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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

It Gets Better: Hillary Clinton

Posted by on Tue, Oct 19, 2010 at 3:53 PM

 

Comments (75) RSS

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1
Read the USA Today article too. Super Cool.
Posted by clint on October 19, 2010 at 3:54 PM
Ness 2
I just audibly gasped.
I've always had a soft spot for Mrs. Clinton. Whatta badass.
Posted by Ness http://www.collegecandy.com/author/nessfraser on October 19, 2010 at 3:56 PM
Ness 3
"Many of whom are now able to live their lives openly and freely."

(Except in the United States)
Posted by Ness http://www.collegecandy.com/author/nessfraser on October 19, 2010 at 4:00 PM
4
This is an amazing project, fact.

On a side note, you are very very awesome for not doing what I would be doing if Hilary Clinton, Jake Shears, Zachary Quinto, etc responded to my video post....flipping out!

You are such a classy guy and I am so glad you are on our side. I really hope those words sink in for you and you feel the gratitude coming at you from your peers.
Posted by Taller Than You on October 19, 2010 at 4:02 PM
5
Way to go Hill. You have my vote in 2012.
Posted by kkbaloney on October 19, 2010 at 4:04 PM
Vince 6
Can you imagine a Republican, any Republican, doing this?
Posted by Vince on October 19, 2010 at 4:05 PM
7
Let's hope this is the start of a trend where more people in political power participate in the Project.
(I apologize for the alliteration).
Posted by Drew2u on October 19, 2010 at 4:09 PM
8
Yeah Hillary! its not perfect, but its better, and it will get better thanks to DAN!!!
Posted by pseu on October 19, 2010 at 4:09 PM
BEG 9
Wow...sweet! Am searching for a link to the transcript. Haven't found one yet, though there's supposed to be something on her site. I'll link it in when I find it (or if someone else does, please do -- would love to know what she says!)
Posted by BEG http://twitter.com/#!/browneyedgirl65 on October 19, 2010 at 4:09 PM
10
Obama: Biggest Mistake Ever
Posted by Mason on October 19, 2010 at 4:10 PM
11
I love you Hillary!!
Posted by nyker on October 19, 2010 at 4:13 PM
smade 12
@10 Not even close. Nader: Biggest Mistake Ever.
Posted by smade on October 19, 2010 at 4:14 PM
blip 13
the only thing that would have made that better is if she said she is no longer opposed to gay marriage. and by 'better' i mean 'slightly less patronizing.'
Posted by blip on October 19, 2010 at 4:19 PM
14
Beautiful and eloquent. I hope more politicians come out and contribute to this project.
Posted by LizzieVeg on October 19, 2010 at 4:22 PM
Philly 15
Or if she tried even a little to repeal DADT
Posted by Philly on October 19, 2010 at 4:23 PM
16
Pretty fuckin' cool, Dan.
Posted by inohio on October 19, 2010 at 4:24 PM
17
Whatever other issues I may have with Clinton, I am really impressed with her responding to this project. Great video. Way to go for getting the ball rolling on this, Dan. Keep it up.
Posted by WKB on October 19, 2010 at 4:32 PM
18
@9 (BEG):

"Like millions of Americans, I was saddened to hear of the recent suicides of teenagers across our country after being bullied because they were gay or because people thought they were gay. Children are particularly vulnerable to the hurt caused by discrimination and predjudice, and we’ve lost many young people over the years to suicide. These most recent deaths are a reminder that all Americans have to work harder to overcome bigotry and hatred.

"I have a message for all the young people out there who are being bullied or who feel alone and find it hard to imagine a better future. First of all, hang in there and ask for help. Your life is so important to your family, your friends, and to your country. There is so much waiting for you both personally and professionally. There are so many opportunities for you to develop your talents and make your contributions and these opportunities will increase because the story of America is the story of people coming together to tear down barriers, stand up for rights, and insist for equality, not only for themselves, but for all people. And in the process they create a community of support and solidarity that endures. Just think of the progress made by women just during my lifetime, or ethnic, racial, and religious minorities over the course of our history, and by gays and lesbians, many of whom are now free to live their lives openly and proudly.

