In a column titled “Callous Conservative” in today’s Washington Post, former Bush White House aide Michael Gerson criticizes Fred Thompson’s stance on international AIDS funding.
At a campaign stop last week, Thompson was asked if he, “as a Christian, as a conservative,” supported President Bush’s global AIDS initiative. Thompson said there are larger “problems” at home and that it was not his “priority” to fund HIV/AIDS efforts in Africa:
“Christ didn’t tell us to go to the government and pass a bill to get some of these social problems dealt with. He told us to do it,” Thompson responded. “The government has its role, but we need to keep firmly in mind the role of the government, and the role of us as individuals and as Christians on the other.”
“I’m not going to go around the state and the country with regards to a serious problem and say that I’m going to prioritize that. With people dying of cancer, and heart disease, and children dying of leukemia still, I got to tell you — we’ve got a lot of problems here…”
But the right wing is outraged at Gerson, rather than Thompson. The American Scene sarcastically refers to Gerson’s “moral clarity.” Over at the National Review, prominent conservative bloggers even went as far as to vigorously defend Thompson’s remarks, suggesting that Africans should be left alone to deal with the problem. Some lowlights:
National Review’s David Freddoso:
“Imagine if Africans were twice as wealthy and more African countries had the resources to diagnose and treat their own HIV patients? The resources to care for AIDS orphans?”
National Review’s Kathryn Jean Lopez:
“I believe [Thompson] was pushing back against the general “what can government do for…?” attitude we have in America. That’s a good conservative reflex, and not a callous one.”
National Review’s Yuval Levin:
Thompson recently dismissed U.S. funding of HIV/AIDS programs as a government “handout.” In 1994, he said “too much” was being spent on AIDS research.
As Gerson noted, Thompson’s lack of enthusiasm for helping fight the African AIDS epidemics lacks a “moral seriousness.” HIV/AIDS in Africa kills some 6,000 people a day. Even President Bush has noted the importance of sending “hard-earned dollars overseas to save the lives of people [Americans] have never met.”
By defending Thompson, conservative bloggers proved today that they also “lack a moral seriousness.”
UPDATE: Matthew Yglesias has more.
It would be JUSTICE if these SOBs were to get AIDS themselves. Out of their own mouths comes thy judgement.
January 18th, 2008 at 5:14 pmThe people who write for National Review have already proven they are heartless scum whose callous disregard for human life is shocking.
January 18th, 2008 at 5:15 pmLook at that photo…Thompson’s doling out the pork already.
January 18th, 2008 at 5:16 pmThompson whispering: (What is this HIV/AIDS thing anyway?)
January 18th, 2008 at 5:23 pm“Christ didn’t tell us to go to the government and pass a bill to get some of these social problems dealt with.”
Huh?
Does he not have handlers?
Did Republicans learn nothing from the perils of letting Bush speak extemporaneously?
January 18th, 2008 at 5:25 pmNational Review’s David Freddoso:
“Imagine if Africans were twice as wealthy and more African countries had the resources to diagnose and treat their own HIV patients? The resources to care for AIDS orphans?â€
Hey, I LOVE this game! Try this one:
“Imagine if HIV/AIDS didn’t exist and everyone on earth sh!t lollipops and ice cream?”
January 18th, 2008 at 5:26 pm“The government has its role, but we need to keep firmly in mind the role of the government, and the role of us as individuals and as Christians on the other.â€
Yes, gov’t on one the one hand and Christians on the other: separate, as it should be. Does that really sound like separation of church and state from a (R)?
January 18th, 2008 at 5:29 pmRepublicans claim to be religious…
January 18th, 2008 at 5:29 pmnot moral.
“That’s a good conservative reflex”
If the current meaning of “conservative” is ignoring a deadly incurable disease which kills millions a year and not trying to save lives, if it now means trying to do the opposite of what reasonable people think “Right thing thing to do” is, then call me a flaming radical left winged liberal.
I already am one I guess, because I want a nation ruled by its Constitution and its Laws, rather than a President and Congress ignoring Rule of Law. Now days that is considered far radical left.
