President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to encourage his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.Nobel observers were shocked by the unexpected choice so early in the Obama presidency, which began less than two weeks before the Feb. 1 nomination deadline.
Wow! This is so much cooler than getting the Olympics to come to Chicago.
Could you even imagine John McCain having been awarded this prize? No freaking way. Especially with Caribou Barbie standing behind him and scaring the hell out of the Norwegian
Nobel committee.
Well now Obama needs to make sure he continues to work toward world peace and really earn this amazing honor. Perhaps ending a couple of our own wars would be a good start.
I am just saying.
Update: Apparently the Republicans are losing their shit over this announcement. Which has inspired the DNC to compare them to the terrorists.
"The Republican Party has thrown in its lot with the terrorists -- the Taliban and Hamas this morning -- in criticizing the President for receiving the Nobel Peace prize," wrote DNC Communications Director Brad Woodhouse. "Republicans cheered when America failed to land the Olympics and now they are criticizing the President of the United States for receiving the Nobel Peace prize -- an award he did not seek but that is nonetheless an honor in which every American can take great pride -- unless of course you are the Republican Party. The 2009 version of the Republican Party has no boundaries, has no shame and has proved that they will put politics above patriotism at every turn. It's no wonder only 20 percent of Americans admit to being Republicans anymore - it's an embarrassing label to claim."
Wow! You know usually I resist this kind of hyperbole but you have to admit with the calls to overthrow this government, the constant comparison of Obama to Hitler, and the disruptions of the Health Care town halls this is could be considered late in coming.
Update2: Here is President Obama giving a press conference about his big win.Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
I'm not critical of Obama's efforts so far and I'm happy that Obama's intentions are being recognised but I would have preferred for the committee to have awarded the Peace Prize to him next year. Doing so would give him more time to fullfill those hopes that he has given people.
ReplyDeleteIt seems as if this time the committee has given the award more in the spirit of wishful thinking.....I'm not convinced that that is a good thing.
Hey Gryphen,
ReplyDeleteI am with you. My hope is that this award will motivate President Obama even more to fight for the change he promised. I think this came at the right time. Just like I said before and I will repeat it, perception is extremely important to the success of Obama's presidency. This is why it is important that he must initially try for bi-partisanship before pushing an agenda. This approach will change soon but I am one that understands and appreciates this strategy. I've been there and done that in Corporate America.
As supporters we need to understand that he faces challenges that very few leaders in the free world have faced. And because of these huge challenges, we cannot lose hope an expect change to happen overnight. Nobody is saying that we shouldn't hold him accountable but damn! have some faith in what the man is trying to do. It appears that the Nobel Peace Prize committee does.
I wonder what kind of negative spin the right wing freaks will put on this one. I can imagine comedian Rush Limbaugh will say that it confirms that Obama is a wimp. All people who want a peaceful co-existence and who are willing to compromise are wimps, according to obese Rush.
ReplyDeleteI share the opinion that this prize has been awarded as an incentive to move forward rather than for deeds performed.
ReplyDeleteKathleen, I think they are indeed acknowledging what he has done already: His diplomatic approach has changed the political climate. And if he has so far achieved less than some who voted for him might have hoped, it is mainly because he is pursuing these goals against incredibly strong and often mindless resistance.
ReplyDeleteAnd when that moron, Joe Scab-borough came on the air this morning, he immediately started chortling
ReplyDeleteand carrying on mockingly about him being awarded the prize.
The Republican's immediate disdain for anything Obama is unmistakable and systemic amongst them all.
I understand the skepticism and surprise on Obama having been named, given the broader circumstances, but Geez, how about for a minute these people just back the f--k up and take pride in the fact that we, the United States, our country, Red and Blue alike, actually have an intelligent, farsighted, and internationally respected man leading our country. Is that too much to ask? I am just so damned tired of their going on and on about ridiculous charges, that thwart on every front possible, the chances of making any progress on a multitude of problems.
I think the Nobel committee would have given the award to almost anyone, just for the fact that they weren't GWB. That having been said, the obvious difference in content and tone regarding the World view of Barack over George, makes the selection even more of a no-brainer.
I can't wait to hear what Obama has to say in the Rose Garden,in about 20 minutes.
I voted and fully support President Obama. But to give him the Nobel Peace Prize? I mean...come on. For what? For beginning to fulfill the promises he made during his campaign? That's called doing his job and keeping his word. Awarding him the Prize was nothing more than Leftist European leaders thanking him for being on their side and encouraging him to keep up the good/liberal work.
ReplyDeleteI support Obama. I voted for him and volunteered on his campaign. But c'mon. The Nobel Peace Prize isn't something that should be awarded on spec. It's something that should be awarded for an actual achievement. Envisioning or wishing for a better world does not make it so.
ReplyDeleteEven Obama's aides had the good grace to act slightly embarrassed at this honor. The right wing is going to justifiably have a field day with this and since the world/national well-being is not what the Right really wants this will only give them more motivation to scuttle Obama's peacemaking efforts.
What? Sarah Palin wasn't awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Gryphen; this beats the hell out of the 2016 Olympics in Chicago. It also deflates the asshats on the right who crowed that Obama lost international and domestic prestige because of the loss of the Olympics. Will they now concede that he has a huge advantage internationally and domestically because he won the Nobel Peace Prize? Somehow I doubt it. It will be entertaining to watch them come unglued over this award. How will Beck, Porcine Prince Limbaugh, and O'Reilly respond?
I think Obama's win is a tangible measure of just how much the rest of the planet hated and feared the presidency of Cheney/Bush. Few Americans were aware of just how much the rest of the world loathed Bush and Cheney. Non Americans were not in the least relieved when the Republicans elevated Sarah Palin, one of the few political figures arguably more imbecilic than Bush, to be their nominee for vice president. My Canadian mother in law was visiting during the last election and watched the VP debate. She could not believe how stupid Palin was and found it hard to fathom how such a moron could be in a position to potentially become leader of the U.S. To have sanity restored to the White House is a huge relief to VAST majority of the world's citizens.
