Nobel Peace Prize

[Grace]

Won by President Obama!

I had not heard he was even nominated :confused:



(CNN) -- President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, a stunning decision that comes just eight months into his presidency.
Less than nine months into his presidency, Barack Obama has been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.


The Norwegian Nobel Committee said it honored Obama for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."

The president had not been mentioned as among front-runners for the prize, and the roomful of reporters gasped when Thorbjorn Jagland, chairman of the Nobel committee, uttered Obama's name.

The president, who was awakened to be told he had won, said he was humbled to be selected, according to an administration official.

The 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.

Obama's recognition comes less than a year after he became the first African-American to win the White House. He is the fourth U.S. president to win the prestigious prize and the third sitting president to do so.


The announcement Friday in Oslo, Norway, came as a surprise -- Obama had not been mentioned among front-runners -- and the roomful of reporters gasped when Thorbjorn Jagland, chairman of the Nobel committee, announced Obama's name.

[pomtzu]

I was under the impression that one had to do something extraordinary to receive this prestigious award. Did I miss something??? :confused::confused:

[Grace]

I was under the impression that one had to do something extraordinary to receive this prestigious award. Did I miss something??? :confused::confused:

Obviously we all missed it.

[Lady's Human]

Absolutely amazing, especially considering nominations had to be in before he had been in office three weeks.

[Grace]

I wonder who nominated him?

From reading the accounts, it appears that none of his staff had any idea this would happen.

[Sirrahsim]

I posted this in General but I'll second myself here:
I have no problem with our President. I don't agree with some of his ideas but I don't dislike the man.
In my opinion, awarding an esteemed prize like the Nobel Peace Prize based on what someone MIGHT do is utterly ridiculous. It cheapens the award for the people who have actually already done something to deserve it.

[Catty1]

With all the flak the guy gets, I'd be a fan of his getting this simply as a big act of encouragement! He ain't getting it anywhere else! :p:)

[Puckstop31]

The biggest joke of all will be if he actually has the cajones to accept the award. Is his ego that grand?

This is akin to all the kids on a team getting a trophy for participating.

Its also interesting to note that only two other sitting US Presidents have been given the Nobel Peace Prize. Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Note that both of those men were no friend of the individual Liberty this nation was founded on.

Interesting indeed.

[Grace]

Responses from three Americans -


Mike Huckabee and Tim Pawlenty — both potential 2012 presidential contenders — urged restraint.

"There will be an outcry from those on the right who will say that Obama's nomination, made two weeks into his Presidency, is impossible to justify, but I think such an outcry will sound like right-wing whining," Huckabee said in a statement. "The better response is simply to allow those on the left to explain what he did in his first two weeks as President that merited such recognition."

Pawlenty, speaking on NPR, said there "will be some people who are saying 'Was it based on good intentions and thoughts or is it going to be based on good results?'"

"But I think the appropriate response is when anybody wins a Nobel Prize, that is a very noteworthy development and designation and I think the appropriate response is to say 'Congratulations,'" said the Minnesota governor.


John McCain, on CNN: "I can't divine all their intentions, but I think part of their decision-making was expectations. And I'm sure the president understands that he now has even more to live up to. But as Americans, we're proud when our president receives an award of that prestigious category.

[Edwina's Secretary]

"There will be an outcry from those on the right who will say that Obama's nomination, made two weeks into his Presidency, is impossible to justify, but I think such an outcry will sound like right-wing whining," Huckabee said in a statement. "The better response is simply to allow those on the left to explain what he did in his first two weeks as President that merited such recognition."


Interesting to note ...Mr. Huckabee doesn't seem to think there are any people in the middle???:confused::confused:

[Pam]

Responses from three Americans -

Huckabee said in a statement. "The better response is simply to allow those on the left to explain what he did in his first two weeks as President that merited such recognition."

I like Huckabee's answer. I would like to hear that explanation as well. I am glad that I left the house this morning before the hubby heard the news. I am sure he had some choice words. :p

[Pam]

Interesting to note ...Mr. Huckabee doesn't seem to think there are any people in the middle???:confused::confused:

How can you be in the middle as far as thinking that 1) he deserved it or 2) he didn't. Is there a third option: 3) maybe he deserved it? :rolleyes:

[RICHARD]

I was up this morning when they did a NEWS ALERT to announce the award.

One of the other nomines was a guy that built something like 25 schools with nothing in the way of funds or help.

It could only be more tragic if we, ourselves, had given him the award.


--------------------------

Handing the NPP to BO is akin to having your sports team give a new/rookie player a contract for four years and paying him on how you expect him to perform.

