The Axiom Of Respect
Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Treating Themselves And Others Respectfully
And Respecting Only Those Who Earn It

As a woman, I am deeply disappointed with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's response to a student questioner at a town hall meeting in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday ("Question Riles Clinton; Translation Might Have Been Off"):

A male student rose to ask a question about Chinese financial contracts with Congo.

The student asked Clinton what President Obama would think of the deal, but pool reporters in the room said the translator made a mistake, posing the question as what would Bill Clinton think.

Clinton looked surprised when she first heard the translation in the headset, and then sharply replied, "You want me to tell you what my husband thinks? My husband is not the secretary of state, I am. You ask my opinion. I will tell you my opinion; I'm not going to channel my husband."

Not only was Secretary Clinton's response extremely rude, it also made it abundantly clear that she has no self-confidence. To many, as a former president, Bill Clinton's views might be highly relevant in this situation, and if she preferred not to answer the question, all she had to do was say, "I feel uncomfortable speaking for my husband, but I believe. . ."

Moreover, her lack of poise and professionalism make her a terrible ambassador for America. Citizens of other countries judge our nation by our representatives, and on Monday, the citizens of the Congo encountered a seemingly bitter, impolite, self-righteous American Secretary of State, who in my opinion should be ashamed of herself.

To me, it is essential that women in high-profile positions conduct themselves above reproach because their behavior reflects on women in general. Our society has still not reached the point where gender discrimination is no longer an issue, and incompetence on the part of women in politics affects all women, especially those who are working hard every day to make this country great.

Lastly, if I were President Clinton, Secretary Clinton's outburst would demonstrate to me a lack of respect, and more importantly, love. When we love someone, we don't mind sharing their opinions with others when it is appropriate. Has Secretary Clinton ever thought that it is an honor both to him and to her that others even care about his opinion?

I think it is time for Secretary Clinton to take a deep breath and get control of herself. She is very influential, and her actions are not doing any of us any favors.

Anna Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society