[Pharm-policy] ACT UP Philadelphia and George W. Bush

[Paul Davis]

ACT UP Philadelphia and George W. Bush

Please forgive duplicates copies.

Friends -

1. The news.
2. The good news. 
3. The bad news.


1. ACT UP Philadelphia News:
On Friday, October 13, we are planning an action at the Republican
National Headquarters in DC. We will  be targeting George W. Bush
for his disastrous AIDS policies (or lack thereof). 

AIDS has not been an issue in this election, save for them time
when ACT UP _made_ it an issue during the democratic primaries. We
intend to correct that oversight by the candidates. We will focus
on the abysmal record in Texas, the silence of the Bush campaign,
and the certainty that the US would resume bullying and
sanctioning poor nations that take steps to manufacture generic
versions of expensive patented medicines. 

The demonstration will demand immediate and unconditional debt
cancellation, globalized generic drug manufacture and
distribution, and an expansion of the Clinton executive order we
won on patents and drug access in poor countries. Domestically, we
will demand sex education in schools that goes beyond the Bush
'abstinence-only' policy and drug treatment on demand (instead of
prisons). We will call attention to the shoddy Bush Medicare
prescription plan, due to its failure to create downward pressure
on drug prices.

We must defend one of the larger AIDS activist victories in the
last decade - the new trade policies and executive order that
prevent the US Trade Rep from sanctioning poor countries that
consider, threaten drug companies with, or issue a compulsory
licenses. As Al Gore stated at the UN after his AIDS address, and
as USTR Barshefsky told the Washington Post, this victory was ACT
UP's. Interestingly, when first announced by Gore, our win quickly
closed the door on campaign donations from pharmaceutical
interests. 'Big Pharma' was very aggravated.

Of course, we will be making demands of the "next administration"
at the action. However, we will make clear that there is a huge
difference in record between the candidates. And, of course, our
target of the Repugnican HQ is pretty suggestive. Although we will
have policy goals of "the next president," our negative statements
will focus on, or be directed at GWB.

Turnout is going well, and there is enthusiastic support form the
community. 

Our _next_ action (after Friday October 13) is currently slated
for Nov 30 - the day before World AIDS Day. We will be focusing on
global drug access, both patents and generic manufacture, and the
calamities caused by failure and foot dragging on debt
cancellation. Plans are being set in motion for the action to be a
large coalition action.

The World AIDS Day event will coincide with other demonstrations
across the globe. The proposal for a global day of action came
from activist meetings in Durban, South Africa during the
International AIDS Conference.

2. The Bad News:
During the Republican National Convention - which we entered
_already_ under financial strain due to the expenses of actions
during the International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa -
our group was seriously damaged. Events we had little official
role in resulted in pre-emptive arrests of many of our key
members. Bail for one was set at $1 million dollars. Bail for
others was set at $500,000. 

Good news summary: people are coming out of the woodwork to
demonstrate targeting W.

Bad News Summary: almost all of our funds are tied up in bail
arrangements and legal defense.

Here's what we have now:
Assets:
* Nine Philadelphia buses filled now (432 demonstrators, ~80%
People of Color) - number growing daily - almost certain
additional busloads by Oct 13. Four or more possible. 
* One bus from Baltimore (48 demonstrators, ~90-100% African
American) - we have to pay for it. This group is not fully confirmed.
* There is mobilizing in New York City and Washington DC - roughly
another 200-300 demonstrators. We don't have to transport these
folks. 

Debits: 
Less than $4000 in bank!

Budget for October 13 GWBush action
Buses + lunches for poor members: =$975 each. We _do_ pass the hat
on the buses, and usually don't end up with enough to tip the bus
drivers except on some center city buses (currently two of the nine):
			$8775
Baltimore bus: 	$200
Advance team for Baltimore, DC, NYC, Wilmington organizing:
			=$300, 
Faxing & phone for press & outreach:
			=$1500. 
Signs, banners, props, etc: 
			$400
Legal support + fines: 	
			=$1000 (hopefully)
Advance press + logistics team:
			$150

Total (based on 9 Philly buses): 
	$12125	Shortfall: $8125	big crisis.
Total (based on 13 Philly buses):
	$16025	Shortfall: $12025	giant crisis.

***Each of these totals leaves ACT UP with a zero bank balance
after the action, although we'd like to stage a series of zaps at
Bush campaign appearances after the 13th. Funds for the World AIDS
Day action are critical as well.***

Please help us close the gap in the budget listed above if you
can! ACT UP Philadelphia, as an all-volunteer group with a donated
office is very high in the bang-for-the-buck category. However, in
the 'bucks' category, we are very low. Many of our usual donors
have put money into the bail or legal defense fund. Some have also
donated heavily to candidates running for office in this tight election.

Please let me know if you or your contacts can help us out. Thanks
for your help!
Even if it is impossible to help with funding, you are still
_very_ invited to the demonstration on Friday October 13th. Help
make it an unlucky day for George! [Noon, Washington DC at
Republican National HQ: First st. between C & D SE. Buses from
Philly leave 8 am from Broad and Walnut. We should be home by 7
pm/ Transportation is also available in NYC and Baltimore. In DC,
the Republican National Committee is next to the Capitol South
Metro stop.]

Paul Davis
ACT UP Philadelphia * 215.731.1844
pdavis@critpath.org * 215.474.6886

Donations be made to ACT UP at POBox 22439 Land Title Station,
Phila. PA 19110-2439). Tax deductible donations via a fiscal
conduit can be arranged. Contact me to work out the details.