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RedditThe choice has always been, as a former chair of the Nobel Peace Prize judging committee explained in 2001, " a political act." This year it was also an ingenious leap of faith-- the endorsement of the hope and the promise represented by America's new President. Of course, it was also a pointed rebuke to the unilateral recklessness of the Bush administration, with its aversion to international organizations and diplomacy. (As were the awards given to former President Jimmy Carter and Vice-President Al Gore.)
Perhaps the Committee, in welcoming Obama's re-embrace of the global community, should have also honored the millions of Americans who voted for Obama --and who, in so doing, helped redeem America's image.
I think those who argue that the Prize is cheapened are just plain silly. The Prize doesn't go to only those who have succeeded in their efforts, nor is it a lifetime achievement award. Instead, it is often and wisely given to endorse and encourage those who are working to bring about a better and more peaceful world. As Thorbjorn Jagland, the Committee's new Chair, said: "It's important for the committee to recognize people who are struggling and idealistic, but we cannot do that every year. We must from time go into the real of realpolitik. It is always a mix of idealism and realpolitik that can change the world."
Finally, for those who are really worried about the devaluing of the Peace Price (and this crowd includes people who've been bashing peace for decades), remember that Henry Kissinger is a previous winner. (Or, as Maureen Dowd put it, " Any peace prize that goes to Henry Kissinger but not Gandhi ain't worth a can of Alpo.")
Many domestic commentators have also obsessed over the Peace Prize's political liability for Obama. A cynical type, arguing in the Washington Post, wrote, " if the international community thinks so highly of him, perhaps it is because he shares their ultra-liberal agenda; perhaps it is because he cares more deeply about global causes than vital US interests." This kind of thinking reveals the zero-sum mindset --the dangerous fusion of US exceptionalism and provinicialism --which has caused this country and the world so much trouble and insecurity.
In other parts of the world, more humane and wiser comments have been circulating. The other evening, I received some optimistic, insightful thoughts from Pierre Schori, the former UN Ambassador from Sweden and Olof Palme's close adviser. " I think this decision was bold and ingenious.Obama gives us breathing-space in a dangerous world where there are too many trigger-happy people. He inspires hope for the many dispossessed, but also to us who are worried about how dangerous crises are handled. While meeting resistance at home from some quarters, the governments of Europe keep their mouth shut when he is trying to dialogue with Iran, Cuba and Venezuela and deal with the Middle East, etc. He has started the exit from Iraq. He is a new kind of American President, a cosmopolit (sic) with the world on his mind. While sitting in meetings with his advisers on Afghanistan, the Prize will hopefully help him to a wise decision. He did a great thing for peace beating Bush and McCain....Now America, with Obama in the White House, we are all better off and safer. His visit to the UN bears evidence of this--he has paid all debts to the UN, he got the Security Council to adopt a statement on nuclear-free world and promised support to UN peace-keeping which is in deep crisis, He has started processes that we all now need to support as world citizens."
I value Schori's thoughts. Of course, there are people who are angered by this decision because they rightly worry that the President is poised to further escalate an unnecessary and destructive war in Afghanistan. They believe he is all words and, as of yet, very few deserving deeds. What seems clear is there is much ahead to do ---and much to earn-- if the Committee's decision is to be validated. Obama himself acknowledged the roads not yet taken in his graceful acceptance remarks. "Let me be clear, I do not view this award 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.....I will accept this award as a call to action...."
Perhaps we should think of this year's Nobel Peace Prize as the strategic Nobel. Its strategy is to strengthen Obama's resolve to work for a nuclear weapons free world; strengthen his campaign promises to engage Iran and North Korea; and provide momentum to find a non-military path to ending the war in Afghanistan.
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Katrina vanden Heuvel
Thoughts on politics, current affairs, riffs and reflections on what’s in the news and what’s not--but should be.
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"Instead, it is often and wisely given to endorse and encourage those who are working to bring about a better and more peaceful world."
By that definition, then the the prize should have been given to "Armyjihad", since his vision of world peace and Mid East peace is to...get rid of the Jews and wipe out Israel from the face of the earth...
Ridiculous. It was given to Obama to force his hand and not escalate troop presence in Afganistan.
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/11/2009 @ 5:53pm
Me thinks the "burden" of continuing to carry the water pail for this Nobel Prize-winning Magic--and don't anybody argue w/me that it wasn't magic--is getting to Ms. Progressive.....
