Guest guest Posted June 25, 2004 Report Share Posted June 25, 2004 How many slots to the SistersForLife conference have been sold at the $1890 (single) and $1590 (shared room) prices? Of those, how many are at the partial scholarship rate? Since the sponsor says the conference was postponed because of difficulty encountered by Africans trying to receive USA visas, how many residents of Africa are now registered to attend? I'm surprised that you say there are still partial scholarships available, as the web site says: " Please keep in mind that the deadline for the scholarships is June 15, 2004. Absolutely no applications will be accepted after that date. " Which is correct - the web site deadline, or your statement to this group? ****************************************************************************** >From: sistersforlife@... >Reply-AIDS treatments >AIDS treatments >Subject: Re: South Africa Treatment Action Campaign >Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2004 22:59:17 EDT > >In terms of the 2004 Conference....we realize that you'll be very >disappointed to hear that it is going very well and while we are almost >sold out, if you >or anyone else is interested they can go online to register if they do it >fairly quickly at www.sistersforlife.org. There are still a few partial >scholarships remaining for Those interested may also view the Conference >Committee >page at http://www.sistersforlife.org/2004_conf_committee.htm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2004 Report Share Posted June 25, 2004 Dear Forum, I have one other very relevant matter to place in the debate and that is the fact that a conference on HIV involving african Africans is happening in USA at all. There are many folk who should be attending who may in fact themselves be HIV+. If that is discovered at the airport they will be put on the next plane home again at their own expense. If they have an exemption because they are attending an AIDS related conference their status will be noted and they will be permitted to attend the conference and then be required to leave immediately. Should at any time in the future they seek to return, even for compassionate or other reasons their record will reveal their +ve status for all time, and they will be denied entry. It is the most discriminatory HIVAIDS regime in the world. I have no comment on anything else about the sisters site apart from the fact that it has little in the way of philosophy and lots of nice pictures. Geoffrey Geoff Heaviside Convenor - Brimbank Community Initiatives Inc Secretary - International Centre for Health Equity Inc Member - Australasian Society for HIV Medicine Inc P.O. Box 606 Sunshine 3020 . Australia. Ph: 0418 328 278 Ph/Fax : (61 3) 9449 1856 or in India Mr Geoff Heaviside Mobile : (91) 9840 097 178 (Only when in India) " Concern for what is right causes us to do our best - Knowledge of what is best inspires us to do what is right. " >From: " " <xhayes@...> >Reply-AIDS treatments >AIDS treatments >Subject: Re: GIA/SFL >Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 06:26:57 -0400 > How many slots to the SistersForLife conference have been sold at the $1890 (single) and $1590 (shared room) prices? Of those, how many are at the partial scholarship rate? Since the sponsor says the conference was postponed because of difficulty encountered by Africans trying to receive USA visas, how many residents of Africa are now registered to attend? I'm surprised that you say there are still partial scholarships available, as the web site says: " Please keep in mind that the deadline for the scholarships is June 15, 2004. Absolutely no applications will be accepted after that date. " Which is correct - the web site deadline, or your statement to this group? ****************************************************************************** >From: sistersforlife@... >Reply-AIDS treatments >AIDS treatments >Subject: Re: South Africa Treatment Action Campaign >Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2004 22:59:17 EDT > >In terms of the 2004 Conference....we realize that you'll be very >disappointed to hear that it is going very well and while we are almost >sold out, if you >or anyone else is interested they can go online to register if they do it >fairly quickly at www.sistersforlife.org. There are still a few partial >scholarships remaining for Those interested may also view the Conference >Committee >page at http://www.sistersforlife.org/2004_conf_committee.htm. http://www./group/ http://www./group/aids-africa (a group made up of Africans worldwide) Join Digital Africa- an information technology group that discusses IT in Africa at http://www./group/digafrica Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2004 Report Share Posted June 25, 2004 Mr. : "How many slots to the SistersForLife conference have been sold at the $1890 (single) and $1590 (shared room) prices? Of those, how many are at the partial scholarship rate? Since the sponsor says the conference was postponed because of difficulty encountered by Africans trying to receive USA visas, how many residents of Africa are now registered to attend?" Your above captioned questions are clearly not your business. However, should you direct the same questions to the Bangkok AIDS Conference , (There registration and hotel is $3295 and it does not include meals, special events or ground transportation) and they give you an answer and we find it posted on this forum then I will present your request to our Board. Please don't be surprised that there are more scholarships available. Be grateful! Those scholarships are being sponsored by very generous people who care about and who believe in the work that we are doing. However, the website is correct. We are no longer accepting scholarship applications from the general public on our website. However, it is at our discretion if we chose to offer and/or to sponsor additional scholarships to preferred groups or individuals such as the Kenya AIDS forum members. Bless You Mr. ? Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2004 Report Share Posted June 25, 2004 Geoff: I didn't realize that this has become a "debate" of any sorts. Should it become that I should advise all in advance that I will not participate in it. In terms of the need to hold a conference in the US on AIDS, it appears that you are questioning the relevance of such a conference as if to suggest that there is no problem with AIDS amongst African-Americans her in the US? Surely, you didn't mean to imply such a thing? In terms of those individuals who are HIV positive, you are absolutely right. They must advise the Embassy of their HIV status and they must provide proof of insurance and sign a waiver. There are many logical reasons for this non of which have to do with discrimination. Over the years our delegates to other conferences, meetings and training sessions that we have hosted in the US have gone through the proper processes as required by US Immigration, they have been admitted and treated with the utmost respect. And many of these individuals (who are HIV Positive) have returned on numerous occasions over the years with none of the problems that you have described. I imagine that every one's experience is different and many people talk about what they've heard as opposed to what they know to be factual. Hope this provides a more realistic account. In terms of the US being the "most discriminatory HIV/AIDS" regime...I find that to be absurd and won't spend time defending your comment. However, I must say that they cannot be more discriminatory than Bangkok where hotels are literally denying rooms to HIV positive delegates while other hotels are placing them in separate quarters. Yet, thousands of people are going there later this month for the International AIDS Conference, oui? In terms of our philosophy and our website, perhaps you only looked at the photos and didn't bother to read through the site. I encourage you to do so, however the SFL site is about the conference and the other activities of SFL project and the Global Initiative on AIDS, our sponsoring organization gives you additional insight. In closing, please keep in mind that all the "Philosophy" in the world won't feed a hungry child, put cloths on their backs, provide shelter or save their lives. So, forgive us if we are short on philosophy. We prefer to utilize our time working, doing and making a difference. Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2004 Report Share Posted June 25, 2004 Dear Mia and Geoff I was reading all the emails before, and like to reply on this issue, as I'm in the process with all those issues about HIV and entering the USA.....................its my 3rd year I'm living here in the USA the first years I needed to fill in paperwork with all the questions about illness etc. and HIV is one of them, ad as I know from friends from Europe HIV+ have been send back, also a friend from Indoneia had to wait in the airport on his flight back to Indonesia. I'm honest, I lied about my HIV+, and send my meds 14 days before I went back to the USA and that worked. THIS IS IMPRTANT: The HIV+ people can ask for a waiver, that give them the possibillity to arrive 1 day before the conference and leaving after 1 day after the conference. Before they are coming here in the USA, they need to solve it or........not mention it in the form, but still it's a risk! And a lot of money to be send back! I'm married with an USA Citizin and having now my travelingpapers, but thats all, and only because I'm HIV-positive, my husband is positive to. Still its a long way to go to get your paperwork done, as you know its my 3rd year in the USA. Warmly Ingrid Ingrid KloetNew Mexico Poz Coalition5300 Eubank Blvd. #-9-DAlbuquerque, NM 87111Phone: 505-298-2644Cell 505-280-2218Email: Ingrid@...www.lifehomeproject.comwww.gnpplus.netwww.actalive.orgwww.planetpoz.orgwww.trebloon.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2004 Report Share Posted June 25, 2004 Hello to the Forum, Re the links between GIA/SFL and the Bangkok Conference. If I wasn't so busy I could write pages on Bangkok. Even I heard that people who are registered there as HIV+ that they are being coralled into a special section of the hotel and not allowed to stay where other guests are housed. How much ignorance is there at a conference that purports to be the peak conference of the globe, being held in a nation with such obvious harm minimisation practices that are being ignored? There are many problems associated with capacity building in this world and cost and irrelevance of international talk-fests are one of the most significant where ever they are held. One day people are going to become very angry that very often uninfected people have absorbed most of the resources intended for people who are suffering and who need basic care, support and treatment. Funding of the talk-fests should only occur where grass roots capacity builders are having useful things to share, and most of them don't need to be conducted in five star hotels with high price tags. Also generous donors should find other ways to facilitate poorer members of the infected and affected communities to be able to choose the conferences that they feel might benefit them and let them register and pay as full members of the conference. A few times I have sought to register through scholarship structures and have found it a very inconsiderate them-and-us process with little regard to the difficulties of planning and co-ordination when it is not until the last minute that a list of 'successful poo'r is produced and the others are just left to wonder about why they got their hopes up in the first place. I still feel that so called experts would do better if they actually used a much lesser amount of money and went to the places where capacity building was required and offer their services on the ground rather that seeking to transport the successful 'brokers' to international conferences where often the least experienced people get the seats, the beds and the nice meals. For those who still believe in this type of forum please give consideration in the programs for the least experienced and the least eminent to be heard. Geoffrey Geoff Heaviside Convenor - Brimbank Community Initiatives Inc Secretary - International Centre for Health Equity Inc Member - Australasian Society for HIV Medicine Inc P.O. Box 606 Sunshine 3020 . Australia. Ph: 0418 328 278 Ph/Fax : (61 3) 9449 1856 or in India Mr Geoff Heaviside Mobile : (91) 9840 097 178 (Only when in India) " Concern for what is right causes us to do our best - Knowledge of what is best inspires us to do what is right. " >From: sistersforlife@... >Reply-AIDS treatments >AIDS treatments >Subject: Re: Re: GIA/SFL >Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 18:49:25 EDT > >Mr. : > > " How many slots to the SistersForLife conference have been sold at the >$1890 >(single) and $1590 (shared room) prices? Of those, how many are at the >partial scholarship rate? Since the sponsor says the conference was >postponed because of difficulty encountered by Africans trying to receive >USA visas, how many residents of Africa are now registered to attend? " > > >Your above captioned questions are clearly not your business. However, >should you direct the same questions to the Bangkok AIDS Conference , >(There >registration and hotel is $3295 and it does not include meals, special >events or >ground transportation) and they give you an answer and we find it posted on >this >forum then I will present your request to our Board. > >Please don't be surprised that there are more scholarships available. Be >grateful! Those scholarships are being sponsored by very generous people >who >care about and who believe in the work that we are doing. > >However, the website is correct. We are no longer accepting scholarship >applications from the general public on our website. However, it is at our >discretion if we chose to offer and/or to sponsor additional scholarships >to >preferred groups or individuals such as the Kenya AIDS forum members. > >Bless You Mr. ? > >Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2004 Report Share Posted June 25, 2004 Mia and the Forum, I too prefer to be working and doing and making a difference. On a per capita basis the problems associated with HIV for American citizens affected makes it a very significant problem for positive people there, there is no question about that. In fact the absence of established harm minimisation practices in the USA is making the growth of the problem there something that more americans should be addressing. I don't have a problem with people addressing their own AIDS problems but what I was concerned about was the apparent need to bring african africans there as well. It is in my opinion a waste of time and money. I don't bring very many