Funny, most my years I considered myself a centrist and independent.
January 18th, 2008 at 5:33 pmLook at that photo…Thompson’s doling out the pork already.
Which one is Thompson?
January 18th, 2008 at 5:36 pmLook at that photo…Thompson’s doling out the pork already.
Which one is Thompson?
Comment by tom — January 18, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
One of them is really young. That one is not Thompson.
January 18th, 2008 at 5:38 pmOr, “Shoat up, Fred!”
January 18th, 2008 at 5:38 pmWhich one is Thompson?
Comment by tom — January 18, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
One of them is really young. That one is not Thompson.
Comment by gummitch — January 18, 2008 @ 5:38 pm
Hint: Thompson is not the brightest of the two.
January 18th, 2008 at 5:40 pmLook at that photo…Thompson’s doling out the pork already.
Which one is Thompson?
Okay, I think I get it. One of them is a stinky, dumb animal; the other one is a pig.
Have I got that right now?
January 18th, 2008 at 5:40 pmCaption.
Piglet: “I wish this guy would quit drooling on me, I just had a bath.”
January 18th, 2008 at 5:42 pmChrist also didn’t tell us to murder hundreds of thousands of innocent people, doesn’t stop us from doing it does it?
January 18th, 2008 at 5:44 pmHave I got that right now?
Comment by tom — January 18, 2008 @ 5:40 pm
LMAO
January 18th, 2008 at 5:44 pmI’ve always thought the money spent on Iraq would have been better used on domestic problems. Where was your ‘gut conservatism’ then, Mr.T?
January 18th, 2008 at 5:45 pmI think just maybe the Repukes have just found their real mascot, Elephants just don’t represent them well, pigs, big fat, round hairy pigs are more in tune with them, not the little pink cute one there, the big excrement covered ones are just right.
Buck Fush
January 18th, 2008 at 5:45 pmTo view this item online, visit http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=59751
Friday, January 18, 2008
America’s Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Is there anything to this?
January 18th, 2008 at 5:46 pmWhich ones Thompson?
Comment by BARTLEBEE — January 18, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
See #13
January 18th, 2008 at 5:47 pm“Christ didn’t tell us to go to the government and pass a bill to get some of these social problems dealt with. He told us to do it,†Thompson responded. “The government has its role, but we need to keep firmly in mind the role of the government, and the role of us as individuals and as Christians on the other.â€
So, obviously, what Fred is telling us is that he’s donating his wealth to AIDS research, and that he’s urging his fellow Christians to do the same thing. Way to go, Fred!
January 18th, 2008 at 5:49 pmComment by Wayne — January 18, 2008 @ 5:33 pm
Funny, most my years I considered myself a centrist and independent.
Well, you probably still are. Its the right that has moved pulling the rest rightward. So now the left is the center… Or something like that.
January 18th, 2008 at 5:50 pmComment by tom — January 18, 2008 @ 5:40 pm
Look at that photo…Thompson’s doling out the pork already.
Which one is Thompson?
Okay, I think I get it. One of them is a stinky, dumb animal; the other one is a pig.
Have I got that right now?
LOL! Very funny!
January 18th, 2008 at 5:52 pmIs there anything to this?
Comment by bitblt — January 18, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a antibiotic resistant strain of the staph bacteria. It does not have a damn thing to do with AIDs other than Aids Patients are more likely to catch it because of their immune deficiency.
It is also called a “flesh eating bacteria”.
It is nothing new and not only “teh gays” get it
This article is pure trash and is greatly twisting any true facts to distort the truth and promote fear of homosexuality.
January 18th, 2008 at 5:53 pm“Christ didn’t tell us to go to the government and pass a bill to get some of these social problems dealt with. He told us to do it,â€
Uh….what? “Christ didn’t tell us”…..(snip)….”He told us….”
WTF does this say?
January 18th, 2008 at 5:57 pmComment by Wayne — January 18, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
Thanks!
Is it accurate that that homosexual men are 13 times more likely to get it?
January 18th, 2008 at 5:58 pmOr,
would it be more accurate to say that AIDS patients are more likely to get?