Posted by Happy at 10/11/2009 @ 7:39pm
Droopy -You continue to amaze me with the number of angles you play. What would the old man be doing? The same guy who lost his momentum with the fundamentals of the economy are strong pronouncement. The economy would be as bad or worse. I think you need some remedial courses at your local school to help you get in touch with current conditions and trends. Go education.
Posted by whatozz at 10/11/2009 @ 8:47pm
<i>all we are saying.......</i>
"The Obama administration has given the Pentagon a $527 billion limit, excluding war costs, for its fiscal 2010 defense budget, an official with the White House's Office of Management and Budget said Monday.
If enacted, that would be an 8 percent increase from the $487.7 billion allocated for fiscal 2009, and it would match what the Bush administration estimated last year for the Pentagon in fiscal 2010."
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/11/2009 @ 9:47pm
"The Obama administration has given the Pentagon a $527 billion limit, excluding war costs, for its fiscal 2010 defense budget, an official with the White House's Office of Management and Budget said Monday.
If enacted, that would be an 8 percent increase from the $487.7 billion allocated for fiscal 2009, and it would match what the Bush administration estimated last year for the Pentagon in fiscal 2010."
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/11/2009 @ 9:47pm
Good, It also means we aree carrying a lot of defence research, contracts, work, for.....Canada?
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/11/2009 @ 10:24pm
Methinks Happy should change his "clichka"--I'd suggest "wet" or " sour" or "nasty" or a personal fave-- "first to get voted off island and planet" kvh
Posted by Katrina vanden Heuvel at 10/11/2009 @ 10:28pm
Methinks Happy should change his "clichka"--I'd suggest "wet" or " sour" or "nasty" or a personal fave-- "first to get voted off island and planet" kvh
Posted by Katrina vanden Heuvel at 10/11/2009
What about Mask? Where should we vote him to place him?
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/11/2009 @ 10:31pm
Good, It also means we aree carrying a lot of defence research, contracts, work, for.....Canada?
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/11/2009 @ 10:24pm
<i>all we are saying......</i>
"More than half of the top 25 U.S. arms purchasers in the developing world were "undemocratic governments or regimes that engaged in major human rights abuses," in 2006 and 2007, the foundation said in a report last week."
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/11/2009 @ 10:33pm
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/11/2009 @ 10:33pm
What foundation? Any Canadian "parts" involved in the sales?
Everyone buys and sells arms..has since the begining..same with food..
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/11/2009 @ 10:36pm
only you, jm, would equate food with tanks.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/11/2009 @ 10:43pm
Only you Frosty, run to the defense dept as if it was strealing your lunch money.
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/11/2009 @ 10:49pm
"What foundation? Any Canadian "parts" involved in the sales?"
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/11/2009 @ 10:36pm
Just the majority of our oil imports with which we make the petroleum based parts (plastics, etc.).
...and the fuel to power the engines.
We used to use Black Widow spider webs to make crosshairs in Unertyl scopes for sniper rifles and such, but alas, now they are unemployed and killing bugs for a living.
Posted by Benchrest at 10/11/2009 @ 10:51pm
Posted by Benchrest at 10/11/2009 @ 10:51pm
I understand the Canadian Army is providing the sniper teams in Afganistan and Iraq..the best in the world from what my neighbor(back from Iraq) says..
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/11/2009 @ 11:28pm
the foundation said in a report last week."
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/11/2009 @ 10:33pm
Which foundation?
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/11/2009 @ 11:29pm
Methinks Happy should change his "clichka"--I'd suggest "wet" or " sour" or "nasty" or a personal fave-- "first to get voted off island and planet" kvh
Posted by Katrina vanden Heuvel at 10/11/2009 @ 10:28pm
Well......I always appreciate your personal comments and will take the recommendation into consideration.
As things rolled along, His Magic-ness WAS wearing off....until this Nobel trick. As Jay Leno said, BHO's biggest accomplishment so far, is winning the Nobel Prize.....maybe this is the height of his presidency.
I promise that when folks treat him like any other POTUS, that's most Legacy Media and comedians of course, the esteemed nick of "Magic" will be banished to the bin of HAPPY history!
Posted by Happy at 10/11/2009 @ 11:33pm
I understand the Canadian Army is providing the sniper teams in Afganistan and Iraq..the best in the world from what my neighbor(back from Iraq) says..
