Libya: Obama Speaks, Tweeps Heckle
Posted 24 February 2011This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.
United States President Barack Obama broke his silence on Libya in a speech at the White House on Wednesday, but his words did little to satisfy the listening masses on Twitter who for the most heckled the president in tweets throughout the speech.
Without mentioning Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi by name, Obama condemned the violence unleashed on Libyans since anti-government protests began on the night of February 16 (#Feb17) and offered condolences for those killed.
Obama said that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would soon be meeting with the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and offered the following condemnation:
The suffering and bloodshed is outrageous, and it is unacceptable. So are threats and orders to shoot peaceful protesters and further punish the people of Libya. These actions violate international norms and every standard of common decency. This violence must stop.
The United States also strongly supports the universal rights of the Libyan people. That includes the rights of peaceful assembly, free speech and the ability of the Libyan people to determine their own destiny. These are human rights. They are not negotiable.
On Tuesday, Gaddafi delivered a furious, rambling speech, calling for death to anyone who threatens his rule.
Below, is a selection of tweets made during Obama's speech.
Obama condemns use of Violence n Libya adding "The entire world is watching". Isnt the "watching" piece that got us where we freekin are!
Obama offered nothing to Libya, he is just selling nice words in silly way, and insulted us #Libya #Gaddafi #Obama #SecClinton #Tripoli
Is it a coincidence that Obama waited to condemn the violence in Libya till the UN did so on Tuesday? http://tinyurl.com/4tjxat9
Gaddafi was surely worried about US military intervention--instead, Obama announces a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council #Libya
I am tired to see obama speech he need to take actions in LIBYA RIGHT NOW!
It is a nice thing that Obama has finally involve in the crises in Libya. But we wish he was clearer on his plan of action.
Obama finally comes out with a statement on Libya now that the outcome looks certiain
hey #Obama the world has been watching #Libya for 8 days. #hardlydecisive
@aldamario Lets see what Obama does... Im bettin nothing but a stern look and a tongue lashing.. YOU? #p2 #tcot #ocra #teaparty
Dear Obama, Gaddafi is respecting the rights of Libyans. It's a dictatorship, they have none. That what the protests are about.
so, Obama has no deal with Libya, but Gaddafi says this revolution is all made by "the west" as he described! who is right and who is wrong?
Maybe Obama refusing to mention #Gaddafi was his way of delegitimizing him? I'm still trying to glean something substantial from his speech.
@PhoenixRising4O I'm not after Mr. Obama speech, I wanted free fly-zone in #Libya right away, to make sure #Gaddafi wont bomb his ppl.
Obama procrastinated he is giving Gaddafi more time to massacre Libyans! Cowardly. American administration agile only to support injustice
If Gaddafi's not careful, Obama could write him a very sternly worded letter of rebuke. Framed of course, with an accompanying iPod
Obama talks crap.He has not mentioned the word Gaddafi once.He is buying time, ignoring the reality.His nation supported Gaddafi.A joker.
Obama must show leadership. Should call on Gaddafi to immediately step down. Should work with UN to set up a no-fly zone to protect citizens
But suffering elsewhere is okay. @foxnews: #BreakingNews: Obama Calls Suffering and Bloodshed in Libya 'Outrageous' and 'Unacceptable'This post is part of our special coverage Libya Uprising 2011.
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Libya: Obama Speaks, Tweeps Heckle · Global Voices