Ronald Reagan had a similar attitude towards AIDS in the 80’s , until his buddy Rock Hudson died from it. By then, a plague that could have been nipped in the bud by sane public health policies had spread to a worldwide pandemic. Compassionate Conservatism in Action.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:02 pmIs there anything to this?
Comment by bitblt — January 18, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
Not much, at least not in the way you seem to think.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
If Fred does not have a good showing tomorrow in S. Carolina,his campaign might be a history soon…
If he cannot win in S. Carolina…I don’t know where can he win.
He came into this very late…and he might have an early exit…
January 18th, 2008 at 6:06 pmwould it be more accurate to say that AIDS patients are more likely to get?
Comment by bitblt — January 18, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
Anyone can get it if you come into contact with it and your immune system cannot kill it off by itself. It does not matter if you are gay, straight, bi, a hemorphadite or a neuter. Medical fact. Anything else is a distortion.
This bacteria has been a problem in hospitals for years, not only for Aids patients but for any patient that has had surgery or any hospital stay inducing illness.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:06 pmThis bacteria has been a problem in hospitals for years, not only for Aids patients but for any patient that has had surgery or any hospital stay inducing illness.
Comment by Wayne — January 18, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
Wrong answer, Wayne. You’re supposed to say that only the disgusting homos will suffer.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:09 pmWrong answer, Wayne. You’re supposed to say that only the disgusting homos will suffer.
Comment by gummitch — January 18, 2008 @ 6:09 pm
Oh, sorry.
is that the old “truthiness” thing again?
January 18th, 2008 at 6:13 pmThompson said in S.C. that at least here people don’t say ‘I talk funny’.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:13 pmIt wasn’t your accent they were talking about idiot.
If he cannot win in S. Carolina…I don’t know where can he win.
He came into this very late…and he might have an early exit…
Comment by tarazan — January 18, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
To use a Thompsonism, the man’s as useless as teats on a bull.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:14 pm#18 Comment by BARTLEBEE — January 18, 2008 @ 5:44 pm
A “good conservative reflex�
Is that like a gag reflex?
That makes sense. A good conservative gag reflex. Foley comes to mind.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:18 pmThat makes sense. A good conservative gag reflex. Foley comes to mind.
Comment by Merlin
from what I’ve seen, you can’t gag them…..
January 18th, 2008 at 6:20 pmfrom what I’ve seen, you can’t gag them…..
Comment by Fred — January 18, 2008 @ 6:20 pm
I don’t want to know how you know……
January 18th, 2008 at 6:24 pmWell lie berman is a perfect example….he will hug everything he can’t get in his mouth.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:28 pmUh, oh… My daughter and wife both had MRSA skin infections last November. Does that mean that both Lisa and Amber are male homosexuals?
January 18th, 2008 at 6:30 pmOff topic:
January 18th, 2008 at 6:30 pmAdmiral William Falon is on pbs talking about incidents in the gulf of hormuz. I was just thinking that I can’t remember hearing where any other country is having any trouble passing through that area……
Uh, oh… My daughter and wife both had MRSA skin infections last November. Does that mean that both Lisa and Amber are male homosexuals?
Comment by RUCerious — January 18, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
Maybe football players?
January 18th, 2008 at 6:33 pmI really think all these “good Christian” Republicans believe that illness is a punishment for sin. Terminal illness is God’s way of weeding out the worst of the “unworthy” and “unclean”.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:34 pmI really think all these “good Christian†Republicans believe that illness is a punishment for sin. Terminal illness is God’s way of weeding out the worst of the “unworthy†and “uncleanâ€.
Comment by Impolitics
Yet when they get sick, they quickly blame some thing or some one for their affliction, and when that fails, they will readily blame “god”.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:39 pmThey seem to be nearly incapable of being accountable or accepting of their circumstances.
Just a spelling correction on TP’s article:
Over at the National Review, prominent conservative bloggers even went as far as to vigorously defend Thompson’s remarks,
That should be “primate” conservative bloggers; or bush babies.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:39 pmComment by Impolitics — January 18, 2008 @ 6:34 pm
Terminal illness is God’s way of weeding out the worst of the “unworthy†and “uncleanâ€.
