BS: Obama Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:39 PM

the nomination deadline was just days after he took office

Surely the relevant date would mot have been the date he took office, butb the date he was elected. By the time Obama actually took office, the positive impact of his election on the world political scene had already been demonstrated.

Maybe the Peace Prize should have been awarded to the American electorate.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: michaelr
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:34 PM

This is the man who was elected to end the US' Middle East wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has failed to do so. Instead, he'll probably "surge" troop levels in the latter contry, and keep permanent military bases in the former.

This is the man who presides over the slaughter of innocent civilians, mostly women and children, through the unmitigated evil of remotely controlled drone bombers.

Peace, my ass.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Rog Peek
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:33 PM

When I caught the news,I was pretty taken aback I have to say, while I recognise that Barack Obama has re-kindled hope for so many in the world, for me, the jury is still out. I am reminded that he is a politician, and this section of the community have not a particularly good record for being true to their word. However, I was very impressed with his acceptance speech which among other things described this award as 'a call to action', so I like so many others will continue to hope that faith in him has not been misplaced.

With regard to the motivation behind this award, I understand that the award is by way of encouraging the present trend towards friendship and diplomacy rather than mistrust and conflict. If it succeeds in this, then what I say is Bloody Hooray.

Rog

Rog

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Azizi
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:33 PM

Here's an interesting take on the reasons why President Obama may have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize:

Obama as the pathfinder for a new American leadership
Submitted October 9, 2009 - 8:36 am by Jack DuVall

"...Nobel Peace Prizes have typically been of two kinds -- to an older person, for lifelong achievement, or to a person still involved in a cause, in order to strengthen it. Obama believes he represents a new form of American leadership in the world, less belligerent and welcoming of everyone's views. This is a Nobel award that is actually quite shrewd: For some time, it will coax and remind Obama to consider whether he is living up to that standard. So he'll show us, going forward, the scope of his conscience, the degree of his ingenuity in strategies to end violent conflict and repression, and the extent of political risks he is willing to take for the sake of people's rights and opportunities. The award is an investment in a new direction for America's role in the world.

It is also a rebuke to those who are willing to discard hope at the first sign that the American president may not fulfill their every wish. Presidents don't change the world by making sudden decisions or signing laws. They change it the way it is always changed: to paraphrase Al [Giordano]*, by organizing that change. Successful organizing does not mean calling upon heaven to drop manna on us. It means getting fractious people to shut up and start contributing to the process, in order to bring to bear more than your own personal power on a problem, and it means developing a strategy to present opponents with difficult choices so they end up doing what you want.

We haven't begun to see what Obama is capable of. The Nobel prize will on his mind for quite some time. It's a good thing."

http://narcosphere.narconews.com/thefield/3519/congratulations-dude#comments

-snip-

I very much agree.

Congratulations, President Obama!

* Al Giordano is a journalist who operates the Narco News Bulletin, reporting on the War on Drugs, the political blog The Field, reporting on American politics, and the School of Authentic Journalism [This from his Wikipedia page]

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Little Hawk
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:32 PM

My first reaction was total surprise. "Huh?" "What for?"

He's expanding the war in Afghanistan, isn't he? He has not withdrawn from Iraq. He has not closed Guantanamo.

On the other hand, I can see the committee's point about how he has shifted world attitudes toward the USA in a more positive direction. It has been a notable improvement over the Bush administration in that sense certainly. But it's a little early to be awarding Peace prizes, I think.

Perhaps the Norwegians are hoping to nudge Obama into changing his policies on the Afghan war?

Oh, well...I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Emma B
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:30 PM

It seems to have come as a bit of a suprise even to the American liberal news website The Huffington Post

"However, in awarding the Prize to the President, the Committee has risked undermining much of the President's momentum on a number of fronts by focusing supporters and detractors alike not on what he has done, but on what he hasn't...

While it is true that he has reached out to the Muslim world in unprecedented ways, reengaged our allies, and helped the U.S. reach a tremendous milestone in race relations, and spoken out on nuclear disarmament, he has yet had the chance to solidify gains on any major policy issue or really have the opportunity to turn his attention to issues of peace.

In fact, as Afghanistan becomes increasingly discussed in many quarters as a war of choice, Obama has had to focus his attention not on peace and diplomacy, but on calculations of war.....


... today many around the world are questioning whether Obama's accomplishments during his short time are deserving of this great honor.
And, at a time when some are feeling disappointed that Obama's promises of change are not being fulfilled fast enough, this award may not be actually be helpful to the President in the way that the Nobel Committee hopes.
Rather, it may shine a spotlight on a lack of accomplishment, even for those who support the President.