When President Obama was elected, the world let out a huge sigh of relief and Obama's words have certainly turned down heat in the Muslim world. I agree that his accomplishments may not stack up in comparisons with many previous winners of the award. However, his conciliatory words and calm demeanor have been a welcome change on the world stage. Obama's abandonment of the hyperbole and affected machismo of the Bush administration mark a profound change. To have a president who is seen as a legitimate diplomat, rather than the bullying idiot cowboy we had, in and of itself is a huge step toward putting the U.S. in a position of once again commanding the respect of the world.
Ashley, you are nuts if you think Obama is liberal. I am liberal and I haven't seen Obama at any of our meetings. At best, he is left of center, but he is no liberal. Name any truly progressive or liberal thing that he has done. If he were truly liberal, he would have been pushing hard for a single payer healthcare system. He has been giving tepid, very tepid, support for the blandest of public options. That hardly qualifies him as being liberal. That is but one example. There are many others.
Did he win this for the beer summit?
ReplyDeleteThis IS better than the Olympics. It must have stopped the rethugs in their tracks! I would have loved to see his worst critics faces when they found out. HaHa!
ReplyDelete"Could you even imagine John McCain having been awarded this prize? No freaking way. Especially with Caribou Barbie standing behind him and scaring the hell out of the Norwegian
Nobel committee."
McCain/Palin wouldn't have EVER been considered for the Nobel. If they had managed to steal the election (not for lack of trying to), we would most likely be well into WWIII by now. It's terrifying just to think about it. Could you even imagine how they would have reacted to the news about Iran's nuclear capabilities? Their are so many warhawks writing on their neo-con rethug blogs about how we should bomb Iran. Or Israel should and we should back them. Even Bush said no to that.
To all of you who state that President Obama should have not received the Nobel Peace Prize, who do you think should have received it? Please do give me names and accomplishments - I am waiting.
ReplyDeleteAnd please, the Right is already motivated to discredit our President. Him winning the Nobel Peace Prize will increase nor decrease their motivation to obstruct the agenda of his presidency.
Also, have anyone read the RNC statement regarding Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize and the DNC reply to that statement. Just like some of you above, the RNC didn't even have the decency to congratualate him before talking about how he didn't deserve it.
Wow, people, I really do wonder if our President is even safe with his 'so called' own.
Watching our President now and he just stated that he will accept the award as a call to action. Thanks, Mr. President.
To all the trolls posting on this board, your ignorance is as blatant as ever. THE WORLD DID NOT LIKE AMERICA UNDER BUSH AND CHENEY. WE HAVE A PRESIDENT WHO IS WORKING TOWARDS PEACE. ANY EFFORTS FOR THAT WOULD BE RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONALLY.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Mr. President and thank you, from this American, for working against incredible resistance for trying to do the right thing!
I am proud for America and proud for you!
I think the Nobel Peace Committee is making a statement to the world. I too agree that the whole world seemed to be lifted up with the election of President Obama. This is a test for the American Press and the American people as a whole. What happened to respect and civility? Apparently the Committee has issued a statement that they don't want this questioned; it was unanimous; so how it is reported and handled in this country by the Press and the people will or can again show the world who we are. I hope the Press passes this test.
ReplyDeleteI voted for Obama. And I also think this is a bit premature. But I understand the thinking behind the committee's decision. This will motivate him even stronger to try to fulfill the promise of peace.
ReplyDeleteIt will also provide his detractors with more fodder for criticism. (And make them look all the more petty.)
Has a SITTING president ever received the Nobel Peace Prize?
Naked Truth, even Obama seemed uncomfortable with this award. I think he realizes that the Nobel Peace Prize is something that is given for those who have achieved peace. It is not a Nobel Good Intentions Prize.
ReplyDeleteI think he struck the right tone, too. But he made it clear he didn't think he deserved the award. Neither do I.
He has great potential, but you award this sort of things based on results.
That's all I think those of us who've expressed concern are saying. It's not a criticism of Obama, it's criticism of this award process.
@Gasman - I mean "liberal" in the way its thrown around in our political discussions these days, the same way we throw around the word "conservative" to describe fiscally reckless republicans. I know that to be truly "liberal" is a whole different story to many people in Europe and say...Vermont. I'm plenty aware of all of the distinctions and nuances that go into words like liberal, conservative, etc.
ReplyDeleteI love though how people always say "if so-and-so were a REAL liberal..." as if they are the ultimate decider of what a true liberal is or is not. Just because Obama is not pushing for a single payer health care option doesn't mean he doesn't want that or think that is what is best for this country. But he has to ask if such a proposal is politically viable. Unfortunately, it isn't because a lot of people do not want that or aren't sure or don't care, etc. Therefore, he has to do what is most feasible - enter the public option.
Its just like how Lincoln, personally, hated slavery. But the rest of the nation did not. Therefore he had to strike a balance and argue for the containment of slavery to states that already had it. He ultimately got what he personally wanted (to stamp out slavery), but it cost him his life, not to mention the lives of thousands of others.
We liberals have to remember that a whole bunch of other people in this country are not liberals. Sad, but true. And its totally within those peoples' rights. But just because we are the majority (for the time, at least) doesn't mean we get to barrel through our liberal agendas even if we think they are for the best of the nation. Because the other side thinks the same of their ideas and so they deserve the chance to use their minority rights (enshrined by the Constitution) to check the majority's power. It is this tension, this back and forth tug war that has shaped our history and policies. America is, and will most likely always be, a moderate country.