"Through the State Department, I’m grateful every day for the work of our LGBT employees who are serving the United States as foreign service officers and civil servants here and around the world. It wasn’t long ago that these men and women would not have been able to serve openly, but today they can, because it has gotten better. And it will get better for you.

"So take heart, and have hope. And please remember that your life is valuable, and you are not alone. Many people are standing with you and sending you their thoughts, their prayers, and their strength. Count me among them. Take care of yourself.”

(partly my transcription and partly from here: http://www.examiner.com/sf-in-san-franci… )
More...
Posted by 14thblackbird on October 19, 2010 at 4:36 PM
danindowntown 19
@ 15 Newsflash genius: Hilary Clinton is Secretary of State, not president and not Secretary of Defense.

During her Democratic primary candidacy she pledged to repeal DADT if elected president.

Hilary Clinton is of the LGBT community.
Posted by danindowntown on October 19, 2010 at 4:39 PM
very bad homo 20
I should have voted for her.
Posted by very bad homo on October 19, 2010 at 4:40 PM
danindowntown 21
Oops.

My last sentence should read:

Hilary Clinton is an ally of the LGBT community.
Posted by danindowntown on October 19, 2010 at 4:47 PM
J-Haxx 22
Love it...like how she said "most of them" could be open - did you all see the one put up by the folks at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, made me cry....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XISXBATI5…
Posted by J-Haxx http://defyaugury.livejournal.com on October 19, 2010 at 4:51 PM
OuterCow 23
And this is what Obama would've said if he hadn't been elected as well.
Posted by OuterCow on October 19, 2010 at 4:56 PM
gloomy gus 24
I love this, her, and her well-earned eyepouches, but am I wrong to be a little mad she didn't say the motherfucking catch phrase?
Posted by gloomy gus on October 19, 2010 at 5:06 PM
Reverse Polarity 25
Holy shit.

Okay, I have been pretty ambivalent about Hillary. I didn't hate her, but I didn't particularly like her much either. Her support for LGBT rights during her campaign seemed pretty luke warm at best.

But I have to say, my admiration for her has increased a lot lately. She's made a couple of pretty strong statements of support in the State Department in the last few months… more than she had to. And she certainly didn't have to send this message. This seems like one of the most heartfelt statements I've ever seen her make.

My hat is off to you today, Hillary. Bravo.
Posted by Reverse Polarity on October 19, 2010 at 5:15 PM
26
Dan, this is very, very important work.

You have changed lives. Not very many people in this world can say that.

I am proud that you are "ours".
Posted by DianeSEA on October 19, 2010 at 5:20 PM
27
oh HILL.
Miss you, babe. You woulda given us a public option.
Posted by whiskeycat on October 19, 2010 at 5:22 PM
Mark in Colorado 28
If she runs in 2012 or 2016 she'll definitely get my vote and monetary support.
Posted by Mark in Colorado on October 19, 2010 at 5:23 PM
29
Man. I started crying.

(Where was this lady in '08? She shoulda run for president!)
Posted by Christopher Frizzelle on October 19, 2010 at 5:25 PM
BEG 30
OK, still have not found a transcript, but the auto captioning is actually pretty decent on this video.
Posted by BEG http://twitter.com/#!/browneyedgirl65 on October 19, 2010 at 5:32 PM
Canuck 31
@24 You are never wrong, gus, at least not where eye pouches and catch-phrases are concerned... :)
Posted by Canuck on October 19, 2010 at 5:33 PM
Canuck 32
@30
see @18 for your transcript.
Posted by Canuck on October 19, 2010 at 5:34 PM
Sly 33
@23 nailed it.
Posted by Sly on October 19, 2010 at 5:37 PM
34
I'm sorry, but this is the very first IGBP video that strikes me as pure opportunism. I've given all the celebs the benefit of the doubt--I think they are all sincere. But this just comes across as exploitative.

