Hillary Speaks Out on the Olympics, Darfur and Tibet [Update]
By SusanUnPC on April 7, 2008 at 3:59 PM in China, Foreign Policy, Hillary Clinton
| It’s no wonder that Hillary Clinton issued this press release today, given her longtime concern for the peoples of Darfur and Tibet, and her own courageous speech [LEFT VIDEO] at the 1995 Beijing Women’s Conference. (Full text and audio.)
Then there are her recent, major foreign policy speeches, some of which are excerpted below. |
UPDATE: “Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) was not sure what he would do when asked about the Olympics last week; LINK Clinton’s statement, issued Monday, may mean that Obama clarifies his views.” — From “Clinton calling on Bush to boycott China Olympic opening ceremony. What is Obama’s position?,” by columnist Lynn Sweet for the Chicago Sun-Times, April 7, 2008.
TODAY’S PRESS RELEASE:
Statement by Hillary Clinton on OlympicsThe violent clashes in Tibet and the failure of the Chinese government to use its full leverage with Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur are opportunities for Presidential leadership. These events underscore why I believe the Bush administration has been wrong to downplay human rights in its policy towards China. At this time, and in light of recent events, I believe President Bush should not plan on attending the opening ceremonies in Beijing, absent major changes by the Chinese government. [Continued below.]
I encourage the Chinese to take advantage of this moment as an opportunity to live up to universal human aspirations of respect for human rights and unity, ideals that the Olympic games have come to represent.
Americans will stand strong in support of freedom of religious and political expression and human rights. Americans will also stand strong and root for the success of American athletes who have worked hard and earned the right to compete in the Olympic Games of 2008.
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After reading this press release, I did some digging to find Hillary Clinton’s previous statements on these urgent human rights matters. I remember well that this is not the first time she has spoken out so frankly, and with such clear evidence of intimate knowledge of the crises facing the world. Here is some of what I found:
From “Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Remarks on Foreign Policy at George Washington University,” February 25, 2008:
[RE WORLD EVENTS and RESPONSIVENESS] … Dramatic events during this past week have reminded us how volatile our world has become and how essential it is that we have sound strategy and strong leadership.
From Kosovo to Cuba, from Iraq to Pakistan, to our embassy being burned in Belgrade, these are some of the most challenging spots on our global map. The world is being transformed with enormous risks and possibilities that we must meet with confidence, optimism, resolution and success.
The next president will inherit all of these global challenges and more from a president who failed to handle them well. A war in Afghanistan and a war in Iraq. America’s reputation at an all-time low. Countries rushing to acquire nuclear weapons. Crushing poverty that stymies economic and political progress in too many regions of the world. Global warming and global health pandemics. Genocide in Darfur. A rise of borderless, stateless criminal cartels. And the continuing real threat of terrorism here at home and abroad.
But while these stark realities carry dangers, they also bring unprecedented opportunities if we act wisely, if we have the right kind of leadership. There isn’t any doubt in my mind that we will not only navigate through these uncharted difficult waters but emerge stronger than ever, reasserting both our leadership and our moral authority.
The vision I have for America is one that is rooted in those values. Values that have served us well but have been temporarily sidelined because of this administration’s approach to the world. …
[...]
[RE THE CHALLENGE THAT CHINA PRESENTS TO THE U.S.] Dealing with the rising power of China provides an example. I went to Beijing in 1995 and spoke out for women’s rights and human rights. The Chinese government wasn’t happy; they pulled the plug on the broadcast of my speech. But I took that as a compliment. Because it was important for the United States both to be represented and to make absolutely clear that human rights is an integral part of our foreign policy and that women’s rights is key to that. What we have learned is that where women are oppressed and denied their basic rights we are more likely to have regimes that are more adversarial to American interests and values.
