The Aspirational Nobel

I woke up, read the New York Times website and thought I had come to the Onion instead. I hit refresh. Still there: "Obama Wins Nobel for Diplomacy." Maybe this is one of my weird work-related dreams, I thought. Maybe I am still drunk from last night's party. Better close my eyes and wake up again in the real world. Five minutes later...and still no dice.

Yes, Barack Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize. My first reaction is that this is going to be a test of how much crazier Orly Taitz and the Republican Anti-Christers can get. Not only does this prove that Obama is a socialist svengali--because he got the Norwegians to vote for him, probably as part of some UN-takeover of America--it also proves that Obama is piggy. Anti-Christs are so like that; they want everything right now (and losing the 2016 Olympics was just a red herring).

But back in reality, I'm still a little bewildered. It's as if the Nobel Committee gave Obama the award for behaving like a normal American president, instead of like a clueless corrupt cowboy.

The Committee insists this is not an aspirational prize, no carrot to make the United States and its president better neighbors. Thobjorn Jagland, the former prime minister of Norway who chaired this year's committee, insists that it's for work the president has already accomplished, for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."

"We are not awarding the prize for what may happen in the future, but for what he has done in the previous year," Jagland said. The announcement, which takes special note of Obama's anti-nukes position, says that Obama has "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...thanks to Obama's initiative, the United States 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."

These Nobel sentiments, however, are aspirational in my view. Obama doesn't deserve the prize, yet.

Yes, the president has said he wants a world free of nuclear weapons, but as Jonathan Schell wrote in our pages, he has a long way to go before that vision becomes reality. That path must include the US Senate ratifying the comprehensive test ban treaty, and even a full court press from the White House can't guarantee that will happen this fall.

Then there's the matter of Obama's multilateralism and partnering with the UN. As Naomi Klein pointed out, the Obama administration, like its predecessor, boycotted the UN Durban anti-racism conference, using the flap over language on Israel-Palestine as an excuse to duck the actual issues about racial justice the conference cautiously raised. As for climate change, Obama has yet to commit to attending the December climate change conference in Copenhagen, and if that jaunt to Denmark is going to succeed in reducing carbon emissions, the US will have to bring a lot more to the table than it is currently offering.

I could go on: fully closing Gitmo and restoring civil liberties and compliance with the Geneva Conventions; negotiating with Iran in good faith; withdrawing from Iraq and, of course, withdrawal from Afghanistan. Escalation, or even maintaining the status quo there, would alone discredit this award in history's eyes.

Obama got a nice vote of confidence from the Norwegians for his promises. But now, he has to actually earn the Nobel with his deeds. That will be hard to do if his administration continues to send such mixed signals on international cooperation and diplomacy.

Comments (230)

1. Reminds me of the award to President Johnson (not the one impeached) for not getting into a war like Goldwater might have.

   Posted by Mistral at 10/09/2009 @ 08:21am

2. Since Obomber has done nothing execpt continue the Bush policies and intensify Bush's wars,it is clear that the Nobel Prize for "Peace" is intended to be a BRIBE to deter him from bombing Iran, which is where he is heading with the same lies and deceptions that "justified " the Iraq invasion. And if the prize was meant to thank him for strengthening the UN, howcome he gives Israel white phosphorus thereby becoming complicit with its war crimes, and howcome he is quahing the Goldstone report requested by the UN, hoping to prevent UN referral of Israel's war crimes to the World Court? Is that promotion of peace? Methinks it's more a "piece" of BS. Howcome he has quashed Sweden's investigation of body organ plundering of corpses by Israel requested by the UN in the first place? That's strengthening the UN? Is "peace" intensifying torture and indefinite detention in Bagram? The prize here is a political bribe,no more, no less.

   Posted by mystic at 10/09/2009 @ 08:55am

3. The prize here is a political bribe,no more, no less.

   Posted by mystic at 10/09/2009 @ 08:55am

   And how well did the bribe work with Secretary Kissinger?

   Posted by Mistral at 10/09/2009 @ 09:43am

4. Pathetic. Reduced the value and efforts of real achievements by sincere people in all fields by giving it to ALGORE for narrating someones elses flawed work...and now this...nice PC demonstrstions..style over substance has spread world wise.

   did he get it for..winning the election? Then the American people should have been awarded this....

   One thing is for sure ..

   Obama did not get the award for ECONOMICS....

   Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 09:51am

5. Funny how the Right now considers the Nobel "reduced in value"...

   when just TWO YEARS AGO, Mark Levin of the Landmark Legal Foundation was campaigning for Rush Limbaugh a Nobel Peace Prize?

   Of course , hard to take anything Levin or Limbaugh say seriously.

   Posted by Mask at 10/09/2009 @ 10:08am

6. What if he puts 40,000 troops in Afganistan?

   The left wing cabal in Norway gave it to Carter, ALGORE and now Obama.....

   1. Carter is the worst and ineffectual President since Millard Filmorre...

   2. ALGORE is an absolute non-scientist fraud...

   3. Obama....the jockey who is whipping the economic horse of the world into the ditch...

   So we are left to conclude...you get a prize for helping bring down America on many levels?

   Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 10:10am

7. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND ABSURD. NOBEL PRIZE FOR OBAMA WHO IS STILL CONTINUING THE 2 UNWANTED WARS AND GOING TO START ANOTHER. IS THE NOBEL AWARD COMMITTEE GONE INSANE?.