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/11/2009 @ 11:28pm |
American snipers are the best in world.
Israeli snipers come in a close second.
Canadian snipers get the Bronze.
Posted by Benchrest at 10/11/2009 @ 11:38pm
American snipers are the best in world.
Israeli snipers come in a close second.
Canadian snipers get the Bronze.
Posted by Benchrest at 10/11/2009 @ 11:38pm
Is your source the number of sniper movies made by each of them countries? Or, perhaps, confirmed kills?
Olympic sharp shooting don't count; unless live human targets were used to score.....;~)
Posted by Happy at 10/11/2009 @ 11:47pm
Posted by Happy at 10/11/2009 @ 11:47pm
They get their Barrett rifles from us.
Posted by Benchrest at 10/11/2009 @ 11:51pm
They get their Barrett rifles from us.
Posted by Benchrest at 10/11/2009 @ 11:51pm
So, why isn't Canadians second and Israelis third?
I get it! The Canucks buy less than the Israelis.....
Late night joshing.....letting off some steam after being buried in Vegas real estate `stuff'! Manana!
Posted by Happy at 10/12/2009 @ 12:01am
alas...
jm, the defense department is stealing YOUR lunch money -- in multiple ways.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/12/2009 @ 12:12am
Canadian snipers get the Bronze.
Posted by Benchrest at 10/11/2009 @ 11:38pm
actually, they get ptsd.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/12/2009 @ 01:55am
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/11/2009 @ 10:31pm
I'm taking you with me to the Final Two, John.
I'll get all the jury votes and an easy mill from Propst.
heheh
Posted by Mask at 10/12/2009 @ 07:29am
'Generally the response to affirmative action anxiety is to list all of the individual's accomplishments and thereby prove the individual is actually worthy of the award or position. Most Obama faithful pursued this tactic yesterday.' -- Melissa Harris-Lacewell -- The Nation -- http://www.thenation .com/blogs/notion/482879/ did_obama_deserve_the_nobel _peace_prize
Posted by HonestLiberal at 10/12/2009 @ 08:13am
I'm taking you with me to the Final Two, John.
I'll get all the jury votes and an easy mill from Propst.
heheh
Posted by Mask at 10/12/2009 @ 07:29am
At least you get a response from KVH.
I am on her ignore list...:)..
Think its because I think she is hot?
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 09:01am
alas...
jm, the defense department is stealing YOUR lunch money -- in multiple ways.
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/12/2009 @ 12:12am
Ah, but I am aware that my money goes somewhere in the pentagon and I don't mind paying for the defense of the country...the bulk of my tax dollars goes...?
Into govt boondoggles and "Investments" like GM and the unions..
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 09:04am
Leap of faith, hope - what nonsense! Can you imagine a Nobel in medicine, physics or even economics on such a basis!
Those who voted for Barack Obama, after he had already reneged on significant promises - FISA, public campaign finance, coastal drilling - were delusional. One could also see the future in Obama's past. His declaration, based on what(!), that he would instensify the military commitment in Afghanistan was a way of meeting demands for removing the troop from Iraq without seeming like a peacenik. He had no military experience, strategic or tactical. He knew nother more about Afghanistan than what most of us could find on the evening news. Still, he made that fatuous commitment for which we are now paying and will pay without end in sight.
A Nobel prize for this narcissist? for this giver-away of our offsprings taxes? for this trickle-downer? Hope? Faith? No! Too much charity for a bad choice! Better vote your conscience for a loser than for a winner who will betray you, Debs said.
Posted by goedel at 10/12/2009 @ 09:15am
Katrina, He won the Prize because the Europeans said. "We like what you are doing: So here, take this and keep it up." Obama himself knows this, and fortunately (I hope) he will not let this obvious Stroke Stroke tactic to influence his usual good sense.
"So take up the Multiracial Man's Burden, and..." hehe heh
Posted by CHIP THORNTON at 10/12/2009 @ 09:19am
"actually, they get ptsd."
Posted by frosty zoom at 10/12/2009 @ 01:55am
Naw, the only thing they feel is recoil.
Posted by Benchrest at 10/12/2009 @ 09:24am
Why does The Nation not remove comments that are unrelated to the subject article?
