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Talk v reality

Obama has been a considerable disappointment as he, and his Administration, continue many of the Bush Administration worst policies, especially with regard to human rights. In some instances, Obama has even been worse. Go here to see the ACLU's assessment.

And then there is this in relation to Bagram as reported the other day by AlJazeera.

So, is this Obama double-speak when he addressed the UN? - as The Washington Post reports:

"In his own address to the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday, Obama outlined a leading role for the United States in promoting human rights and democracy around the world, laying out a new foreign policy initiative that his advisers said will guide his diplomacy in the years ahead.

Making his second annual speech before the world body, Obama spoke more directly than he has previously about the importance of human rights and democracy in ensuring a stable world economy and global security. His words evoked those of his predecessor, George W. Bush, whose emphasis on promoting democracy once drew Obama's criticism."

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