To be perfectly honest I was never much of a Bill Clinton fan when he was president. In an odd way though, it seems to me that he has come into his own since leaving office, if that makes any sense. I'm looking forward to reading his book, and I was pleased to see this news this morning:
The William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation by August could begin providing technical assistance with antiretroviral treatment, diagnostic equipment and hospital management to China to help fight its HIV/AIDS epidemic, a foundation program director said on Thursday, Kyodo News reports (Kyodo News, 6/17). China's Ministry of Health and the foundation in April signed a memorandum of understanding to improve HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in the country. Under the agreement, the foundation will provide assistance in operating HIV/AIDS care and treatment programs, establishing treatment and testing protocols and creating monitoring and evaluation programs. The health ministry authorized the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences to discuss details of its AIDS plan with the Clinton Foundation. The Chinese government estimates that there are 840,000 HIV-positive people in the country and that 80,000 people have AIDS; however, some experts believe those figures are underestimates. The United Nations estimates that at least one million HIV-positive people live in China and the number could grow to 20 million by 2010 if efforts to prevent the virus are not implemented (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 4/30).
(From The Kaiser Network)
Posted by mike at June 18, 2004 07:35 AM | TrackBackone wonders what more could have been accomplished during the 8 years (other than peace and prosperity) if he had not had to contend with defending himself from constant attacks by his opponents. The Monica episode was shameful but let's remember that all came to light because of an independent counsel that started 4 years before to investigate a real estate deal and cost taxpayers $100 million. Not without his personal failing but the man did a lot of good.
I can't wait to read about the G. W. Bush Foundation founding the Enron/Halliburton Institute to study new innovations in bribery, influence peddling and bill-padding.
The New York Times book reviewer disagrees with Robert...
... as do I.
Posted by: RickinVa on June 19, 2004 07:14 PMI'll tell you what, Rick. Let's both read it, then we can discuss it. How's that sound?
Posted by: Mike on June 19, 2004 07:54 PMNo, Rick is right. If the New York Times criticizes a Democrat President, it must be taken seriously. Clearly, it cannot be part of any left-wing conspiracy (I know because I am part of it and they are never at any of the meetings).
So it's decided, going forward, we will all believe everything we read in the New York Times. I am so glad that is finally settled.
Happy Father's Day.
And, more to the point, isn't the AIDS work in China a good thing?
Posted by: Mike on June 20, 2004 11:25 AM