In my previous post, I promised to offer a little more on the hold Senator John Cornyn placed Tuesday on Hillary’s Clinton’s nomination (since confirmed) for Secretary of State.
The Texas Repubican had raised concerns about foreign donations to her husband’s charitable foundation, but was “swayed by a private conversation with Clinton” (I’m assuming this was Bill).
While I have said Mrs. Clinton could be a “great Secretary of State,” I do have concerns about her family’s ethical troubles. In this AP article on her confirmation, we see a typical Clinton response to a potential ethical problem:
Sen. Richard Lugar, the ranking Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, proposed that former President Bill Clinton’s foundation reject foreign contributions. But Hillary Clinton rejected Lugar’s proposal, contending that the foundation’s plan to disclose annually its list of donors and a range of its contributions already exceeds legal requirements.
Once again, we see the Clintons pointing out that what they are doing meets “legal requirements,” that is suggesting that as long as something is legal, it is also ethical.
Shouldn’t they also be concerned about conflicts of interest in this unique situation where the husband of a Secretary of State (Bill Clinton is the first such husband; of the two previous female Secretaries of State, one was single, the other divorced). Had the wives of their predecessors run foundations that regularly sought large donations from international sources?
I’m concerned that his foundation plans to disclose the donors annually rather than upon receipt, which would better serve President Obama’s commitment to transparency. We would be alerted right away to any foreign governments or interests who might be trying to influence US foreign policy (through our Secretary of State). Actually, I believe it would be in this nation’s interest if the husband of the Secretary of State refused to seek or except any contributions from foreign sources as long as his wife is in office.
Both Cornyn and Lugar eventually voted to confirm Mrs. Clinton, but the latter “ssaid he hoped Clinton would re-examine her position.” I do too. So should we all.
Ok, I’m going to be tough on you.
Where oh where is the evidence that Hillary could be a great SoS? Yes, I understand your position that shes a tough ballbusting bitch, who wont brook any dissent at State, but I don’t think that’s realistic or even relevant since the careerists at state undermine policy with clandestine leaks and other subterfuge.
Moreover, she is a political opportunist who contorts her position and undermines her nation for political gain and self-aggrandizement. Her husband similarly made the situation in the middle east worse, gave American nuclear secrets away and erected a devastating intelligence wall for campaign contributions, basically paid the North Koreans to develop nuclear weapons, and refused to apprehend or kill public enemy number one even when offered his head on a silver platter — all because he was far more concerned with looking out for priority number one — Bill Clinton.
Her attempt at reforming health care was an unmitigated disaster, for which she is roundly recognized as the cause, and she was handed the Democratic nomination on a silver platter, spilled it all over herself and dropped it right at Obama’s neophyte feet.
So while I agree that she could be a great secretary of state, somewhere in the same sense that pigs could fly out of my butt, or Barack Obama could lead as a conservative, I am wondering where the evidence is.
that should read “Her husband similarly made the situation in the middle east worse in an attempt to procure a legacy”
So far, as SoS Hillary has managed to piss off Afghanistan (although she was correct to be fair), said that Columbia will continue to be our ally whether we sign a free trade agreement with them or not, (which IBD obliterates here), and is apparently responsible for George Mitchell being appointed as special middle east envoy.
she was confirmed 94 – 2. Landslide. Quit griping, you’re looking pathetic.
But SoS Clinton herself said ‘dissent is patriotic’ bnl.
#4 – She didn’t say it, she shrieked it. Just listen to the audio (unless you have something more pleasant on the agenda, like root canal).
Regards,
Peter H.
Mrs. Clinton will make a great SoS not because of what she’ll do or say but because the media and academics will say she is. They’ll repeat it endlessly, set up a tea service with Albright for a ‘passing of the torch’, and perhaps even hire Hollywood to stage sniper fire… Controlling the narrative determines greatness, especially with a population of idiots.
#6 – “Controlling the narrative determines greatness, especially with a population of idiots.”
Well, Iggy….
Nah, too easy.
Regards,
Peter H.
Sec of State Clinton and her husband have huge ethical problems. Thanks to Drudge and the Washington Times this explains pretty clearly the cloudy mess the Clinton Foundation is along with it’s Chinese connections.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/23/clinton-foundation-mum-on-stock-buyer/
What is it with the Clintons and the ChiComs? They are like butt-and-underwear (to loosely translate a Greek saying of my mother’s).
Regards,
Peter H.
Yes, because the Senate is never wrong. I guess that answers the question of whether the Iraq War was right, since it passed by a landslide as well.
#10 – AE, that deserves a big fat CHECKMATE.
You go, girl! 😉
Regards,
Peter H.