Posted by goedel at 10/12/2009 @ 09:33am
GOEDEL,
Lots of the people on here have know each other (in a cyber sense) for a long time. Often times discussions veer off topic and as long as they don't get ridiculous, the Editors prefer to see the discourse then play a hands on steering game with those speaking (or writing) their minds. Its a good way for all to learn.
Chip
Posted by CHIP THORNTON at 10/12/2009 @ 09:56am
"Why does The Nation not remove comments that are unrelated to the subject article?"
Posted by goedel at 10/12/2009 @ 09:33am
Perhaps they can start with yours.
Maybe you should ask your mommy to cover your eyes for you since you're so delicate.
Posted by Benchrest at 10/12/2009 @ 09:59am
Think its because I think she is hot?----Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 09:01am
Nope...think it's because everything you say is a talking point from a "first hour monologue" on the AM radio band and rarely anything truly your own.
Posted by Mask at 10/12/2009 @ 10:00am
Nope...think it's because everything you say is a talking point from a "first hour monologue" on the AM radio band and rarely anything truly your own.
Posted by Mask at 10/12/2009 @ 10:00am
I don't listen to Rush, and when I have, it has been only sporaticly..I can't listen to anyone for an hour......I do like Savage for entertainment..his rants have me in tears of laughter...he is as ridiculous as Obermann...what I can't figure out is why a freedom of speech society(UK) wouldban him from the country as they would known murderers..plays right into his hands..
What most uber libs, and apparently you, too, do not realise is that guys like Rush REFLECT what many believe..not the other way around. It is a mistake that keeps you out of the real oppositions thought process...Rush combines somethings I believe with absurdity to make a point about the lefts absurditys,and that creates the humor, and you miss it completely..like the segregation school bus comments, right over the lefts head and those who do get it guffaw at the left even more and the stereotype continues.,AND THEN OBAMA GETS A NPP!!!... the joke never ends, so much material...you also miss the point that not all of Rush listners, believe or agree with all of his views..I almost never agree with Hannitys..his voice makes my skin crawl...so does Schultz.
Maybe its easier to lump all thought that isn't lib into one category and call it Rush, and write it off...
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 10:40am
Maybe the editors want to dilute serious replies because they are so vulnerable in their past and present hopes and delusions about Barack Obama.
Posted by goedel at 10/12/2009 @ 11:22am
"I don't listen to Rush, and when I have, it has been only sporaticly"---Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 10:40am
Hmmmm....what's your exact definition of "sporadic", John?
Posted by Mask at 10/12/2009 @ 11:24am
"Maybe the editors want to dilute serious replies because they are so vulnerable in their past and present hopes and delusions about Barack Obama."
Posted by goedel at 10/12/2009 @ 11:22am
Yeah, that must be it.
brilliant....
have a cookie.
Posted by Benchrest at 10/12/2009 @ 11:38am
"I don't listen to Rush, and when I have, it has been only sporaticly"---Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 10:40am
Hmmmm....what's your exact definition of "sporadic", John?
Posted by Mask at 10/12/2009 @ 11:24am
Once or twice a month for about an hour. I sometimes get a podcast of Savage for an hour...but he drifts into recpies for Italian food of all things...weird.
I can't sit and listen to any of the talk shows...my miond wanders...on airplanes I listen to music or watch movies..talk show make me sleepy.
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 11:45am
"'Only the Super-rich Can Save Us'", the title Ralph Nader adroitly chose, carries the implication that the progressives will not (save us). Like the unions, their leading members have become gentrified. They wear business suits and fashionable wardrobes. They go with their well off following on expensive cruises. They live in NYC in luxury apartments. This is not to say that there are not some who still identify with the workers for whom they purport to speak, but they are few.
Posted by goedel at 10/12/2009 @ 11:48am
I suspect you and, I forget his handle...he was the one who loved Hillary beyond what one would call an obsession, and swore if Obama won he would go away...he then supported McCain....
you guys listen to Rush more than ditto heads.
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 11:48am
Yeah, that must be it.
brilliant....
have a cookie.
Posted by Benchrest at 10/12/2009 @ 11:38am
Don Rickles from "Kellys Heroes"? After Fischer calculates each guys cut of the gold, including the Germans...in his head.
Right?
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 11:52am
Benchrest,
Your first comeback to G hit me just right. Laughed my as off.
