Joan if that is all you took away from the secretary of state visit, you are a waste of print. The woman is exactly the kind of person we need in that office, and she is always appropriate. You do understand the meaning of diplomacy, right?

Lin Cercone "Appalled" at Joan Ganz Cooneys Head Fart.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is travelling as diplomat, representing the USA, not a women’s right activist.  She did the appropriate thing.

Correction:  is travelling as a diplomat,… 

 I don’t , honestly, know if this is still the case, but at any rate, years ago, women soldiers serving in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia were given a list of instructions about what they could and could not do.  I felt then, as I feel now:  if you want this country’s help, then you have to deal with our women and our mores. 

 On the other hand, considering what pricks the men are in that area of the world, if you DON’T play it their way, they’ll pick up their toys, go home, declare a fatwa and kill someone in an attempt to get to their virgins a little more quickly.   It’s a crap shoot, however you call  it. A Damned if you do, Damned if you don’t kind of a deal.

Appearing in such apparel, is indicative of her respectful acknowledgement of formal protocol as well as her cultural awareness and recognition of customs recognized by the diplomats she must deal with, in their own lands. Her appearance in such apparel, though tacit in nature, nevertheless clearly indicates emphatically the degree of reciprocal respect that her nation expects from those with whom she intends to conduct diplomatic negotiations. They cannot do other than honorably accept this formal display of esteem she is prepared to generously bestow upon them.

From a fashion point of view, she appears very attractive and most presentable and the color combination suits her admirably. No doubt her appearance would cause a high degree of memorability and appreciation by her fellow committee members.

Joan: You really missed the boat on this one….

Mrs. Clinton looks elegant and knows her protocol.

That’s all that’s to it……

Dear Joan: It looks like you’ve been taken to the wood shed on this one. I applaud your sticking your neck out, but am pleased that so many women here are voices of opposition. Whether we disagree or approve of another country’s culture, when there, especially in Clinton’s capacity, respect is essential. She will be taken more seriously wearing a scarf while she berates them for their misdemeanors. 

Joan is correct and being appalled at what one must do is often a prerequisite for a Secretary of State.  Mrs. Clinton did not wear the scarf to symbolize fashion, religious faith or solidarity.  She wore the scarf in order that she would not be criticized by both the foreign and domestic press for not wearing it!

When American diplomats are at risk and when American GIs are dying in a foreign land, I too am appalled that we must fall subservient to traditional protocols that gall.  Our troops are dying but heaven forbid that a woman diplomat neglect to wear her little scarf because by showing her hair, she offends the nationals.  What absolute malarkey.

However, this is the world in which we inhabit.  It is to be hoped that American forces are never sent to foreign territory unless absolutely necessary.  And that American female diplomats can withstand the ignorance they face in their counterparts and consent to wear the necessary headgear in order that dialogue may begin.

Joan, it is appalling.