Councillors vote to award Barack and Michelle Obama the Freedom Of Dublin
Dublin city councillors have passed a motion for former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, to be awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin. The recognition honours the former POTUS’ “moderating and progressive” influence on the world stage. The former FLOTUS, on the other hand, is recognised for her dedication to education in her campaign works for refugees.
Councillors have cast their votes in favour of giving the honour to the Obama couple. Out of 55 votes, 30 voted to give them the award, 23 voted against it and four councillors abstained.
Lord Mayor Brendan Carr has proposed the nomination last year. He believed that the Obamas were able to establish new possibilities and hope for several communities not only in the United States but around the world.
The couple has also sought to establish a positive relationship between Ireland and the United States. “Honouring them with the highest award we can grant, the Freedom of Dublin City, would reflect our shared vision of a more tolerant world,” Carr said.
However, some councillors were not in favour of the majority’s decision. Representatives from People, a socialist political party, have reportedly walked out of the council after the vote. The said party has shared their sentiments regarding the vote.
In a statement, the party said it believes that awarding of such an honour to the former POTUS is insult to the people of Dublin City. “People Before Profit believes that the awarding of such an honour to a President who presided over growing inequality at home, mass incarceration and deportations and ongoing wars in the Middle East is an insult to the people of Dublin City,” it said.
The Obama administration has increased air wars and the use of special operations forces. The former POTUS specifically championed drone strikes as a bombing technique.
US special operators were found in 70 percent of the world’s nations in 2016. Under the 2001 and 2003 authorisations passed by US Congress, overseas military operations have been legalised for use of the military force.
Freedom of the City award recognises the contribution of certain individuals to the city, important visitors to Dublin or to people who have made significant changes in the world. South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, philanthropist and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela and former President of the United States Bill Clinton are previous international receivers of the award.
