Obama Renews Comittment to Human Rights on 60 Minutes

The tide of American politics is changing. That much is clear.

Barack Obama has inspired Americans to renew their faith in their country and has repeatedly stated that he will act to renew the moral standing of the United States in the world.

“I have said repeatedly that I intend to close Guantanamo, and I will follow through on that. I have said repeatedly that America doesn’t torture. And I’m gonna make sure that we don’t torture. Those are part and parcel of an effort to regain America’s moral stature in the world.”

-President-elect Barack Obama on CBS’s 60 Minutes Sunday, Nov. 16th, 2008

What is unclear is whether or not inspiration and statements will translate into results. As we ride the wave of hope into the next administration, it is crucial that we turn the momentum into concrete action.

Amnesty International is asking that within the first 100 days of his Presidency, Barack Obama:

  • -announce a plan and date to close Guantanamo
  • -issue an executive order to ban tortue
  • -ensure that an independent commission to investigate abuses committed by the U.S. government in its “war on terror” is set up

The same grassroots energy that propeled Barack Obama to victory can now be the driving force behind America’s renewed commitment to human rights. Act now.

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5 thoughts on “Obama Renews Comittment to Human Rights on 60 Minutes

  1. There seems a great hope and new light in the field of globally accpted human Rights,which is also considered by all as a foundation pillars of democracy and civilized society,to be more effectively protected and promoted in the great presidency of Barack Obama.President-elect himself is great and sincere beleiver of universally declared human rights and he has been found tirelessly trying hard for lobbying and advocating the important of protecting the same.There are many voices and cries from different part of the globe against current US policy and adopting modes of oprandi related to human rights standards including issues of Guatanamo prisoner camp.So,by making quick decision of closing the camp and changing the current policy applying to human rights issues,would be great and milestone in enhancing the dignity and good-will of US and its people.

  2. There seems a great hope and new light in the field of globally accpted human Rights,which is also considered by all as a foundation pillars of democracy and civilized society,to be more effectively protected and promoted in the great presidency of Barack Obama.President-elect himself is great and sincere beleiver of universally declared human rights and he has been found tirelessly trying hard for lobbying and advocating the important of protecting the same.There are many voices and cries from different part of the globe against current US policy and adopting modes of oprandi related to human rights standards including issues of Guatanamo prisoner camp.So,by making quick decision of closing the camp and changing the current policy applying to human rights issues,would be great and milestone in enhancing the dignity and good-will of US and its people.

  3. 60 Minutes interview was a spillover of campaign rhetoric

    Once arriving to the real-world and in the hotseat with the actual authority and the actual responsibility of being President of the U.S. and Commander-In-Chief you will see much different Barack Obama

    I don’t think the occupants of GITMO are going anywhere soon

    He made a lot of campaign promises he will not keep

    This is one of many we will be better off that he doesn’t keep

    The attached article from a conservative publication sums-up a more realistic future in my opinion

    http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=313016921951726

  4. Human Rights concepts should be made more aware to people. The enforcement of international human rights law is the responsibility of the Nation State, and it’s the primary responsibility of the State to make human rights a reality.

  5. Human Rights concepts should be made more aware to people. The enforcement of international human rights law is the responsibility of the Nation State, and it’s the primary responsibility of the State to make human rights a reality.

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