here to Australia but I go there at every available opportunity. In relation to the USA HIV discrimination policy it is well documented. Conferences are deliberately not planned for your country because of it. Just log onto sites that provide travel advisories for people living with HIV and read the situation for yourself. It is well documented in the HIV travel advisories backed up by numerous bad experience reports of people being told to go home on the next available flight. I am glad that some of your people have had better experiences as I know many of ours have had by having treatment interruptions when they visit your country and re-starting their medications when they reach home again. One day we might have a global HIV policy that works well in all countries. In my advisory work with people who approach me for advice and who are stationed in USA I always advise them to go to Canada for any testing so as to ensure that the results remain confidential. In another posting I have described the horror of Bangkok which was replicated last conference in Barcelona. I have never attended a global AIDS conference and I have found nothing useful from the Barcelona conference except more words saying much the same thing and I have the same feeling for Bangkok so I won't be going there either. Perhaps philosophy was the wrong word to use. It obviously confused you. Sisters for Life must have a statement of purpose. I was trying to find it and all I found were pictures on every link I clicked. I didn't click them all because I gave up. My organisation has a statement of purposes and in it it describes what I think of as the philosophy of the organisation. What it seeks to do, how it seeks to do it, who is welcome to join, what are the belief systems underpinning the organisation, who is able to benefit, how it delivers services, where can I read an annual report with an audit statement. These are the things that interest me and more particularly when there is a sense being expressed by some that its charitable purposes are not being fulfilled honestly. I don't believe rumours but I have certainly become interested in the sparing that seems to be occurring from some in the infected communities in your country. Good luck with your conference and for the HIV positive americans that fare little better than many africans according to my reading of the USA egroups of which I am also a part. Geoffrey Geoff Heaviside Convenor - Brimbank Community Initiatives Inc Secretary - International Centre for Health Equity Inc Member - Australasian Society for HIV Medicine Inc P.O. Box 606 Sunshine 3020 . Australia. Ph: 0418 328 278 Ph/Fax : (61 3) 9449 1856 or in India Mr Geoff Heaviside Mobile : (91) 9840 097 178 (Only when in India) " Concern for what is right causes us to do our best - Knowledge of what is best inspires us to do what is right. " >From: sistersforlife@... >Reply-AIDS treatments >AIDS treatments >Subject: Re: Re: GIA/SFL >Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 19:12:29 EDT > >Geoff: > >I didn't realize that this has become a " debate " of any sorts. Should it >become that I should advise all in advance that I will not participate in >it. > >In terms of the need to hold a conference in the US on AIDS, it appears >that >you are questioning the relevance of such a conference as if to suggest >that >there is no problem with AIDS amongst African-Americans her in the US? >Surely, >you didn't mean to imply such a thing? > >In terms of those individuals who are HIV positive, you are absolutely >right. > They must advise the Embassy of their HIV status and they must provide >proof >of insurance and sign a waiver. There are many logical reasons for this >non >of which have to do with discrimination. > >Over the years our delegates to other conferences, meetings and training >sessions that we have hosted in the US have gone through the proper >processes as >required by US Immigration, they have been admitted and treated with the >utmost >respect. And many of these individuals (who are HIV Positive) have >returned >on numerous occasions over the years with none of the problems that you >have >described. > >I imagine that every one's experience is different and many people talk >about >what they've heard as opposed to what they know to be factual. Hope this >provides a more realistic account. > >In terms of the US being the " most discriminatory HIV/AIDS " regime...I find >that to be absurd and won't spend time defending your comment. However, I >must >say that they cannot be more discriminatory than Bangkok where hotels are >literally denying rooms to HIV positive delegates while other hotels are >placing >them in separate quarters. Yet, thousands of people are going there later >this month for the International AIDS Conference, oui? > >In terms of our philosophy and our website, perhaps you only looked at the >photos and didn't bother to read through the site. I encourage you to do >so, >however the SFL site is about the conference and the other activities of >SFL >project and the Global Initiative on AIDS, our sponsoring organization >gives you >additional insight. > >In closing, please keep in mind that all the " Philosophy " in the world >won't >feed a hungry child, put cloths on their backs, provide shelter or save >their >lives. So, forgive us if we are short on philosophy. We prefer to utilize >our time working, doing and making a difference. > >Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 26, 2004 Report Share Posted June 26, 2004 In a message dated 6/26/2004 11:26:11 AM Eastern Standard Time, xhayes@... writes: The other major problem, and insensitivity, about inviting Africans living with HIV to a USA-based conference is - that once they are registered in the USA computer system as HIV positive - they can't come back to the USA as they freely choose for a tourist visit, etc. They can only come back for conferences, and then only if approved on an individual basis after doing all the paperwork again. This is true of most people traveling to the US from Africa rather they are HIV positive or not! We struggle daily and yearly fighting against the injustices of US immigration laws as related to Africans, Caribbeans, Haitians and people of African descent period! In terms of all the speculation and debate about the value of a SFL conference....you should ask someone who has attended one or even better.....attend for yourself in September and see if it makes a difference in your life. Blessings, Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 26, 2004 Report Share Posted June 26, 2004 The other major problem, and insensitivity, about inviting Africans living with hiv to a USA-based conference is - that once they are registered in the USA computer system as hiv positive - they can't come back to the USA as they freely choose for a tourist visit, etc. They can only come back for conferences, and then only if approved on an individual basis after doing all the paperwork again. It is an incredibly bad USA law, and it is incredibly insensitive to sponsor international conferences on hiv/aids in USA locations. Boston, Massachusetts, USA ******************************************************************************* >From: " Ingrid Kloet " <Ingrid@...