I admit that I was appalled to read Joan Cooney’s statement about Sec. of State Clinton’s wearing a head covering in Ramallah. I honestly thought Ms. Cooney was better informed and more sensitive to cultural mores than that.

One reason that citizens of other countries often resent Americans is because of the hubris and insulting behavior shown by some of us as travellers. (These are often the very same Americans who scorn visitors and immigrants to the U.S. who don’t speak English.) Ms. Clinton had a mission in Ramallah and it didn’t include disregarding the customs of that culture. Obviously she did her homework and chose to show respect. Not to do so would have immediately created a barrier that could have sabotaged her visit. Shouldn’t she be applauded for acknowledging the customs of those with whom she was in discussion?

It’s telling that there isn’t one post here about anything Hillary has achieved as SecState. She has no accomplishments because she is insignificant. Obama gave her the position to marginalize her by requiring her to become a loyal footsoldier and he has succeeded. Meanwhile he has a handful of special envoys who are attempting to do the the heavy lifting.

Should she leave the administration next year to position herself for a run for the White House in 2012 she will once again be seen as self-serving. Even if the move from SecState to President had good odds (history shows us it does not), she will have no real accomplishments during her time to brag about and have to turn on her boss with a vengence.

Hillary’s dreams will remain just that.

The head scarf is only a symbol of the subjugation of women to non-Muslim women who misunderstand it. It’s an object of modesty and the desirability of women. As I understand it, Orthodox Jewish women also cover their hair. It’s an old tradition that Christians’ seem to be confused by, but think of how the Virgin Mary is portrayed. I’m not suggesting that women are not subjugated in some cultures, only that covering one’s head shouldn’t be the symbol.

I work with Muslim women in a nonprofit setting both as clients and employees although I am a Catholic. Islam does not necessarily equal the subjugation of women; that seems to be more cultural than religious. The East African Muslim women that I know are not subjugated.

I support Clinton’s wearing of the head scarf. It was the diplomatic thing to do. I also think that her style is to blend and not make her choice of clothing a subject of attention either positive or negative. After all, her abilities are what counts.

"Why doesn’t everybody leave everybody else the hell alone?" asked Jimmy Durante.

Right off your website! 

I understand what you’re saying Joan and agree completely. I remember hearing Barbara Walters tell a story of being there and inadvertently sitting in a restaurant on the side that is reserved for "men only". She was told she would have to move to the "private room for women". She also wore a scarf when in public.

I see no reason why we should have to show respect for something we have no reason to respect but in Hillary’s case I defer to her better judgement on things diplomatic. She has much more to be concerned about when dealing with that part of the world than fashion and I’m sure defiance of their culture wouldn’t serve her well in matters of diplomacy.