Click on this link to see a recent Daily Kos article scratching the surface about the tremendous difference Hillary Clinton has made in the world over the past eighteen years since she went to China as first lady and raised a diplomatic stir when she spoke out for women, saying, "women's rights are human rights." In it, actress Meryl Streep introduces Clinton and calls attention to the consistent advocacy she has done as a matter of course as first lady, senator and secretary of state. The site also includes video segments from Streep and Clinton.
Because of her efforts to call attention to courageous individuals who have stood against their governments, many of those individuals are alive who would not otherwise be, such as Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma. Her efforts on behalf of education, voting rights, small business ownership, and protection against female sexual mutilation and rape have made a difference in many places around the world. Studies again and again have demonstrated that societies that empower women are more prosperous, peaceful and free.
Often times, changing societal perspectives can be even more important than enacting policy, passing legislation or negotiating a treaty. When attitudes evolve, the legal changes become possible. Witness our own history about extending rights in the examples of slavery, women's suffrage, racial segregation and marriage equality. The movement of minds was the necessary precursor to the progress made in every case. That and her own personal conduct have been the foundations of Mrs. Clinton's contributions over these decades.
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