   Posted by Dastu11 at 10/09/2009 @ 10:12am

8. I LOST ALL THE RESPECTS TO THE COVETED AWARD.

   Posted by Dastu11 at 10/09/2009 @ 10:15am

9. Obama has changed the tone. he is making honest efforts to undo the damage that Bush has wrought. that is worth the award.

   Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 10:15am

10. Once again, a reeeeaaaaal stonking doozie from YOUR "Pathetic" JOMMAMA who seems to be slipping ever further from being a member of the human race (9/2@12:20pm):

    "Everything you archived I did write and all is true.. I saw Ollie on TV saying he warned ALGORE about bin Laden as well as other clods in congress..We need you back on stronger meds. I truely believe you are very ill."

    Get it? YJ says that he "saw Ollie on TV saying he warned ALGORE" even though it never happened according to the binding dictates of reality (and according to Ollie North, to boot).

    YJ has never recanted on this whopper, keeps that insisiting he saw it as if he will seem somehow "smarter" for constantly repeating the same dull brainwashing he has undergone. Farm animals exhibit more dignity and intelligence than that. But, for sheer malicious fun, let's ask what else YJ "saw" on that peculiar TV station that he is tuned to...

    Did YJ see...

    ...Saint Sarah finish her term as Guv of Alaska?

    ...George W Loser command troops in the field in Vietnam and leading the grunts in a charge on an enemy position through a hail of bulletts, like a veritable war hero (while John Kerry was getting loaded on another continent?

    ...Ronnie rise from the dead?

    ...David Vitter "just say no" to being David "John" Vitter?

    ...Saddam hoisting WMDs on his back to carry them to Syria and then dump them off like a backback?

    ...Iraqis hurling sweets and blowing kisses at George W Loser's conscripts?

    ...The last "next Ronald Reagan" known as George W Loser give a keynote address at the 2008 Republican Convention to rapturous response, such was his party's affection for him?

    ...Video of Bill, Hill' & Chelsea taking turns anally raping Vincent Foster before Gore machine-gunned 'em?

    Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/09/2009 @ 10:19am

11. Carter is the worst and ineffectual President

    Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 10:10am

    Say what you want about Carter, but he did keep us out of the ... Olympics?

    Posted by Mistral at 10/09/2009 @ 10:26am

12. Teddy Roosevelt, PEACE prize?

    Woodrow Wilson, who could not get his own congress to ratify the League of Nations?

    Jimmy Carter, well deserved for his efforts on behalf of peace in the mid east.

    I believe Obama will outpace them all.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 10:27am

13. IS THE NOBEL AWARD COMMITTEE GONE INSANE?.

    Posted by Dastu11 at 10/09/2009 @ 10:12am

    Just you wait, pretty soon Avigdor Lieberman will be on the list.

    Posted by Mistral at 10/09/2009 @ 10:28am

14. Now I am not happy with all of Obama's decisions but the fact that an american president is even saying these things is monumental. Obama on his own will cant just shut down two wars because the right has been successfully better about selling there lies. If we lived in a dictatorship then I would be more upset with him but the dinasours in office are too much of a massive speedbump to just do what most of us know needs to be done. By the end of the year and we have a real healthcare reform with a public option maybe the far left will cut him some slack.

    Posted by black_sheep at 10/09/2009 @ 10:30am

15. Repubs, after hearing President Obama was announced the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner: waaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!

    Posted by jarshadow at 10/09/2009 @ 10:30am

16. 'Repubs, after hearing President Obama was announced the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner' -- jarshadow

    'Obama doesn't deserve the prize, yet.' -- Richard Kim

    Posted by HonestLiberal at 10/09/2009 @ 10:36am

17. The Nobel Peace Prize to Obama? This is insanity. Lost all respect for that organization. Obama is extending the wars in Afghanistan, Pakistan, he is turning a blind eye to Israeli agression agaist Palestinians and he gets a Peace Prize for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." Congratulations. HEY, HEY OBAMA, HOW MANY KIDS DID YOU KILL TODAY!

    Posted by trueleftist at 10/09/2009 @ 10:37am

18. Posted by jarshadow at 10/09/2009 @ 10:30am

    For a "bereft of all honor years ago" Prize...

    they sure do seem upset about Obama getting it?!?!??

    heheh

    Posted by Mask at 10/09/2009 @ 10:37am

19. HEY, HEY OBAMA, HOW MANY KIDS DID YOU KILL TODAY!

    What did Obama do to get us in any of these wars? What should Obama do just consider that we have dismantled the country's and leave? We have caused many problems ourselves and at this point it is our responsibility to clean up the mess.

    Posted by black_sheep at 10/09/2009 @ 10:44am

20. I know that Scandinavians like to drink, but I did not imagine that the Nobel Committee would have been drunk when it chose its Peace awardee.

    But wait! Aren't they the same gang of fools who awarded the Peace prize to a man who is now afraid to leave the US because he may be arrested for war crimes: Henry Kissinger!

    Indeed, they are! Nothing new here!

    Posted by goedel at 10/09/2009 @ 10:45am

21. Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 10:10am

    Such bitterness.

    Posted by skeletonman at 10/09/2009 @ 10:45am

22. A great prize for The Messiah....for at least sending in 2 brigades to Afghanistan back in March to support the Good and Necessary War.....

    Trust me, the Norwegians know as I do....but unlike their political correctness....I'm empowered to share the TRUTH w/you!

    Don't pay attention to detractors who call this the Subprime Peace Prize.....it's worth the papers of Fannie, Freddie and the FHA!

