While she was in Ireland and the UK for lectures, Hillary made a surprise stop in Wales where she revisited Swansea University and spent some time at a well-known wedding venue.
Staff at a Gower wedding venue had a surprise last weekend when Secretary Hillary Clinton stayed the night. Mrs Clinton was in Swansea to visit Swansea University School of Law which was renamed after the former US secretary of state and 2016 American presidential candidate last October.
University officials selected the exclusive Fairyhill by Oldwalls to host the world leading politician and former First Lady.
During her stay on Saturday night, Secretary Clinton enjoyed a luxury dinner and lunch on Sunday at Fairyhill where she experienced a taste of Gower.
Staff at Fairyhill with Hilary Clinton (Image: Fairyhill)
Given the news coming out of the Supreme Court this week, I wanted to introduce you to the newest group that Onward Together is partnering with.
Demand Justice organizes progressive activists and voters around protecting our federal courts. In the time since the announcement from Justice Kennedy regarding his plans to retire at the end of July, Demand Justice has motivated thousands of people across the country to make calls and join protests demanding that Senate Democrats promise not to vote to confirm any of Trump’s extreme right-wing likely nominees for Justice Kennedy’s seat on the Supreme Court.
Reproductive rights, voting rights, access to health care -- so many things we hold dear hang in the balance if the Supreme Court swings to the right. Our court system is one of the important tools we have for keeping our country just and fair. Please take a moment today to learn more about how Demand Justice plans to protect it.
Thank you,
Hillary
Onward Together works to build a brighter future for generations to come by supporting groups that encourage people to organize in their communities or run for office. Because you're an important part of Onward Together, we wanted you to get a chance to know these groups a little bit better. To learn more about Onward Together, click here.
The organization: Demand Justice The organizers: Brian Fallon, Executive Director The mission: To protect the federal judiciary and stop Trump from hijacking the courts. The story: In the wake of the 2016 election, veterans of Capitol Hill, the White House, and the Clinton and Obama campaigns came together to tackle the issue of keeping our courts balanced and fair by motivating progressive voters on issues related to the federal judiciary while influencing the Senate on judicial nominees. The latest: After Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement from the Supreme Court, Demand Justice lept into action, launching a movement to demand that Democrats in the Senate oppose anyone on Donald Trump's SCOTUS shortlist. The next step: Head to demandjustice.org to get involved and support Demand Justice.
Romanes Lecture 2018: Every year since 1892 Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor has invited a distinguished figure from the arts, science or literature to deliver a public lecture.
The first was given by William Gladstone, and this term we’re proud to welcome Hillary Rodham Clinton to the stage. Watch the lecture, live from our Sheldonian Theatre >>>>
HomeNewsHillary Clinton delivers Romanes Lecture of hope
Hillary Clinton called for fresh levels of political engagement from new generations as she gave Oxford University’s Romanes Lecture on Monday (25 June).
The former presidential candidate, Secretary of State, Senator and First Lady of the United States gave the latest in the historic series of lectures in Oxford University’s Sheldonian Theatre.
Drawing on her wide experience of public service at the highest level, Mrs Clinton warned of many current dangers including the rise of populism, outside interference in elections and political disengagement. However, she urged young people to re-engage with politics and to find new solutions for the challenges the world faces.
Hillary Clinton describes Putin as a ‘white supremacist’
Speaking at Oxford University's Sheldonian Theatre, the former Democrat candidate condemned the Russian strongman for promoting racism and "fake news"."We are in the midst of a global struggle," Clinton said, "between liberal democracy and a rising tide of illiberalism.
"Vladimir Putin has positioned himself as a leader of an authoritarian, white supremacist and xenophobic movement," she said.
She accused Russia of trying to break up the EU and Nato, destroy the US's traditional alliances, and "undermine democracy wherever they can". Read more >>>>
Former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has described the world as at "a global tipping point" where "even facts and reason are under assault like never before".Giving a public lecture at Trinity College in Dublin, she described it as a moment that will determine whether we embrace "free people, human rights and democracy" or "retreat to closed societies, oppression and authoritarianism".
