Arkansas hosts former First Lady

"Gay rights are human rights" - Hillary Clinton

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

Entering the stage to Tina Turner’s Simply the Best, Hillary Clinton was in Little Rock in July where she spoke to close friends and supporters at the annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. The former Arkansas and U.S. First Lady was introduced by former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe.

“If the idea of being able to have an education and an opportunity for a good life, regardless of your station in life and where you come from and your background and what color you are or how much money you have…that’s not just a Democratic idea, that’s an American idea,” said Beebe. “If the chance to grab your American dream through hard work, and nothing more than a chance for equal pay, regardless of if you are a woman or a man, black or white rich or poor…that’s not just a Democrat idea, that’s an American idea.”

The former Governor embedded the idea of the American dream in his short speech.

As Governor Beebe introduced the former AR First Lady, Nation’s First Lady and former U.S. Secretary of State, he chided, “When you are elected President, you are not the Democrat President or the Republican President; you are the American President.”

The crowd of more than 2,500 excitedly welcomed the former First Lady.

“Democrats are united, we’re energized and we’re ready to win this election!” said Clinton. “That’s what we need more of in Washington is where people come together despite their differences to get results for people who need some help in their lives.”

Clinton spoke also very seriously about the economy, foreign policy, equal pay, women’s rights and many topics that motivated this group of supporters. And rather than berating any candidate, she simply defended the honor of Senator John McCain and his service to America.

She also took a moment to remember the soldiers killed in Tennessee, specifically David Wyatt who was from Russellville, AR. “This terrible incident breaks our hearts, but it also stiffens our resolve. We will not be intimidated by terrorists.”

Several speakers, former chairs of the Democratic Party, other dignitaries, award winners, and honored guests also attended the gala evening.

None of the speakers of the evening at the Arkansas Democratic event mentioned anything about LGBT rights. However, it’s hard to forget in December, 2011, then Secretary Clinton's historic speech at the United Nations where she said, “Gay rights are human rights.”

Those words enlightened our nation’s LGBT citizens who, at the time were on the heels of celebrating the reversal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

During that speech, Clinton spoke of the 85 countries she worked with to strengthen the human rights of LGBT people. After that, South Africa took the lead on a resolution against violence against LGBT people. That was the first UN resolution recognizing gay people world-wide.

Later in that same speech, Clinton said, “It should never be a crime [anywhere] to be gay.”

Back in Arkansas, Clinton humorously said, "Trickle-down economics has to be one of the worst ideas of the 1980s," Clinton said, calling to mind Regan’s Republican policy. "It is right up there with New Coke, shoulder pads and big hair."

The crowd loved her entire speech – Arkansas loves their former First Lady.

“Don’t think Hillary doesn’t love Arkansas,” said HL Moody, Deputy Communications Director of the Arkansas Democratic Party. “She raised over $450 thousand for the Arkansas Democratic Party tonight. Not a dime from this event went in her pocket.”

The Democratic Party of Arkansas preamble states their fundamental principles as the promotion of individual freedom, equality of opportunity and a healthy and vibrant democracy. For more information, visit www.arkdems.org.

The Gayly – August 4, 2015 @ 4:55pm.