Today, China is most obviously the world’s largest and one of its fastest growing economies. It’s become a global superpower that needs to be convinced to play by the rules in the global marketplace. Here again, the Bush administration has failed. One third of our trade deficit is with China and over the course of the last seven years Bush policies have has allowed the Chinese government to become our banker. Today, China’s steel comes here and our jobs go there. We play by the rules and they manipulate their currency. We get tainted fish and lead-laced toys and poisoned pet food in return. That will change when I am in the White House because I know we have got to take a consistent approach towards China.
I’ve co-sponsored legislation to compel the Administration to take aggressive steps to stop China from manipulating its currency, to make our goods look more expensive. I’m the original co-sponsor of the Foreign Debt Ceiling Act which really means that we would require any administration to begin reversing our trade deficit and start breaking our reliance on China for not only what they provide to us in terms of the way they buy our dollars and buy our debt but also to be held to higher standards for what they import into our market. …
(PHOTO ABOVE: From a photo gallery of the 1995 Beijing Women’s Conference.)
From Hillary’s speech, “NATIONAL SECURITY: Center for a New American Security,” June 2007:
… There are so many other challenges across the board from obviously the Middle East to Latin America, from the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the ongoing violence in Darfur.
The next president will face a rising China with growing economic, diplomatic and military power. China is using its power throughout the world in new ways that challenge our current thinking and policies. We should neither fear a stronger China nor ignore it. That means engagement and understanding, but also frank dialogue on issues ranging from trade to currency manipulation to human rights abuses and the environment.
I remember traveling to China in 1995 to represent the United States at the Fourth World Conference on Women. Shortly before the conference was to start, the Chinese government imprisoned a dissident – as some of you might remember – and many felt that we shouldn’t go in order to send a strong message of disapproval.
But I thought we should send another message. That’s why I did go and spoke out about the importance of human rights and particularly emphasizing the importance of women’s rights. I don’t think we lose by speaking out and engaging with those with whom we disagree, even in profound ways. …
There are far more speeches and statements from Hillary Clinton on these critical international matters. And, every time I read her words or hear her speak on these issues, I am more convinced than ever that she would make a great president.
(small, medium and large sizes; for both dogs and cats)
+ 
I am with you on this. She will make a great president.
Her thoughtfullness on this doesn’t surprise me at all. Can Barry be far behind? After all, he is ALWAYS far behind Hillary’s thoughts.
I see that she is also speaking out about breast cancer. The woman just plain UNDERSTANDS Women’s needs and HUMAN needs. And her understanding is not restricted to one segment of society or a small part of the world we live in. She’s an amazingly perceptive woman who isn’t afraid to speak out.
I’m sure Barry will come up with a prostate cancer program on her heels.
BO’s response:
“What she said.”
I always thought a woman would make a good President. And now we have a great woman who will make a Great President!
What she said.
Thanks for the laugh, hillarysmygirl!
BWAHAHAHA! BO must have played “simon says” as a child…
So funny, was just thinking much the same myself….I agree with Hillary, it will come out soon, he will steal half of what she said, much like he constantly cribs MLK without attributing to him.
Btw. Obama spoke up about Tibet in March.
Too bad he doesn’t say that the US needs to butt the fuck out because we can’t afford to take on China!
Hillary needs to ask if history is repeating itself. Obama too.
And your source for this is what? Any comments, Larry?
“UPDATE: “Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) was not sure what he would do”
Jee zus! Is he ever sure? His lackeys are no doubt feverishly putting something together now. Hey, maybe we’ll get another “landmark” speech?
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRROFLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL.
Obama said, “ahhhhhhhhh……..ummmmmmmm”
Probably because he didn’t yet know what Hillary said, and therefore had no crib notes to work from. I’ve never seen anyone so dedicated to not having an opinion about anything important. PATHETIC.
“well I am of two minds on this…”
Just about says it all…doesn’t it?
It is 3am…Ring..Ring. Ring
Michelle; Damn it Barry are you gonna get that..
Barak; “well I am of two minds on this…”
“call Bill Ayers and ask him to take care of this”.