Not a good comparison, but look at all the people who have been given GIANT paychecks, then stink up the locker room after they figure out they cannot cut the mustard......

IT makes no sense and the NPP award should be based on the way I roll.....

I only get paid/acknowledged AFTER I have done the work.

Anything else is just BS.:eek:

[Grace]

Handing the NPP to BO is akin to having your sports team give a new/rookie player a contract for four years and paying him on how you expect him to perform.

Not a good comparison, but look at all the people who have been given GIANT paychecks, then stink up the locker room after they figure out they cannot cut the mustard......

IT makes no sense and the NPP award should be based on the way I roll.....

I only get paid/acknowledged AFTER I have done the work.

Anything else is just BS.:eek:

Tell it to the Norwegians - they're the ones who made the unanimous decision.

[Grace]

How can you be in the middle as far as thinking that 1) he deserved it or 2) he didn't. Is there a third option: 3) maybe he deserved it? :rolleyes:

Yes, I believe there is a third option. And I'm one of those in the middle :cool:

[Edwina's Secretary]

Yes, I believe there is a third option. And I'm one of those in the middle :cool:

Me too.

[RICHARD]

Tell it to the Norwegians - they're the ones who made the unanimous decision.

I don't know Norway from Sweden-you expect me to comment on that part of the story????

As a matter of fact, Where is Nobel?:confused::eek:;)

[Grace]

I don't know Norway from Sweden-you expect me to comment on that part of the story????

As a matter of fact, Where is Nobel?:confused::eek:;)

Nobel is dead. That was Alfred Nobel. And you are correct - he was Swedish.


Alfred Nobel's will stated that the prize should be awarded by a committee of five people elected by the Norwegian Parliament. Norway and Sweden were at that time still in union, and with Sweden responsible for all foreign policy, Nobel felt that the prize might be less subject to political corruption if awarded by Norway. The Peace Prize is presented annually in Oslo, in the presence of the king, on December 10 (the anniversary of Nobel's death), and is the only Nobel Prize not presented in Stockholm.

[Pam]

Me too.

And if the person does not perform do we take it back? :rolleyes: I think this is much more of a black and white issue (pardon the pun, to those who may already be getting ready to type something racial) and there is not room for a gray area. Either he has DONE something or he hasn't. I personally need to seriously evaluate his future stance on Israel before I begin to applaud this man for any peace initiative.

[Grace]

And if the person does not perform do we take it back? :rolleyes: I think this is much more of a black and white issue (pardon the pun, to those who may already be getting ready to type something racial) and there is not room for a gray area. Either he has DONE something or he hasn't. I personally need to seriously evaluate his future stance on Israel before I begin to applaud this man for any peace initiative.

We don't do anything, because We didn't award the Prize. That is up to the Norwegians.

[Pam]

We don't do anything, because We didn't award the Prize. That is up to the Norwegians.

Of course we aren't talking about us. We here, at PT, are talking about if he is worthy/deserving or have I missed something.....:rolleyes:

[RICHARD]

Nobel is dead. That was Alfred Nobel. And you are correct - he was Swedish.

Did he blow himself up or was it natural causes?;)

[Grace]

Did he blow himself up or was it natural causes?;)

He died at the age of 63, following a cerebral hemorrhage.

Here (http://history1900s.about.com/od/medicaladvancesissues/a/nobelhistory.htm) is an interesting article about him. I don't think I knew that he was a pacifist.

[Grace]

Of course we aren't talking about us. We here, at PT, are talking about if he is worthy/deserving or have I missed something.....:rolleyes:

Oh, now I understand. I was commenting on your question - And if the person does not perform do we take it back? I didn't know to whom you were referring.

As for whether he is worthy or not, that's not for me to decide. The Norwegians are no doubt privy to information that eludes us. It would be interesting to read a transcript of their decision making.

[Freedom]

I happen to be a huge Obama fan. And I am astounded that he was even nominated, let alone won. :eek:

The mid day news said this was a statement against the prior Administration as much as anything else. That Europeans did not like Bush, not one bit. That this is in support of what Obama stands for.

I'm with many of the above comments, this award usually (I don't know the history to say always) goes to someone who accomplished their goal, or fairly close to it. (If you wanted to open 50 schools and only got 32, that was fine.) This does seem to cheapen what it means, IMO.

[Edwina's Secretary]

And if the person does not perform do we take it back? :rolleyes: I think this is much more of a black and white issue (pardon the pun, to those who may already be getting ready to type something racial) and there is not room for a gray area. Either he has DONE something or he hasn't. I personally need to seriously evaluate his future stance on Israel before I begin to applaud this man for any peace initiative.

I do not know why you chose to quote me on this. I was responding to the quote from Huckabee about "people on the left" and "people on the right"...

