PEPFAR: Bush Saves Lives

A new study by Stanford University shows that President Bush's African AIDS initiative-called PEPFAR-works.

In four years, it has saved the lives of more than a million people!

Certainly, Bush will be remembered for beginning the two wars-Iraq and Afghanistan- but, in my estimation PEPFAR is just as important to Bush's legacy. To vilify the man without presenting the balance is to give an unbalanced and disingenuous view of President Bush. I personally disagree with some of Bush's policies, but on Africa there is no doubt...Bush was the best friend the continent has ever had in the White House.

Bush made the challenges of Africa as important as the challenges we face here in the States. He encouraged Congress to devote billions of dollars to funding PEPFAR. Bush talked publicly about the struggles and successes of the continent. He traveled to Africa a few times during his presidency. Bush made the crisis in Darfur a priority, although his administration wasn't really able to make much headway.

In comparison, President Obama hasn't said much about Africa (granted he's only been in office three months).  Despite his African roots, Obama has yet to travel there as President or publicly discuss African issues other than Darfur.

For many Africans who were hoping Obama would be a "messiah" figure to help save their continent, I would think there might be some disappointment with the way he has started off his presidency.

I would like to hear directly from Africans! I want to know what you think about Bush's PEPFAR plan and Obama's stance-or lack thereof-on Africa. E-mail me.