Just tuned into the OPRAHSPHERE using my special internet connection…..
According to sources inside OBAMEDIA….. OBAMESSIAH was alledgedly spotted hovering over the Himilaya’s flanked on either side by what spectators described as Tap dancin Jesus and the prophet Mohammed. Some were confused as to the exact identity of the prophet, but all concur as to the identity of Tap dancin Jesus; he was wearing a self identifying T-shirt. Clinton’s campaign could not be reached for comment. Pope was otherwise engaged. More details as they come in…..
C’mon Sugar… funny that Hillary didn’t even revisit this issue or make any statements until after Obama’s non answer. Sorry - you don’t get points for doing what you’re supposed to do.
Kevin, how old are you?
A grave issue of human rights and BO isn’t sure what he would do… probably poring over poll data before he can decide. It’s 3:00 am and he is not sure what he would do….pathetic.
Better that Obama kept his mouth shut rather than stick a foot in it like Hillary.
Did you people know that the good Dahli Lama used to own slaves? He admitted it.
Did you know that he was friends with former SS members?
Look up the Dalai Lama and Heinrich Harrer.
Hitler sent him to Tibet in the hopes that the lamas would help Germany invade China and India.
Hillary has been a staunch advocate of rights for Tibet and has opposed the genocide there from the beginning. Given the fact that the Olympic torch couldn’t make it through the crowds of protesters in Paris today, a lot of the world agrees with her.
BTW, if you haven’t listened to her 1995 speech, I highly recommend it. SHE GETS IT
Do you know where there’s audio? I’d love to add that link.
UPDATE: Found it and a YouTube as well. Am adding them as an update now.
Her speech is one of the Top 100 at American Rhetoric.com… Ol’ Bill’s in there too… His speech on Race in America, imagine that?
BTW, if you haven’t listened to her 1995 speech, I highly recommend it. SHE GETS IT in a way Obama never will.
How refreshing that Senator Clinton is aware and well briefed on these topics. She gets it because she has known the Tibetians and the Dali Lama for time.
Who has BO known? I imagine Condi will give him lessons like Gw got at his pa’s.
Geez, BO I am a Kite and even I know which way the wind is blowing! Why don’t you take responsiblity for anything? That answer is an easy one for domestic consumption! It’s about oppression, something you are claiming to understand. I guess the Rev was still on a cruise and was unavailable to give you the meme, he signs off on all your policy statements doesn’t he? How politically moronic and tone deaf can you be?
Teak,
Hillary is acting like a puppet of Richard Perle.
I know, I know, people won’t like Steve Clemons now. Tsk.
Prove it.
Nice to insinuate, but prove she’s acting like a puppet of Richard Pearle. I suppose Students for a Free Tibet are also acting like Richard Pearle Puppets.
You’re so full of shit.
Chris,
People who lack knowledge are full of shit. I’m not one of them.
Are you going to deny that Hillary is channeling Richard Perle and the hawks?
The Free Tibet Movement is a CIA front group and people will fall of the same shit that got us stuck in Iraq.
I just saw HIllary speak at a fund raiser in Los Angeles last week, and the woman is just down right brilliant. She blew my mind. I left there thinking she could be the best President of my entire life time, and perhaps in American history. She understands our history, and the world better than anyone I’ve ever listened to. God we must do everything we can to fight for her. America and the world needs Hillary more than ever.
No surprise that Clinton continues to stand up for Human Rights around the world. Here is an interesting snipet I found in some totally non-primary related research:
“During her trip to North Africa, Hillary Clinton spoke out about the suffering of women
in Algeria and Afghanistan, saying “We must speak out against the unspeakable….We must
use our voices to speak up for women around the world who are still suffering in
silence.” Clinton spoke of Algerian women and their suffering at the hands of Muslim
rebel seeking to impose a fundamentalist regime in Algeria. The rebels have beaten,
raped, and killed Algerian women in their struggle to gain control over the country. On
women in Algeria, Clinton said, “We hear stories of girls whose legs were burned with
acid because someone deemed their skirts too short. Women whose throats were slit and
bodies were thrown into a well…. Those who perpetrate these hateful deed pervert the
great religion in whose name they claim to act.”
