"Wow." I totally understand Robert Gibbs initial reaction to the news that President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. I am proud of my President and pleased I may have been present at the creation of a Nobel Peace Prize when I went to hear him speak about the elimination of nuclear weapons at Prague Castle. Click on my title to read about the speech that day.
That's the hopeful part of my reaction to the news that my President won the award. The more skeptical part of me (yes, Czech people, you rub off on others!) says 1) this award is for 'not being George Bush', 2) this is a European attempt to influence American policy in Afghanistan and elsewhere, and 3) this is European desire to help with the President's legitimacy because they probably see American birthers and other wackos attacking him all the time (don't worry, we know they're nuts) and 4) the Nobel Committee could have done more for world peace by holding the award out like a carrot for eight years. But hey, it's not my award to give. And I"m damn proud of my President.
Friday, October 9, 2009
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7 comments:
I am not an Obama fan but if I were, I really hope I would have enough common sense to be embarrassed by this absurd choice. Did you actually realize that the nominations were closed at the beginning of February, not even 2 weeks after Obama was ushered in his office? An incorrigible jokster was so impressed by Obama's performance in those 2 weeks and sent a nomination, and the Nobel Committee took it seriously, wow. What a mad world.
I am not a big fan of Václav Havel either but I think that 20 years after 1989 would have been a terrific year for him to be awarded. Not to speak about other deserving candidates.
The tone of my message may be affected by toothache but I really do believe that you could use another dose of the Czech skepticism. :)
This would have been an outstanding year for Vaclav Havel to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. You are so right! I hope it happens while he's alive to enjoy it and the good citizens of the Czech Republic can celebrate with him. Terrific idea, Jana.
I saw your blog mentioned in the Wall Street Journal today: congrats on getting the mention. I assume "American birthers" means U.S. born. If you can edit your past blog postings you may wish to change "thier" to they're" (American birthers and other wackos attacking him all the time (don't worry, we know their nuts)). By the way, do you meant to say that U.S. born people that attack Obama are wackos and nuts? Isn't it possible that some U.S. born that attack Obama are not wackos or nuts? Anti-socialists attacking Obama's socialism, for example? Best of luck to you during your travels.
Thanks for the heads up on the typo. Not at all do I mean to suggest that everyone who disagrees with Obama is nuts. The glory and strength of America is the free marketplace of ideas. And the birther one isn't cutting it for me. But we only recognize bad ideas by allowing them to be aired amongst us for discussion!
Oh please Karen.. don't drink the koolaid!
It appears that on the cusp of Obama making a decision about troop deployments to Afganistan, NPP comes out with naming him the "Nobel Peace Prize winner".. the only problem with that is that he hasn't done anything at all (except spend us into oblivion, but that's another story).
Does anyone think the ultra liberal Nobel people may be trying to influence that troop deployment decision? Say it isn't so!
Respectfully yours from a mom who ,in your words is "an American birther and/or other wacko".
You know, I'm one of those that worked 40 hours a week/12 months a year, with no three month summer vacation to pay taxes so people like you could teach my children. Enjoy the Czech Republic
Wow, hang on there Ann. I'm sorry if my comment offended you. My goal was merely to say if the Norwegians were trying to tamp down USA domestic objections to the President's agenda or increase his legitimacy, he probably didn't need the help. I do find the birther movement a wee bit unhinged. However, people who worry about how much the President is spending are not wackos. They are reasoned people and it's a great debate in the finest American tradition. P.S. English teachers in the Czech Republic do not get/take three months off.
I think Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize because from the moment he stepped into office he has changed the tone of American foreign policy.
Gone are the macho messages from our former President Obama has inspired and given hope around the world and presented an alternative of dialogue instead of war. Desmond Tutu also was given the Nobel Prize because of his messages to end apartheid. It finally ended 10 years after he received the NP prize but he gave hope and inspiration to a people that badly needed it. Also the nominations may have closed 11 days after he went into office but the vote was taken the week before the prize was presented. That was nine months of being in office where he totally changed the tone when he spoke to the world. I add my congratulations to President Obama.
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