Speaking to a packed to capacity lecture hall, it was speech directed at millennials, whom she said were "proving to be some of the most effective activists". Read more >>>>
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton gives a public lecture at Trinity College Dublin. Picture: Maxwells
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered an impassioned speech about the merits of democracy during a special visit to Dublin.
She was being recognised with an Honorary Doctorate at Trinity College Dublin and spoke to a crowd at the university's Edmund Burke Theatre, an audience including students, activists and politicians, including former Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald.
The hour long engagement was sprinkled with signature Hillary presentation: discussing the ongoing fight for women's rights, the increasingly powerful influence over the West by Russia with just the right amount of humour.
"A lot has happened since I was last in Ireland. I became a grandmother twice over, which is just about the greatest thing in th world. As you may have heard, I ran for president. The grandparenting went great, but the other part, not so much," she said. Read more >>>>
I could be wrong, but I don't think Donald Trump has met with the Taoiseach. Ireland recently voted to overturn an anti-abortion law. Hillary will be receiving an honorary degree from Trinity College tomorrow.
Hillary Clinton has discussed gender equality affairs with the Taoiseach during a meeting in Dublin.
The former US secretary of state and presidential candidate is in the city ahead of being conferred with an honorary degree by Trinity College on Friday.ity College tomorrow
On Thursday she met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Government Buildings.
The informal discussion came on the same day European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier also held talks with Mr Varadkar in his Dublin offices. Read more >>>>
What’s happening to families at the border right now is horrific: Nursing infants ripped away from their mothers. Parents told their toddlers are being taken to bathe or play, only to realize hours later that they aren’t coming back. Children incarcerated in warehouses and, according to more than one account, kept in cages. This is a moral and humanitarian crisis. Everyone of us who has ever held a child in their arms, and every human being with a sense of compassion and decency should be outraged.
Even as I warned this could happen on the campaign trail -- that Trump’s immigration policies would result in families being separated, parents being sent away from their children, people rounded up on trains and buses -- I hoped it would never come to be. But now, as we watch with broken hearts, that’s exactly what’s happening.
We can be heartbroken, but we shouldn’t be hopeless. There’s something you can do to help. Today, I’m asking you to take a stand on behalf of immigrant families by making a direct donation to the groups working to protect kids separated from their families by ICE.
The test of any nation is how we treat the most vulnerable among us. First Lady Laura Bush made that case eloquently in the Washington Post this weekend, writing: “This zero-tolerance policy is cruel. It is immoral. And it breaks my heart.” She’s absolutely right. We should be a better country than one that tears families apart, turns a blind eye to women fleeing domestic violence, and treats frightened children as a means to a political end.
Meanwhile, Jeff Sessions is trying to use the Bible to justify this cruelty. Let me say this: I went to a lot of years of Sunday school and even taught it from time to time, and what is being done using the name of religion is contrary to everything I was ever taught.
I still believe in the vision we share for our country, and I won’t let scared children become victims of partisan politics. Alongside the organizations that Onward Together partners with, we can and will elect politicians and enact legislation to protect the most vulnerable among us -- but first, we have to address the urgent needs of families at the center of this crisis. Make a contribution today, and your donation will go directly to the groups doing this work right now: Donate now
Thank you,
Hillary
Hillary is doing a great job of using Twitter to let us know how she is thinking about current events.
What’s happening to families at the border right now is a humanitarian crisis. Every parent who has ever held a child in their arms, every human being with a sense of compassion and decency, should be outraged.
Despite what this White House claims, separating families is not mandated by law. That is an outright lie, and it’s incumbent on all of us – journalists and citizens alike – to call it just that.
Those who selectively use the Bible to justify this cruelty are ignoring a central tenet of Christianity. Jesus said "Suffer the little children unto me." He did not say “let the children suffer.”