So, in addition to having to live up to the hopes that his campaign and election raised at home and around the world, President Obama will have to earn, in the minds of many, this prematurely bestowed award."

The Nobel Prize Committee May Have Done Obama More Harm Than Good

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: goatfell
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:23 PM

I'm glad that he got it, good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: EBarnacle
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:11 PM

What worries me is that the Committee may be rushing to judgement based on fear. I agree with President Obama's goals and methods in general and I fear for his personal future.

No president has received so many death threats as Mr. Obama. As with terrorism, only one bad guy has to get through to destroy him. In that respect, although there may be an element of prematurity here, I consider it understandable that Mr. Obama should be honored.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Awarded Nobel Peace Prize for 2009
From: Genie
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 11:59 AM

For the record, while I don't yet have a verbatim transcript of their comments, I did hear a clip this morning from a spokesman for the committee that awards the Nobel Peace Prize. He made it pretty clear that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded as much for someone's vision, policy direction, goals, and inspiration as for concrete accomplishments and that in awarding this honor to Barack Obama they are honoring and applauding what they see as a strong, positive change in direction of US policy re international relations and diplomacy, and nuclear non-proliferation in particular.   They emphasized Obama's work on behalf of nuclear nonproliferation.


In his acceptance speech this morning, Obama framed the Prize as representing just that.   It's not so much an honor for him or his accomplishments as an encouragement of the international diplomatic work he has been involved with along with many, many others.

The Nobel Peace Prize committee is, I think, endorsing what they see as a major shift in attitude and goals by the US that this new administration promises.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Amos
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 11:56 AM

WASHINGTON — President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," a honor that came less than nine months after he made United States history by becoming the country's first African-American president.



The award, announced in Oslo by the Nobel Committee while much of official Washington — including the president — was still asleep, cited in particular the president's efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons.

"He has created a new international climate," the committee said.

For Mr. Obama, one of the nation's youngest presidents, the award is an extraordinary recognition that puts him in the company of world leaders such as Mikhail Gorbachev, who won for helping to bring an end to the cold war, and Nelson Mandela, who sought an end to apartheid. But it is also a potential political liability at home; already, Republicans are criticizing the president, contending he won more for his "star power" than his actual achievements.

In a late-morning appearance in the Rose Garden, Mr. Obama said that he was "surprised and humbled" by the award, and that he did not feel he deserved to be in the company of some of the "transformative" figures who had previously won it.

"Let me be clear, I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations," the president said.

The news shocked people in Oslo — where an audible gasp escaped the audience when the decision was announced — and in Washington, where top advisers to Mr. Obama said they had no idea it was coming. The president was awakened shortly before 6 a.m. by his press secretary, Robert Gibbs, who delivered the news.

"There has been no discussion, nothing at all," said Rahm Emanuel, the president's chief of staff, in a brief early morning telephone interview. (NYT)

Subject: BS: Obama Awarded Nobel Peace Prize for 2009
From: Genie
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 11:47 AM

I would suggest a small but significant change to the thread title (echoing a point I heard on a talk radio show this morning).   The Nobel Peace Prize is "awarded," not "won" in the sense of people having "competed" for it.
To say he "won" it suggests that he was out there campaigning or vying for it (as he did for the US to get the Olympics).
Instead, he, like other Nobel Laureates, was awarded the Prize based on their own considerations of his goals, values, policies, and accomplishments and those of others being considered.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: pdq
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 11:37 AM

A small correction to the discussion: the Summer Olympics will be in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, not 2012 as stated above.

Good news: they have reinstated golf and rugby for those games after about 100 years without them.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 11:30 AM

"if he pulls out of Pakistan and gets peace in the middle east and this allows us in the UK to pull our troops back from afganistan and peace is restored around the globe,"

..then he'll be genuinely worthy of a Peace price. Looking forward to it.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 11:26 AM

Good for you, Mr. Prez. My very sincere congratulations on winning this very prestigious award.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 11:12 AM

JaysusHFuckingKeyriced...you all don't want much, do you? The man has done more to change the attitude, no small thing after the shrub, of the world towards the United States, to hope for improved everything and is taking steps to achieve SO MUCH...there is nothing wrong with recognising those efforts NOW whilst he carries on with others to bring so much change about.

Bravo, President Obama!

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 10:51 AM

I will hold judgement.

I am not trashing Obama, I wish him well.

However, if he pulls out of Pakistan and gets peace in the middle east and this allows us in the UK to pull our troops back from afganistan and peace is restored around the globe, I will just like the people who voted for him for The Nobel Peace Prize, kiss his arse.