There are people in the middle of the political spectrum. Who are not right or left.

I am one of them.

I was not...and have not expressed any opinion on this issue. So eye roll right back atcha.

As to the Nobel prize - Mr Nobel - who was in the explosives business - saw his obituary. It was mistakenly published while he was still alive. It disturbed him that all he would be remembered for was "distruction." So he created the Nobel prize.

And now I will state my opinion. I too think this a statement more about the prior administration than it is about Obama. And if I was Obama I would be embarrassed to receive it now. Because he hasn't "earned" it and because it gives more ammunition to the Haters. Who will somehow hold him responsible.

[Grace]

And now I will state my opinion. I too think this a statement more about the prior administration than it is about Obama. And if I was Obama I would be embarrassed to receive it now. Because he hasn't "earned" it and because it gives more ammunition to the Haters. Who will somehow hold him responsible.

As they already are. President Obama did not appoint himself to receive this award; he was chosen by a committee. So why all the nasty comments pointed at him? (not you, E.S) I do hope he accepts the award in person.

As Governor Pawlenty said - "Congratulations, Mr. President"

[smokey the elder]

...

As for whether he is worthy or not, that's not for me to decide. The Norwegians are no doubt privy to information that eludes us. It would be interesting to read a transcript of their decision making.


You'll have to wait at least fifty years; that's how long the records are sealed for.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Great point Grace! Why should "the people on the left" (whoever they are:rolleyes::rolleyes:) have to explain why it was awarded to him?

Did "the people on the left" make the award?

( I am so tired of this devisive labeling - leftie, rightie - his comment has negatively affected my opinion of Huckabee!)

[Grace]

You'll have to wait at least fifty years; that's how long the records are sealed for.

Thanks for the info. I won't be around then :)

[RICHARD]

He died at the age of 63, following a cerebral hemorrhage.

Here (http://history1900s.about.com/od/medicaladvancesissues/a/nobelhistory.htm) is an interesting article about him. I don't think I knew that he was a pacifist.

His brain blew up.:eek:

He wasn't too happy about people blowing each other up.

-----------

http://www.tnt.tv/

[Grace]

His brain blew up.:eek:

He wasn't too happy about people blowing each other up.


I hadn't looked at it quite that way, but you're right. There was an explosion of sorts in his brain. Wonder if he had too much close contact with nitro over the years :confused:

[Pam]

I do not know why you chose to quote me on this. I was responding to the quote from Huckabee about "people on the left" and "people on the right"...



Your prior comment "Interesting to note ...Mr. Huckabee doesn't seem to think there are any people in the middle???":confused::confused: is why I quoted you. As I stated, I do not see middle ground. Either someone is worthy or they aren't. "To be determined if they are worthy" does not work for me.

I traded a couple of :confused::confused: for a :rolleyes:


;)

[Edwina's Secretary]

What about Herta Müller? Does she deserve a Nobel Prize??:D:D

[Edwina's Secretary]

Your prior comment "Interesting to note ...Mr. Huckabee doesn't seem to think there are any people in the middle???":confused::confused: is why I quoted you. As I stated, I do not see middle ground. Either someone is worthy or they aren't. "To be determined if they are worthy" does not work for me.

I traded a couple of :confused::confused: for a :rolleyes:

;)

My point ....I did not comment on "worthiness" I commented on labeling people as either on the left or on the right.

To your point ...is it not possible to not have an opinion? Or does every thing and every person have to be right or left?

And why should anyone, right, left, or middle, be responsible for explaining the decision of the Nobel prize committee?

[Karen]

I saw a blurb that Pres. Obama won the prize for "inspiring hope at the start of his term" which is something he certainly did do. How people qualify for a Nobel is sometimes a mystery to me anyway.

[Pam]

My point ....I did not comment on "worthiness" I commented on labeling people as either on the left or on the right.

To your point ...is it not possible to not have an opinion? Or does every thing and every person have to be right or left?

And why should anyone, right, left, or middle, be responsible for explaining the decision of the Nobel prize committee?


Before your initial comment, people were expressing opinions as to whether they felt he had earned this recognition this early in his term., i.e., what positive things has he done thus far? I was, and still am, of the opinion that there is a lot about this president that remains to be seen. Of course no one is responsible for explaining the decision of the Nobel prize committee. I never said there was.

I guess I should be happy that there are people with no opinion because it means that they are THINKING.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Of course no one is responsible for explaining the decision of the Nobel prize committee. I never said there was.

I guess I should be happy that there are people with no opinion because it means that they are THINKING.

You did state
I like Huckabee's answer. I would like to hear that explanation as well.