We should be a better country than one that tears families apart, turns a blind eye to women fleeing domestic violence, and treats frightened children as a means to a political end.
I still believe in the vision we share for our country. We will elect politicians and enact legislation to protect the most vulnerable among us – but first, we have to address the urgent needs of families at the center of this crisis. Give today. Please. https://t.co/VEAP7b5qNo
While the president has falsely claimed that he has no choice on breaking up families because of a law passed by Democrats, Bush laid the blame squarely on the president's policies — namely, the Department of Justice’s "zero tolerance" policy with which it began.
On Friday, Department of Homeland Security officials told reporters that 1,995 children had been separated from their parents over a six-week period, from April 19 to May 31. Read more >>>>
Hillary Clinton on Monday slammed President Trump over his administration’s immigration policies and said he is lying about one that has resulted in the separations of migrant families.
“This is not happening because of the ‘Democrats’ law,’ as the White House has claimed,” she said during remarks in New York.
“Separating families is not mandated by law at all. That is an outright lie," she added. "It’s incumbent on all of us, journalists and citizens alike, to call it just that.”
Named for the Women’s Forum founder Elinor Guggenheimer, the Elly Awards honor outstanding women leaders. Hillary was among those honored today at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Congratulations, Mme. Secretary! Well-deserved!
Former First Lady of the United States Hillary Clinton speaks onstage during the 8th Annual Elly Awards hosted by the Women's Forum of New York at The Plaza Hotel on June 18, 2018 in New York City. (June 17, 2018 - Source: Mike Coppola/Getty Images North America
(L-R) Linda A. Willett, Kay Unge, Donna Shalala, Joyce F. Brown, Paula Zahn, Deirdre Quinn, Hillary Clinton, Sheila Johnson and Ilene Wachs attend the 8th Annual Elly Awards hosted by the Women's Forum of New York at The Plaza Hotel on June 18, 2018 in New York City. (June 17, 2018 - Source: Cindy Ord/Getty Images North America) Former First Lady of the United States Hillary Clinton speaks onstage during the 8th Annual Elly Awards hosted by the Women's Forum of New York at The Plaza Hotel on June 18, 2018 in New York City. (June 17, 2018 - Source: Mike Coppola/Getty Images North America)
(L-R) Linda A. Willett, Hillary Clinton and Donna Shalala attend the 8th Annual Elly Awards hosted by the Women's Forum of New York at The Plaza Hotel on June 18, 2018 in New York City. (June 17, 2018 - Source: Cindy Ord/Getty Images North America)
(FR) Sheila Johnson , Linda A. Willett, Hillary Clinton, Donna Shalala, (BR) Deirdre Quinn, Paula Zahn, Kay Unger, Joyce F. Brown and Rita Crotty attend the 8th Annual Elly Awards hosted by the Women's Forum of New York at The Plaza Hotel on June 18, 2018 in New York City. (June 17, 2018 - Source: Mike Coppola/Getty Images North America)
Pictured: a two-year-old Honduran asylum seeker about to be taken from her mother and placed in a facility where the staff (according to an interview) "is not allowed to comfort her." (Long again. *Sigh.* Please read it anyway.)
We are now essentially torturing parents who legally seek asylum in the United States (and their children), by taking away their minor children, caging those children, and telling the parents they may never be reunited--all to "deter" them (and those like them) from exercising their legal rights under U.S. law. This new Trump "zero tolerance policy" (announced and implemented April 6, 2018 by Jeff Sessions) is evil and not based on our laws.
As some of you know, I used to be a lawyer, and in the 1980s I used to do pro bono political asylum work for Salvadorans fleeing death squads. U.S. law allows you to claim political asylum here if you have a "well-founded fear of persecution" in your home country that fits within specified categories. You can either present yourself at a point of entry and claim asylum (risky--you aren't afforded a lawyer and most asylum claims are turned down) or you can claim asylum as a defense to deportation.
