President Obama’s Golf Outing Just Minutes After James Foley And ISIS Speech Evokes Criticism; People React On Twitter
USA's President Barack Obama gave a speech about the beheading of the American journalist, James Foley, by ISIS on Aug. 20. Just a few minutes after the speech, the president headed back to the golf course to play another round of the game. The incident has evoked negative response from the Americans, criticising the head of the state in social media networks.
After addressing the nation on the issue of the execution of young American photojournalist James Foley, President Obama spent four and a half hours at the Farm Neck Golf Course on Martha's Vineyard. According to Telegraph UK, he was accompanied by the former professional basketball player, Alonzo Mourning, and two other friends. It is said the head of the country is currently on a family vacation.
While addressing the issue, President said: "When people harm Americans anywhere, we do what's necessary to see that justice is done and we act against ISIL, standing alongside others" (as reported by the Washington Post).
However, the president has been widely criticized and questioned. Telegraph UK notes that Obama's critics have pointed out at his "beaming pictures taken of him shortly after" the speech about the brutality caused by the ISIS on James Foley and other people. It is noted that these critics have also "questioned whether he could be handling security duties of his position at this sensitive time."
"Obama is more dedicated to golfing than he is to defending the nation," Liz Cheney, daughter of Dick Cheney, the former Republican vice president, said.
President Obama went on vacation at Martha's Vineyard on Aug. 9. His return from the vacation is expected on Aug. 24.
President Obama's decision of retreating to the golf course at sensitive times like this has caused uproar by Americans. Several people sounded of their opinion on the micro blogging website, Twitter. Some of the comments on Twitter read:
What everyone, even liberals, finally seems to be realizing: Obama is addicted to golf. Maybe he needs professional help.
— Ken Gardner (@kesgardner) August 22, 2014
An American gets beheaded and Obama does a 10 minutes press conference dressed unprofessionally and goes to the golf course directly after??
— Ozzy (@AndreasenOz) August 21, 2014
Obama and O.J. Searching for the killers on the golf course.......#oreillyfactor
— blessedboymama (@blessedboymama) August 22, 2014
James Foley was a 35-year-old journalist who has worked for Global Post. He has worked in several life-threatening situations. Previously, he covered the Syrian Civil War and was abducted in northwestern Syria. ISIS posted the video of James Foley's beheading on Aug. 20. He is the first American to be killed by the terrorist organisation.