On Afghanistan women, she spoke of the severe restrictions placed on women in that
country by the Taliban. She said, “They are begging on the streets to feed their children
because they are forbidden to work to earn income to buy the food their children need….
Think of the woman whose health care has all but vanished, victims of a terrible dilemma
in which women cannot be treated by male doctors and the government has banned all female
doctors.”
—–
All true!
She also met with Algerian women who had lost family members, spoke to them about the
change/violence in their country.
The Algerian Civil War was sooooo ignored in the press, but HRC kept on it as a Human Rights issue!
Her Human Rights record is really quite outstanding. A quick search of her name on Human
Rights Watch came back with over 60 hits from her time in the Senate and as First Lady.
Obama: one, and only by association with the Foreign Relations Committee on which he among the lowest ranking members!!!!
Any word from Obama on Darfur yet? Did they write the damned speech for him yet or what? Can’t get good help these days. Either that or Human Rights isn’t one of his causes. Say it isn’t so!
Spare me… he’s made similar PR statements condemning what’s been happening in Darfur, lack of US committment and world attention, to those that Hillary has made.
Niether has done much more than talk and posture.
Uppity,
I hope he says it isn’t our business.
The more I think about it, it’s kind of telling that you had to go back to a 1995 speech… What has she done in her years in the WH or in the interim that demonstrates her continued activism on these issues? Seriously - why can’t you find anything more recent that shows she’s out in front of the issues and has been working on them during her years of service?
Seems to me that would go much farther to support your premise(s) and continuing mantra of her international experience and activism - than citing a speech from that long ago and very little else between it and the current bookend of speaking out on Darfur.
Just asking since this would seem to be the place to get solid information re: Hillary’s experience.
Can’t you just see the Obama lackeys frantically highlighting and cutting and pasting portions of Hillary’s press release to use for their own statement? I can smell the ink from here!
Well as we all know, Barry always waits until Hillary figures things out first and then follows. He’s a real leader.
And Hillary’s really been out there in front of these issues since her ‘95 speech or in the interim eh?
C’mon - they’re both woefully lacking in action on these issues. Just alot of calculated words from both.
Hey Sugar, doesn’t Barry remind you of the kid who sat behind you in class and copied your test questions?
It will never happen with Bush, and Cheney, but the Chinese would lose face over a boycott of the Olympic opening ceremonies, it’s my impression this is the debutante ball, for them.
If no one shows, well, talk about your social rejection.
And it’s big.
But they’ll all show, I mean, if Auchi can pay to play in Britain, in an effort to buy legitimacy, I’m sure the Chinese can, um, persuade world diplomats to appear.
I was grateful to see Paris make such a muck about the torch, the Chinese execute political prisoners, torture, yet, we seem to forget, it matters.
And I know we do too, per orders from that stupid stench in Washington, the dumbest white men, ever, but it’s still not emblematic of our government, no matter what the cloistered ones think.
One good President, and the whole Bush rat’s nest will start to crumble.
It’s not like they’re intelligent rats.
Hey folks, keep in mind that the City of Chicago (meaning Mayor Daley, of course) is making a major play for the 2016 Olympics and has an official contingent in Beijing right now at a meeting of the Association of National Olympic Committees.
So Sen. Obama has a real Profile in Courage moment awaiting him here—who you gonna tick off, the brave protestors of Tibet, the committed young and the world humanitarian community…or Richard M. Daley?
As Jack Benny famously responded in a radio bit when confronted by a robber’s demand of your money or your life: “I’m thinking! I’m thinking!”
Easy answer. Whose support does he need to be “The One”?
Any news from Barack Obama on this topic yet?