Obama gets this. Its frustrating, yes. But this is how it is. Don't hate the player. Hate the game. :)
I LOVE the DNC response:
ReplyDeleteThe Republican Party has thrown in its lot with the terrorists — the Taliban and Hamas this morning — in criticizing the President for receiving the Nobel Peace prize. Republicans cheered when America failed to land the Olympics and now they are criticizing the President of the United States for receiving the Nobel Peace prize — an award he did not seek but that is nonetheless an honor in which every American can take great pride — unless of course you are the Republican Party. The 2009 version of the Republican Party has no boundaries, has no shame and has proved that they will put politics above patriotism at every turn. It’s no wonder only 20 percent of Americans admit to being Republicans anymore – it’s an embarrassing label to claim.
NakedTruth, I agree. I am so tired of the attacks on our President, and some even coming from members of his own party. Well, I am a Republican, just not one of the crazy ones. I not only support our President, but understand that he can't change anything overnight. I think the Nobel Committee is recognizing that he is doing the right things.
ReplyDeleteI would hope that all thinking people will be grateful that we have him instead of the nightmare we would have with McCain\Palin.
I resent anyone who undermines President Obama and his efforts to change what we saw for the past eight years. To expect a change in eight months after eight years of failed policy is unrealistic.
Sue in Kansas
Pre President Obama- the right tries to make him look like a terrorist because he went to madrassa (Means school in english) and has crowds calling for his death(Because of Palin) until Mccain calms them down and says that Obama is a decent man.
ReplyDeleteNow as president they attack him for lame things like putting mustard on a hamburger (WTF???) Cheering like nuts that OBAMA did not get the games here......and boo that he wins the award???...what kind of nuts have the right turned into????
Naked Truth, I'll give you someone who really deserves this award.
ReplyDeleteGeoffrey Canada.
You've probably never heard of him, but he is cited as one of the best leaders of our time and is leading what the NYTimes calls "one of the most ambitious social experiments of our time." He is the President and Chief Executive Officer for Harlem Children's Zone. This organization helps nearly 10,000 kids a year in inner city NYC by providing them combined "educational, social and medical services. It starts at birth and follows children to college. It meshes those services into an interlocking web, and then it drops that web over an entire neighborhood....The objective is to create a safety net woven so tightly that children in the neighborhood just can't slip through." (from hcz.org)
Canada is also the East Coast Regional Coordinator for the Black Community Crusade for Children. The Crusade is a nationwide effort to make saving black children the top priority in the black community.
He is my hero.
Congratulations, Mr. President!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with NakedTruth. The President has always said that the world is watching and watching they are. It's like he is all alone trying to get things done. He's has been discussing world peace before he ran for President. Everything he does is always shot down.
Again, congratulations, Mr. President.
Congratulations President Obama! I don't think this is a premature award. Thank goodness the Nobel committee sees and understands what our President is trying to do, unlike the wingnut haters in this country. To give the world renewed hope for peace is outstanding. Let's join together in helping our President.
ReplyDeletePlease go vote on MSNBC and show your support.
jamiedb comment on Huff Post was right on. Here is what he/she said:
ReplyDelete"Of course if George W Bush had gotten The Nobel Prize the GOP would have been very happy and would have thought well deserved. Yes the prize WAS political and perhaps premature but it was NOT a joke. It was a statement from the outside world of their dislike of GOP politics and it was fundamentally a PRO AMERICAN statement (I know this is too hard for Republicans to take). For that I am grateful because the US Media is too scared to stand up to the crazy GOP fringe that is doing everything they can to discredit Obama with too much success in my view. Thank you Oslo! Now Obama keep working and stop compromising with the extreme Right wing of the GOP – they will never help you. To me they are extremely anti American, as they seem to always prefer to ally themselves with the world’s anti-American forces than support their own President."
Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/09/obamas-nobel-prize-inspir_n_315167.html
Whatever President Obama does there are always complaints. He is not perfect and never will be. He did not seek this award but yet he was awarded it. There must be a reason for it. Some of you people should do some research to find out why he was awarded this prize before complaining about it.
ReplyDeleteI am disgusted with some of the responses here.
Hopefully this will be the one shock to the small brains that think he is a terrorist to know that the world thinks he's a pretty honorable fellow. There is no way they can believe that bs now.
ReplyDeleteGee, maybe he isn't as bad as Jim Bob says he is. Maybe Rush and Sean are wrong if the world seems to like him a lot. How bad can he be?? I hope they start understanding the bs that has been rammed down their throats. Obama isn't what they say he is.
He actually has done a lot more than people give him credit for. He is bringing the people of the world together, talking with each other again, negotiations, talks. There is so much more going on than people see.
Things at home that he is trying to get done, if it weren't for the party of no and the blue dogs, could get so much accomplished here as well.
It is a true honor.
The Nobel Peace Prize is an award presented to either an individual or an organization in accordance with Alfred Nobel’s living will. Alfred Nobel, creator of the five Nobel Prizes, was a Swedish inventor and industrialist. He disposed the Nobel Peace Prize in his will to be awarded to “the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." The Nobel Peace Prize differs from the Nobel Prizes in literature, physics, chemistry, and medicine or physiology in that it may be presented not only to individuals, but also to organizations that are actively engaged in a process or effort that intends to promote world peace. The prize can be awarded for current efforts, rather than for having accomplished a goal or resolved an issue.
ReplyDelete-------------------------
Please read the last sentence several times so that you get an understanding of what this prize means.
Some of you disgust me with your responses before looking up the definition.
Wow-what a smackdown by the DNC-it is about dang time! Looks like the gloves are coming off and the Democrats are ready to finally stand up for themselves. I really don't advocate political fighting, and bipartisanship is of course, the desired method of achieving our goals, but this Republican party is simply so far gone, and so bent on disagreeing with any Democratic idea, any agenda the President puts forth,that they need to be just steam rolled and verbally "put in their place" -HA HA
ReplyDeleteEnough with being the party who tries to accomplish things together. We elected Democrats for a reason-Let's push forward with our agenda and leave the unpatriotic ridiculous 20% behind.
