Should POTUS address the issue of gay rights while traveling abroad?

2015-07-26T07:25:23-04:00

During Obama's visit to Kenya he discussed his policy and views regarding gay rights. Comparing intolerance of gay rights to the institution of slavery prior to the Civil War. Obama was warned to avoid this issue by Kenyan political figures, he did not heed their warning.http://www.aol.com/article/2015/07/25/obama-in-kenya-africa-is-on-the-move/21213939/

In Kenya, Obama blends blunt messages with warm reflections

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jul 26 at 2015 7:45 AM

2015-07-26T07:45:20-04:00

How about the issue of straight rights?

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 26 at 2015 8:48 AM

2015-07-26T08:48:46-04:00

He was asked by the Kenyans not to. He should listen to their wishes. Not all contries are as forward thinks as we are. To make matters worse he dissed the USA on British TV

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 26 at 2015 8:58 AM

2015-07-26T08:58:32-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I'm sure that the POTUS listens to his advisors before he makes comments on his trips to foreign countries, but each POTUS is going to handle it differently. Its amazing how much the press loved Obama when he was first elected and 7 years later they find every little thing they can wrong with him. I think the POTUS job is a thankless one. There are so many opinions in the United States about what a President should and shouldn't do. It's amazing the press doesn't question which we he sleeps on is back, his side, or his stomach. I think we have a problem in this country with our freedom of speech and press. Can a POTUS ever catch a break? I'm not for or against this POTUS, but I don't care what he said to the Kenyan political figures right now. There are other issues that are more important. Not to take away from your discussion CPT Private RallyPoint Member, but aren't we all tired of the constant negative reporting in this country?

Sorry I'm rambling this morning!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 9:06 AM

2015-07-26T09:06:47-04:00

Regardless of the position one holds, I think we always need to be aware of the audience, and who our hosts are. Just like you may act differently from one friend's home to another, based on your relationship with them and the rules of their house (do you take off your shoes or leave them on?), the same courtesies should apply when one is a guest in another nation.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 26 at 2015 10:17 AM

2015-07-26T10:17:47-04:00

This is completely a western media driven agenda.
I think it is appropriate for President Obama to address differences between countries privately. Human rights with gay rights as a subset of these rights.
The public forum seems odd for a first visit, unless you have worked with the government over many years and you are 'forced' to go public.
It is clear to me that President Obama seems more concerned about Western public perception than working with the Kenyan government for improvements in tolerance.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 26 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-07-26T15:16:07-04:00

Is President Obama going to carry the same message to Saudi Arabia and Iran where they execute gay people for engaging in gay sex acts? Come on now, people complain about not getting a cake and gays are getting executed in Saudi Arabia and Iran. Does Kenya execute anyone for engaging homosexual acts? Wait, I can't tell a nation ruled by Islam they are doing wrong.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 31 at 2015 4:12 AM

2015-07-31T04:12:14-04:00

Only if he is specifically asked!