Except when they get sick.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:39 pmThompson is showing how he feels about the problems in Africa and most likely would look at African Americans the same way. When Bush the Christian Family, Morals Values Republicans saw poor Blacks begging for help during the Katrina Storm it makes since that Thompson would feel the same way. Rev. Huck is ready to put minorities in Pottersville. Look these racist are coming out of the wood work. After Senator Obama showed most Americans aren’t racist the GOP has gone mad. Even Chris Matthews can’t take it anymore. He hates woman and blacks. Don’t worry once we get a Democratic President the GOP racist will go back in their hole until a Republican President is elected again. Look for the reporters who are racist to say their best friend is black, that always comes up to prove a point.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:43 pmUh, oh… My daughter and wife both had MRSA skin infections last November. Does that mean that both Lisa and Amber are male homosexuals?
Comment by RUCerious — January 18, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
I caught it while hospitalized for a bad strain of pneumonia back in 2001 that almost killed me. I still have the scar on the calf of my leg.
You can ask my ex-wife, ex-girlfriends, and my current girlfriend who does exotic belly dancing/fire-dancing (man, is she HOT!) if I am gay. heh.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:45 pmI’ve read the writing in the smoke, and never had any doubts, Wayne…
January 18th, 2008 at 6:50 pmA ho.
:)
Caption:
“I won’t get worms, will I?
January 18th, 2008 at 7:03 pmIf I, like, well you know………..”
Conservative reflex is in the wrist.
January 18th, 2008 at 7:05 pmI thought craig had the good conservative reflex.
January 18th, 2008 at 7:13 pmCaption contest: “Four legs good, two legs better”
January 18th, 2008 at 7:20 pmYeah he is on my s**t list for saying this, but on the other hand I doubt he will win the presidency.
January 18th, 2008 at 7:26 pmYeah he is on my s**t list for saying this, but on the other hand I doubt he will win the presidency.
Comment by WithUniquity — January 18, 2008 @ 7:26 pm
Never, ever underestimate the utter stupidity of the average American voter.
January 18th, 2008 at 7:32 pmThompsons going to get the pharmaceutical-dependent faction of the conservative base. “Keep the drugs flowing here at home, where the profit is…”
Just like Chuckabee’s going to get the rabid christian faction.
January 18th, 2008 at 7:36 pmOnly they don’t need drugs, cause of the miracles and all…
Chuckabee’s?
Thats where the republicans take the kiddies for pizza and games and family fun, right?
Comment by BARTLEBEE
Naw, squirells in popcorn machines
January 18th, 2008 at 7:50 pmThe republicans are working on a deal to make it a voting place.
January 18th, 2008 at 7:50 pmChuckabee’s?
Thats where the republicans take the kiddies for pizza and games and family fun, right?
Comment by BARTLEBEE
Naw, squirells in popcorn machines
Comment by Xisithrus — January 18, 2008 @ 7:50 pm
LMAO
January 18th, 2008 at 7:55 pmYa’ll quit posting stuff like this while I am drinking coffee.
It makes a gawd-awfull mess on the computer screen.
Well, Wayne, I am seriously concerned on who to vote for, the guy who pops squirrels or the guy who puts his fecal dog on the roof of the family vehicle.
These are important issues.
January 18th, 2008 at 8:03 pmDeep throats to match their shallow minds? Is that what we’re getting at.
January 18th, 2008 at 8:04 pmDeep throats to match their shallow minds? Impolitics
Hey, just leave Michelle Bachman out of this!
January 18th, 2008 at 8:06 pmWell, Wayne, I am seriously concerned on who to vote for, the guy who pops squirrels or the guy who puts his fecal dog on the roof of the family vehicle.
Comment by Xisithrus — January 18, 2008 @ 8:03 pm
Why not the guy that tells us “Jebus is comming!” or the new rock singer ( Bomb, bomb Iran) ?