-Ayerishgrl
NakedTruth, I'm right there with you. It seems like some of the commenters, here and elsewhere, have not read the Nobel committees reason for awarding the prize. The Nobel is awarded to Visionaries and those who take action and have made progress in making the World a better (and safer) place for all of us. And as Gryphen astutely points out, the rest of the world is already noticing the change.
ReplyDeleteJust my .02
Susan in MD
President Obama deserves this award for rallying enough people to vote for him and take away power from the GOP haters. George Bush, Dick Cheney and their minons of destructive human beings along with Bitter Quitter Palin could have continued with their massive plans of destroying this country and others. Thank you to all the people that voted for Obama and the change the world needs.
ReplyDeleteNaked Truth....
ReplyDeleteI agree with your viewpoints ~ and regardless of the "mixed" opinions here today.... I salute the President for this prestigious award.
Peace be with you all.
Huffington post is posting reactions from around the world. I liked this reaction the best:
ReplyDelete'Another former Nobel winner, Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, said Obama has already provided outstanding leadership in the effort to prevent nuclear proliferation.
"In less than a year in office, he has transformed the way we look at ourselves and the world we live in and rekindled hope for a world at peace with itself," ElBaradei said. "He has shown an unshakable commitment to diplomacy, mutual respect and dialogue as the best means of resolving conflicts. He has reached out across divides and made clear that he sees the world as one human family, regardless of religion, race or ethnicity." '
This isn't the first time the committee has award the prize for intentions and as an encouragement to achieve results.
ReplyDeleteAnd it probably won't be the last.
They had their reasons.
Yes, thank you to all who voted for Barack Obama to be our President. Please, don't go and honor some poll about his deserving or not the Nobel Peace Prize. Of course, the first ones to cast votes on that poll will be the angry right-wing fringenuts. I believe I read a statement somewhere that the Nobel Committee wants no discussion or questioning of their award as it was unanimous. That says it all. Respect for their decision should rule. Isn't it wonderful what the leaders of the European countries are saying about it? I wish we had respectful journalists and newspeople in the United States. Amidst all the wonderful news and the uplifting attempt to support our country, the negative is what still gets reported and gets the headlines. I am going to go, put on a smiling face, and celebrate this day.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteMy recommendation to you is to get Geoffrey Canada nominated for the next Nobel Peace Prize award. No, I don't know him but he appears to be a deserving individual.
Anonymous @ 8:13,
Thank you for sharing with us what the prize means. You are right that last sentence is very telling. "The prize can be awarded for current efforts, rather than for having accomplished a goal or resolved an issue."
Morgan,
The committee unanimously voted President Obama for this award. I thought his comments today were very humble and showed that he welcomed his call to action. I did not necessarily hear him admitting or saying that he did not deserve the award. I ask you to read the meaning around this award again. It's not just about results - it's also about efforts. President Obama is the only American President to visit 16 countries within his first year of office. He wants to open up the lines of communication with all the world and he was awarded for his efforts.
I am with Ashley on this. You got to hate the game not the player. Many are hating the player (President Obama) and not the game (rules of the committee).
Calling 'Em Out: The White House Takes on the Press -- Obama aides say they can't rely on reporters to referee public debates.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1929058,00.html
Great News for POTUS!
ReplyDeleteNow we can see how patriotic the wingnuts are their little airHeads are exploding all over the place! I'm sure the queen quitter will fart out another FB screed about it!
I wish we could round them all up and send them to a REALLY socialist country, then they would have to STFU or get shot :)
What exactly do people think the award is for? it's not as if anyone who has received it made World Peace, eh?
ReplyDeleteIt's about attempts, attitudes, beliefs, hope for a peaceful tomorrow, talks re disarmament, etc.
He said back in 2002 that he would vote NO on iraq war...
he has always been about peace and diplomacy. What a shame that he inherited this horrific war, which must eat away on his conscience every day...and then he is called anti-american should he NOT ramp up troops there.
He deserved this award. He changed the global perception of America already by huge percentage - which makes all of us safer.
President Obama deserves it for what could have been. If McCain/Palin were in the White House, no doubt we'd be on the road to "bomb, bomb, bomb, bombing" Iran right now! It's a great feeling getting back into the global community and that can only benefit America.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe some of the comments here about President shouldn't have won it. Somone please tell us who should have? either there are some trolls or......
ReplyDeletesome of Sarah's minions on her Facebook page are having a meltdown.
ReplyDelete"My email to the Nobel office in Norway: postmaster@nobel.no You have made a grave mistake. Obama is battling for his political life in the USA because the world views his positions as being weak while allowing rogue nations the time to escalate and proliferate. By awarding this to Obama, you have minimized and debased the award and its value to all its prior recipients. It has become a worthless award with less value than an MTV award, and has lost the respect of the world. I attempted to telephone you at the Nobel office (011-47-2212-9300) and fax your office (011-47-2212-9310), but was unable to get through. Shame on you. Let them know what you think."
I would like to clarify my position.
ReplyDeleteObama, has achieved a position of great influence and strength, through which he is attempting a significant reorientation of U.S. foreign policy. A change of direction which, if successful, will certainly constitute a shift in world affairs that could effect the future stability and security of us all. As noted by other commentators, he has already made a good start and as I said earlier I do not doubt that. The question is not whether Obama deserved the prize, but whether he will deserve it. I certainly hope so, for all our sakes.
I agree with NakedTruth and Susan in MD...
ReplyDeleteAs someone on MSNBC pointed out, Mandela received his before Apartheid ended and Carter received his for Peace in the Middle East. What peace? That is not the intent of the prize as was explained above.