Chip
Posted by CHIP THORNTON at 10/12/2009 @ 11:54am
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 11:52am
bingo
Posted by Benchrest at 10/12/2009 @ 12:05pm
<i>Posted by CHIP THORNTON at 10/12/2009 @ 11:54am </i>
Personally, I was more amused by the second one, ending with "have a cookie."
Posted by Thrawn at 10/12/2009 @ 12:06pm
Posted by CHIP THORNTON at 10/12/2009 @ 11:54am
Mondays need a little humor.
Posted by Benchrest at 10/12/2009 @ 12:06pm
Why are the actions of a Nobel Committee in such a conversation in our political arena? Why are we crying or clapping? It is not an issue of American politics (we do not get a vote). It is an issue for the Cable News Scream TV, therefore meaningless.
Posted by weirdharold at 10/12/2009 @ 12:11pm
OOOHHHHHH Harold!
It's after ten o'clock..
We're in trouble now!
Posted by CHIP THORNTON at 10/12/2009 @ 12:24pm
A VERY graceful article, KVH - especially considering the views of many of your writers such as one who cited Affirmative Action as the reason for Obama getting the award.
I think your article strikes the right tone - appreciative of Obama's efforts to reset America as a responsible and constructive player in the world community, and hopeful on non-military solutions in Afghanistan.
Great job!
Posted by Metteyya at 10/12/2009 @ 1:15pm
"he was the one who loved Hillary beyond what one would call an obsession..."-------Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 11:48am
Who was that guy "who hated Hillary beyond what one would call an obsession"????
So much so he kept thinking she would steal it away from Obama even after he had the numbers to win it???
heheh
Posted by Mask at 10/12/2009 @ 1:38pm
Who was that guy "who hated Hillary beyond what one would call an obsession"????
So much so he kept thinking she would steal it away from Obama even after he had the numbers to win it???
heheh
Posted by Mask at 10/12/2009 @ 1:38pm
Never hated her..but I was conviced she would end up with the whole bannana...little did I know the Chicago machine jumped in..Hillary had it and blew it...
BTW, it was me.
FRANKGRITS...thats the guy I was thinking about...he did disappear.
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 3:12pm
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 3:12pm
Oh, come on, Maasch. YOU "never hated" Hillary Clinton?!?!?!?!?
Just "a ideological difference of opinion"...like Buckley and Galbraith on "Firing Line" with you and HRC????
You were the Anti-FRANKGRITS when it came to Hillary...still are obsessed with her.
Posted by Mask at 10/12/2009 @ 3:19pm
Katrina vanden Heuval always has an interesting perspective. Many of us think that Obama's foreign policy more closely resembles that of Neville "Peace in Our Time" Chamberlain than anything that is likely to lead to world peace, but as long as we are awarding Nobel prizes in advance of any actual accomplishments we can all hope for the best. Does hoping for the best qualify me for a Nobel Prize nomination next year? I'm also puzzled as to why Obama didn't get the Nobel Prize for economics. His approach of quadrupling the deficit, running up more debt, and printing more money than in the history of the entire world is certainly an approach that hasn't been tried for awhile, and never successfully, but if we're awarding prizes on hope isn't it best to hope that it takes us and the rest of the world to unprecedented prosperity. Certainly that prospect is as deserving of a Nobel Prize as the prospect of a world wide love fest with Iran, Russia, China, and Hugo Chavez? And as certainly just as likely!!!
Posted by valwayne at 10/12/2009 @ 3:45pm
the problem is not the nobel prize, it's the MacArthur.
you can't apply for it and they haven't yet chosen ME
Posted by emile duBois at 10/12/2009 @ 4:44pm
You were the Anti-FRANKGRITS when it came to Hillary...still are obsessed with her.
Posted by Mask at 10/12/2009 @ 3:19pm
I was definatley on Franks blind love and adoration..But I never hated the Clintons...I never respected them, but never hated them....still do not respect them.
I thought to be obsessed with some one you have to focus and be in a zone with them...I haven't thought of Hillary since she was appointed Sec of State...and nicely shuttled off on a side track and out of the loop...man they shoveled her and Bill into a corner and turned out the lights..
Maybe she is planning her come back, Obama is certainly setting the field for her...
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 6:28pm
I do wonder where Frankgrits went...
Man was he smitten.
Posted by YourJomamma at 10/12/2009 @ 6:28pm
"A very graceful article, KVH.....Great job!"
~Budd Lite aka "Metteyya" at 1:15pm
Now there's as good an indication as any that Katrina's post is overly fawning of Obama.