Nancy Pelosi Succeed To Write Her Name Into Olympic History, With Her HUGE Hypocrisy
Author : Richard Branson
On March 14, 2008
Hundreds of people came out at Lhasa, Tibet. Suddenly, these people act brutally, throwing stones, set up fire on houses, stores, vehicles, and hitting people.
These coordinated brutal attackers are demanding a free Tibet from China. Only in a couple of hours, Tibet is on fire. Rescue forces and policemen are unable to control these rioters.
Less than 100 people or maybe more died before the security forces succeed to control the chaos. Among the victims are an 8 month-old-baby and 4 girls working as shopkeepers, who were burnt to death.
On March 21, 2008 ( 07 DAYS LATER )
Nancy Pelosi, a US House Speaker rush to meet the spiritual leader of Tibet, Dalai Lama, who was accused by China as the planner of the brutal attack. There, Pelosi gave Dalai Lama a moral support, and condemn China who used forces to control the situation.
Then to provoke the world peaceful community, in front of a crowd of thousands Tibetans including monks and schoolchildren, Nancy Pelosi said “If freedom loving people throughout the world do not speak out against China’s oppression in Tibet, we have lost all moral authority to speak on behalf of human rights anywhere in the world”.
Most of media all over the world quickly quoted what she said, exactly the way she has planned. Many western media found that they have no other option than to bias the truth about the Tibet chaos, in order to make it suitable with Pelosi’s statement. Some of them even cut part of the image to mislead public, some used the real picture with mislead information, some even use videos taken from Nepal to mislead the truth.
Several foreigners touring at Tibet when the chaos happened has turn out their voice about media bias, urging people to see the whole picture. But their voice has been turned down by many media, leaving only small room for them.
On March 23, 2008 ( 02 DAYS LATER )
Four US soldiers died by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, making the death toll 4000 since Iraq war. Meanwhile, a British agency estimated that about one million civilians has been died since the war. Mr. Bush quickly show up and offer condolences to the troops family. Nancy Pelosi didn’t even show up. She didn’t even speak out about human rights in Iraq. She doesn’t even send any condolences.
People across the world, including those freedom loving people in America, who expects her to take her huge part to stop Iraq war, are very disappointed. She doesn’t even do something significant at the fifth anniversary of Iraq war at March 20, 2008.
Many people are shocked with her HUGE hypocrisy, when they compare what Pelosi rush to do in Tibet chaos and Iraq war. Facing 4000 deaths on her own side and about one millions civilian death in Iraq, the human-right-police should said something like “If freedom loving people throughout the world do not speak out against Iraq war, we have lost all moral authority to speak on behalf of human rights anywhere in the world”.
Nancy Pelosi has succeed to write her name in Olympic history, with her HUGE hypocrisy. Meanwhile, China will be recorded in the history who try to do the best to hold the Olympic Games. What makes difference is one get respect, the others don’t.
The consequence of her statement had move many freedom loving people throughout the world to attack the Olympic. It started happening when Tibetan protesters disrupt Olympic Flame ceremony on March 25, at Olympia, Greece. Along the way, there will be many protesters who try to disrupt the Olympic, or hold a peaceful demonstration. But the world history will record that all of this peaceful attack can only be related to one person, Nancy Pelosi.
Do the Chinese media as the victim has the courage to publish this article ? Do the western un-censored media has the courage to publish this article ? We will see in the few days.
To conclude the whole article, I found the best quotation at a Hollywood film, starred by Bruce Willis, “Tears of the Sun”. Here is the quotation “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”.
NOTE : PLS SPREAD THIS ARTICLE ACROSS THE GLOBE…(post it to mailing-list, blogs, emails, newspaper editors, bulletin boards, etc). It will help the American peaceful society to stop the Iraq War. It will help the world to realize that China is only the victim of Nancy Pelosi HUGE Hypocrisy. THANKS.
government grant conference…
This site covers almost identical stuff… That’s strange……