It is an honor and I'm extremely proud of my president. And indeed so ... the rest of the world is noticing the change. It is about time our country does the same. (Speaking here only about the rabid wingnuts who will do anything to smack down whatever he does. Pathetic
Ashley 7:49:
ReplyDeleteGeoffrey Canada work to help inner city kids in New York is commendable, it is not international. And, that is what the Nobel Peace Prize is.
President Obama won "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples".
Who else in the World has tried to extend a hand to all the Nations? Nobody. He deserves this recognition.
And on a lighter note: Don't you just love the sound of GOP heads popping? Sounds like popcorn!
The rethugs make their "living" from tax cuts for the rich and war. Peace is NOT in their best interests.
ReplyDelete"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.".
Dwight D. Eisenhower.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military-industrial_complex industrial_complex
Morgan said... "I support Obama. I voted for him and volunteered on his campaign. But c'mon. The Nobel Peace Prize isn't something that should be awarded on spec. It's something that should be awarded for an actual achievement."
ReplyDeleteMorgan, I hope you read the definition of "Nobel Peace Prize" that I posted above. If not, I'll post it again.
"The Nobel Peace Prize is an award presented to either an individual or an organization in accordance with Alfred Nobel’s living will. Alfred Nobel, creator of the five Nobel Prizes, was a Swedish inventor and industrialist. He disposed the Nobel Peace Prize in his will to be awarded to “the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." The Nobel Peace Prize differs from the Nobel Prizes in literature, physics, chemistry, and medicine or physiology in that it may be presented not only to individuals, but also to organizations that are actively engaged in a process or effort that intends to promote world peace. The prize can be awarded for current efforts, rather than for having accomplished a goal or resolved an issue."
Please read the last sentence. Maybe this would help you understand why President Obama was awarded this prize in the first place.
Also, the reason he was reluctant to receive this award, I believe, because he knew he would be bashed by some in the media and elsewhere. Remember, he did not seek this award. It was awarded to him without his knowledge. He found out about this at 6:00 a.m. from his press secretary, Robert Gibbs.
PRESIDENT OBAMA IS DAMNED IF HE DOES AND DAMNED IF HE DOESN'T.
Reesie in VA
I have heard that Sarah is livid about Obama winning this honor. Sarah thinks she should have won the award. Her reported comment was "I should have been selected. Look at me. I have no-belly now or even when I had Trig. I should have won the NO-BELLY award."
ReplyDeleteI agree with the "President Obama is Damned if He Does and Damned if He Doesn't"!!! I can hardly believe what I hear and see. Instead of supporting him to create a better country and world,too many in power are more interested in their own agendas..Shame on them!
ReplyDeleteGlenn Beck claims that, “The Nobel Peace Prize should be turned down by Barack Obama and given to the Tea Party goers and the 9/12 Project.”
ReplyDeleteYeah, if there’s one thing that says “peace” it’s semiliterate irrational mobs comparing Obama to Hitler, denouncing ACORN as Obama’s SS, and continuing the “death panel” hysteria. Yup, these folks were a veritable crowd of latter day Ghandis. I can’t see why the Nobel Prize Committee overlooked these loons good people.
ashley,
This country is a liberal country that thinks it is right of center. It always has been. Name a significant milestone in our history that advanced the cause of liberty and I will bet that its solution was the liberal one. I can't think of any that are conservative.
Take your example of Lincoln and slavery. At the outset of the Civil War to be called an abolitionist was about the most caustic ad hominem that could be leveled at anyone. However, by the end of the war it was the abolitionist stance which prevailed.
For some reason in our public discourse we tend to view liberalism as somehow being less than manly. Hey, if being liberal was good enough for Jesus, the founding fathers, and Lincoln, it's good enough for me.
@Patti - But what about the 1976 Nobel winners? Two women won that year for creating the Peace People Organization, a movement of Catholics and Protestants dedicated to ending sectarian fighting in Northern Ireland. Was that international in the literal sense? No, but it set an international example as it fought for economic and social equality/opportunity and sought to resolve conflict in a country marred by civil war(s), segregation, disenfranchisement, etc. Sound like any other country you know?
ReplyDeleteCorrection: Carter brokered a lasting peace between Israel and Egypt and almost got the Israel/Palestinian problem, but not for lack of trying.
ReplyDeleteMiss Wasilla could take a lesson on being a Christian in politics from Carter.
@ashely
ReplyDeleteThe folks who decided to award the prize to Pres. Obama, don't care what he has done on the domestic front. They see...what so many of us in other countries see. He is a man of great vision...one who sees peace as the answer. The world recognized this a long time ago, and already the effects of Obama's words are being felt all over. The Nobel Prize was definitely warranted....and I believe Pres. Obama will only do much greater things in the years to come.
Remember how Obama should have stepped aside and let Hillary win the primaries? Remember how America wasn't ready for a black President, of course, so why didn't he just realize it and wait his turn? Remember last summer when the candidate went to Germany and gave speech before hundreds of thousands of adoring fans? How arrogant. Who does he think he is? Only a president should do that. He should have at least waited until he won. And then he did win. And he took a world tour and gave a game changing speech in the Cairo. Who did he think he was? A rock star? The arrogance and audacity--it's breathtaking. If the man would just wait his turn, dammit.
ReplyDelete(I stole this comment from another blog because it is so good)
Published: 10.09.09, 14:32 / Israel News
ReplyDeleteFrench President Nicolas Sarkozy says the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama embodies the "return of America into the hearts of the people of the world."
In a message to the US president, Sarkozy expresses his "very great joy" for Obama and says the honor should strengthen the US leader's determination to work toward peace, justice and "maintaining our planet's great balances." (AP)
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3787600,00.html
Reesie in VA
"Give Peace a Chance"
ReplyDeleteToday is John Lennon's Birthday. What a wonderful day and way for Imagining Peace in our world!