January 18th, 2008 at 8:27 pmDeep throats to match their shallow minds? Impolitics
Hey, just leave Michelle Bachman out of this!
Comment by Xisithrus
and Dana Perino too..
January 18th, 2008 at 8:28 pmWhy not the guy that tells us “Jebus is comming!†or the new rock singer ( Bomb, bomb Iran) ?
Comment by Wayne
Well, the republican swift boat vets said McCain is a traitor and we should believe them since they didnt lie about Kerry!
[snark]
January 18th, 2008 at 8:34 pmCaption contest:
“Are you saying that this isn’t what Jeri means when she wants me to be ‘makin’ the bacon’?”
January 18th, 2008 at 8:45 pmAfter this election and he has to go back and try acting…………
I assume the same people that would hire a Issaih Washington would be the ones that would hire Thompson.
I can’t imagine him getting away with such a cold comment.
January 18th, 2008 at 9:48 pmAIDS is God’s just punishment for moral depravity. AIDS is God’s way of moral purification. God provided Africa with more than 150 years of opportunity to embrace His True Word. They now have to face the consequences of their brazen rejection of His Salvation.
January 18th, 2008 at 10:50 pmIf you don’t believe in government, you have no business running for office.
January 18th, 2008 at 10:52 pmIs it any wonder that Repubs make the worst elected officials? They don’t run for office to make government better. They run for office to destroy the government, and they do a fine job of it.
If you look at all of our major problems today, they were all either created by Repubs or exacerbated by them.
AIDS is God’s just punishment for moral depravity. AIDS is God’s way of moral purification. God provided Africa with more than 150 years of opportunity to embrace His True Word. They now have to face the consequences of their brazen rejection of His Salvation.
Comment by nabalzbbfr
Yeah though I walk through the valley of ignorance, I will acknowledge no reality. I will walk in ignorance and superstition for the rest of my life.
January 18th, 2008 at 10:56 pmComment by OxyCon
The happiest societies in the world exist where governments are progressive…..no doubt.
January 18th, 2008 at 11:06 pm“AIDS is God’s just punishment for moral depravity. AIDS is God’s way of moral purification. God provided Africa with more than 150 years of opportunity to embrace His True Word. They now have to face the consequences of their brazen rejection of His Salvation.
Comment by nabalzbbfr”
Because god is a selfish, vain son of a b!tch. Just like his followers.
January 19th, 2008 at 1:46 amDon’t die on us, Grandpa Fred! Please don’t die!!
I look at poor ol’ Grandpa Fred and am continuously worried the nice ol’ fella might simply kick the bucket on the campaign trail. All that stress on the road to the White House must be overwhelming for someone who’s pushin’, what, 95? Time to look into a nursing home, Grampy Fred…just trying to look after your best interests there, some tough love for ya.
January 19th, 2008 at 2:27 amAIDS is God’s just punishment for moral depravity. AIDS is God’s way of moral purification. God provided Africa with more than 150 years of opportunity to embrace His True Word. They now have to face the consequences of their brazen rejection of His Salvation.
Comment by nabalzbbfr — January 18, 2008 @ 10:50 pm
Maybe you should inform Akinola of this. He’s the “Anglican archbishop” who’s busy stealing “conservative” Episcopalian dioceses here in the US because he hates gays and women (and the US Episcopal Church’s apparent lax treatment of such–even allowing such creatures to become Archbishops–horrors!!).
January 19th, 2008 at 2:33 amIn the meantime, while he’s busy with his homophobic, misogynistic rhetoric, hundreds of thousands of straight men and women (who Akinola couldn’t care less about) in HIS continent are becoming infected and dying of this dread disease.
Of course, I suppose Thompson could be actively promoting the official South African government position on AIDS treatments.
“AIDS is God’s just punishment for moral depravity.”
If that’s the case, then tornados are “God’s just punishment” for the “moral depravity” of the conservative Christians who run much of Kansas, correct? Can’t have it both ways, bee-otch! Them Kansas bible thumpers routinely get b*tch-slapped by God’s tornados nine ways to Sunday.