Now on our southern border, the U.S. is (contrary to law) refusing to admit those legally claiming asylum (Chis Hayes/Beto O'Rourke interview, in comments.) They are forcing immigrants to cross into the U.S. illegally, and then arresting them and (even if they have a defense to being deported because of a potentially valid asylum claim) taking their children to be housed in a concentration camp--an abandoned Wal-Mart filled with cages or a new tent camp in 100 degree Texas heat on a military base. This is being done, per Jeff Sessions and Mitch McConnell, to "deter" them from seeking asylum--that is, as a punishment to them, to deter others from doing the same thing. Even though that thing (claiming asylum) is completely legal under U.S. law.
Accounts from Congressional Representatives and pro-bono attorneys reveal that parents are told that their children are being taken away "to get a bath" and then the children are not returned. When asked how they'll be reunited, parents are being told "your families do not exist anymore." Parents have been deported and they don't know where their children are. Because there are at least four federal bureaucracies involved (CBP, DHS, ICE, ORR in addition to private prison corporations and the DOJ) and there was no planning for implementing the policy none of attorneys representing them, the Customs and Border Patrol, nor U.S. Congressional Representatives can get confirmation that the children are even being kept track of by family.
Not surprisingly, one man, after learning that his child had been taken away, recently killed himself.
Jeff Sessions announced the new policy on April 6, 2018 (link in comments) but Trump now (1) claims, inaccurately, that it's "the Democrats'" prior law (a complete lie) and (2) tweeted today that he won't change the new policy unless Congress agrees to fund the wall and end political asylum and end "catch-and-release." (That is, we must make the current policy permanent and worse.)
Today, DHS revealed that almost 2,000 children have been taken from their parents in the last 6 weeks under the new policy. (Washington Post link.) Children are housed in cages on concrete floors. Many of the children don't have access to anyone who speaks their language. The staff has no training to deal with the children's trauma, and a whistle-blower recently explained that both the staff and the children are traumatized, while the CEO of the private prison company has been paid $1 million. (Chris Hayes, after the O'Rourke interview, in comments.)
Today, three medical organizations announced their unanimous denunciation of this new policy because separating young children from their parents and incarcerating them is permanently traumatic. (Link in comments)
So here we are, friends. This is a violation of the Fifth Amendment guaranty of due process of law. It's a violation of the Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. It is a violation of international law. I would hope that any of those who continue to assist the implementation of this new policy are shunned by their congregations of faith until that changes. (Catholic bishops have already discussed assessing Canonical penalties to ICE agents ranging from refusing the sacrament of communion to excommunication.) I would hope that our courts ultimately order them to cease and desist, and if they fail to do so, that they are jailed for contempt of court. I hope they are ultimately prosecuted as international war criminals and they can never travel outside the U.S. In the meantime, every single one of them has violated his or her oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution, and they deserve our horror and our contempt.
I've spent today in a funk, knowing that I needed to write this, and hating that fact. I have, despite every horrible thing up until the last nineteen months, been proud to be an American, choosing to concentrate on our lofty aspirations (equal protection, freedom of speech) rather than our tragic failings (slavery, segregation, white supremacy, McCarthyism.)
But this is simply unmitigated evil. And refusal to face it or to acknowledge it or to own it, is cowardice and a deliberate choice to enable evil. (Yes, friends, this _is_ America, today. This is exactly who we are, until we change it.)
We are terrorizing families. We are traumatizing children. We are violating our principles and our laws to further a racist ideology of our misguided rulers. We are doing evil. We need to do everything in our power to stop that. Now.
There is no law requiring separation of children from their parents. That is a lie to mask a tactic instituted by the Trump regime. This is a dangerous practice and wrong. Speak out! This country is on a very slippery slope.
Debra Messing
This little boy, who has been taken from his parents, has been assigned a number. #47 on his chest and arm. Like the Holocaust. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Keep Families Together Act S-3036 has the support of All Democrats EXCEPT Claire McCaskill (D-MO) 202-224-6154; Joe Donnelly (D-IN) 202-224-4814; Joe Tester (D-MT )202-224-2644; Doug Jones (D-AL)202-224-4124; Heidi Heitkamp (D-NV) 202-224-2043; Joe Marchon (D-WV) 202-224-3954. At this point, NOT ONE Republican has signed on to this bill that would prohibit children from being separated from their parents. PLEASE CALL your members of Congress. 202-224-3121. Look at this image. It should send chills up your spine. We must not let history repeat itself. We must speak loud and clear. #Wherearethechildren
The practice of separating families is malevolent. Putting children in detention centers is criminal and abusive. There is no reasonable defense whatsoever for this. It is a human rights violation. It is an abomination.
Having visited the Giffords Law Center Thursday night, Hillary shared a link to a video made by students from Parkland, Chicago, and all across the nation.
Last night I met Ke’Shon, Liv & Kayla. Their stories about the impact of gun violence in this film by @GiffordsCourage are heart-wrenching. I'm so proud of them for showing the strength we need to fight for a safer future. Watch it and join them here: https://t.co/fdTtBUn5UL
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived at San Francisco's Hamlin School today for a very hush, hush appearance. She spoke at the private school's 8th grade graduation ceremony.
The school did not put out a press release about the appearance and denied all week that she was coming. But it was obvious this morning that something big was happening at Broadway and Buchanan because of the security officers and Secret Service agents stationed around the school.
Around 9:45 a.m. agents stopped all cars and foot traffic for the block and then Clinton and her entourage arrived.
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https://twitter.com/DionLimTV/status/1007691187380031488 Read more and see video >>>>
The cheers and applause from the audience who gathered behind The Hamlin School's gates in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood could be heard all the way down Broadway on Friday morning.https://t.co/m8hVUYBAmm
Published at 10:50 PM PDT on Jun 14, 2018 | Updated at 11:28 PM PDT on Jun 14, 2018
Hillary Clinton received a standing ovation during her appearance at a gun violence prevention even in San Francisco on Thursday night.
The former U.S. Secretary of State under President Barack Obama spoke at the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence 25th anniversary dinner, where former Rep. Gabby Giffords awarded Clinton the Courageous Leadership Award for her ongoing efforts to strengthen common sense gun laws.
Clinton said her gun safety position made her a target of the gun lobby during her campaign for president.
Speaking to an audience of gun control advocates in San Francisco, Hillary Clinton said Thursday that this year’s voting for members of Congress should “finally be the election that turns the tide against the gun lobby.”
“The vast majority of Americans are on our side,” the former secretary of state and Democratic presidential candidate said at a Hyatt Regency dinner gathering of the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, which presented her with its Courageous Leadership Award. “So we are winning the debate. But now we’ve got to get everyone to vote on this issue.”
Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle
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Hillary Clinton speaks at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco.
“It will not be easy,” she said, recalling the National Rifle Association’s multimillion-dollar participation in the 2016 presidential campaign.
President Trump, Clinton said, “did everything he could to ingratiate himself with the gun lobby, and is now doing everything he can to gut existing laws.” She cited his approval of legislation last year that allowed some mentally disabled people to buy guns and his removal of the names of 500,000 fugitives from the federal background check system. Read more >>>>
WASHINGTON ― The Justice Department’s internal watchdog just served up a hefty dose of reality to President Donald Trump and his allies.
On Thursday afternoon, Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz released a report 17 months in the making on the FBI’s handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation during the 2016 election.
Amid the unfolding special counsel investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election, Trump and his supporters have been waging war against the FBI and Justice Department. The new report is sure to give them fresh material.
But one takeaway from the document stands out: Despite Republican suggestions that anti-Trump forces within the FBI worked against Trump, the bureau’s public actions during the campaign hurt Clinton and helped Trump.
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Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of this blog. It began on a tearful note in 2008 with this post. We have been through a lot of ups and downs since then, but, no matter what, as long as Hillary keeps going so do we!