Reesie in VA
Nobel committee quote:
ReplyDelete"His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population,"
Republicans/Conservatives, keep digging your grave! First the Olympics and now this, they are proving everyday how truly anti-american they are. I want the president to succeed and all americans should because when he does good, we all benefit. As seen in the last presidency, everytime Bush faltered (too many times to count), we all have and continue to suffer the consequences! Now Obama, Democrats get to work for the majority that voted for you! Ignore the ignorant, spineless right wing cause no matter what you do, they'll never agree. The President could say the grass is green and the repubs. would issue a statement saying it's red!
ReplyDelete@Gasman - Yes, but how long did those liberal milestones take to become fully realized? We inched closer and closer to them over years. And all of those liberal policies passed with significant votes in Congress from both parties.
ReplyDeleteSure, we granted slaves freedom in 1865 (give or take a few years), but it wasn't until 1965...NINETEEN SIXTY-FIVE that a black person could freely vote. Imagine living in a country where you were "free" (still subjected to lynchings, segregation,etc) but had to wait 100 years until you could vote. Hardly liberal.
I was not arguing the liberalness or conservativeness of America. Rather, I state that we are a moderate country because those liberal policies take years upon years to finally come into being.
Lastly, Lincoln was not a liberal. He was a Republican.
Nuh care how tree big, woodpecka kno' wah fi do wid it - Meaning: You can do anything you set your mind to.
ReplyDeleteEnding slavery was a liberal solution? Then why was Lincoln a Republican? Ending slavery was the moral thing to do. I hope you aren't equivocating morality with being liberal. Because how would you then explain the 100+ years that lapsed between the end of slavery and the Voting and Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965? Surely allowing blacks the right to vote, ending segregating, etc. was the moral things to do. So where were liberals during that 100 years?
ReplyDeleteWe're a moderate country. It takes us years upon years to gather enough political willpower to pass so-called liberal policies. I also believe that many of the liberal policies you are thinking of were passed not because politicians reached a moral high ground. They were passed because many politicians were backed into corners, politically speaking, and saw no other way around the issue. Blacks were starting to riot in the early 1960s. And if there is one thing white people are afraid of, its out of control blacks. So Congress passed those Civil and Voting Rights Acts reaallllll quick.
Thanks, Ayerishgrl.
ReplyDeleteSam Stein has an excellent article @ Huffpo that highlights these same facts. Frank Schaeffer has an article there in which he speaks of exactly what you see coming from some on the left today. My dearly departed parents always said that if a congratulation also contains a criticism, it is not a message of congratulation at all. I'm not pleased with every decision the president has made and have criticized him for those decisions, but having read about how/why the NPPCommittee goes about choosing a receipient, today will not be one of the days that I both praise the president and kick him in the shins simultaneously. Maybe tomorrow, but not today.
In the areas of nuclear disarmament and climate change, he has done quite a bit to help spread peace. Prior to Obama we did not negotiate at all in the areas of climate change. Now the U.S. is trying to take it seriously which no longer gives other nations an excuse for not taking climate change seriously. He also supported a United Nations Security Council bill calling for nuclear disarmament. As the leader of the most powerful nation on earth, those are impressive steps towards peace.
ReplyDeleteHe is not perfect and we still have a long ways to go but he is not undeserving of the award.
The Nobel Peace prize was awarded to two previous sitting U.S. presidents: Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.
ReplyDeleteBrian Williams' comment calling the award a bizarre turn of events is unacceptable for a news man.
ReplyDeleteThat said, it is clear to me that President Obama received this award as blowback to our prior "acting" president George W. Bush. Without W's daily criminal behavior, Obama's award may not have happened in 2009.
He could have easily said "I'd like to thank George Bush for making me look good!"
Reesie, you can tattoo the Nobel guidelines on your forehead if you like. It doesn't change the fact that even Obama was uncomfortable with this honor for a reason. Even he knows that as a president barely into his first term he does not really deserve it, which is why he only reluctantly accepted it and made great pains to say he was going to share it with others.
ReplyDeleteI do think Obama eventually will deserve it, but now? This decision was awfully premature.
Naked Truth asked me a good question earlier, which I neglected to answer. She wanted to know if I could think of anyone who deserved it more. I do. I think it should have gone to Neda Soltani, the young Iranian protestor gunned down in cold blood in June.
I think part of the problem is that as an Independent supporter of Obama I'm not stricken with the kind of blind partisanship that keeps me from questioning curious decisions when I see them. And this was a most curious decision.
Like the Nobel committee cares what one of Palin's minions thinks.
ReplyDeleteThe world heaved a sigh of relief when Obama was elected. Even if this is nothing more than a slap in the face to Bush, the committee was unanimous in their decision. They've certainly given it to worse choices.
Glenn Beck is a complete lunatic, so anything he says always do the opposite!
ReplyDeleteMlaiuppa, please keep in mind that many of us who campaigned for, voted for and who support Obama raised eyebrows at this decision. If you think anyone who questioned this decision by the Nobel committee is a "Palin minion" then you clearly need to real more closely. ;-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Obama.
ReplyDeleteMorgan, I do not need to tattoo the Nobel guidelines on my forehead, you do. You speak as if the President asked to be nominated for this prize. He did not. What is he suppose to do, not accept it. I think he should honor it as anyone else would. He should be congratulated today for this award. Believe me, I am not a lapdog for the President. This is a big deal and I feel change you can believe in.
ReplyDeleteAre you saying someone should be gunned down in cold blood for trying to make peace in the world to receive such an honor, if so, I disagree.
Look, I am sorry that Neda Soltani was gunned down in cold blood but what has she accomplished? Since you don't think the President deserves it.
