Nobel Peace Prize To Obama: A nice way to greet the day
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2009
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.
Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama's initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.
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. 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.
For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama's appeal that "Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges."
Oslo, October 9, 2009
There's an advantage to having one's alarm go off at 5:45 and being on the east coast to boot. I get to be first in something. Yay me.
Now I can sit back and watch the right wing go nuts, Boehner turn a lighter shade of orange, Kyl swallow aspirins by the cupful, Beck blow up, Limbaugh sputter like an outboard working on one cylinder. And a few people here order the cold water hoses to dampen the enthusiasm. But for now they don't interest me one whit. I'm celebrating with another cup of coffee, toasting the Nobel Committee with it, for honoring the dream and helping to encourage the rest of us to move it to reality.
Beautifully said.
I can't stop grinning. Go Obama! Wow, isn't it fun to be proud of your President again?
October 9, 2009 7:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Eggs actly, Bwak!
October 9, 2009 10:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Complete bullshit. At this point, he has done nothing - nor should he have been expected to - comparable to others' efforts.
This is complete and utter bullshit.
October 9, 2009 8:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Somehow the Nobel Committee holds more weight with me than you do, Karl, sorry about that.
But then you may hold more weight with others than the Nobel Committee does. Why not go rant at them on your own blog?
October 9, 2009 9:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
Because you already wrote a post. You have the option to disable comments, naturally.
October 9, 2009 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Disabling comments is an I choose not to exercise. People are free to rant here as the spirit leads.
But if one has something extensive and substantive to say, why not advocate that position, defend it, support it with the logic and reason and evidence at your command in space which is provided to do it?
Alternately dismiss this as pure bullshit...your choice, after all, not mine.
October 9, 2009 10:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
So, then, what is the problem? To be clear, I was not attacking your reaction, but the award itself.
October 9, 2009 12:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Karl, I know (and have known for some time) that you are a complete and utter asshole. Why is it that you feel compelled to prove it yet again?
October 9, 2009 12:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Consistency?
October 9, 2009 12:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Always fascinating to see how the strange political bedfellows fall out at TPM.
October 9, 2009 3:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
What is "fascinating" is how a confirmed stalker is still allowed to post here.
October 9, 2009 8:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe it's because your labels are completely inaccurate. Fortunately, your clique doesn't rule TPM (try as they might).
October 9, 2009 8:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, you are a stalker, and everyone ought to be aware of it. Now, there IS a poster here, that you ran off from your stalking, that has the first name you posted in connection with me, although you were inaccurate.
What is important for others to know is that you actively try to find out others identities while decrying any attempts to discern your own. Try to find out their personal information and then publish it, which is not only against the terms of use here, but illegal in most states. 'Crying' being the opportune word. Due to your stalking, I was told your name. Unlike you, however, I won't use the knowledge, unless you attempt to broadcast my privacy further. Then I will contact the relevant authorities.
You prey on women over 40, and that should be stated here. You are a stalker in every sense of the word, and should be shunned as such.
A common intellect with an uncommon mean streak.
I do not understand why TPM allows a stalker to stalk it's commenters, but I am not afraid of you. The law and social conventions, as well as my attorney general all side with me. BTW, I am friend of friends of his, and he hates stalkers.
You are a net negative at TPM, as far as I am concerned. I only regret I didn't do more to help the other victims of your habitual stalking.
October 9, 2009 9:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Got yer back. Good job.
And today was the best day since Nov. 4, 2008 and Jan. 20, 2009.
Thanks, amike. Somebody needs to make a movie about the right wing reaction today. Bill Maher? I kept having to run to the fire hydrant from laughing so hard.
October 9, 2009 11:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Uggggghhhhhhhhh! Puleeeeeze get some new material! I'm starting to get bald patches from pulling my hair out every time I read these words...
October 9, 2009 10:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Basic truths are basic truths.
I've also quoted the Constitution multiple times, etc.
You'd think you'd be offended about the Salem Witch Trials that some here want to take place.
I notice you haven't counted the times someone has called me a stalker. But then again, it's easier to follow the crowd.
October 9, 2009 11:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
You disappoint me CT. I wish you knew (or cared) how much.
October 10, 2009 12:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
The thing you don't seem to get CT is that its not about who rules TPM, but who outnumbers who.
As the song says, one is the loneliest number. That's you.
And then there's the rest of us. You can't win. Nor will you.
So take your hominems, your generalizations, and your rude, crude and now stewed self somewhere else. Why would you want to stay here, anyway? Nobody likes you.
October 9, 2009 10:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why don't you read the justification by the panel on the reasons why he was selected before you go off on a tangent? Obama represents that Shining City on a Hill that Reagan always invoked, but on a global scale. He's that vision thing those Bu$h's have such a hard time comprehending.
October 9, 2009 10:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
I, a fellow East coast denizen, got this news in the middle of a dream.I kept sleeping, believing that it was a dream.
Will this affect his "deliberations" re Afghanistan/McChyrstal? I hope so. I HOPE SO.
And, open the vaults on torture, wiretapping, and other all too American atrocities. Sometimes you win the prize, then earn it.
(Although I have to say that whenever professors gave me grades before receipt of my term papers, these papers were invariably never turned in.)
October 9, 2009 10:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
never turned in.
Hah! I thought I was the only one...what a relief..
October 9, 2009 11:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Living on the left coast I thought to arise much too early and watch the NASA Nerds Show. I could hardly make out anything on the NASA website so I went to TPM, thinking Josh would have a good video of the event. And that is how I got the news. Yay! Way to go Mr. President. I could not be more delighted.