But I won't quibble.

I am just glad we agree that a thoughtful response is better than a knee jerk response.;)

[Husky_mom]

I have nothing against him.. but he happens to be in my endless list of people I don´t like.. hehe.. nothing particular about that.. some people just go in the list for no reason..:p

anyway... I thought the prize was achieved by something you DID...I mean it´s a prize isn´t it... prizes are gotten AFTER you do something.. if you RUN a marathon and WIN then you get the trophy.. you don´t get it because you are athletic and you might have won even if you didn´t ran...:confused:

I guess many may wonder or even think.. was what I did worth the efforts... could´ve I just sit down and got it like this guy (regardless of his political position he´s just a guy)... you have to EARN it by merits... IMHO

and to the left, right thing.. I too have to admit I believe there is space for middle people.. just like in handwriting.. either you are a leftie or a rightie or you can be ambidextrous ... I see things in all shades of grey and colors not just the extremes..

being an outsider I saw it as a merely diplomatical/political issue... like mentioned Bush wasn´t liked in Europe and this clearly says Obama is.. and the way I see it, it definately degraded merit to those who really deserved that prize and those who have been awarded it in the past..

IMO, and if it were me, I would´ve declined the award, but it´s not me... so.. it´s up to him and his PR people

[Pam]

You did state
Quote:
I like Huckabee's answer. I would like to hear that explanation as well.
But I won't quibble.

I am just glad we agree that a thoughtful response is better than a knee jerk response.

And I would still like to hear that explanation. What has he done? Please don't get me wrong. I am not sitting here stewing over this. On my list of important things this is below the last item on the list. My concern is the glorification of someone who is unproven IMHO and whose agenda going forward remains to be seen.

[lizbud]

As they already are. President Obama did not appoint himself to receive this award; he was chosen by a committee. So why all the nasty comments pointed at him? (not you, E.S) I do hope he accepts the award in person.

As Governor Pawlenty said - "Congratulations, Mr. President"


It is so funny to me how the conservatives are havng conniption fits
over Obama's selection for the honor.:D As you said before, Obama did not
nominate himself.

Here's a article that calls the award the " Thank God Your Not Bush" award.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-robert-epstein/the-thank-god-youre-not-b_b_315715.html

[pomtzu]

And I'm working on a cure for cancer...........
Do you think I might get the Nobel Prize for Medicine??? :rolleyes:

Ridiculous??? - of course!!!
Almost as ridiculous as Pres Obama getting the Peace Prize! :(

[Edwina's Secretary]

And I would still like to hear that explanation.

Well then here you go. These are the people to explain it. Not anyone on the left or right (or middle) .


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[Edwina's Secretary]

And I'm working on a cure for cancer...........
Do you think I might get the Nobel Prize for Medicine??? :rolleyes:



Good luck. I hope your cure is successful.

[Grace]

It is so funny to me how the conservatives are havng conniption fits
over Obama's selection for the honor.:D As you said before, Obama did not
nominate himself.


Paul Krugman writes a regular column for the NY Times. In his piece last Sunday, he said this -


If Republicans think something might be good for the president, they’re against it — whether or not it’s good for America.

BTW - Mr. Krugman was awarded the 2008 Nobel Prize in Economics.

[RICHARD]

IMO, and if it were me, I would´ve declined the award, but it´s not me... so.. it´s up to him and his PR people

Give the award back, keep the money?:D

[lizbud]

Paul Krugman writes a regular column for the NY Times. In his piece last Sunday, he said this -



BTW - Mr. Krugman was awarded the 2008 Nobel Prize in Economics.


This sure looks like it's a very personal dislike of Obama the man, even
thought these people will swear it isn't. I say, be glad for America.:)

[Marigold2]

I am very proud of President Obama. He took office at a time when we were involved in two wars, our economy is in serious trouble, respect for America was at a all time low.
What was said by a member ealier is correct, leaders of other countries did not like Bush, did not respect him or us, however these same leaders’ presidents, Prime Ministers, Kings and Queens do like Obama. That can only be good for US. If we have the respect of other nations we have hope that this world can be a better, safer place for all. Having friends with other world leaders can only be good. We need friends, not more enemies with weapons of mass destruction.
Sometimes instilling hope is the most important thing a person can give to another, to a nation and its people. With hope we can put our differences aside and work for the greater good. Kennedy said it best “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. Obama asks the same of us. He inspires me to make a better world for all animals.
I myself am not a noble prize winner, a college professor, a world leader. This is not my award to give or take. I am not qualified to grant this prestigious honor. Is there any one here who is? If so please step forward. If not please ask yourself why you cannot be joyful that Obama has the respect of some of the greatest minds in the world and the hope of something better to come

[Edwina's Secretary]

BTW - Mr. Krugman was awarded the 2008 Nobel Prize in Economics.