She's ignoring her own very personal role in combatting anti-gay bullying.
She could have mentioned her husband's anti-gay policies, like DOMA and DADT, but she didn't.
And she could have discussed what the State Department is doing to fight anti-gay violence in Uganda, Serbia, Jamaica, Iraq, etc. But she didn't.

This is pink-washing.
Posted by RDM on October 19, 2010 at 5:50 PM
Paul Pearson 35
Dan,

You are doing the coolest thing in the history of the internet.

Thanks.

--Paul
Posted by Paul Pearson on October 19, 2010 at 6:04 PM
gloomy gus 36
Canuck, she's storing our catchphrases in her eyepouches...

@34, could be a little atonement, maybe, or are you just calling flat-out eeeeeevil on this one?
Posted by gloomy gus on October 19, 2010 at 6:07 PM
Supreme Ruler Of The Universe 37

Somehow keeping the blonde hair makes the face seem that much more creepy.
Posted by Supreme Ruler Of The Universe http://yrihf.com on October 19, 2010 at 6:11 PM
Rhett Oracle 38
Sorry yourself RDM: what exactly does Hillary have to gain from this 'opportunistic' statement? Being married to the president is not the same as being president. Bill's policies were not anti-gay. The IGBP does not need nor seek apologias for past inaction, infraction or oversight. Can you imagine Dulles, Haig or Kissinger having the balls to make such a video? I'm sure all of those 'out' celebs are grateful for your doubtful benefit.
Posted by Rhett Oracle on October 19, 2010 at 6:14 PM
39
#34 -- do you give straight people no room at all for growth? Fer cryin out loud, Bill was president more than a decade ago. I see evolution and growth, you see opportunism, and I think that's just sad.
Posted by Ianto S. on October 19, 2010 at 6:30 PM
40
and on 10/19/2010 IGB officially jumped the shark.
Posted by sometimes it doesn't really get better, but shhhhh on October 19, 2010 at 6:54 PM
Cynic Romantic 41
I think NOW you've reached the tipping point, Dan.
At least I hope so.
Posted by Cynic Romantic on October 19, 2010 at 7:03 PM
42
#36, 38, and 39. I don't think she's evil--I suppose I overstated my point of view earlier. But I think it's really problematic that she has nothing to say about DADT, DOMA, or the vicious persecution of gay people abroad shows that she hasn't made the connection between these issues and bullying.
Posted by RDM on October 19, 2010 at 7:33 PM
43
Oh dear that did my bruised little heart a world of good. I am a Hilary fan, even had a "Hillary's Husband For President' button way back in the day. IGBP is changing our world and the relief I feel knowing we are putting the stupid, ugly, shameful discrimination towards LBGT people behind us is making me drunk with delight.
Posted by good vagina on October 19, 2010 at 7:59 PM
44
@42 It's not the It's Still Shitty Out There Project. It's the It Gets Better Project. She had no reason to discuss DADT or DOMA.
Posted by Pam on October 19, 2010 at 8:02 PM
45
She could have said that the administration is fighting DOMA and DADT and the culture of shame they create.
Posted by RDM on October 19, 2010 at 8:15 PM
BEG 46
Oh, wow @18 *thank you* I missed your comment the second time I posted (that's what I get for post & run). I appreciate the time you took to put that together.
Posted by BEG http://twitter.com/#!/browneyedgirl65 on October 19, 2010 at 8:34 PM
47
As many people have pointed out, this is all talk and no action. If Hillary had been elected, Obama would be making this very speech, and Hillary would be appealing DADT with everything she's got, instead of the other way around.
Posted by BlackRose on October 19, 2010 at 8:47 PM
john t 48
@45, but that would be a lie. It's a bad idea to lie on camera, even when you're trying to cheer up suicidal teenagers.
Posted by john t on October 19, 2010 at 8:49 PM
despicable me 49
Each and every contributor to the IGBP only help spread the word to a potentially new demographic. Today it's Hillary, who knows who will contribute tomorrow?