October 9, 2009 11:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm celebrating as well. I still occassionally want to yell at my computer and tv screen when reading or watching some ridiculous spin, but I can have fun watching this one.
October 9, 2009 11:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
As an admirer of the president, I believe he must be careful in his response to the award. On a practical level, he is being honored more for intentions than achievements, and so many throughout the political spectrum here and abroad are questioning the Nobel Committee's choice. It might be wise for Obama to thank them for their faith in him, and to acknowledge that he has yet to earn it but that he sees the Prize as an obligation to follow through with his efforts rather than a reward for past success.
October 9, 2009 11:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fred, I am glad to agree with you here. I heard an excerpt (?) from his speech, in which he acknowledged this, and said he did not deserve it.
He has not had any 'success' yet other than helping US image abroad.(Not a criticism.) It has been suggested by some that this is an attempt by Sweden/Europe to influence the direction of US policy. If so (and I actually hope it is), that is positive lobbying, something we don't get much of for our politicians.
October 9, 2009 11:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fred, that's exactly how I read the judge's panel on their selection of Obama for the prize too. Also, from what I've read so far, Obama recognizes that as well - that the prize was awarded for intent of things to come, not for actions already completed. Also,note, he's donating the entire prize money to charity.
October 9, 2009 10:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
The knee jerk reaction from the right was totally expected (just look at their hand rubbing once Obama didn't get the Olympics).
What's equally predictable is the knee jerk reaction of the those on the left who are equally as dimwitted in this blindly partisan views.
What I didn't expect is for someone like amike to write a blog like this. While you are entitled to your reaction, certainly, you smugly suggesting that the Nobel Committee "knows best" is easily blown apart with two words:
Henry Kissinger.
The fact is that this prize is a mixed blessing at best for Obama. The pressures of it are tremendously high. In fact, it is *great* for the US in negotiations internationally (which is why the DNC statement to the GOP is truly justified) but it also forces Obama to move harder and faster and by past behavior that's not his style.
The prize was not awarded properly this year, but no one in America should be upset with the award because it benefits our country greatly.
As usual, both extremes get it all wrong.
October 9, 2009 3:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
When you say , The prize was not awarded properly this year, but no one in America should be upset with the award because it benefits our country greatly., remember, the same thing was said of the 2000 election too.
October 9, 2009 10:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, it just goes to show that you got it wrong again.
The Committee for the Peace Prize openly acknowledges that awarding the prize is a political act. They hinted while smiling that this one was no different.
Too bad you missed that point. It's important.
October 9, 2009 11:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've not had a great week...this was just the pick-me-up I needed. Thank you Nobel selection committee!
October 9, 2009 4:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yep
October 9, 2009 8:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
you got this right Professor. bravo.
Bravo to Norway.
Bravo to the memory of Nobel the one time war supplier.
Bravo to Europe who just love my President. I mean country by country Europe loves us according to MSNBC by 89% to 11%. While they hated w by the same numbers. ha
We get a leg up right now. With Europe, Canada, NATO,
This is a gooooooooooooood day Professor
October 9, 2009 6:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
YOu are certainly right about the right wing, and this definitely helps strengthen our position. But it also feels like an international variation on what he wrote about in his book "I am a vessel that people place their hopes into" (paraphrase)
I guess the thing I find fascinating is that the Nobel committee seems to be employing the same strategy that Obama used to win his campaign. Appeal to our highest ideals, respect our intelligence, and vote hope (never mind pesky details like experience). Here they are asking him to do the same, laying on a little guilt prematurely so to speak.
Still, I guess I am old-fashioned when I want to see some achievements (gitmo!!!! seriously wtf).
Btu have hope. It sure beats the alternative.
October 9, 2009 9:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama is going to get congrats from some and laughs from others...so what else is new?
I, for one, don't see any harm in having the Nobel committee reward him for his efforts to reconcile our country with the rest of the world. Is the award accomplishment based? I think a case can be made that maybe it is. He has done more to give the world hope for less bullying and more peaceful resolution of problems on the part of the U.S. than it has had in awhile, in a VERY short time. If it results in him redoubling his efforts, it will be worth a little ridicule, as far as I am concerned.
Let's face it, if this were happening 6 years from now, there were no active wars, he had successfully brought all the Middle East players to the table and hammered out a live and let live treaty and cured world hunger, the same people who are bitching now would be bitching then.
Let's just enjoy it for awhile and hope he uses it to get a bit of cooperation from the rest of the world in our efforts to destroy Al Qaeda.
October 9, 2009 10:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, that is simply not the case. Some might. But to sweep every one into a bin and assume that because they say this isn't how the prize should be awarded means they are against Obama simply isn't true.
http://www.clusterflock.org/2009/10/responses-to-obamas-noble-prize.html
By the way, Josh Marshall himself said "This is an odd award."
Is this bitching? I think not. Most of the comments on TPM are also of the non-bitching variety. Who says they are bitching, then? Those bleating sheep who simply assume they must mindless cheer everything that the GOP disdains.
October 9, 2009 11:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
PS Those two links go to two different sites.
October 9, 2009 11:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
He absolutely deserves the award.
He has closed Gitmo, removed troops from Iraq, stabilized Afghanistan, dismantled the Taliban, passed a comprehensive carbon tax, abolished "don't ask, don't tell" and has convinced both China and Russia to impose sanctions on Iran for their nuclear program. With this list of accomplishments, why wouldn't he receive the award?
October 9, 2009 11:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
From an article on the Nobel website:
Shorter paragraph:
FUCK YOU Bush and Cheney,
Love, the NPP Committee
October 9, 2009 11:18 PM | Reply | Permalink