Dear _______,
I wanted you to be one of the first to know: on Saturday, I will hold an event in Washington D.C. to thank everyone who has supported my campaign. Over the course of the last 16 months, I have been privileged and touched to witness the incredible dedication and sacrifice of so many people working for our campaign. Every minute you put into helping us win, every dollar you gave to keep up the fight meant more to me than I can ever possibly tell you.
On Saturday, I will extend my congratulations to Senator Obama and my support for his candidacy. This has been a long and hard-fought campaign, but as I have always said, my differences with Senator Obama are small compared to the differences we have with Senator McCain and the Republicans.
I have said throughout the campaign that I would strongly support Senator Obama if he were the Democratic Party’s nominee, and I intend to deliver on that promise.
When I decided to run for president, I knew exactly why I was getting into this race: to work hard every day for the millions of Americans who need a voice in the White House.
I made you — and everyone who supported me — a promise: to stand up for our shared values and to never back down. I’m going to keep that promise today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.
I will be speaking on Saturday about how together we can rally the party behind Senator Obama. The stakes are too high and the task before us too important to do otherwise.
I know as I continue my lifelong work for a stronger America and a better world, I will turn to you for the support, the strength, and the commitment that you have shown me in the past 16 months. And I will always keep faith with the issues and causes that are important to you.
In the past few days, you have shown that support once again with hundreds of thousands of messages to the campaign, and again, I am touched by your thoughtfulness and kindness.
I can never possibly express my gratitude, so let me say simply, thank you.
Sincerely,
Hillary Rodham Clinton
David Banks is president of the Eagle Academy Foundation, which operates schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Harlem and Newark, N.J. (Richard Harbus for New York Daily News)
Brenton James, a young New Yorker, received his bachelor’s degree in economics, philosophy and politics from the University of Pennsylvania earlier this month. Like his fellow graduates, Brenton applied his keen intellect and studied hard to earn his diploma.
But unlike most of his U Penn classmates, Brenton’s early indicators hadn’t pointed to an Ivy League education. An African-American raised by a proud, single mom in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, Brenton faced the fears, challenges and low expectations that young men of color commonly confront.
We know that children need love from their parents, the support of their teachers and nurturing from a community that believes in them. But the challenges faced by young men of color require a special level of response. All too often, black boys grow up without their fathers, leaving a void that impacts their transition to manhood. They are left to face a hostile society, frequently feared, even in their classrooms as little boys where they are suspended three times more often than their classmates. As they get older, they have to wonder, “Can I meet a friend at Starbucks and avoid arrest? Can I rent an Airbnb apartment without the neighbors reporting that it’s being robbed?” Read more>>>>
Hillary tweeted vigorously on Friday, the National Day of Action. In case you missed it, here is what she said.
Too many American children will never have the opportunity to realize their dreams because their lives were cut short by a bullet. Our kids deserve to live free from the threat of gun violence. #WearOrange@Everytown@MomsDemandpic.twitter.com/SjacOKPgVv
Like so many others, I am horrified and heartbroken by what is happening to immigrant kids and families because of this administration’s disastrous policies.
We now know that more than 700 kids were separated from their parents between October 2017 and April 2018. As a mother and a grandmother, it’s devastating to even imagine.
Not only that - this administration built on their "zero tolerance" policy earlier this month. The result? Nearly 700 more kids were separated from their families in the first two weeks of the new program. Think about that. Hundreds of families torn apart in two weeks.
He said that “In the immigration context, the government has never taken a stand against the protection of kids in this country. For the first time, it is now formally taking a position that explicitly goes against the best interests of kids.”
It is now the official policy of the US government - a nation of immigrants - to separate children from their families. That is an absolute disgrace. #FamiliesBelongTogether.
There is no more important test of our country than the way we treat the most vulnerable among us, especially children. We cannot turn away from what’s happening on our watch - we have to act.