January 19th, 2008 at 2:47 amTornadoes are Gods punishment for living in trailer parks. Hurricanes are God’s punishment for living on a coast. Blizzards are God’s punishment for living up north. Volcanos are God’s punishment for living near volcanos.
January 19th, 2008 at 2:57 amCompare and contrast:
January 19th, 2008 at 8:42 amPigs: One of the more intelligent animals.
Thompson: Not one of the more intelligent animals.
Pigs: Were great actors on tv (arnold the pig)
Thompson: Had a less than stellar acting career.
I think perhaps, the reason that government is in Africa dealing with Aids, to begin with, is that Christians have failed. To then say that nothing should be done, using the vast resources of government, is certainly callous and un-Christian-like in its nature. Where the means of men fell short, Christ used miracles. Certainly, we are expected to use whatever means we have available, that not one of his children suffer as we walk by. That is what the story of the Good Samaritan teaches. The health of Humanity (spiritual, physical, moral), was the mission of Christ.
It seems that, today, too many of those who would think of themselves as good Christians, turn their backs on the teachings of Christ, in favor of the leadership of men who promise to bring them greater comfort and glory. We seem to have forgotten the wisdom and courage of turning the other cheek, for the false promise of retaliation and revenge even as we pray for peace. We see ourselves as being done unto, rather than studying our own actions. What feels right must be right, because, after all, we are Christians. Indeed, it is a time for reflection and prayer, for we are lost. Perhaps the study and practice of Christ’s teachings in our daily lives is a better route than making our government over into a false Christianity. Who does Christ tell us are the Blessed?
January 19th, 2008 at 9:37 amAIDS is God’s just punishment for moral depravity. AIDS is God’s way of moral purification. God provided Africa with more than 150 years of opportunity to embrace His True Word. They now have to face the consequences of their brazen rejection of His Salvation.
Comment by nabalzbbfr — January 18, 2008 @ 10:50 pm
More proof that so called “Christians” are just plain nucking futz.
January 19th, 2008 at 11:37 amThompson needs a better scriptwriter. He sounds much more intelligent in Hunt for Red October, or Law and Order even. I think his current writer must have worked on Deadwood. That was a pretty conservative milieu.
January 19th, 2008 at 12:00 pmOh, man! This isn’t even a challenge. Come on, Fred! Just like most other things, you are ill-informed about what Jesus said.
Sorry guys – I apologize for the quotes, but I can’t resist:
Mat 25:41 Then He will say to those at His left hand, Begone from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!
Mat 25:42 For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink,
Mat 25:43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me and entertain Me, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me with help and ministering care.
Mat 25:44 Then they also will answer, Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?
Mat 25:45 And He will reply to them, Solemnly I declare to you, in so far as you failed to do it for the least of these, you failed to do it for Me.
The Republicans sure love their pro-abortion lobbyist. Apparently, “what Jesus would do” is vote for a Democrat.
January 19th, 2008 at 12:02 pmThe Republicans sure love their pro-abortion lobbyist. Apparently, “what Jesus would do†is vote for a Democrat.
Comment by wmhogg — January 19, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
Thats why I call these freak trolls “So called ‘Christians’ “.
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” — Mohandas Gandhi
January 19th, 2008 at 12:16 pmWayne (comment 52 or there abouts) wrote:
Listen Wayne, YOU might not be Gay, but that comment sure was either ‘gay’ or Republican sounding.
January 20th, 2008 at 9:47 amComment by wmhogg — January 19, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
U.S. is not a theocracy. Why the quotes?
Besides, if the U.S. were a theocracy, the number one object – the number one objective in the New Testament – would be heralding the evangel – preaching the Gospel. Benevolent efforts would be in support of the first objective, because you can’t preach to someone who’s hungry.
This is how most Conservative Christian churches do it.
January 21st, 2008 at 9:39 amHow would the tradition of one man one woman, and faithfulness in marriage, have impacted that number of 6,000 deaths a day?
How close to zero would faithful, monogamous, heterosexual relationships push that death rate?
January 21st, 2008 at 9:43 am