Did he earn the award?;)

I don't recall it being debated, but perhaps we should!

[Grace]

Did he earn the award?;)

I don't recall it being debated, but perhaps we should!

I don't recall either. So I went googling. Found that someone from the Austrian Economist (http://austrianeconomists.typepad.com/weblog/2008/10/you-cannot-be-s.html) was a bit perplexed. However, another person from Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/2008/10/13/krugman-nobel-economics-oped-cx_ap_1013panagariya.html) was pleased.

There is also the Marginal Revolution. (http://www.marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2008/10/paul-krugman-wi.html)

Overall, it does not appear that his was a shocking choice :)

[Edwina's Secretary]

Well! That does it! I am canceling my subscription to the Austrian Economist!

[blue]

Some of the people who were passed over for Obama. Source (http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/10/meet_the_people_who_were_passe_1.asp).

http://www.jfklibrary.org/NR/rdonlyres/B523ED40-CE8F-4A8F-8C6C-4A8A7E596368/10133/B523ED40CE8F4A8F8C6C4A8A7E5963691.jpg

In 2002, Sima Samar became the first women's affairs minister in Afghanistan's post-Taliban interim government. Prior to her appointment, Samar had dedicated her life to the preservation of basic rights for women and girls in Afghanistan. She fled her country in 1984 during the Soviet ocupation and moved to the border town of Quetta, Pakistan, where she founded the Shuhada Organization to support the education and health needs of Afghan women and girls. With dogged persistence and at great personal risk, she kept her schools and clinics open in Afghanistan even during the most repressive days of the Taliban regime, whose laws prohibited the education of girls past the age of eight. When the Taliban fell, Samar returned to Kabul and accepted the post of Minister for Women's Affairs, even as she continued to run her clinics and schools. But her persistent calls for equality and justice attracted the attention of Afghanistan's powerful religious leaders, who still saw no place for women in Afghan public life. She was taunted by male colleagues, and she began to receive thinly veiled death threats from Islamic conservatives hoping to silence her. She was ultimately forced to step down from her cabinet post, which was left unfilled. She subsequently was offered a non-cabinet position chairing the Independent Afghanistan Human Rights Commission, a position she still holds.



http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/00263/betancourt_263626gm-e.jpg

Ingrid Betancourt, French-Colombian ex-hostage.

Ingrid Betancourt holds her award from Reporteres Sans Frontieres on Sept. 24, 2009 in Montreal. Betancourt was captured by FARC in 2002 while campaigning for the Colombian presidency and held for more than six years before being rescued.

If anyone knows how to bounce back from tragedy, it’s Betancourt. During the Colombian senator’s 2002 presidential campaign, she was abducted by a marxist organization and held captive for six-and-a-half years. Since being rescued in July, 2008, she has been dubbed a “freedom fighter” and “symbol of hope.”


http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/00263/mukwege_263627gm-e.jpg

Dr. Denis Mukwege jokes with patients outside the surgical ward of Panzi hospital in Bukavu, DRC. On this photo's date, Dr Mukwege had treated 21,000 women suffering from devastating gynecological injuries as a result of rape in Congo's brutal war. He is the only gynecologist treating these wounds in the country. Oct. 14, 2008

Seeing pregnant women arrive at the hospital on a donkey and dying during childbirth encouraged Mukwege to study gynaecology and obstetrics. Noticing that so many women had been sexually abused, he later founded the Panzi hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hundreds of thousands of female sexual violence victims have been helped so far.


____________
I guess words and promises are more important then actions. He wasnt in office for Two weeks when he was nominated for the NPP.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Its also interesting to note that only two other sitting US Presidents have been given the Nobel Peace Prize. Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Note that both of those men were no friend of the individual Liberty this nation was founded on.

Interesting indeed.

I suppose you do not include Jimmy Carter because he was not sitting at the time (standing I suppose?)

[Puckstop31]

I suppose you do not include Jimmy Carter because he was not sitting at the time (standing I suppose?)

Uhhh, right. Sitting, as in "currently in office".

Its interesting that when the Nobel Peace Prize is given to a US President (current or former) that they are less than champions of individual freedom. In fact, they are/were rather authortarian.

Why not Ronald Reagan? Did he not win the Cold War?

Then again, if they give it to a life long terrorist like Yassir Arafat....

[Edwina's Secretary]

Why not Ronald Reagan? Did he not win the Cold War?

No, he did not.

