Communication Quote by Barack Obama
“Some people only speak of freedom of speech while they're out of power. Once they're in power, they're ruthless in suppressing the rights of others.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Address, Barack Obama, 2015
Freedom of speech is often championed by those without power, but once in authority, they may suppress others’ rights.
In simple terms: Power can corrupt the principle of free expression.
Key Takeaway
Guard against the erosion of speech rights when power shifts.
Themes
freedom
speech
power
corruption
rights
politics
democracy
ethics
Mood
concerned
reflective
urgent
Type
political
ethical
social
When to use this quote
- activism
- journalism
- legislative oversight
- community organizing
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
civil liberties
political behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms protect speech when power changes hands?
- How can societies balance security and liberty?
A Different Perspective
The statement may overlook legitimate security concerns that can limit speech.
![“That is another theme in the book [Dreams from My Father]. How do we exercise more empathy in our public discourse? How do we get the black to see through the eyes of the white? Or the citizen to see through the eyes of the immigrant? Or the straight to see through the eyes of the gay? That has…” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/barack-obama-17_black_that-is-another-theme-in-the-book-dreams_10185.jpg)