> >Reply-AIDS treatments ><AIDS treatments > >Subject: Re: Re: GIA/SFL >Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 17:43:04 -0600 > >Dear Mia and Geoff > >I was reading all the emails before, and like to reply on this issue, as >I'm >in the process with all those >issues about HIV and entering the USA.....................its my 3rd year >I'm living here in the USA >the first years I needed to fill in paperwork with all the questions about >illness etc. and HIV is >one of them, ad as I know from friends from Europe HIV+ have been send >back, >also a friend >from Indoneia had to wait in the airport on his flight back to Indonesia. > >I'm honest, I lied about my HIV+, and send my meds 14 days before I went >back to the USA >and that worked. > >THIS IS IMPRTANT: >The HIV+ people can ask for a waiver, that give them the possibillity to >arrive 1 day before >the conference and leaving after 1 day after the conference. Before they >are >coming here in the >USA, they need to solve it or........not mention it in the form, but still >it's a risk! And a lot of money >to be send back! > >I'm married with an USA Citizin and having now my travelingpapers, but >thats >all, and only because >I'm HIV-positive, my husband is positive to. > >Still its a long way to go to get your paperwork done, as you know its my >3rd year in the USA. > >Warmly >Ingrid > > >Ingrid Kloet >New Mexico Poz Coalition >5300 Eubank Blvd. #-9-D >Albuquerque, NM 87111 >Phone: 505-298-2644 >Cell 505-280-2218 >Email: Ingrid@... >www.lifehomeproject.com >www.gnpplus.net >www.actalive.org >www.planetpoz.org >www.trebloon.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 26, 2004 Report Share Posted June 26, 2004 Conferences like the International AIDS Conference in Bangkok are a terrible waste of time and money. When I worked for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, we sent more than a dozen people to the International Conference in Durban (and our delegation included people living with hiv). Some good personal contacts were established; Americans discovered that poor slums in South Africa are in worse condition than poor slums in Boston (DUH!).....but in the last analysis the delegation learned nothing new that wasn't available via internet. So - why pay for the airfares and hotel nights? Answer = it's an all-expenses-paid junket for the participants. The USA hiv/aids establishment has tried to make a big deal out of Secretary reducing the number of USA government all-expenses-paid scientist delegates being sent -- but actually, is just recognizing what Geoff writes. Perhaps community-based aids organizations in Africa and Asia would be better served if money was spent to provide them all with compjuters, internet service, and dependable electricity -- rather than an airplane ticket and 5 nights in a segregated Bangkok hotel (or a few nights in Virginia). Boston, Massachusetts, USA >From: " Geoffrey Heaviside " <gheaviside@...> >Reply-AIDS treatments >AIDS treatments >Subject: Re: Re: GIA/SFL >Date: Sat, 26 Jun 2004 09:44:32 +1000 > >Hello to the Forum, > >Re the links between GIA/SFL and the Bangkok Conference. > >If I wasn't so busy I could write pages on Bangkok. Even I heard that >people >who are registered there as HIV+ that they are being coralled into a >special >section of the hotel and not allowed to stay where other guests are housed. >How much ignorance is there at a conference that purports to be the peak >conference of the globe, being held in a nation with such obvious harm >minimisation practices that are being ignored? > >There are many problems associated with capacity building in this world and >cost and irrelevance of international talk-fests are one of the most >significant where ever they are held. > >One day people are going to become very angry that very often uninfected >people have absorbed most of the resources intended for people who are >suffering and who need basic care, support and treatment. Funding of the >talk-fests should only occur where grass roots capacity builders are having >useful things to share, and most of them don't need to be conducted in five >star hotels with high price tags. > >Also generous donors should find other ways to facilitate poorer members of >the infected and affected communities to be able to choose the conferences >that they feel might benefit them and let them register and pay as full >members of the conference. A few times I have sought to register through >scholarship structures and have found it a very inconsiderate them-and-us >process with little regard to the difficulties of planning and >co-ordination >when it is not until the last minute that a list of 'successful poo'r is >produced and the others are just left to wonder about why they got their >hopes up in the first place. > >I still feel that so called experts would do better if they actually used a >much lesser amount of money and went to the places where capacity building >was required and offer their services on the ground rather that seeking to >transport the successful 'brokers' to international conferences where often >the least experienced people get the seats, the beds and the nice meals. > >For those who still believe in this type of forum please give consideration >in the programs for the least experienced and the least eminent to be >heard. > >Geoffrey > > > > >Geoff Heaviside >Convenor - Brimbank Community Initiatives Inc >Secretary - International Centre for Health Equity Inc >Member - Australasian Society for HIV Medicine Inc >P.O. Box 606 Sunshine 3020 >. Australia. >Ph: 0418 328 278 >Ph/Fax : (61 3) 9449 1856 > >or in India >Mr Geoff Heaviside > >Mobile : (91) 9840 097 178 (Only when in India) > > " Concern for what is right causes us to do our best - Knowledge of what is >best inspires us to do what is right. " > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 26, 2004 Report Share Posted June 26, 2004 See http://www.pacha.gov/meetings/minutes/m0803/m0803.pdf Notice that Bonnie Marshall of Sisters For Life testifies to the Presidential Commission on HIV/AIDS that she and Sisters For Life support President Bush NOT releasing the money for hv/aids in Africa.... But they invite African women to spend a lot of money coming to Virginia. What a curious organization! Boston, Massachusetts, USA >In terms of all the speculation and debate about the value of a SFL >conference....you should ask someone who has attended one or even >better.....attend for >yourself in September and see if it makes a difference in your life. > >Blessings, > >Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 28, 2004 Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 And I might add that is why we actively boycott all USA based AIDS conferences and we fly to Canada via Japan so we don't acidently fall foul of the immigration prejudice by accident. I could be encouraged to understand that the vast numbers of ordinary Americans probably don't even know it either. Geoffrey Geoff Heaviside Convenor - Brimbank Community Initiatives Inc Secretary - International Centre for Health Equity Inc Member - Australasian Society for HIV Medicine Inc P.O. Box 606 Sunshine 3020 . Australia. Ph: 0418 328 278 Ph/Fax : (61 3) 9449 1856 or in India Mr Geoff Heaviside Mobile : (91) 9840 097 178 (Only when in India) " Concern for what is right causes us to do our best - Knowledge of what is best inspires us to do what is right. " >From: " " <xhayes@...