Milestones: Barack Obama
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2007/12/29/us/politics/20071229_OBAMA_TIMELINE.html
Reesie in VA
Wow, to hell with the committee rules, Neda Soltani should have received the Nobel Peace Prize! O.k. Morgan, it was unfortunate this young lady had to die but come on you are definitely reaching. But hey it's your opinion and as Mlaiuppa and others have pointed out the committee unanimously selected President Obama. They made their choice so let’s embrace it and congratulate the man. And doing so does not make me “blindly partisan”.
ReplyDeleteI copied this from another poster.
ReplyDelete"In 9 months of his first term in office President Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize. In 8 years of office all G.W. Bush won was a pair of used shoes. Yep, I think change has come."
ashley,
ReplyDeleteIn 1860 the Republican Party WAS liberal. The 'liberal" and "conservative" affiliations have not been static throughout our history. It is naive to assume that the political landscape of today is as it always has been. Look at the Democratic Party. In the '60s they had a liberal wing in the Northeast and a virulent conservative wing mostly in the South. Once Reagan assumed the mantle of conservatism, the Southerners got over their enmity of Republicans and largely switched parties.
Liberalism has not always been the exclusive domain of the Democrats. Lincoln sure as hell was a liberal. Read any contemporary description by the Democrats of the day. Remember, the Democrats were the party of the slave holders, the ones who considered slaves property. One of the axiomatic truisms about conservatives is that they always favor property over civil liberties. The Democrats of 1860 sure weren't liberal.
Don't confuse the liberal/conservative political labels with the modern parties. They are not static.
From: Senator Claire McCaskill
ReplyDeleteThe Twilight Zone
I feel that I’m in an alternative universe. For eight years some people called anyone who disagreed with the President’s foreign policy or war in Iraq unpatriotic. Then in the course of two weeks, those same people cheer when the United States does not get selected for the Olympics and boo when our President is the unanimous choice for the Nobel Peace Prize. Go figure.
Congratulations Mr. President for standing up to the scorn and derision of your opponents in the election when you firmly stood for the proposition that strength meant being willing to talk to your enemies, not just your allies. Thank you for the confidence and wisdom to say that a hand will be extended when their fist is unclenched. And thank you for understanding that our national security rests on our principles, the example we set for the world, and our alliances along with the excellence and strength of our military, rather than exclusively the latter. God Bless America.
Biography
ReplyDelete"Neda Agha-Soltan was the middle child and only daughter of a middle-class family of three children, whose family resided in a fourth floor apartment on Meshkini Street in the Tehranpars neighborhood of Tehran. Her father is a civil servant and her mother is a homemaker. She graduated from Islamic Azad University, where she had studied Islamic theology as well as secular philosophies.
Agha-Soltan was an aspiring, underground Persian popular singer and musician, who was studying her craft through private voice and music lessons. She had studied the violin and had an as-yet-undelivered piano on order at the time of her death. She worked for her family's travel agency. Agha-Soltan enjoyed travelling, having saved up money to go on package tours with her friends to Dubai, Thailand and Turkey. She had studied Turkish, hoping it would aid her as a guide for Iranians on foreign tours in Turkey. It was in Turkey, two months prior to her death, that she met her fiancé, 37 year old Caspian Makan, who worked as a photojournalist in Tehran.
Those who knew her maintain that Agha-Soltan had not previously been very political – she had not supported any particular candidate in the 2009 Iran elections – but that anger over the election results prompted her to join the protest. Her voice and music teacher, Hamid Panahi, who was accompanying Agha-Soltan during the protest and can be seen on the video trying to comfort the dying woman, told the media: "She couldn't stand the injustice of it." Panahi went on to state: "All she wanted was the proper vote of the people to be counted. She wanted to show with her presence that, 'I'm here, I also voted, and my vote wasn't counted'. It was a very peaceful act of protest, without any violence."
I am so sorry for her death but I do not think she should be compared to the President of the United States of America regarding the Nobel Peace Prize.
Reesie in VA
Mlaiuppa, also keep in mind that many of us who campaigned for, donated to and voted for and who support Obama are o.k. with this decision unanimously voted on by the Nobel Committee.
ReplyDeleteGOOD knocks but once but EVIL leans on the doorbell until somebody answers. I think this was God's way of answering this EVIL.
Just one realistic woman's opinion.
Thanks Gasman for that history lesson. I think many people often confuse liberal/conservative political labels with the modern parties. This is why you hear so many of today's Republicans bragging about Lincoln being a Republican and claiming that MLK was a Republican. They forget about the changes in liberal/conservative political labels that took place in the 1960's.
ReplyDelete"In reacting to the news this morning that he had won the Nobel Peace Prize, the President struck a note of humility and recognized that the award was a nod to a vision of what is to come."
ReplyDeleteReesie in VA
**Sigh**. Winning the 'peace prize' no longer has that aire of accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteI agree... they should have waited until he actually DID something.
Michael Moore: Congratulations President Obama on the Nobel Peace Prize ---- Now Please Earn it!
ReplyDeleteIn reacting to the news this morning that he had won the Nobel Peace Prize, the President struck a note of humility and recognized that the award was a nod to a vision of what is to comeYou have to end our involvement in Afghanistan now. If you don't, you'll have no choice but to return the prize to Oslo.
Yours,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com
P.S. Your opposition has spent the morning attacking you for bringing such good will to this country. Why do they hate America so much? I get the feeling that if you found the cure for cancer this afternoon they'd be denouncing you for destroying free enterprise because cancer centers would have to close. There are those who say you've done nothing yet to deserve this award. As far as I'm concerned, the very fact that you've offered to walk into the minefield of hate and try to undo the irreparable damage the last president did is not only appreciated by me and millions of others, it is also an act of true bravery. That's why you got the prize. The whole world is depending on the U.S. -- and you -- to literally save this planet. Let's not let them down.
