Elton John added
his name to the "Global Petition Calling for Real
Action on AIDS and Education," joining a growing list of
stars who have signed the document including Iman,
Alicia Keys, Jessica Alba, and Liv Tyler. The petition
is sponsored by the Global AIDS Alliance.
The document
demands that the G8 honor its commitment to combat AIDS in
impoverished nations. At the 2005 G8 Summit, the
participating nations promised to increase aid levels,
address the shortage of health care workers in
developing regions, and back the Fast Track Initiative to
ensure that every child has a chance for education. Some G8
nations have resisted making specific commitments on
improving health and education.
"How can we break
the promises we make to the world's most vulnerable
people?" John said in a press release from the Global AIDS
Alliance. "I am signing this petition because the G8
leaders should keep their promises, and I urge music
lovers and everyone around the world to sign it too."
A number of
prominent leaders have also signed the petition, including
the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rabbi Michael Lerner, and Dr.
Tatsuo Hayashi, chair of the Hottokenai Campaign in
Japan and president of the Africa Japan Forum.
Archbishop
Desmond Tutu, honorary chair of the Global AIDS Alliance,
launched the petition drive several weeks ago.
"The G8 Summit is
not just any meeting," Tutu contends in the press
release. "It's a meeting where life-and-death decisions will
be made, affecting the lives of millions of people
worldwide."
Leaders of the G8
countries--Great Britain, Canada, France, Germany,
Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States--are
slated to meet June 6-8 in Germany. The petition will
remain open until June 5. It can be accessed at the Global AIDS
Alliance Web site. (The Advocate)