Prince of Asturias Awards 1981–2014. Speeches

P rince of A sturias A wards 1981-2014. S peeches 5 Elizabeth Taylor, on behalf of Amf ar — Prince of Asturias Award for Concord 1992 Since the long shadow of AIDS darkened the medical history books I have seen the best of times and the worst of times. The best of people and the worst of people. I have seen nothing more beautiful or brave than the undying spirit and courage of those fighting for their lives. I have never seen the cruel or ugly in those sick or grieving; it was prejudice and violent discrimination that offended me the most. It is time for the world to learn that people with AIDS are not our enemy; it is solely the virus that we fight. Nation by nation —in every country— it is time to stop the “us” and “them”. For we are all us; those sick are all our children; those families are all our friends; and those lost are all our failures because we have not done enough. The world is looking to the United States and the affluent nations of the world to find the medical solutions. They are looking to us for the compassionate and friendly policies that will protect our people. We must not let them down. Scientists from Barcelona to Boston must work together now. Educators from Ohio must share experience with those in Oviedo. And policy makers in Washington must set the humane example and truly lead the world. So far we have not done well enough. If we don’t change this soon, there is a dark future for the world and we will all have blood on our hands. Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011) was cofounding president of Amf ar . — Excerpt from the speech given on the occasion of receiving the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord on 31/10/1992.