Of course, it doesn't make a lotta sense for progressives to furiously excoriate Obama at every turn, but we should absolutely be utilizing the anger that is building among much of the middle and lower classes to build momentum for a more effective progressive --and frankly, sanity restoring-- movement.
Witness the energy at the LGBT protest this past weekend --C-Span had valuable coverage-- of Obama's lackadaisical engagement with their cause.
Where is the electrifying energy for even more important --no offense to the LGBT crowd-- initiatives such as affordable health care for all, big bank accountability and restructuring --i.e. no more "too big to fail" banks"--, and ending our endless wars?
Whatever happened to the "fierce urgency of now", and the "audacity" of hope?
People are getting seriously pissed off and KvH is still blowing kisses at the "O".
Let's see (and hear) some FIRE, Nation magazine!
Posted by b_kool_66 at 10/12/2009 @ 6:33pm
The Nobel'rs are the same ones who thought Osama might go Mao on schoolkids. Yes, let's take them seriously.
Posted by winyahn at 10/12/2009 @ 6:58pm
Too bad we don't even import cars from Norway, so there's nothing Rush's dittoheads can boycott for revenge. And there's nothing to re-name, like Freedom Fries, for the American morons to use to show how much they hate those educated, cultured, "elitist" Europeans, who, for some weird reason, think that lots of Americans are yahoos.
Posted by jeanrenoir at 10/12/2009 @ 8:06pm
I have to congratulate Katrina for being somewhat honest, all her liberal peers have been shoehorning clairvoyance and wishful thinking into this peace prize. The bottom line is simple, Obama is the most prominent "progressive" on the world stage and the Leftists who run the Nobel wanted to throw him a bone of confidence and yes, a final boot to Bush et al. So indeed, lets just admit it's heavily political (the nomination was secured a week after the inauguration), that Kissinger was forty years ago and the same Europeans who refuse their citizens a vote on the Lisbon "Treaty" are determined to advance their totalitarian instincts to our new American president.
Posted by hughm8 at 10/12/2009 @ 8:12pm
....those educated, cultured, "elitist" Europeans, who, for some weird reason, think that lots of Americans are yahoos.
Posted by jeanrenoir at 10/12/2009 @ 8:06pm
Must be tough for all them "educated, cultured, "elitist" Europeans" to stomach the fact that only Americans have balls and they themselves, are wimps of the first order!
Posted by Happy at 10/12/2009 @ 8:22pm
"Must be tough for all them "educated, cultured, "elitist" Europeans" to stomach the fact that only Americans have balls and they themselves, are wimps of the first order!"
i think you proved his point, happy.
Posted by darladoon at 10/12/2009 @ 8:28pm
Katrina, what comments did you get from Mr. Gorbachev?
Posted by mimsky at 10/12/2009 @ 8:38pm
Too bad we don't even import cars from Norway, so there's nothing Rush's dittoheads can boycott for revenge. And there's nothing to re-name, like Freedom Fries, for the American morons to use to show how much they hate those educated, cultured, "elitist" Europeans, who, for some weird reason, think that lots of Americans are yahoos.
Posted by jeanrenoir at 10/12/2009 @ 8:06pm
Education and culture didn't stop the rise of Nazism in Germany or the Vichy French sucking up to their German Nazi compatriots. May just be the flawed culture that permits that sort of aberration to arise that Anglos including the Americans are a little wary of.
And Norway is not only famous for the Nobel. Does the name Vidkun Quisling ( a Norwegian) ring a bell with anybody.
Left-right who cares. Who's for a bit of European "culture".
Posted by lrjones4 at 10/12/2009 @ 10:04pm
Which of these medications will make The Nation more vital, more relevant, more fun, less lame? The bluegreen one?
Oh that's mold. ---
(pop)
see what happens
Posted by winyahn at 10/12/2009 @ 10:58pm
We are still Europeans, even though we don't like to admit that. We live in the land that belongs to people we conquered and haven't considered incorporating in our "American" ways. We are learning some lessons about working together thanks to some relaxing of the imperialistic economic yoke brought about buy the failure of the economic policies of the past 40 years. If Obama wants to talk shop w/rulers that don't wag their tails any longer at the prospect of some kick-backs and are not willing to sell out their countries any longer for personal profit... I take my hat off in respect to that. I worry about the direction of a One Mind rule. It's time to end the us and them rule. I see an opportunity to start real talk and learn from the mistakes that have caused so much strife around the world... and now here at home. The bailout affair... well, it's prolonging a failed marriage with a partner who refuses to change even though the signs are clear that therapy is necessary if big business and community are to continue to live together.
