Is this why Biden was sent to Israel
By laglen
@laglen (19759)
United States
March 13, 2010 2:05pm CST
UNITED NATIONS -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told government delegates and activists here Friday that violence against women remains a "global pandemic" and that their "subjugation" constitutes "a threat to the national security of the United States."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/12/AR2010031203744.html
I am not saying this isnt an important issue but isnt the purpose of the Secretary of State to advise in foreign affairs?
I think she would have been more useful in Israel than speaking to a group of redundant representatives?
What is your opinion?
2 people like this
4 responses
@Rollo1 (16676)
• Boston, Massachusetts
15 Mar 10
While I do believe that Obama is unwilling to see his former presidential rival do anything to distinguish herself, I have to hand it to Hillary for finally being a voice from this administration that is "telling it like it is" to some of the countries that Obama has been busy trying to win over and kowtowing to. There is no worse place on earth to be born female than some of these middle eastern countries that Obama has spent so many words of kindness and friendship on. The US has taken steps of sanctions and the cooling of diplomatic relations before when nations have had questionable policies on human rights. We've stood up in the past to speak out against apartheid, for instance, but to blithely ignore the appalling lack of human rights accorded to women in some nations while currying favor with them is tantamount to being complicit in the crimes committed against them.
On the other hand, any speech to the UN is only good for publicity, you can't expect the UN to do anything useful.
I don't think Obama wants to Hillary to see great success. I am no Hillary fan and she's said some ridiculous things that show her ignorance of foreign affairs, but hopefully, there's a learning curve. In any case, I think it's safe to say she's comported herself with more dignity in these situations than Obama has and annoyed fewer of our allies. Obama with his attitude of being immune to protocol has been a great embarrassment.
1 person likes this
@gewcew23 (8007)
• United States
14 Mar 10
It appears to me that Obama is trying to squash Hillary's career. She only was offered the position to keep the Democrat voting block happy, but Obama has no desire to have to face her in 2012. So Obama give Hillary a fancy title but no authority.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
13 Mar 10
I think it was very fitting for her to be there, especially since the even was to review the progress since the conference in Bejing when she was First Lady. Disagree with me all you want but that's one advantage to having both a Secretary of State and a Vice President who are very well-versed in foreign policy. The global treatment of women certainly DOES qualify as foreign policy, doesn't it?
Annie
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