As S Jack says, there are more worhy people in this world

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Mr Happy
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:55 AM

I wasn't aware Norwegians were involved?

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: irishenglish
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:50 AM

Sugarfoot, you said "I'm not trashing Obama or anyone except the board who awarded this prize to him." A very valid point, and the committee has made some odd choices, such as Kissinger in the past. Regrettably,I think the talking heads-the Limbaugh's, the O'Reilly's, etc are not going to make the same connection, and will pin this on the man...not a bunch of Norwegians! As if to say-its his fault.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:40 AM

I am stunned. I wonder who nominated him? If the reports are true neither Obama nor his staff knew about it until this morning.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Mr Happy
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:39 AM

Shall I add to the overwhelming cynicism here, or hold fire 'til later?


................pondering, .......will he/won't he send more troops...?

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Stu
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:31 AM

"Let the trash talk begin.....as I see it has......"

I suppose that's a reference to me? It's 'trash talk' because I don't agree? Bollocks.

I'm not trashing Obama or anyone except the board who awarded this prize to him. The idea that Obama has suddenly become a panacea for all the world's ills is a delusion the US can't afford to labour under.

This is a feeble PR stunt. Give the prize to the many Chinese dissidents struggling against brutal oppression, the people trying to make the peace process work across communities in the North of Ireland, the lone voices trying to bring people together in Palestine and Israel. Gandhi never received the Nobel Peace Prize but war criminal Kissinger did.

This is political grandstanding pure and simple. Obama might be wonderful (I would have voted for him), but he's in charge of the world's biggest military and a relentless and belligerent Pentagon that has yet to be tamed. He's only been in the job 11 months, we've no idea of his rhetoric will become action.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating and it isn't even out of the oven yet.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Greg F.
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:27 AM

Yeah, great. Now he's up there with Henry Kissinger.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: bobad
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:21 AM

"he Nobel committee recognized Obama's efforts to solve complex global problems including working toward a world free of nuclear weapons.

"Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future," the committee said.

Jagland said the decision was "unanimous" and came with ease.

He rejected the notion that Obama had been recognized prematurely for his efforts and said the committee wanted to promote the president just it had Mikhail Gorbachev in 1990 in his efforts to open up the Soviet Union.

"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," it said.

Bravo Mr. President!

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:21 AM

I'm also surprised, since there was no suggestion of such an award in the media.

In some minds it may make up for the International Olympics Committee's decision to resist his efforts to lobby them to hold the 2012 games in Chicago.

Obama still has a lot of potential for achieving improved international relationships, and the Nobel Peace Prize Committee recognizes that potential.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:05 AM

Gotta say, I think this is basically something of a strategic PR campaign stylee award. Even so, I hope it works for him.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Emma B
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:05 AM

Considering the attitude that the Daily Mail - that much admired and frequently quoted source of some posters here -takes to the award, I should wholehearted endorse it but can't help recalling .......

When Henry Kissinger won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973, the musical satirist Tom Lehrer decided that he could no longer perform.
"It was at that moment that satire died," he said, "There was nothing more to say after that."

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Amos
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:04 AM

Wow!! What a pleasant surprise!! And its nice to have what he's changed so far noticed.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: GUEST,TIA
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:01 AM

I love it if only because it will send HannityLimbaughBeckCoulterMalkinOReilly off the deep end (along with some of our locals I believe). Let the outcry and indignation begin!

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 08:51 AM

Obama deserves the Nobel Peace Prize "for the changes he has brought about in the attitudes of others toward [the US]"?

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: GUEST,Janie
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 08:49 AM

Well said, Spaw. I was completely surprised. When I listened to the clip from the Nobel Committee this morning it makes sense.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Riginslinger
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 08:39 AM

I don't get it!

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 08:29 AM

Let the trash talk begin.....as I see it has.......but for the changes he has brought about in the attitudes of others toward this country after 8 years of xenophobic histrionics, he well deserves it.

While I wish he were stronger on health care and and other things where I was hoping for more change than we're seeing, in this area he is a winner. Perhaps this will help to strengthen his commitment to the real changes we hoped would happen.

Congratulations Mister President........and remember, you couldn't have done it were it not for Dubya!


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 08:29 AM

Huh?

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Stu
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 07:45 AM

Bloody ridiculous.

Subject: RE: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: gnu
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 07:31 AM

Gosh!

Subject: BS: Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
From: Janie
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 06:50 AM

Quite startling, given the length of time he has been in office and the fact that the nomination deadline was just days after he took office.

President Obama Awarded 2009 Nobel Prize for Peace