I wouldn't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, even if one or two may have ulterior motives.
Posted by despicable me on October 19, 2010 at 9:39 PM
ObeyTheFist 50
Holy fucking shit.
Posted by ObeyTheFist on October 19, 2010 at 9:50 PM
51
Yeh, I'd vote for her instead now.
Posted by cracked on October 19, 2010 at 10:02 PM
52
I love the project. It is true for so many not just the LGBT community but I get the point and am supportive. I like that Ms. Clinton made the statement but would ask those in the position to make the legislation etc possible to quit paying lip service and stand up already
Posted by lgbt supporter on October 20, 2010 at 12:34 AM
53
It's not that great, she referred to the 'target audience' as children. That's patronizing and will alienate them. Obama probably proofed her speech but she still reads a teleprompter better.

And for those pushing, she won't run again. Those of you who dogged her for Obama in 2008, that's as good as it gets. If you had voted Hillary then, Obama could have ridden her coattails as a relatively young man. Change is incremental. Slow and steady wins the race (although I personally think he's a step back in all but being the first black CiC).

Posted by HRC in 2008 - f the stranger on October 20, 2010 at 1:52 AM
54
I loved her video, personally, and I think Hill is going to slowly reveal how much of an ally she is and can be as the moves to end DOMA and DADT progress. To those saying she didn't say enough, I think it's worth noting (and feel free to take this with a pinch of salt) that she is a member of the executive branch, and it would probably actually be bad for the country if she looked like she was fighting with the rest of the administration. She doesn't want to come across as snide or dismissive of the collective effort -- painstakingly slow process that it is. I think she's actually working hard behind closed doors, and I hope Obama is too. That said, we should always cry out for more from them, and keep trying harder and harder to be as visible as possible. I just don't think it's a good idea to run her over the coals yet.
Posted by expatinkensal on October 20, 2010 at 3:44 AM
HellboundAlleee 55
Okay then. Obama, it's your turn. And I don't mean Michelle.
Posted by HellboundAlleee http://hellboundalleee.blogspot.com on October 20, 2010 at 5:39 AM
samanthaf63 56
I'm with #34. It's just opportunity-grabbing. Obama's lost a lot of supporters and I think she's got her eye on 2012 or 2016.
Posted by samanthaf63 on October 20, 2010 at 6:18 AM
57
Very nice. As for everyone comparing her favorably to Obama, do you think for an instant that she'd be saying this if it were President Clinton? No, the face would be Secretary of State Obama and we'd be cheering him and saying we should have voted for him.

There are Republicans who have come out in support of Gay equality...once they were safely out of office or not running for anything.

I'm not saying she isn't sincere, but let's not kid ourselves and pretend that she'd neccesarily be any better on these issues if she actually had any hard power over them.
Posted by Lynx on October 20, 2010 at 6:26 AM
Frau Blucher 58
I don't care what the Hillary haters think. I love this woman, and frankly, she would have made an excellent First woman President. Hillary "literally" made it possible for a woman to be seriously considered for running for President. It sure as shit wasn't that Palin douche.
Posted by Frau Blucher on October 20, 2010 at 6:30 AM
59
I preface this bit of cynicism by saying that this is great and I like Hillary very much these days (she's a great SOS). But I don't believe for a second this was a personal decision (though I do believe the feelings are heartfelt). I'd bet a lot of money that the administration is aware of IGB and decided as a unit how best to respond: what is the highest level cabinet member who could participate without outcry? who should that be? what should they say? I don't believe the video is tagged "It Gets Better" and she doesn't use that exact phrase. They are acknowledging without fully embracing the project (or becoming too closely associated).

Politics. It sucks, but with the right people in power, progress is made (Obama/Clinton are among "the right people"). It helps that society is reaching a tipping point on the issue. I'm very optimistic.
Posted by Christy O on October 20, 2010 at 6:46 AM
John Horstman 60
@6: If the Log Cabin Republicans ever get a candidate in the race...

@10, 12: Did YOU guys forget about 8 years of Bush II as well?