[RICHARD]

MMM MMM MMM
Barack Hussein Obama

He won the prize of Nobel
With little effort or work
The committee that awarded
Must be a panel of jerks.


MMM MMM MMM
Barack Hussein Obama

Hasn't stopped terror or war.
Two weeks as our president-he's barely in the door!
His health care plan is not so good.
He should 'president' like he should.

MMM MMM MMM
Barack Hussein Obama

Is more a TV star.
My television viewing, his visage he does mar.
Stay at home and lead OUR nation.
please stop trying for international sensation

MMM MMM MMM
Barack Hussein Obama

You asked for unclenched fist
Because I don't agree with you, does that means I am a racist?


MMM MMM MMM:rolleyes::confused::eek:

[Edwina's Secretary]

What a pity that unlike - well Barack Obama for instance - you don't use your talent for something constructive....:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Marigold2]

Richard I don't understand your anger toward OB's award. Are you quailifed to choose? :confused: Is this your award to give or take? :confused: If some of the brightest and greatest minds in the world think he is deserving what makes you think you know better? :confused: This man is admired throughout the world by great leaders, statesmen, clergy, kings, prime ministers. Everyone is incorrect but you, Glenn Beck and and Rush? This award is something to be proud of. Our president is admired, how can that be bad? As for the timing, we do not know all that goes on in the world. We are not secert service, counter intelligence, we do not know what he has done behind the closed curtain with the military. We can see what Bush did and how he became a laughing stock to the world leaders. How he was hated, now we have a President who is intelligent, respected and loved by the world and he has won something truly special and important. He was as surprised as we all were, perhaps his greatness is being seen by the most intelligent and gifted of the world and not the common man because we don't have all the facts nor should we.

[blue]

5 people made the decision for the NPP, not the greatest and brightest minds of the world. Just 5 people (http://nobelpeaceprize.org/en_GB/nomination_committee/members/).

If Fidel Castro thinks Obama's NPP as a positive step, I guess that makes El Hefe a progressive or a moderate in his political thinking.

I bet former POTUS Clinton is pissed at BHO getting a NPP first, after all Clinton actually accomplished something in his 8 years (not sure what but he did serve for more then 2 weeks and didnt get nominated). Heck if I were Mr Clinton Ild be doubly cranked, his VP got a NPP for creating the BS that is globull warming, and a guy that barely knew the layout of his new house and offices gets a NPP.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Oh my. Well, better five smart people than 5 thousands Hefes looking for glo bull anything...

:D:D:D:D

[Puckstop31]

No, he did not.


No? So walking away from Gorbachev's insanity in Rekjavick in 86 did not close the case?


What did then? If Reagan not willing to back down from "Star Wars" and thus proving that the Soviet Union was economically defunct... What DID win the Cold War?

Seriously... You of all people whould know better than to make a blanket statement with no support.

[blue]

Seriously...

You seriously expected anything of substance?

[RICHARD]

MMMM MMM MMMMM
Михаи́л Серге́евич Горбачёв
With port wine stain on head
Lost the 'war' to Reagan
That's all that needs to be said....

MMMM MMM MMMMM



heheheheheheh....:D

----------------------------

Everyone is incorrect in my universe.

There is no air on my planet, get off my cloud.


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“That’s pretty amazing, winning the Nobel Peace Prize,” Jay Leno said, first out of the box Friday night. “Ironically, his biggest accomplishment as president so far ... winning the Nobel Peace Prize.”

[cassiesmom]

Before your initial comment, people were expressing opinions as to whether they felt he had earned this recognition this early in his term., i.e., what positive things has he done thus far? I was, and still am, of the opinion that there is a lot about this president that remains to be seen. Of course no one is responsible for explaining the decision of the Nobel prize committee. I never said there was.

I guess I should be happy that there are people with no opinion because it means that they are THINKING.

I am thinking ... that I agree with the person who wondered why Obama was chosen over others to receive such a prestigious honor, since he is less than one year into his first term as President and with such a brief political career (Illinois state senator, U.S. senator) preceding that. I wouldn't say he has earned it, but on the other hand maybe his future political career will prove that the committee made a wise decision in awarding it to him.

As for inspiring hope in the American people? Was Dubya really that bad? All I see Obama doing is creating programs that cost billions of dollars and abandoning the promises he made during the Presidential campaign. I'm obviously not his greatest fan.

Some previous Nobel Peace prize recipients ... Kofi Annan; Yasser ARafat, Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin, jointly; Nelson Mandela; the Dalai Lama; Lech Walesa; Desmond Tutu; Elie Wiesel; Mother Teresa; Dag Hammarskjold; Martin Luther King; Dr. Albert Schweitzer; and Jane Addams.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Was Dubya really that bad?

