In a speech to the Clinton Global Initiative, President Obama griped about countries that do not permit dissent from its citizens.
The President failed to mention how the Internal Revenue System targeted conservative groups. He also failed to mention how the Justice Department has been so highly partisan during the Obama Administration.
Unable to recognize his hypocrisy, Obama criticized other countries for cracking down on free speech.
“But the point is, this started in civil society. That’s what prompted action by President Clinton and by myself. And promoting civil society that can surface issues and push leadership is not just in keeping with our values — it’s not charity. It’s in our national interest.
Countries that respect human rights, including freedom of association happen to be our closest partners. That is not an accident.
Conversely, when these rights are suppressed, it fuels grievances and a sense of injustice that over time can fuel instability or extremism.
So, I believe America’s support for civil society is a matter national security. It is precisely because citizens and civil society can be so powerful, their ability to harness technology and connect and mobilize at this moment [is] so unprecedented, that more and more governments are doing everything in their power to silence them.
From Russia to China to Venezuela, you are seeing relentless crackdowns vilifying legitimate dissent as subversive. In places like Azerbaijan laws make it incredibly difficult for NGOs even to operate. From Hungary to Egypt, endless regulations and overt intimidation increasingly target civil society. And around the world, brave men and women who dare raise their voices are harassed and attacked and even killed.”
H/T: The Right Scoop