    Posted by Happy at 10/09/2009 @ 10:46am

23. Mask, the Limbaugh "nomination" was a joke to illustrate the absurdity of nominating Al Gore. Apparently, it wasn't absurd enough because Gore won largely on the basis of a documentary since found to be factually flawed. Facts don't matter so long as you are trying to terrify people into doing what you consider to be the right thing...

    Since this morning, I've learned to embrace the absurdity of this going to Obama. I was inclined to anger at first but heck, how do you top giving the Peace Prize to Yasser Arafat? A man who never renounced terrorist attacks against unarmed non-combatants?

    Coming a week after SNL's skewering of him on his list of non-accomplishments, this award looks even more ridiculous.

    Posted by Citizen_Carrier at 10/09/2009 @ 10:47am

24. Mask, the Limbaugh "nomination" was a joke to illustrate the absurdity of nominating Al Gore. Apparently, it wasn't absurd enough because Gore won largely on the basis of a documentary since found to be factually flawed. Facts don't matter so long as you are trying to terrify people into doing what you consider to be the right thing...

    Since this morning, I've learned to embrace the absurdity of this going to Obama. I was inclined to anger at first but heck, how do you top giving the Peace Prize to Yasser Arafat? A man who never renounced terrorist attacks against unarmed non-combatants?

    Coming a week after SNL's skewering of him on his list of non-accomplishments, this award looks even more ridiculous.

    Posted by Citizen_Carrier at 10/09/2009 @ 10:47am

25. it's a swedish prize, but the peace prize is awarded by a Norwegian panel. they are not perfect, but their track record is quite good.

    good speech Barack.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 10:48am

26. The left wing cabal in Norway gave it to Carter, ALGORE and now Obama.....

    1. Carter is the worst and ineffectual President since Millard Filmorre...

    2. ALGORE is an absolute non-scientist fraud...

    3. Obama....the jockey who is whipping the economic horse of the world into the ditch...

    So we are left to conclude...you get a prize for helping bring down America on many levels?

    Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 10:10am | ignore this person | warn this person

    1) Hey, Filmore established the White House Library. Kindly lay off Millard.

    2) I won't comment on Gore anymore as all my liberal friends think I'm crazy for not supporting him. We'll see.

    3) It isn't Obama, its Bernake.

    And do you really think there is a point to trying to read the tea leaves of Nobel Prize politics? In this case, my best guess is that they want to put pressure on Obama to pull out of Afghanistan and not attack Iran. But that is just a guess, as are all the opinions herein, as the Novel Prize Committee is truly inscrutable.

    Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 10:56am

27. it's a swedish prize, but the peace prize is awarded by a Norwegian panel. they are not perfect, but their track record is quite good.

    good speech Barack.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 10:48am

    Is it too much to ask that people be awarded these things based on their track record?

    His nomination for this was submitted just 12 days before the deadline for submittals.

    He beat out people who have risked their lives for peace. Chinese dissidents, for example. This is an embarassment.

    Posted by Citizen_Carrier at 10/09/2009 @ 10:56am

28. it's a swedish prize, but the peace prize is awarded by a Norwegian panel. they are not perfect, but their track record is quite good.

    good speech Barack.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 10:48am

    Is it too much to ask that people be awarded these things based on their track record?

    His nomination for this was submitted just 12 days before the deadline for submittals.

    He beat out people who have risked their lives for peace. Chinese dissidents, for example. This is an embarassment.

    Posted by Citizen_Carrier at 10/09/2009 @ 10:56am

29. Only the President changed in the White House , the policies never changed. The world didn't witnessed any changes in the policies of the Obama, especially on wars. He is continuing both wars and planning to start another.Talks are easier than actions.It never brings peace.

    Posted by Dastu11 at 10/09/2009 @ 10:57am

30. Posted by Citizen_Carrier at 10/09/2009 @ 10:47am

    I noted that possibility, CitiCar.

    I SAID "Of course , hard to take anything Levin or Limbaugh say seriously."

    Posted by Mask at 10/09/2009 @ 10:58am

31. Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/09/2009 @ 10:19am

    Thorazine time again?

    as much as you might want it to be the case...

    This ain't about Bush, Iraq,Saddam,Sarah,vINCE fOSTER, bILL BLOW JOBS OR hILLARY or even Ronald Reagan...

    Its about the value of the Nobel...

    they may as well give it to you...for medical research?

    You are a perfect specimen.

    Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 10:58am

32. .....this award looks even more ridiculous.

    Posted by Citizen_Carrier at 10/09/2009 @ 10:47am

    And this was done on purpose by the Nobel folks!

    I started thinking a few months back that Magic was set up for failure....his build-up was just too much to take....the Olympic dash to embarrasement and now, the Nobel Prize!

    The floodgate of presidential comedy (think of the rich veins waiting to be tapped) has officially opened!

    Posted by Happy at 10/09/2009 @ 10:58am

33. Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 10:10am

    Such bitterness.

    Posted by skeletonman at 10/09/2009 @ 10:45am

    Aren't you embarassed?

    They have turned the Nobel into another..

    "Participant blue ribbon"....

    Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 10:59am

34. In this case, my best guess is that they want to put pressure on Obama to pull out of Afghanistan and not attack Iran. But that is just a guess, as are all the opinions herein, as the Novel Prize Committee is truly inscrutable.

    Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 10:56am

    Seems the only logical observation.

    Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 11:06am

35. WHERE'S THE OUTRAGE?

    From E-Boehlert:

    FoxNews.com posted this ominous headline and subhead: "Elementary School Students Reportedly Taught Songs Praising President Obama: Nearly 20 young children are captured in an online video as they sing songs that overflow with campaign slogans and praise for "Barack Hussein Obama,"..."