> >Reply-AIDS treatments >AIDS treatments >Subject: Re: Re: GIA/SFL >Date: Sat, 26 Jun 2004 10:10:52 -0400 > The other major problem, and insensitivity, about inviting Africans living with hiv to a USA-based conference is - that once they are registered in the USA computer system as hiv positive - they can't come back to the USA as they freely choose for a tourist visit, etc. They can only come back for conferences, and then only if approved on an individual basis after doing all the paperwork again. It is an incredibly bad USA law, and it is incredibly insensitive to sponsor international conferences on hiv/aids in USA locations. Boston, Massachusetts, USA ******************************************************************************* >From: " Ingrid Kloet " <Ingrid@...> >Reply-AIDS treatments ><AIDS treatments > >Subject: Re: Re: GIA/SFL >Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 17:43:04 -0600 > >Dear Mia and Geoff > >I was reading all the emails before, and like to reply on this issue, as >I'm >in the process with all those >issues about HIV and entering the USA.....................its my 3rd year >I'm living here in the USA >the first years I needed to fill in paperwork with all the questions about >illness etc. and HIV is >one of them, ad as I know from friends from Europe HIV+ have been send >back, >also a friend >from Indoneia had to wait in the airport on his flight back to Indonesia. > >I'm honest, I lied about my HIV+, and send my meds 14 days before I went >back to the USA >and that worked. > >THIS IS IMPRTANT: >The HIV+ people can ask for a waiver, that give them the possibillity to >arrive 1 day before >the conference and leaving after 1 day after the conference. Before they >are >coming here in the >USA, they need to solve it or........not mention it in the form, but still >it's a risk! And a lot of money >to be send back! > >I'm married with an USA Citizin and having now my travelingpapers, but >thats >all, and only because >I'm HIV-positive, my husband is positive to. > >Still its a long way to go to get your paperwork done, as you know its my >3rd year in the USA. > >Warmly >Ingrid > > >Ingrid Kloet >New Mexico Poz Coalition >5300 Eubank Blvd. #-9-D >Albuquerque, NM 87111 >Phone: 505-298-2644 >Cell 505-280-2218 >Email: Ingrid@... >www.lifehomeproject.com >www.gnpplus.net >www.actalive.org >www.planetpoz.org >www.trebloon.com http://www./group/ http://www./group/aids-africa (a group made up of Africans worldwide) Join Digital Africa- an information technology group that discusses IT in Africa at http://www./group/digafrica Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2004 Report Share Posted July 3, 2004 : While your obsession with Ms. Marshall continues to spiral out of control...Ms. Marshall thanks you for keeping her name in the forefront. Also, when told about your latest posting...she said to thank you for posting the link to the PACHA testimonies and she was unaware that the document existed but happy to learn of it and to be able to access it. She also asked me to thank you for promoting her comments in the document and ask that you continue to circulate it so as many people as possible are aware of her position in support of President Bush's decision to release funds in accordance to the capacity to implement, monitor and insure accountability of the funds. However, you failed to mention the following comments that she also made during her testimony as a summary of which is outlined below: " President Bush chose not to release a bundle of money on the AIDS bill right now. This was the right decision because there's no infrastructure for accountability. Secondly, Black women have not been mentioned even though they are on the front lines. Abstinence works, so you can't say abstinence has no place. Ms. Marshall's challenge to PACHA is, " Why aren't Black women who have the highest rate of AIDS than any other group not on the agenda? " Ms. Marshall also wanted me to assure you and your friends that she continues to wholeheartedly supports President Bush on this issue today. She wondered if you have any factual numbers on how much of the millions of dollars already spent have actually reached the ground...to the people...who need it the most? She'd also like to know how much of the funds actually allocated and funded here in the US that was allocated for Africa ever make it to Africa and how much of it actually stays in the US? And since you appear to be on top of these issues can you tell her how much money was actually released in the year 2003 and of those funds...how much was spent to pay the salaries, fees, rents, travel expenses, etc., of Americans here in the US? And finally, can you tell her how much of the money allegedly allocated for the purpose of fighting AIDS in Africa each year in the US is actually spent on " leasing office space in Washington, DC by US based Consultants, Organizations, NGO's, etc. Again, thank you for your posting and we look forward to your reply. Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2004 Report Share Posted July 3, 2004 Geoffery: You are entitled to your own opinions. No one who has ever contributed to SFL/GIA have even questioned or complained or expressed any concern about " Our charitable purposes being fulfilled honestly. " Really, you people need to give it up as you are simply barking up the wrong tree, beating a dead horse..and really making your own actions and agendas transparent. Haven't you learned by know that Ms. Marshall and individuals behind GIA/SFL are committed and are guided by God and only he, directs their paths. Also, please keep in mind GIA/SFL is practically self-funded with over 90% of it's annual operating budget being contributed by one individual. And that individual will continue to fund the work of the organizations regardless of the propaganda that is written on this forum by a few jealous, obsessed individuals who's only objectives are to tear down rather than to build up. The problem that these people have is that the more they try to harm GIA/SFL the more we pray for them. We are strong, focused and self-determined and it's a good thing that we don't have to depend on the public or on fundraisers to thrive. We believe that these are the blessings that we get in return for dedicating our lives to giving and helping others as well as our rewards for turning the other cheek and praying for those who spread lies, rumors, spitefully use and persecute us. In terms of the people attending our conference from Africa, or anywhere else in the world...your comments should be directed toward them as they are the ones who have made the decision to attend the conference. It is their choice as we do not tie people up and bring them to the US. However, it's amazing how people continue to seek VISA's to visit the US, and many who are living here and who are benefiting from funds that come from America...as provided by us, the American taxpayers...yet there's so much hatred for America and Americans...especially on this forum. This is puzzling to me. I think that everyone is doing the best that they can and that some folk are simply spending too much time spreading hatred instead of love. Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2004 Report Share Posted July 3, 2004 : GIA/SFL's administrative costs as well as the majority of the organization's programs are generously underwritten by Ms. Marshall as they have been for years. Thanks to her generosity, GIA/SFL does not, nor does it need to apply for, bid on, nor accept government funds, grants, etc. so you can forget your theory that we are afraid to " bite the hand that feeds us " We are about giving....not taking. I realize that it's difficult for you to conceive....that there are people out there who choose to reach into their own pockets as opposed to begging others or selling out our people to get a buck. Further, Ms. Marshall is not into politics. She is into humbly serving others and doing what she can to save lives and to make the world a better place to live, especially for children of African descent who are orphaned and/or living in the streets. It is fortunate for all of us who are blessed to work with GIA/SFL, and for all of the women and children who have, and who continue to benefit from her generosity that people like you don't make her regret her commitment. I must tell you when I read your continued rhetoric and hateful postings I am truly embarrassed for all of the good people on this forum and the good people of Kenya. Honestly, it makes me wonder if you are not turning people off and running them away from even wanting to help the people of Kenya when they witness the hatred that you are sprewing on this forum which is supposed to be about helping people. Additionally, GIA/SFL does not receive one dime from the US government, the White House, nor the President nor would we ever, We are warriors and our loyalties must be to the women and children that we serve and not to those who have the power to yank the chain whenever we step out of line. The best example of the evil and destruction influence that money has on our people is you Mr. . The powers that be have always been able to control our people with money and while we spend so much time trying to tear one another down in fear that one might get more of the money pie that the other....the man isn't give any of them enough to make a difference anyway. But, they can count on us attacking each other in " HOPES " of getting a buck. Ironically Mr. , the very lady that you are obsessed with tearing down is one of the few people globally who puts her money where her mouth and her heart is. She truly loves the people of Africa and the children of Africa, and those throughout the African Diaspora. In closing, please know that Ms. Marshall was a personal acquaintance of the Bush family long before he became President of the United States. And while she may not agree with his politics or the politics of most of her friends, both Democrats and Republicans, (as she is nonpolitical)......she is confident that the President is committed to the children and in time...his commitment will grow, and ultimately, with God's grace...we will see the monies reach the ground one day. Thank God that all the lies, slander, false statements and rhetoric cannot change or influence that. It's really unfortunate that you are not courageous enough to come from behind the cloak of this forum and address your concerns and vicious comments directly to Ms. Marshall and the GIA/SFL Board of Directors as I have suggested to you on numerous occasions. Peace and Good Health, Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2004 Report Share Posted July 3, 2004 Your questions about actual disbursement of USA government funds need to be answered by President Bush, who mysteriously continues to have the support of your colleague despite nearly unanimous worldwide opinion regarding his hypocrisy....I suppose that has something to do with the fact that she is an appointee to the President's Commission on HIV/AIDS and therefore she doesn't want to bite the hand that feeds her? How much money does GIA/SFL spend on lease of office space and office expenses such as electricity, airconditioning, telephone, internet, etc. in the USA in the Virginia/Washington, DC area by the GIA/SFL organization as a percentage of its annual budget as compared to how much money has GIA/SFL directed annually to recipients in Africa? " Thank you for your posting and we look forward to your reply. " :-) Boston, Massachusetts, USA >From: sistersforlife@... >And finally, can you tell her how much of the money allegedly allocated for >the purpose of fighting AIDS in Africa each year in the US is actually >spent on > " leasing office space in Washington, DC by US based Consultants, >Organizations, NGO's, etc. > >Again, thank you for your posting and we look forward to your reply. > >Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2004 Report Share Posted July 7, 2004 This web site language sounds wonderful. July of what year? Has a village been built? What location in Swaziland? Is there a contact or authority in Swaziland that can be consulted for details and verification? Boston, Massachusetts, USA ****************************************************************************** http://www.globalinitiativeonaids.org/response.htm In July, the Global Initiative on AIDS in Africa announced its plan to build the first in a series of " Whole Life Children's Villages " for the continent of Africa, in the Kingdom of Swaziland. The village will be self contained and will consist of every service and opportunity a child will need to grow and develop into a successful, productive, respectable, responsible and caring adult. The villages will be a place where children will receive superior academic, physical and moral education. There will be technology, agricultural and horticultural training centers, a trade school for learning: computer repair, electronics, electrical contracting, building and carpentry and others. The center will house a performing arts center and complete sports training complex and physical fitness facility. Movie theater, playgrounds, Olympic training pool and soccer fields are planned for all of the primary centers. There will be apartments for families who are facing their final days, to come and visit the centers with their children. This will enable them to experience the center and meet the people who will be caring for their children. Friends and family who live far away may also book accommodations in the village to visit the children. The GIAA recognizes that we cannot address all of the problems that exist with the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. But, we are committed to helping as many parents die with as much dignity and peace as possible. Knowing that their children will not be left to the streets is one small, human, compassionate effort that we can take to ease the pain of this pandemic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2004 Report Share Posted July 7, 2004 : Apparently, the only thing that one can do if one choses to benefit and contribute to this forum is to simply ignore you since you are so clearly out of control. You seem to have so many questions and I will no longer respond to them. However, as I have offered to you time and time again...please schedule an appointment and the appropriate individuals will be happy to respond to your inquires face to face. I have been advised to cease all communications with you. Further, please be advised that each and every one of your postings relating to GIA/SFL, Ms. Marshall, or Board Members and/or myself and they are being forwarded to the appropriate people. Your obsession with Ms. Marshall, GIA & SFL raises serious concerns. Particularly since such obsessions, both online and off, have lead to stalking and acts of violence by the perpetrators (in this case that would be you). Your most recent postings have confirmed your clear and apparent obsession. Please know that security around Ms. Marshall during her public appearances is substantial and the appropriate authorities are well aware of who your are and your location. I recommend that you seek immediate psychological counseling. Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2004 Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 I didn't expect to hear much from mia after she wrote to us on July 4 and said: ****************************************************************** Sunday, July 4, 2004 2:20 AM To : AIDS treatments Subject : Re: GIA/SFL Moving Forward Mr. : I know you will understand when I tell you that I can spend no more time on this subject matter with you for fear of being pulled to the bottom where you are. ****************************************************************** But she wrote again on July 7 anyway: >From: sistersforlife@... >Reply-AIDS treatments >AIDS treatments >Subject: Re: Re: GIA/SFL >Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2004 17:31:28 EDT > >: > >Apparently, the only thing that one can do if one choses to benefit and >contribute to this forum is to simply ignore you since you are so clearly >out of >control. > >You seem to have so many questions and I will no longer respond to them. etc. ***************************************************************************** OK Mia.....don't talk about it anymore.....OK by me. I think it is abundantly clear that as a spokesperson for GIA/SFL she consistently avoids providing any specific answers to questions to back up WHAT GIA/SFL actually DOES with the money they raise other than pay for the exorbitant costs of a USA-based conference and/or take lots of photographs of Bonnie Marshall with various Ambassadors to the USA from African nations. All I asked was for details about the village project in Swaziland......and she responds with accusations of " stalking. " This level of defensiveness about details from any spokesperson of any hiv/aids organization raises a warning flag for me about organizational credibility. Anyone have the DSM IV definition of paranoia handy? I'm much more impressed by websites from programs working in Africa, and presume that money would be better spent if sent directly to them, such as: http://www.lakecentre.longrange.org/ www.galileeschool.org http://www.kcyp.kabissa.org/prog.php Boston, Massachusetts, USA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2004 Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 At 05:31 PM 7/7/2004 -0400, you wrote: >snip... >I have been advised to cease all communications with you. Further, please be >advised that each and every one of your postings relating to GIA/SFL, Ms. >Marshall, or Board Members and/or myself and they are being forwarded to the >appropriate people. This is utterly inappropriate. Such an accusation that Mr. is interested in committing an act of violence against anyone is a form of libel. I hope he will forward these comments to the " appropriate people " as well. Indeed, I was willing to give you and your group the benefit of the doubt. However, the failure to answer the question about where funds go leads me to have deep concern. I would recommend folks fund OTHER projects than yours. M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2004 Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 : You have obviously not been reading my postings or you would know that there are no " folks funding our work. " We are self-funded. So, his questions and your remarks are inappropriate. If you are left with deep concerns about our funding and what we do or do not do with it...then you are in a free county and if it concerns you that much, perhaps you should pursue so type of action to satisfy your concerns. Further, it's interesting that you do not have " deep concerns " about Mr. Haye's obsession with Ms. Marshall. And yes. we are all concerned about this man and his bizarre fixation on GIA/SFL and Ms. Marshall, and we should be. Perhaps you have not been keeping up with his postings and have not read them thoroughly? I suggest that you go back and put them all together and them see how you feel about it. However, since you appear to be standing up for Mr. what is your relationship with him and how well do you know him? In closing, I have made no accusation at all toward Mr. . However, I stand by my comments that we are very concerned about his obsession toward our boss and about his intent and we are very concerned about his mental stability. Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2004 Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 Mia, With all due respect, I think your post is out of line and certainly not in line with communication rules on this list. Caroline Moderator > : > > Apparently, the only thing that one can do if one choses to benefit and > contribute to this forum is to simply ignore you since you are so clearly out of > control. > > You seem to have so many questions and I will no longer respond to them. > However, as I have offered to you time and time again...please schedule an > appointment and the appropriate individuals will be happy to respond to your > inquires face to face. > > I have been advised to cease all communications with you. Further, please be > advised that each and every one of your postings relating to GIA/SFL, Ms. > Marshall, or Board Members and/or myself and they are being forwarded to the > appropriate people. > > Your obsession with Ms. Marshall, GIA & SFL raises serious concerns. > Particularly since such obsessions, both online and off, have lead to stalking and > acts of violence by the perpetrators (in this case that would be you). Your > most recent postings have confirmed your clear and apparent obsession. > > Please know that security around Ms. Marshall during her public appearances > is substantial and the appropriate authorities are well aware of who your are > and your location. > > I recommend that you seek immediate psychological counseling. > > Mia > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2004 Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 Caroline: I have been on this list serve for more than a year now at the invitation of the forum. I did not seek you out. During this time I have primarily used this forum for one reason only. To identify organizations in Kenya that I and the organization that I am affiliated with could help. Pure and simple. And I and GIA/SFL and Ms. Marshall have done that. I am not a spokesperson for GIA/SFL and I made that clear early on. I am an individual who cares. However, I now question my commitment as a result of what I have experienced on this forum. The hatred directed towards me, GIA/SFL and the American people is unbelievable! Regardless of what you believe, when we as taxpayers send support to Kenya it is out of our hearts and not because we are obligated to do so! Further, should you poll the organizations on this forum you will certainly find those we have provided financial assistance to despite the horrific hatred and degradation that we have endured. Additionally, I am not the spokesperson for GIA/SFL nor for Ms. Marshall and I have made that clear. I am simply an individual who cares and who has chosen to dedicate her life to helping the women and children of Africa and of Kenya as have GIA/SFL and Ms. Marshall. However, I must admit that being a member of this forum and witnessing the hatred and disrespect directed toward me and those who are simply here to help have both disappointed me and discouraged me. I am sickened and saddened by the sentiments and comments that we have endured. That coupled with your posting has led me to the conclusion that I am finished. I can no longer participate in this forum. Therefore, this will be the final communication from us and I request that you please remove me from your list and do not send me any further postings from your group. I am no longer interested in the rhetoric on this forum nor will I forward any further requests for help and assistance from your members to GIA/SFL or to my friends who have also donate thousands of dollars in response from Kenyans on this forum. Again, please remove me from you list serve. For all the people and the children in Kenya who will no longer benefit from our generosity... I ask that Mr. , Caroline and the others who are so hateful and mean spirited explain it to them. Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2004 Report Share Posted July 9, 2004 Mia, I am sorry, but in no way I understand your reaction. Your interpretation is totally yours. Just one thing: if you think you can 'punish' innocent people by withdrawing 'your generosity'just because you THINK some people hate you, and you make others responsible for your own decision, one might question the source of your generosity. Anyway, this is the last thing I will say about this subject. We have a nettiquette, which is by no means that difficult or extraordinary. You are free to stay when you are willing to subscribe to that nettiquette and you are free to unsubscribe yourself from the list. Peace, Caroline > Caroline: > > I have been on this list serve for more than a year now at the invitation of > the forum. I did not seek you out. During this time I have primarily used > this forum for one reason only. To identify organizations in Kenya that I and > the organization that I am affiliated with could help. Pure and simple. And I > and GIA/SFL and Ms. Marshall have done that. > > I am not a spokesperson for GIA/SFL and I made that clear early on. I am an > individual who cares. However, I now question my commitment as a result of > what I have experienced on this forum. The hatred directed towards me, GIA/SFL > and the American people is unbelievable! > > Regardless of what you believe, when we as taxpayers send support to Kenya it > is out of our hearts and not because we are obligated to do so! > > Further, should you poll the organizations on this forum you will certainly > find those we have provided financial assistance to despite the horrific hatred > and degradation that we have endured. > > Additionally, I am not the spokesperson for GIA/SFL nor for Ms. Marshall and > I have made that clear. I am simply an individual who cares and who has > chosen to dedicate her life to helping the women and children of Africa and of > Kenya as have GIA/SFL and Ms. Marshall. > > However, I must admit that being a member of this forum and witnessing the > hatred and disrespect directed toward me and those who are simply here to help > have both disappointed me and discouraged me. I am sickened and saddened by > the sentiments and comments that we have endured. > > That coupled with your posting has led me to the conclusion that I am > finished. I can no longer participate in this forum. Therefore, this will be the > final communication from us and I request that you please remove me from your > list and do not send me any further postings from your group. I am no longer > interested in the rhetoric on this forum nor will I forward any further requests > for help and assistance from your members to GIA/SFL or to my friends who have > also donate thousands of dollars in response from Kenyans on this forum. > > Again, please remove me from you list serve. For all the people and the > children in Kenya who will no longer benefit from our generosity... I ask that Mr. > , Caroline and the others who are so hateful and mean spirited explain it > to them. > > Mia > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2004 Report Share Posted July 9, 2004 I have been reading the postings from Mr. . I have been reading his posts on a number of topics over the years. I find him to be an honorable and intelligent man. I do not believe he is " obsessed " with you, but rather has asked some questions. Unfortunately, those questions are not answered. " Self-funded " is unclear--from private donations? Others? Public? But more importantly--what do you do with that money? I am looking at your website and I see some photos and an upcoming conference with three speakers listed. What are their topics?I see a listing of about three other conferences. I may well have missed it, but were there reports from these conferences? What is the mission? Helping end stigma against women with HIV and helping kids as a stated objective is commendable!! I think what I would hope you can offer is some more specifics on the programs your organization is undertaking. Do you embrace ideas like abstinence only? Or do you have a more reasoned approach that includes not only encouraging delayed sexual debut, abstinence, fidelity--but also condom use, sexual education without guilt tripping? Do you fund orphanages? Schools? Hospitals or clinics? In other words--rather than seeing as a threat, open your heart and look at the opportunity that is represented by his queries to discuss the plans, hopes, dreams, challenges and successes of your organization to date. I am cc'ing you in the event you have unsubscribed from Kenya AIDS. I wish you the best in doing good work in this world and in this short life. If you have been, then perhaps apologies are due. If you have not but have been behaving deceitfully (to yourself or others), there is time to change course and open your heart. I am not accusing but I am left in the dark as to what you and your organization actually does! Best of luck in any event. Life is short--may you and we all find deeper love, joy and wisdom. And a marvelous way indeed is through service to helping others on a basis of unconditional love. M. At 03:19 PM 7/8/2004 -0400, sistersforlife@... wrote: >: > >You have obviously not been reading my postings or you would know that there >are no " folks funding our work. " We are self-funded. So, his questions and >your remarks are inappropriate. If you are left with deep concerns about our >funding and what we do or do not do with it...then you are in a free >county and >if it concerns you that much, perhaps you should pursue so type of action to >satisfy your concerns. > >Further, it's interesting that you do not have " deep concerns " about Mr. >Haye's obsession with Ms. Marshall. > >And yes. we are all concerned about this man and his bizarre fixation on >GIA/SFL and Ms. Marshall, and we should be. Perhaps you have not been >keeping up >with his postings and have not read them thoroughly? I suggest that you go >back and put them all together and them see how you feel about it. > >However, since you appear to be standing up for Mr. what is your >relationship with him and how well do you know him? > >In closing, I have made no accusation at all toward Mr. . However, I >stand by my comments that we are very concerned about his obsession >toward our >boss and about his intent and we are very concerned about his mental >stability. > >Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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