@57: I DO think she'd be saying this if she were President Clinton, though I also thought President Obama would say this, suspend enforcement of DADT, not appeal Circuit Court decisions striking DADT and DOMA down, etc.

As for Bill's anti-gay policies re: signing DADT and DOMA in the first place: DADT was actually a (marginal) improvement over the earlier policy, which was to actively investigate anyone suspected of being gay and kick them out if they were, and resulted from a compromise Bill made, as Congress bypassed his directive to stop kicking gay people out of the military (in short, he actually DID what we want Obama to do, and the Republican Congress responded by passing DADT, which he singed as part of a deal to not have them pass a stronger anti-gay law and attempt a veto-override). DOMA was passed by a wide margin beyond what is needed to override a veto in both the House and Senate, so signing it was a political move designed to preserve political capital in a hostile legislative environment. Perhaps sending a message by vetoing the bill would have been valuable, but it would not have stopped the passage. This was 1993 and 1996. Today public opinion on DADT is almost reversed (overwhelmingly in favor of repeal) and on DOMA it's close to an even split. The Democrats control Congress (for a little while longer, at least). Obama SHOULD be pushing for this at least as much as Bill did, and I would fully expect that Hillary actually would. Unfortunately he's not and hasn't been, and we're losing our opportunity to make any positive change; it's looking more and more likely that we'll have to start fighting a major backslide.

@59: It's probably wise to not try to associate with IGBP directly, given what Dan and Slog-generally have been saying about the administration; I can't really blame them there, though I can still blame them for the shit for which I was blaming them before (which blame is causing them to not want to associate), and will.

I'm all-for Hillary 2012 (though, as a current part of the Obama admin., she's not going to run in the primaries) if Feingold doesn't make a bid (the one up side to his potential loss in a couple weeks is that he'll be free to make a run at the White House).
More...
Posted by John Horstman on October 20, 2010 at 8:35 AM
61
Love what she said! Nicely stated and very helpful to hear at any age. Hopefully, I can vote for her someday as she becomes the first female president to take office.
Posted by got my vote on October 20, 2010 at 9:32 AM
62
Those saying that this is opportunistic--do you have any clue about her political history? She has been fighting for gender equality all over the world since the beginning of her political career. This is simply consistent with her worldview.

"But I think it's really problematic that she has nothing to say about DADT, DOMA, or the vicious persecution of gay people abroad shows that she hasn't made the connection between these issues and bullying." -- Rdwhoeveryouare

Hasn't made the connection? Are you kidding me? Wow. Way to build a strawman.

Also, it's a problem that it's directed at kids? Say what? Did you WATCH Dan's intro to the It Gets Better project? She's staying on message here, which is to give hope to bullied children. The term "bully" is not generally used to describe adult behavior. Discrimination, bigot, etc. Bully? That's a schoolyard term.

Pissy gays piss me off. You wanna go there? Then why aren't you fighting for women's rights, which inherently affect gays/lesbians (oh yeah, there are women homosexuals, too, who'd've thunk?) as equally as you do for LGBT rights? To me, as a feminist, LGBT and gender equality and inextricably linked; basically one in the same. You're not the only one at this oppression party, FFS.

Phew. Rant over.

I EFFIN' LOVE HILLARY CLINTON.

Posted by femwanderluster on October 20, 2010 at 9:57 AM
63
One more thing. She is not her husband. What is this, 1955? Do not make the mistake of placing HIS shit on her plate. She's got to Secretary of State on her own merits.
Posted by femwanderluster on October 20, 2010 at 10:03 AM
64
@63 - Truer words were never spoken. Lots and lots of couples disagree on politics (see Laura Bush's recent comments about gay marriage and abortion).

I just love you, Hillary. I feel bad for her because she comes across so cold most of the time, but the very few people I know who have actually spent a little time with her tell me she's much more like this in person: warm, sweet, and very caring.
Posted by MissLisa on October 20, 2010 at 10:29 AM
65
Hillary 2016!