    "Captured." Like, the little elementary schoolkids were trying to pull a fast one, but the news hounds at Fox busted them good! The comedy was that by "captured," Fox meant some parent or teacher taped the kids and put it on YouTube, like four months ago. But in the hands of Fox, the kids had been captured. Mob rules, indeed.

    But whenever the right wing ignites the crazies, it's no laughing matter. And in the case of the "sick," "creepy" second-graders signing up for duty in the "Hitler Youth," predictably, after much breathless snooping, the name of the offending elementary school was indentified and its phone number was posted online. And just as predictably, threats of violence began to pour in.

    According to a Fox News online report:

    The tension at B. Bernice Young Elementary School escalated to such a degree Thursday that the school was placed temporarily on lockdown after its principal received death threats over a YouTube video that showed nearly 20 children being taught songs lauding the president, though back-to-school night events continuing as planned Thursday night at the school.

    Ironically, the Fox report was quickly scrubbed, and any mention of looming right-wing mob violence was edited out of the news story. Editors at Fox News can erase all the unseemly mentions of death threats they want, but when right-wing mobs online are whipped into a frenzy and sent out to attack private citizens, they always leave a mark."

    Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/09/2009 @ 11:06am

36. 'Obama doesn't deserve the prize, yet.' -- Richard Kim

    Posted by HonestLiberal at 10/09/2009 @ 10:36am | ignore this person | warn this person

    Irrelevant...he was chosen.

    Posted by jarshadow at 10/09/2009 @ 11:07am

37. Come on, it can't just be the conservatives around here who see the absolute hollowness and absurdity on parade here?

    Even the author of this blog pointed out Obama hasn't earned this "yet".

    The Nobel Peace Prize has been cheapened today. Demeaned. It has less stature now than a Golden Globe Award.

    My God, he got it based on his proposals? Global nuclear disarmament?

    If that's the case, why didn't they award John Lennon the Peace Prize for writing "Imagine"? It's an achievement that actually overshadows anything Obama has done because all these years later, the song at least still generates revenue.

    Posted by Citizen_Carrier at 10/09/2009 @ 11:08am

38. Come on, it can't just be the conservatives around here who see the absolute hollowness and absurdity on parade here?

    Even the author of this blog pointed out Obama hasn't earned this "yet".

    The Nobel Peace Prize has been cheapened today. Demeaned. It has less stature now than a Golden Globe Award.

    My God, he got it based on his proposals? Global nuclear disarmament?

    If that's the case, why didn't they award John Lennon the Peace Prize for writing "Imagine"? It's an achievement that actually overshadows anything Obama has done because all these years later, the song at least still generates revenue.

    Posted by Citizen_Carrier at 10/09/2009 @ 11:08am

39. Aren't you embarassed?

    They have turned the Nobel into another..

    "Participant blue ribbon"....

    Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 10:59am

    My feelings actually are mixed, and I suspect that those of the Prize committee are, too.

    Would I rather that Obama been given this award in recognition of successfully bring Bush's wars to a conclusion?

    Absolutely.

    Would I like to see him receive the Prize for having prevented proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East or having found an Arab-Israelic accomodation?

    Sure.

    But I think also that there was a message from the committee implicit in the award, which is to go out and do those things and more.

    It's an odd, but interesting selection to be sure. I choose to look for the upside.

    Posted by skeletonman at 10/09/2009 @ 11:12am

40. An aspirational award to an aspirational President. Too bad reality inevitably intrudes.....

    Charlie M

    Posted by cmsandia at 10/09/2009 @ 11:13am

41. Irrelevant...he was chosen.

    Posted by jarshadow at 10/09/2009 @ 11:07am

    Now THERE ius a true statement!!!!

    Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 11:15am

42. "Thorazine time again?

    ...You are a perfect specimen."

    ---YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 10:58am

    Unfortunately for our Farrah Fawcett-endowed bosom buddy YJ...the issue here is him. And people like him.

    Their beliefs.

    Their sicko degenerate way of life that degrades and debases everything it comes into contact with.

    Their gut hatred of America that extends to truly sickfuck manifestations like threats of violence against the elementary school discussed by BOEHLERT (posted above).

    And the money that they *owe* the rest of us for the queen of all welfare cases that was George W Loser's elective envasion of Iraq with zero national security justification.

    They -- the filthy, disgusting and heinous rightwing -- are the issue. And so they want to change the channel, so to speak, and thus change the topic away from their sickness, failures, and virulent self-hatred.

    So, speaking of channels...Hey, YJ did you see the 2,000,000 anti-Adolph Hussein Kenghis Khan Mobuto Obama protesters last month on the channel that you watch where things that never ever happened that are so (wink wink) *real* to you? Or, let's guess, the size of that mob has now been revisioned as having been 200,000,000 strong, yeah? Or, hellyeah, why not 2,000,0000,000?

    Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/09/2009 @ 11:18am

43. Been months since I read a Nation online blog because for a liberal magazine the blogging is so dominated by right-wing fanatics. A fact that has always surprised me and disappointed me. So I said screw it I don't need to read Fox News opinions in The Nation.

    But our President has been in office for 8 1/2 months now, he is doing an excellent job, his public support is high . . . decided to see if you right-wing nuts had decided to stop wasting your time on The Nation.

    Sadly, the answer is no. Sorry Nation editors, but I don't read liberal magazines so I can experience right-wing bombast. Check back with you next year.