Posted by Gustav at 10/12/2009 @ 11:22pm
What nonsense! Obama a progressive? Your hopes and delusions are baseless. He expanded our military commitment, for God's sake! He put the financial foxes in charge of the Treasury's golden eggs. He reappointed the CIA's most prominent "didn't get it" to the Pentagon. He appointed a lady-hawk to State. He missed his chance at re-regulation. He missed his chance for a public option - shudder to think of single-payer!
The way the game is played is to do something for the cultural warriors (gays, feminists, etc.), while letting the corporate and imperial elite take charge of what really counts: trade, finance, projections of military power. It's called the shell game.
Obama's chief concern is power and self-glorification.
Posted by goedel at 10/12/2009 @ 11:54pm
Katrina, just take a break. No one's interested in your feckless partisanship and sucking up. You're like the female EJ Dionne. Obama is singularly interested in Obama. Like any good sociopath, he tells you what you want to hear; with a charming smile on his duplicitous face. Consider yourself fooled, and easily so. I don't know who elevated you to top positions within your ilk, I don't know why I'm listening to you on "This Week" from time to time. It certainly isn't via your nuanced and objective analysis. Stop wasting my time....
Posted by uck at 10/13/2009 @ 05:46am
Isn't it interesting how some of the "pure progressives"...
use the EXACT same talking points as the right-wingers?!?!??
Not just similar...but EXACTLY the same?
Posted by Mask at 10/13/2009 @ 07:33am
There are some who see the Nobel as more of an albatross than award around the president's neck. To be sure, in a short period of time, the president has elevated intelligent discourse in this nation to a much higher level than did bush or Reagan. We are myopic, we see what we want to see while discarding what the rest of the world is trying to show us. Take a look around the world and how they feel about this nation today, as opposed to a year ago; the change is astonishing.
Woodrow Wilson failed in his attempt to avert future wars with his vision of the League of Nations; Jimmy Carter failed in his attempt to resolve the Israel/Palestinian problems; the point is, they tried to make lives around the world better and more secure. Therefore, they were awarded the Nobel PP; it is no different for President Obama, although I hope that failure is not in the cards.
Those who pave the roads to Peace are the one's we should back and aid in whatever way we can. The naysayers will have their day, they always do, but we don't have to pay them much mind.
Congratulations Mr. President, this American is proud that one of my fellow citizens received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Posted by rasputin195 at 10/13/2009 @ 08:17am
OBAMA AND BUSH ARE BOTH LIARS.BUSH STARTED THE WARS AND OBAMA IS CONTINUING IT.BOTH ARE CONTROLLED BY THE ZIONIST LOBBY .HOPE THE NOBEL PRIZE WILL STOP OBAMA FROM STARTING ANOTHER WAR.
Posted by Dastu11 at 10/13/2009 @ 08:19am
Posted by uck at 10/13/2009 @ 05:46am | ignore this person | warn this person
yuck, Stop wasting my time...
Posted by emile duBois at 10/13/2009 @ 08:40am
Woodrow Wilson failed in his attempt to avert future wars with his vision of the League of Nations; Jimmy Carter failed in his attempt to resolve the Israel/Palestinian problems; the point is, they tried to make lives around the world better and more secure. Therefore, they were awarded the Nobel PP; it is no different for President Obama, although I hope that failure is not in the cards.
Posted by rasputin195 at 10/13/2009 @ 08:17am
So, Wilson got his Nobel Peace Prize before the League of Nations was formed and Carter got his before the Camp David Accord...
Hopey and Changey indeed! Now, NPP is awarded based on tired, tread-worn "Yes, We Can" speeches, nice, be proud!
Posted by Happy at 10/13/2009 @ 09:22am
OBAMA AND BUSH ARE BOTH LIARS.BUSH STARTED THE WARS AND OBAMA IS CONTINUING IT.BOTH ARE CONTROLLED BY THE ZIONIST LOBBY .HOPE THE NOBEL PRIZE WILL STOP OBAMA FROM STARTING ANOTHER WAR.
