Obama Talks Rights in Africa, Ignoring the Ones He took Away in the U.S.

I redid Obama’s speech here with links to freedoms we have lost during his administration, one he is proposing Africans should have:

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Mr Obama has said Africa’s progress is at risk when leaders refuse to step aside when their term is over.

He says that he can’t run again even though he thinks he’s a “pretty good president” (Most of those who voted for him would disagree) .

No-one is above the law, not even the president, he adds (Like Obama).

Mr Obama says when a leader tries to change the rules it risks instability as we’ve seen in Burundi. And this is often a first step down a perilous path. (Like Obama)

He says if it’s true that the leader is the only one who can lead, then that leader has not done his job properly. (Like Obama thinks he is)

“Nobody should be president for life,” he says to cheers.

Mr Obama says Africans deserve the dignity of being in control of their own lives. (Unlike Americans) The freedom of speech and the press, the freedom of assembly – these rights are universal, Mr Obama says (unlike in America) , and he points out they are written into African constitutions (Ignored in America ) .

He praises the Nigerian election.

But at the moment these freedoms are denied to millions (Like In America) and, to loud cheers, he says that democracies are not just about elections.

“So when journalists are put behind bars and activists are threatened (Like In America), then you have democracy in name but not in substance (Like in America).”

He says that Ethiopia will not realize the potential of its people if people are restricted (Like in America).

Mr Obama says that the world should speak out if citizens are denied their rights (Like In America) – even if that is uncomfortable.

It’s not that the US is perfect, he says, when the US falls short we strive to do better.

Those of African descent knows what it feels like to be discriminated against “so how can we standby” when rights are denied (Like Christians in America) ? Mr Obama adds.