    Posted by guanabana at 10/09/2009 @ 11:21am

44. Been months since I read a Nation online blog because for a liberal magazine the blogging is so dominated by right-wing fanatics. A fact that has always surprised me and disappointed me. So I said screw it I don't need to read Fox News opinions in The Nation.

    But our President has been in office for 8 1/2 months now, he is doing an excellent job, his public support is high . . . decided to see if you right-wing nuts had decided to stop wasting your time on The Nation.

    Sadly, the answer is no. Sorry Nation editors, but I don't read liberal magazines so I can experience right-wing bombast. Check back with you next year.

    Posted by guanabana at 10/09/2009 @ 11:22am

45. Ironically, the Fox report was quickly scrubbed, and any mention of looming right-wing mob violence was edited out of the news story. Editors at Fox News can erase all the unseemly mentions of death threats they want, but when right-wing mobs online are whipped into a frenzy and sent out to attack private citizens, they always leave a mark."

    Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/09/2009 @ 11:06am | ignore this person | warn this person

    If some right-wing mob or individual or militia violence occurs that can be connected to something said by one of the talking heads at Fox, that talking head & Murdoch could be prosecuted for inciting violence. At the very least they would be subject to a lawsuit. You would think they would understand that as they are so "law 'n order". Someone should caution them to tone it down for their own sakes.

    Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 11:23am

46. But I think also that there was a message from the committee implicit in the award, which is to go out and do those things and more.

    It's an odd, but interesting selection to be sure. I choose to look for the upside.

    Posted by skeletonman at 10/09/2009 @ 11:12am

    I suspect they gave it Obama for teh same reason they gave it to Carter, ALGORE, and even Arafat....

    because they aren't Bush.

    The prize has been reduced to nothing more that a group who wants the world to look like a leftist paradise.

    Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 11:24am

47. Thorazine time again?

    ...You are a perfect specimen."

    ---YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 10:58am

    Unfortunately for our Farrah Fawcett-endowed bosom buddy YJ...the issue here is him. And people like him.

    Their beliefs.....

    Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/09/2009 @ 11:18am | ignore this person | warn this person

    Here is where Phillie Boy runs off the left side of the road and smack into school girl antics....

    He knows nothing of the beliefs of his own side, muchless be in a position to be taken seriously regarding what I or others believe...

    I have only seen 1 other person so "confused"...Reese.

    Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 11:31am

48. I think I finally got it. Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize because Afghanistani, Pakistani and South Asian people lives mean nothing.

    Posted by trueleftist at 10/09/2009 @ 11:36am

49. What? The Nobel Peace Prize? What a joke. The whole world has gone mad. We're at war in two countries, the Israel is about to go medieval on Iran before Iran goes nuclear and indeed threatens the PEACE of the world, the ME peace process is a joke and our own economy is crippling our ability to add troops to Afghanistan. Wait, THAT'S IT. Obama won the Peace Prize because he's screwing up the economy so bad that we will not be able to continue to wage war against the terrorists. That's got to be the reason.

    Either that or the committee was so impressed with Obama's public rebuke of Gen. McMhrystal for saying that without the additional troop deployment, the war would be lost, that they all got tingeling senations up their legs and just had to give Obama the prize.

    Seriously, how does a former community organizer, who votes 'present' instead of making a decision, much like he's doing now with the Afghanistan question AND the Iran question, serves nine months as President and couldn't even sway the Olympic committee to bring the games to Chicago, who has accomplished little else either on the foreign front or at home except make emotional speeches, win the Nobel Peace Prize. Legitimate winners of that prize can never be taken seriously again. Nice role model. I think they gave it to him because he's black.

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 11:42am

50. Yassir Arafat was a more deserving winner.

    Posted by jimmylove at 10/09/2009 @ 11:46am

51. Posted by Mask at 10/09/2009 @ 10:08am

    That was a joke. Limbaugh is an entertainer and as I understand it used his silly nomination as a way of calling attention to Gore's silly nomination. Now Limbaugh has been picked to be a judge in the next Miss America contest. I wonder what the 'Feminazis, as Rush calls them, think of that?

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 11:46am

52. Here's something to ponder. If Israel attacks Iran, to the chagrin of the peace doves, should their athletes be banned from the olympics?

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 11:48am

53. Would I rather that Obama been given this award in recognition of successfully bring Bush's wars to a conclusion? Absolutely. Would I like to see him receive the Prize for having prevented proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East or having found an Arab-Israelic accomodation? Sure.

    the impossible we do right away. miracles take a little longer.

    Skel, when confronted with someone with a chronic illness, can you make the patient better overnight?

    to start the healing is the most important step. with Obama it's no different.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 11:50am

54. It's obvious to me that the committee members, who decide who gets their once prestigious awards, felt embarrassed about Obama being made such a fool of because of what happened to him and his wife with their rejection of the Olympic thing that they felt compelled to give the President something to crow about. Or maybe political considerations were involved? The whole thing smells and it's just another embarrassment for Obama.

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 11:52am

55. Yassir Arafat was a more deserving winner. Posted by jimmylove at 10/09/2009 @ 11:46am | ignore this person | warn this person

    the prize is not given to saints, it is given to human being, with all their flaws.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 11:55am

56. Dynamite! The awarding of this prize to the President should please all, from the audaciously pacific to the "soldiering for peace" crowd.

    The former course is strongly advised.

    Posted by Sorelish at 10/09/2009 @ 11:55am

57. As an independent, I am free to lean either way on any particular issue. I was frequently saddened and embarrassed by GWB and some of the thing he did. But I have to say, this group of democrats in all three branches of government is making me ill. America is looking so pathetic these days. Obama needs to start making some decisions that he can stick with. Never mind the silly awards. Better yet, why not give the Nobel Peace Prize to the American military for trying to bring peace to the world with reality.....and their lives.

