Correction, please!

Profiting from AIDS Funding

ITEM: Former President Bill Clinton "applauded the Bush administration's proposal for a five-year $15 billion program to fight the global AIDS crisis...." But, said Clinton, as reported in Newsday for May 12th, "the administration should direct a large portion of the money to the Global Fund to CombatAIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. While a House bill allows for up to $1 billion of the $3 billion in 2004 to go to the public-private fund, the Bush administration -- concerned about the efficiency and management practices of the international fund -- has proposed $200 million a year for the fund over five years."

CORRECTION: There's no doubt that AIDS in Africa is a dreadful problem. Nevertheless, it doesn't follow that U.S. tax dollars should be thrown at the situation. Private and religious organizations are willing and able to help. For example, the care for one in four people being treated for AIDS worldwide comes from the Catholic Church. Such groups are surely better stewards than the Global AIDS Fund, yet another arm of the United Nations.

Launched in January 2002, the UN body is already proving particularly promiscuous with its spending. One study reveals that the 63 staff members in the secretariat--the fund's administration arm -- pull down an average salary of over $174,000!

"The Global AIDS Fund is not accountable to the U.S. government or the taxpayer," comments Breakpoint Online. "Any funds we provide to the Global AIDS Fund are not subject to U.S. federal laws and could be used to pay for injection drug equipment for addicts, abortions, political advocacy, and other objectionable activities." Of course, to Bill Clinton and company, these negatives are plusses.

Fuelish Regulations

ITEM: "Time is running out for state lawmakers to decide whether the additive MTBE will be eliminated from Connecticut gas pumps on Oct. 1," reported the Associated Press on May 4th. "Once banned, MTBE would be replaced with ethanol, an alternative fuel additive needed to burn gasoline more cleanly."