(But definitely not 2012)
Posted by BABH on October 20, 2010 at 10:52 AM
Confluence 66
@59

You're absolutely right. The Obama administration threw a bone to the gays here. They knew Obama couldn't say anything because the gays are raging over DADT, DOMA, etc. and would shit down his throat. But *everyone* knows the gays LOVE Hillary. Who better to speak up for the administration on this issue than her? Plus, it's totally non-controversial. Reaching out to suicidal teens? What fundy Christian right winger is against THAT? None of 'em.

Very smart move by the Obama administration. Very impressive politics, I must say. Clever mutherfuckers at the helm.
Posted by Confluence on October 20, 2010 at 10:55 AM
67
I disagree with the comments that had Obama not won the Presidency, he would be the one making these statements. Are our memories so short that we can't recall his lack of support for gay marriage (oh, but civil unions are okay, because as long as we're equal we can be separate)? Or his choice of Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration ceremony? As another commenter accurately pointed out, Hillary has been a tireless advocate of gender and human rights throughout her career. Regardless of the motives of her address, which I don't see as opportunistic, let's not fool ourselves into thinking that the President is further to the right than Hillary Clinton when it comes to social issues.
Posted by shazzer on October 20, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Geni 68
Tipping point, Dan. Tipping point.
Posted by Geni on October 20, 2010 at 12:31 PM
69
@34-

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in her official capacity, still opposes gay equality in the State Department itself.

She's publicly defending a $3.00 "Queer Reserve Note," calling her husband, a sitting President, "3 Dollar Bill," as a perfectly appropriate expression of opinion in the State Department workplace. [Seriously.] President Obama fired his commander in Afghanistan for far less.

She is publicly defending the idea that a State Department senior officer who requests an investigation of a Foreign Service Officer because he "clearly exhibit[s] homosexual preferences" and lied about it, is credible and not a homophobic bigot. [Seriously.]

She's also publicly defending the idea that only heterosexual American citizens are considered worthy of effective consular protection in emergency situations overseas.

Get a PACER account and go to http://www.cadc.uscourts.gov/

Look up CA 09-5295. Note that her attorneys requested and received an extension on their filing until 03 NOV 2010 - the day after the you-know-what.
Posted by FightBack on October 20, 2010 at 7:36 PM
onion 70
did someone say the gays love hillary? not so sure about that, everyone on the Stranger staff sure seems to hate her.
Posted by onion on October 20, 2010 at 7:43 PM
71
@ 69 -- You keep saying "[Seriously.]", but your comment is anything but a serious rendition of the case in point.

Here's a clue or two
http://diplopundit.blogspot.com/2009/03/…
http://newyorklawschool.typepad.com/leon…
Posted by RonK, Seattle on October 20, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Cory 72
I'm on the side of the skeptics... Obama would have done the same thing if he hadn't been elected. I don't regret my vote, as much of a douchebag our President is.
Posted by Cory on October 21, 2010 at 8:04 AM
robwolf 73
The Stranger (and Dan) were pretty quick to endorse Obama in 2008. The Stranger editors should be eating crow right now for that. In fact, until they do, I will completely ignore their endorsements... Here are some recipes, guys:

http://www.bertc.com/subfive/recipes/thr…

I stuck with Hillary in the primary because I knew exactly how she would disappoint me, but I knew she would fight like a bulldog before the sellout happened. Obama sold out before he was even inaugurated with his pal Rick Warren and its been downhill ever since. Hell, with 'fierce advocates' like Obama, I'll be pushing up daisies long before DADT and DOMA are repealed.
Posted by robwolf on October 21, 2010 at 9:53 AM
74
@69 via @71:

"Olson's claims related back to events that occurred during the Clinton Administration (his posting in Rio began in 1993, eight years after he joined the Foreign Service and five years after he achieved a "tenured" ranking), and his claim originally named Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice as titular defendant. Current Secretary Hillary Clinton was automatically substituted as defendant after she was confirmed in as Secretary."
Posted by femwanderluster on October 21, 2010 at 2:49 PM
75
I want Hillary's post to have more comments. yay!
Posted by patrick66 on October 21, 2010 at 11:01 PM

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