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 11:57am

58. Previous nominees: Stalin Hitler Castro Kaiser Wilhelm Stanley "Tookey" Williams

    Yes, Tookey Williams. They guy that went around robbing convenience stores and shooting innocent people in the back of the head.

    Posted by jimmylove at 10/09/2009 @ 11:57am

59. I choose to look for the upside. Posted by skeletonman at 10/09/2009 @ 11:12am | ignore this person | warn this person

    me too. I did not mean to suggest you feel otherwise.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 11:58am

60. The Nobel committee is based in Stockholm, Sweden.

    Not Norway!

    Now I remember why I stopped reading comments here....

    Posted by ILOVEPHYSICS at 10/09/2009 @ 12:00pm

61. Will Obama make a mockery of the award by escalating the violence in Afghanistan?

    I think Obama was very gracious in his acceptance, but had he declined the award with thanks, he would have shown true character.

    Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:01pm

62. Skel, when confronted with someone with a chronic illness, can you make the patient better overnight?

    to start the healing is the most important step. with Obama it's no different.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 11:50am

    How funny. I thought you were talking about Obama's staff waking him in the middle of the night and telling him about his award and making him feel better about HIS lack of performance.

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:02pm

63. Posted by ILOVEPHYSICS at 10/09/2009 @ 12:00pm

    Hey, Ilovephysics, it is nice to see you! I hope you are well!

    Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:02pm

64. Obama was president for 12 days when he was nominated. I think he wins about a $1 million for the award. A million bucks for 12 days "work." That puts evil and greedy bankers' bonuses to shame!!!!!

    I'm sure he will distribute that money to low income families that don't have health care.

    Posted by jimmylove at 10/09/2009 @ 12:04pm

65. 'A new study examined inflated self-esteem, the kind that can come not from actual achievement but from teachers and parents drumming into kids how great they are. The researchers find that this sort of unjustified self-esteem can trigger hostility and aggression...' -- Newsweek -- 13 July, 1998

    Posted by HonestLiberal at 10/09/2009 @ 12:05pm

66. Posted by ILOVEPHYSICS at 10/09/2009 @ 12:00pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    the peace prize, unlike the other nobels, is awarded by a NORWEGIAN panel. you can look it up.

    you can wipe the egg of your face. and come back to reading our efforts, your input is valued by me and I'm sure others.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:06pm

67. Will Obama make a mockery of the award by escalating the violence in Afghanistan?

    I think Obama was very gracious in his acceptance, but had he declined the award with thanks, he would have shown true character.

    Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:01pm

    I can agree with that. But it's not in Obama's character to decline anything and end up damaging his personna. He and his handelers have worked to hard at pulling the wool over the electorate's eyes to let character get in their way. No, Obama will not make a big deal out of the award, but Limbaugh and Hannity will.

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:07pm

68. Posted by jimmylove at 10/09/2009 @ 12:04pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    winning the presidency on a platform of change is a great achievement in itself. the American people repudiated Bush. they too should be included in the award, and Obama referred to that in his speech.

    the entire world breathed a sigh of relief with Obama's election.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:09pm

69. Posted by HonestLiberal at 10/09/2009 @ 12:05pm

    In that case, GWB should have been the country's number one peace president.

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:10pm

70. I seriously do hope that Obama doesn't let this thing go to his head and get in the way of what he needs to do as President in keeping Americans safe. Awards are nice but ultimate victory over evil is, well, the ultimate award.

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:14pm

71. I'm sure he will distribute that money to low income families that don't have health care. Posted by jimmylove at 10/09/2009 @ 12:04pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    how much were Bush, Bush and Reagan paid for giving a speech? I'm sure they distributed that money to poor families.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:15pm

72. Amazing to see some of the leftists trying to rationalize this idiotic award.

    the true leftists have a much different response as indicated this morning on Democracy Now

    <NAOMI KLEIN: You know, I try not to speak about things before I really had a process--you know, a chance to process it, because my raw reaction is really that this represents--it's very significant and disappointing, cheapening of the Nobel Prize. And, you know, it's been cheapened before, and it will cheapen again--be cheapened again, but I think there's something really striking here. And even just listening to the rationale that, despite overwhelming evidence, they're giving this prize in the hopes that it will change Obama's mind or encourage him to do things he hasn't done--this is a candidate that ran a campaign that was much more based on hope and wishful thinking than it was on concrete policy. So we have hopes being piled on hope and wishful thinking.

    This is supposed to be a prize that rewards concrete behavior, concrete action. And there are many people out there in the world who were under consideration for this prize, who every day perform acts that are taken at enormous risk for concrete benefit...And then, in the middle of all this, the Nobel Prize Committee awards their top honors to Obama. And I think it's quite insulting. I don't know what kind of political game they're playing, but I don't think that the committee has ever been as political as this or as delusional as this, frankly.>

    http://tinyurl.com/yz3y9b5

    Posted by antisocialist at 10/09/2009 @ 12:15pm

73. I'm sure he will distribute that money to low income families that don't have health care.

    actually the poor HAVE health care, it's called medicaid, you ignoramus.

    it's the working poor who need health care.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:17pm

74. Or from Counterpunch.org

    <The WTF Prize

    By DAVE LINDORFF

    It's not as much of a travesty as when Henry Kissinger, a war criminal of the first order who was an architect of the latter stages of the Indochina War, and was personally responsible for the slaughter of well over a million innocent people, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973, while that war was still raging, but the awarding of the latest Nobel Peace Prize to President Barack Obama is travesty enough.