Posted by Dastu11 at 10/13/2009 @ 08:19am
Do you ever come out from your dark roach hole and visit the world?
Posted by antisocialist at 10/13/2009 @ 09:45am
Do you ever come out from your dark roach hole and visit the world?---Posted by antisocialist at 10/13/2009 @ 09:45am
"So, it appears that a consistent hallmark of leftist thought is the denigration of everyone that holds an opposing view."----Posted by antisocialist at 08/05/2009 @ 2:50pm
How the Tea-Baggers are Like ACT-UP posted by Christopher Hayes on 08/05/2009 @ 12:58pm
Posted by Mask at 10/13/2009 @ 10:16am
Isn't it interesting how some of the "pure progressives"...
use the EXACT same talking points as the right-wingers?!?!??
Not just similar...but EXACTLY the same?
Posted by Mask at 10/13/2009 @ 07:33am | ignore this person | warn this person
--don't ask Mask what "talking points" exactly...or to point to a specific post...
he'd rather just insinuate...it's much easier that way
Posted by urmygyro at 10/13/2009 @ 10:48am
Must have been a really short list this year.
For someone to win for just changing the rhetoric seems a little flimsy. I consider myself a liberal and I voted for Obama, would do so again. But I feel the peace prize is premature.
I sometimes wonder if all the excitement about Obama (I had it too) was just misplaced excitement over being rid of Cheney/Bush regime that plunged the west into 8 years+ of war and was captain of the ship when the world economy hit an iceberg.
Posted by Extraneous at 10/13/2009 @ 12:13pm
oh stop kvetching already. the alternative was McCain.
Posted by emile duBois at 10/13/2009 @ 3:02pm
oh stop kvetching already. the alternative was McCain. Posted by emile duBois at 10/13/2009 @ 3:02pm | ignore this person | warn this person
--very limited is your imagination. a person can "be" any number of versions of themselves. who we are today is shaped by decisions we made yesterday. there is more than 1 alternative to the obama we have now--and it's not just mccain.
Posted by urmygyro at 10/13/2009 @ 3:04pm
I saw this on SNL last Saturday and thought it was pretty funny. I had to add a space after clips.
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/clips /update-james-carville/1165609/
Posted by Wolfgang1 at 10/14/2009 @ 3:27pm
'Must have been a really short list this year.' -- Extraneous
From AOL news (7 October):
CHINA DISSIDENTS TOP NOBEL PEACE PRIZE SPECULATION
Chinese dissidents are leading the odds of winning the Nobel Peace Prize this year, the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre and the 60th since the establishment of the People's Republic of China....
Other possible contenders include human rights activists from Colombia, Jordan, Russia, Afghanistan and Vietnam....
Some experts believe the committee will turn to human rights this year, because it hasn't picked a human rights activist since tapping Iranian lawyer Shirin Ebadi for the prize in 2003. "Twenty years since Tiananmen Square? Maybe a Chinese?" said Dan Smith, of the London-based International Alert peace group.
Possible candidates could be Hu Jia, a human rights activist and an outspoken critic of the Chinese government, who was sentenced last year to a three-and-a-half-year prison term for "inciting subversion of state power." Another could be Wei Jingsheng, who spent 17 years in Chinese prisons for urging reforms of China's communist system. He now lives in the United States....
...also mentioned Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, a philosophy professor in Jordan who advocates interfaith dialogue in a region shot through with sectarian violence, and Afghan human rights activist Sima Samar.
...Denis Mukwege, a physician in the war-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo who opened a clinic to help rape victims.
U.S. President Barack Obama is thought to have been nominated but it's unclear on what grounds....
http://news.aol.com/ article/china-dissidents -top-nobel-peace-prize/ 706699#
Posted by HonestLiberal at 10/14/2009 @ 4:10pm
Giving the Nobel to Obama is a bit like rewarding an administrator for taking control of the asylum back away from the inmates. Yes, it is a bit like praising him for not being Bush, but when you stop to consider the dangerous and counterproductive direction Bush's "leadership" was taking us, that is not such a bad rationale. That conservatives are trying to spin this as "complicating" his presidency is a joke, or at least should be considered as such.
"This kind of thinking reveals the zero-sum mindset --the dangerous fusion of US exceptionalism and provinicialism --which has caused this country and the world so much trouble and insecurity. "
Bravo Katrina, bravo!
Posted by caltrek at 10/16/2009 @ 5:43pm