He started wars. Wars that were unnecessary and can probably never be "won."

He told lies to get the American people to support those wars.

He declared "Mission Accomplished" when it clearly was not.

He left this mess for his successor to deal with.

He is responsible for the needless death of over 4,000 young Americans.

It is a peace award.

[Edwina's Secretary]

and who ended it? (I think it rather silly to suggest a non-war was won.)

The list of people who contributed to ending the cold war is as long as your arm. Lech Walesa, the people of Czechslovakia, Pope John Paul II, Gorbachev, just to name a few. Reagan's name can go on the list, but as one of many.

But really is isn't a who that ended the cold war it is a what.

Communism ended the cold war.

Communism failed because communism is a failure.

It doesn't work and it fell in on itself.

I find it strange that there are people who want something or someone else to be responsible for communism collapsing. I guess they think it a viable system?

It is not. It ran its course and Reagan happened to be in the right place at the right time.

And that is no....glo bull! :D:D:D

[momcat]

A little over a year ago, my son was nominated to the International Scholar Laureate Program. In May 2008 he was one of about 60 college students who spent 14 days in Vienna, Budapest, Prague, and Venice working directly with diplomats learning the role of diplomacy in international relations. These young folks represented our best and brightest minds. Sadly, they were on the receiving end of intense anti-American sentiment. The citizens of these cities made it clear that the group was not wanted or welcome. The ISLP advisors told the group not to take it personally, Bush was so intensely despised that it was taken out on all Americans.

At a reception with the students and diplomats, my son had a chance to talk one-on-one with a diplomat about the challenges facing the president we would elect the following November. The diplomat told him that it's going to take years to undo the damage done by Bush regarding international relations. The students had the unique opportunity to see world events and problems from the other point of view. Even though the world community had nothing positive to give Bush or his administration our students, while agreeing for the most part, came home with a renewed appreciation for our way of life.

Im not an Obama fan. My vote in November wasn't for Obama, it was against McCain and the unacceptable Republican mindset. Enough lies, indifference, and utter incompetence of the previous 8 years.

I agree there were others more deserving of the prize but ultimately the committee chose Obama for reasons we most likely will never know. Nine months isn't long enough to make any solid determinations about the Obama presidency, but he has made some inroads to improving international relations whether you agree with his methods or not. I'm very proud of the fact that the award came to the USA. This is something that will go to his credibility around the world. I hope we can accept that here at home.

[Puckstop31]

and who ended it? (I think it rather silly to suggest a non-war was won.)

Tell that to the "stars on the wall" at CIA headquarters. Or the people who died in Korea, Vietnam, Czechoslovakia in 67', etc...


The list of people who contributed to ending the cold war is as long as your arm. Lech Walesa, the people of Czechslovakia, Pope John Paul II, Gorbachev, just to name a few. Reagan's name can go on the list, but as one of many.

But really is isn't a who that ended the cold war it is a what.

Communism ended the cold war.

Communism failed because communism is a failure.

It doesn't work and it fell in on itself.

I find it strange that there are people who want something or someone else to be responsible for communism collapsing. I guess they think it a viable system?

It is not. It ran its course and Reagan happened to be in the right place at the right time.



It fell on itself, sure enough. Of course, Ronald Regan was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time. Ending price controls on domestic oil had nothing to do with it. (Oil prices dropped because of this, signifcantly. Oil was a major revenue source for the Soviet Union.) Coupled to the fact that he called Gorbachev's bluff... Thus requiring the Soviet Union to spend money on things it could not afford. What if Carter had won another term? Hmmmm?

[Edwina's Secretary]

Tell that to the "stars on the wall" at CIA headquarters. Or the people who died in Korea, Vietnam, Czechoslovakia in 67', etc...



It fell on itself, sure enough. Of course, Ronald Regan was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time. Ending price controls on domestic oil had nothing to do with it. (Oil prices dropped because of this, signifcantly. Oil was a major revenue source for the Soviet Union.) Coupled to the fact that he called Gorbachev's bluff... Thus requiring the Soviet Union to spend money on things it could not afford. What if Carter had won another term? Hmmmm?

Gald to see you agree with me!

[RICHARD]

The ISLP advisors told the group not to take it personally, Bush was so intensely despised that it was taken out on all Americans.

.

And I always thought that people would be able to discern the difference between politicians and regular old folks.

This really pi$$es me off because this paints Europeans in an effing bad light. The people from Europe that I have met are pretty cool. It's the effers that treat all Americans like crap because they didn't like the president?

Please.

I have more faith in the planet than I am giving to the AHs that pass BAD BEHAVIOR off as a dislike for a politician.