    We're talking about a man whose practically first act upon taking office early this year was to escalate the ugly and pointless war in Afghanistan with the addition of some 20,000 troops, and who, even as the Nobel committee was discussing his award, was meeting with his military and political advisors to consider expanding that war even further, both in Afghanistan and across the border into Pakistan.

    It is an insult to the memory of former award winners like the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jody Williams, Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi the Dalai Lama, Lech Walesa, and others who put their lives and careers on the line to struggle for peace and human dignity to give this award to a man who has accomplished so little, and who, in fact, in his short time in office, has managed to expand one war, to block the international condemnation of the brutality of another, and who has done nothing to reverse his own country's leading role as a promoter of war and international violence.>

    http://www.counterpunch.org/lindorff10092009.html

    Posted by antisocialist at 10/09/2009 @ 12:19pm

75. "the entire world breathed a sigh of relief with Obama's election."

    No it didn't. Everyone in the world who sees things as you do breathed a sigh of relief. Sure, the international left sees things as you do. But to say the "entire world" is simply hubris.

    You should get out more.

    Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:19pm

76. Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:17pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    I'll take this last one back.

    management regrets the error.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:21pm

77. how much were Bush, Bush and Reagan paid for giving a speech? I'm sure they distributed that money to poor families.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:15pm

    don't forget our boy Bill...$100 million...

    Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 12:21pm

78. REFLECTIONS ON OBAMA'S NOBEL AWARD Contrary to the shrill condemnation of Obama's detractors, I argue that the President robustly deserves the Alfred Nobel honor. As usual, extremist Republicans and conservatives will say no, just as they have been saying to everything Obama does. Transformational figures throughout history have usually suffered ridicule from those who failed to understand or appreciate their special destiny. That includes King David, Jesus, Mohammed, Gandhi, and Martin Luther Kind, Jr. Obama is no Jesus; but during the Presidential campaign, he was ridiculed as a pretender poised to "walk on water." He is no Moses; but his detractors mocked him as one. Those who invited him for university honors challenged his "body of work" and "lack of accomplishment" at the same time. On the Nobel, consider the implications of his achievements: Obama's popularity abroad has become America's popularity; his desire to rid the world of nuclear weapons (just like Raegan) makes him a man of peace; his focus on international diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation and mediation signals a fundamental departure from the unilateralism of the Bush years; his emphasis on mutual respect and interests rejects the simple concept of "American exceptionalism" as the critical basis for international diplomacy; his goals of meaningful engagement with Russia, North Korea, Iran, the Palestinians and fighting global poverty and environmental degradation also rank high. Indeed, Obama is a MAN OF PEACE--and the hour! Americans responded with broad vision and big hearts to this man of destiny.

    Posted by drsam8 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:22pm

79. Or this from another quoted favorite of the left.

    <Warmonger Wins Peace Prize

    By PAUL CRAIG ROBERTS

    It took 25 years longer than George Orwell thought for the slogans of 1984 to become reality.

    "War is Peace," "Freedom is Slavery," "Ignorance is Strength."

    I would add, "Lie is Truth."

    The Nobel Committee has awarded the 2009 Peace Prize to President Obama, the person who started a new war in Pakistan, upped the war in Afghanistan, and continues to threaten Iran with attack unless Iran does what the US government demands and relinquishes its rights as a signatory to the non-proliferation treaty.

    The Nobel committee chairman, Thorbjoern Jagland said, "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."

    Obama, the committee gushed, has created "a new climate in international politics."

    Tell that to the 2 million displaced Pakistanis and the unknown numbers of dead ones that Obama has racked up in his few months in office. Tell that to the Afghans where civilian deaths continue to mount as Obama's "war of necessity" drones on indeterminably.

    No Bush policy has changed. Iraq is still occupied. The Guantanamo torture prison is still functioning. Rendition and assassinations are still occurring. Spying on Americans without warrants is still the order of the day. Civil liberties are continuing to be violated in the name of Oceania's "war on terror."

    The Nobel committee has bestowed the prestige of its Peace Prize on Newspeak and Doublethink.>

    http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts10092009.html

    Posted by antisocialist at 10/09/2009 @ 12:22pm

80. Here's something to ponder. If Israel attacks Iran, to the chagrin of the peace doves, should their athletes be banned from the olympics?

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 11:48am | ignore this person | warn this person

    If Israel attacks Iran, I doubt there will be any olympics as WWIII will have been started.

    Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 12:24pm

81. the entire world breathed a sigh of relief with Obama's election.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:09pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    He got 52% of the vote. He couldn't even get 53% of Americans to breathe a sigh of relief by being elected, but he got "the entire world" to? Good grrrrrriiiiiieeeeeef. Have you ever seen the movie "The Boy in the Bubble?" That movie should be about you. Wake up. Look around. Get outside. There's a whole world out there.

    Posted by jimmylove at 10/09/2009 @ 12:27pm

82. If Israel attacks Iran, I doubt there will be any olympics as WWIII will have been started.

    Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 12:24pm

    That's a little hyperbolic. WWIII didn't start when Israel took out Iraq's nuclear reactor.

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:29pm

83. Posted by jimmylove at 10/09/2009 @ 12:27pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    unlike that goddamn Bush, he was elected, and yes, the leaders of the world are relieved.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:34pm

84. Jimmy, I am positively elated by the fact that Obama sticks in your craw. I will enjoy the next seven years immensely, knowing how discomforted you are by Obama's success.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:35pm

85. Posted by drsam8 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:22pm

    JESUS got the Nobel Peace Prize? I thought he got crucified for his troubles, much like GWB. Just a little levity.

