Political Quotes

“I would answer the Senator by saying that it is remarkably striking that China sought to do what it did in face of the fact it very much wanted to have the conference. That is why I happen to believe that precluding our delegation from attending the conference or even having the conference there, sure, that would be the best of all worlds, but we cannot depend upon that response in the final analysis. We certainly should encourage it and prevail upon other countries. And I do not say that we should take that as a position as well. But I do not think we should then say we are going to attend the conference if we cannot change the site of that conference. I just happen to think it is amazing that China would do this in light of the fact it very much wanted to have the conference. It was very eager to host that conference. And there was a question as to whether or not to even host that conference in Beijing to begin with, let alone before all this developed. But I think it makes a mockery of the very purpose of that conference. That is what I happen to believe. And I feel very strongly about the issues which are on that agenda to empower women throughout the world on a host of issues that I have worked on personally. But I also think we have to stand up and be counted. There is always a reason why we cannot do something--well, it is better for us. This is what China wants. We have heard that before, but it has not stopped China. Has it stopped China? No.…”