So, If I decide to scratch any European cars in a parking lot because of World War II I will get a pass for bad manners and behavior?

:rolleyes: times Infinity!

[Grace]

A little over a year ago, my son was nominated to the International Scholar Laureate Program. In May 2008 he was one of about 60 college students who spent 14 days in Vienna, Budapest, Prague, and Venice working directly with diplomats learning the role of diplomacy in international relations. These young folks represented our best and brightest minds. Sadly, they were on the receiving end of intense anti-American sentiment. The citizens of these cities made it clear that the group was not wanted or welcome. The ISLP advisors told the group not to take it personally, Bush was so intensely despised that it was taken out on all Americans.



Our neighbor's daughter had a similar experience. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship a few years ago, and spent one year in Austria getting her Master's degree.

She, and the other Americans, received a fair amount of disdain - because of the President at the time. She said it was a very uncomfortable experience.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I have more faith in the planet than I am giving to the AHs that pass BAD BEHAVIOR off as a dislike for a politician.



Let me start by saying I have been in Europe every year. And never ONCE was I treated by anyone in anyway unpleasant that I thought because of my nationality.

But I seem to remember great disdain for French people because their politicians did not want to join us in George's Folly. Freedom Fries anyone??

Anyone want to refresh my memory...how were Arabic people treated in this country after 9/11???

Glass house...and all that...:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[RICHARD]

She, and the other Americans, received a fair amount of disdain - because of the President at the time. She said it was a very uncomfortable experience.

I guess people who teach need to go back to school and learn manners.

God, just when you think that people can look past politics and hate, they surprise you by acting like FWs.

Lovely...

And the people who (Americans) put up with it and take thae treatment are no better.

Cry me a river and explain that one away?

[Edwina's Secretary]

Does the air ever get too thin up on that high horse?

Honestly...<<shakes head>>

And...by the way...WHERE do you see anything about teachers?

The only profession I see mentioned is diplomats.

Moral outrage doesn't leave too much time for...reading?

[Grace]

I guess people who teach need to go back to school and learn manners.

God, just when you think that people can look past politics and hate, they surprise you by acting like FWs.

Lovely...

And the people who (Americans) put up with it and take thae treatment are no better.


Just what do you expect the American students, hoping for a good grade, to do? This gal is an exceptional student; graduated from the U-M with a double major; now in an internship with the United States State Department. Should she have risked her future because of some foreign prof?




And...by the way...WHERE do you see anything about teachers?

The only profession I see mentioned is diplomats.

Moral outrage doesn't leave too much time for...reading?

Although I didn't specify teacher/educator, Richard is correct. The case I mentioned did involve the professors. They were the big problem for the American students in Austria - giving lower marks to Americans across the board.

Momcat's only mentioned diplomats.

[RICHARD]

Just what do you expect the American students, hoping for a good grade, to do?

Nothing. WHat could she do?

I am sure a tourist with a platinum card and an arsefull of American lucre would/could find everything 5x5?

There is a difference between a tourist with money and a student on a scholoarship.

It's all in the card's credit limit.;)

[Edwina's Secretary]

Although I didn't specify teacher/educator, Richard is correct. The case I mentioned did involve the professors. They were the big problem for the American students in Austria - giving lower marks to Americans across the board.
.

He assumed...something he does often. :rolleyes:

And of course...the students were suppose to challenge the profs or the other students to a duel.

I've been to Europe as a tourist and on business. Never been treated anything but gracious. University enviornments are different. I could not afford to travel to Europe when I was a student. They tend (both here and abroad) to be more radical - to see things in black or white with no gray.

So tell me...I don't have a platinum credit card - not even a gold one (silly waste of money in my opinion...) what is the difference between a student and a tourist? Is this from your personal experience or another assumption? And how much is a arseful?

[Edwina's Secretary]

But we digress. Let's get back on topic. To summarize...

George Bush was a disgrace. His administration was an embarrassment and set back relations for the US with most other countries of the civilized world.

Some have said the reason the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to President Obama was a rebuke to Bush.

Many people traveling outside the US had felt - directly or indirectly - the opinion many nations hold of President Bush - and some - by extension - the people of the nation who elected him (or allowed him to be appointed by the Supreme Court.)

Others are shocked - SHOCKED - that any people would have a negative opinion of citizens of a country based on the action of the elected government of that country. (Thankfully none of those countries have thought of invading the US for purpose of "regime change"!)

Done.

Back to the Nobel Peace Prize?

[blue]

The NPP should have been given to the Nuclear Bomb.

[RICHARD]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/opinion/12douthat.html?_r=1

Ouch, the NY Times staff turning on the Messiah?:eek: