! It is so encouraging to see causes in common bind together to work towards an end for HIV/AIDS and to challenge corporate America to help those in need!
Steve, Detroit, 2012-10-01 22:22:30
Hey Greg Dayton,
They did not look lik asses at all, the men who manhandled them looked like fat pig asses though...
That's how you do it , draw attention to the cause, the right wing does not need much of a push to show the world their true colors.
Steve, Detroit, 2012-10-01 22:17:30
Nice work ladies, why there were not more activists there, l will never understand.
Our rights are at risk and we can't even get more than two women counted.
Thank you ladies again , truly heros in my book.
Roger, Denver, 2012-09-19 21:51:58
These women are so wonderful. As their passes are ripped off them, they continue digging for their educational material without haste. Awesome!
Robert, Atlanta, 2012-09-19 17:51:09
BREALNYC,I NEVER said we owe our lives to anything! But you did say, "Doctors diagnose and prescribe based on research funded ultimately by... government." You've just proven my point! I'll ask you, what do you think funds govt? TAXES! And I don't know about the "greed" you reference because I can't prove it 1 way or the other. And I doubt you can either. Is managing HIV expensive? Yes! But as an HIV+ person myself, I'm appreciative of the advances made by research. Like it or not, it costs $$.
Frederick Wright, Coachella Valley, 2012-09-19 13:16:55
I love it when activist stand up to speak truth to power for it keeps a balance in direction and action, go activist for Justice. Amost 50 years old I always get a charge out of life as my Activist voice or clown around is invoke in me. Yes Activist Stand Up speak our truth to power and have fun. I just register to vote again as an Indepentant and love both ruling parties, however indepentance or activist always have molded the public policy for the future,Then the other parties fallin line
BREALNYC, New York, 2012-09-19 12:02:51
I do not understand people like Robert in Atlanta who seem to think we owe our lives to the largess of the wealthy. Doctors diagnose and prescribe based on research funded ultimately by... government. Rich is not wrong; greed is. A strong tax base does not have to be generated by greed and that's what we're talking about. Leadership for causes is not rewarded by stockholders, nor should it be. Government has a role; its regulatory and taxing powers literally enable us to live and thrive.
Robert, Atlanta, 2012-09-18 15:50:25
It's important for those who have a distrust of corporations and wealthy people, to realize where HIV research funds are coming from...a strong tax base generated by business and industry; and in AmFar's case, the generosity of SUCCESSFUL companies and philanthropists. (That's rich people, BTW!) Reseach arms of AmFar, NIH, CDC all rely on the financial strength of the American dollar and those who contribute that dollar. If "activists" continue to berate wealth and success, we all lose!
Bruce Ellsworth, Argyle, 2012-09-18 13:35:04
It seems the video was cut some. Shows what power and big money can do..
Greg H, Davenport, FL, 2012-09-18 10:55:47
Effective activism is important. Unfortunately, this wasn't it. Did the point make it in the national news media?
John NYC, what Kool Aid have YOU been drinking? Not only are Republicans the enemy of LGBT people, people with HIV, unless of course they are "innocent victims," They are also the enemy of working class America. They are the Party of the corporation and the Rich. They con people with wedge issues into voting against their own best interests. Perhaps it is YOU who should "wake up."
Robert, Atlanta, 2012-09-18 10:39:14
I certainly don't support FRC's stand on issues affecting the gay community. But what was accomplished here? Nothing! HIV research spending and Ryan White Title 1 funds were increased to their highest levels under the Bush Administration. As a politically engaged HIV+, gay man, and part of Act-Up Atlanta in the 80's!!!, I could count on 1 hand how many times I've heard Obama or his administration officials reference HIV issues. Are these 2 women going to be screaming at any Obama/Biden speeches?
Jerry Burton, Fredericksburg, 2012-09-18 10:29:38
This works best, people trying to express their feelings or getting answers to their questions, throw them out !
John NYC, NYC, 2012-09-18 09:22:24
As a 20 Year LTS of HIV and a Gay Male I am embarassed by the Majority of Gay People who still don't get it. The Republicans are NOT YOUR ENEMY - WAKE UP!!!!!!
gregory, Asbury park,n.j., 2012-09-18 09:05:08
I commend the actions of these 'women of conscience'!Unfortunately,the republicans are,or appear to be tonedeaf and heartless on this issue!
Greg, Dayton, 2012-09-17 18:54:35
How does the fact that these ladies purchased tickets justify their behavior. If you want to protest, have at it, but not at someone elses expense. Do you really think acting like a complete ass does anything to advance your cause? It doesn't! It just makes you look like an ass along with any group you think you represent.