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Now this is a response to the President that I can live with.
Reesie in VA
I think the Nobel Prize is an honor for the President, he was very gracious about accepting it.
ReplyDeleteFor those on the left that do not take time to read what President Obama has done; let me give you a hand at what President Obama has done.
ReplyDeleteFEATURED LEGISLATION
Cash for Clunkers Extension
Signed: Thursday, August 6, 2009
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
Signed: Monday, June 22, 2009
Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009
Signed: Friday, May 22, 2009
Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act
Signed: Friday, May 22, 2009
Helping Families Save Their Homes Act
Signed: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act
Signed: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
Signed: Wednesday, April 21, 2009
Omnibus Public Lands Management Act
Signed: Monday, March 30, 2009
Small Business Act Temporary Extension
Signed: Friday, March 20, 2009
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Signed: Tuesday, February 17, 2009
DTV Delay Act
Signed: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act
Signed: Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
Signed: Thursday, January 29, 2009
PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS
In this section you will find official actions by the President that have a significant impact on how the federal government functions but do not require legislation or Congressional approval. See listings below of the official Proclamations, Presidential Memoranda, and Executive Orders that President Obama has issued since his inauguration.
EXECUTIVE ORDERS
10/5/2009
President Obama signs an Executive Order Focused on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance
10/1/2009
Executive Order-Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging while Driving
9/29/2009
Executive Order Federal Advisory Committees
6/23/2009
Establishing a White House Council on automotive communities and workers
5/12/2009
Executive Order Chesapeake Bay Protection and Restoration
4/8/2009
Executive Order Establishing The White House Office Of Health Reform
3/11/2009
Executive Order Creating the White House Council on Women and Girls
3/9/2009
Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells
2/20/2009
Amending Executive Order 13390
2/19/2009
Executive Order: Establishment of the White House Office of Urban Affairs
PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDA
10/8/2009
Presidential Memorandum to the Secretary of State
9/30/2009
Presidential Memoranda, 9/30/09
9/29/2009
Presidential Memorandum to the Secretary of Commerce
9/21/2009
Presidential Memorandum Concerning National Security
9/18/2009
Presidential Determiniation regarding major illicit drug transit
9/17/2009
Presidential Memorandum Concerning Medical Liability Reform
9/15/2009
Presidential Determination regarding trafficking in persons
9/14/2009
Memorandum from the President regarding the Trading With the Enemy Act
9/11/2009
Memorandum For The Secretary Of Commerce The Secretary Of Labor The United State Trade Representative
9/8/2009
Presidential Determination of Assistance to the Maldives
PROCLAMATIONS
10/9/2009
Presidential Proclamation - General Pulaski Memorial Day
10/7/2009
Presidential Proclamation - Leif Erikson Day
10/6/2009
Presidential Proclamation German American Day
10/5/2009
Presidential Proclamation Child Health Day
10/2/2009
Presidential Proclamation- National Arts and Humanities Month, 2009
10/2/2009
Presidential Proclamation-National Energy Awareness Month
10/2/2009
Presidential Proclamation Fire Prevention Week
10/1/2009
Presidential Proclamation National Information Literacy Awareness Month
10/1/2009
Presidential Proclamation - National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
10/1/2009
Presidential Proclamation - National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
to be continued
go to
http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing_room/PresidentialActions/
AND
http://www.whitehouse.gov/
And I thought they gave the Nobel to "deserving" people for their "Contributions". Well, he has pushed us closer to Socialism and taken us further into debt than all former presidents combined although I really think that was all planned out long ago. He has put known communists into the government and appointed more Czars than Russia has. He has yet to keep a campaign promise and it took the late Senator Kennedy to make him get the dog he promised to his kids. What the hell, he’s deserving, give it to him. Lol
ReplyDeleteIn case no one remembers the committee said they would no longer give this award to someone whom had passed on.The award is also given not only for what has been accomplished,the non proliferation agreement, but for working towards the goal of peaceful coexistence. I congratulate him on how he accepted the award and what he plans to do with the money.Give it to charities
ReplyDeletePerhaps one has to live ouitside America to appreciate the magnitude of the change that's taken place. With Obama's election, America has dramatically changed direction. Yes, America is still engaged in two wars (not of Obama's making). But the country is a mother fucking aircraft carrier that takes time to turn. What's important is that the process of turning has begun.
ReplyDeleteThis is an award celebrating Americans as well because a decisive majority of Americans voted for Obama based on his proimses to engage rather than confront, to discuss rather than preach, to listen rather than pontificate. To put it crudly, America is now out to woo rather than rape. The rest of the world appreciates this change and the Nobel Committee has correctly gauged this appreciation.
I say to Americans: Instead of looking a gift horse in the mouth, accept this honor gracefully, humbly and resolve to support your president in fulfilling the promise of this prize.
I have many relatives in Norway. The Scandanavian countries HATED BUsh/Chney and all they stood for,and all they did. This is definitely a message which confirms their deep deep unhappiness with the last administration. This is a message that says "no more" , we want things to go differently from now on. Obama, you are a man of intelligence, change directions. Definitely a message.
ReplyDeleteIf you follow liberal logic, Obama is responsible for nothing that's happened during these first months of his Presidency.
ReplyDeleteTherefore, he inherited this award from Bush.
Congratulations, G.W. Bush.
Don't be mad at me, libbies. Just following your logic.
Anonymous 11:20:
ReplyDeleteNobody is mad at you. We pray for wingnuts like you. I for one do believe that G W Bush had much to do with President Obama getting the Nobel Peace Prize. The committee probably wouldn't have recognized Obama's greatness if they had not experienced Bush's incompetence.
So yes, I do sort of agree with you. Thanks for your insight.
NakedTruth