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:35pm

86. http://www.thenation.com/blogs/action/ignore.mhtml?who=jimmylove

    I'll gladly wager that I have seen more of the world than you.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:36pm

87. The Nobel committee is based in Stockholm, Sweden.

    Not Norway!

    Now I remember why I stopped reading comments here....

    Posted by ILOVEPHYSICS at 10/09/2009 @ 12:00pm

    ILP, great to see you back. where have you been hiding?

    Posted by antisocialist at 10/09/2009 @ 12:40pm

88. Mahatma Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize four times while he was alive. Each time he was rejected. In 1948 he was also nominated, after his assassination. The Nobel committe decided against awarding him because they did'nt give posthumous awards. Its time for a real Peace Award, call it the Gandhi Peace Prize. And dont give it to politicians who lie through their teeth -talking about peace whilst waging war.

    Posted by trueleftist at 10/09/2009 @ 12:40pm

89. Another feather in Yankee Doodle's Cap. America ROCKS!

    U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!!

    Posted by Balrog at 10/09/2009 @ 12:41pm

90. I see a bunch of bad sports and whiners here! President Obama has already restsored our credibility in the world which was completely gone with the last sorry administration. He has proven already that we can "talk" to our enemies and use diplomatic strategies before we invade another country! He has accomplished more in less than a year than the previous administration did in 8 horrible, long and disastrous, destructive years! Yes, he has a lot on his plate to accomplish and much to the dismay of the author of this article and the hate filled right wing, he will accomplish a lot. Grow up people, we are extremely proud of having a President in office that is actually "smart", can really "think" and is "not" a war mongering fool who believes he is a dictator!

    Posted by suzyku at 10/09/2009 @ 12:41pm

91. Good to see all Americans standing a little taller, beaming a little prouder, now that our President and fellow American has been awarded one of the, if not THE most, prestigous award in the world!

    U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!!

    Posted by Balrog at 10/09/2009 @ 12:43pm

92. Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:34pm

    Does that include Benjamin Netanyahu?

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:43pm

93. Posted by suzyku at 10/09/2009 @ 12:41pm

    Unbelievable. Truly.

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:45pm

94. unlike that goddamn Bush, he was elected, and yes, the leaders of the world are relieved.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:34pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    Again, a statement based on assumptions backed by nothing, and your own worship of someone who has clearly never embraced the concept of underpromising and overdelivering.

    I hope you didn't hurt yourself climbing on the bandwagon. I don't want to pay for your medical bills.

    Posted by jimmylove at 10/09/2009 @ 12:45pm

95. Don't let it bug you jimmylove. Emile is truth adverse anyway when it comes to Obama. And just observe his fanatical defense him. It is a joy to read.

    It is emile who will be discomforted over the next 3.25 years, trying to spin and defend Obama's opposition to gay marriage, escalation of wars in Afghanistan, and the ME while he destroys the US economy through his marxist economic prism.

    We'll know he's come to his senses when he writes, "Obama's policies, grrrr kill..." Until then, enjoy!

    Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:47pm

96. Announcement

    The Norwegian Nobel Committee

    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

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:47pm

97. Posted by suzyku at 10/09/2009 @ 12:41pm

    Unbelievable. Truly.

    Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:45pm

    I'll second that. It is unbelievable.

    Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:48pm

98. I don't want to pay for your medical bills. Posted by jimmylove at 10/09/2009 @ 12:45pm | ignore this person |

    I'm paying $600 a month to cover my medical bills. where do you get this crap from. who pays for your health care?

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:50pm

99. Again, a statement based on assumptions backed by nothing

    the nobel committee obviously agrees with me.

    Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:52pm

100. This is a major blow to both the Nobel Prize Committee and the very credibility of the prize. Why not give it to someone who's actually helping to advance the cause of peace, like the 3 judges trying Thomas Lubanga in the ICC's first case, or Baltazar Garzon?

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 12:53pm

101. the nobel committee obviously agrees with me.

     Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:52pm |

     Haha, yes, they do. No wonder Obama's arrogance seems normal to you.

     Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:53pm

102. I'm paying $600 a month to cover my medical bills. where do you get this crap from. who pays for your health care?

     Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:50pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     Not if your dream, and Barry's goal, of creating a nanny state in America is realized.

     Not sure what that will get him, since he's already won the Nobel Peace Prize after being nominated 12 days into the job. The "double secret Nobel Prize" perhaps? The "Super Duper Nobel Prize." Oh, who am I kidding...a new prize is going to be created called the Barack Obama Prize. Heisman isn't the only one who deserves to have a prize named after him.

     Posted by jimmylove at 10/09/2009 @ 12:56pm

103. Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 12:53pm

     I agree. I think it harms Obama. I'd like to see all US troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan. Both situations are unconstitutional in my humble opinion.

     If Obama got the troops out and actually DID something, I would expect him to win this award.

     But at this point, it is nothing more than a mockery of affirmative action.

     Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:57pm

104. the nobel committee obviously agrees with me.

     Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 12:52pm

     Yes, but then so does Roman Polanski.

     Posted by Mistral at 10/09/2009 @ 12:59pm

105. As I recall, Alred Nobel made his fortune in the perfection of explosives that have made modern warfare the total horror that it is. So should we really be so surprised that about $1.4 million dollars born of those inventions should be given to the prez for walking around money as he contemplates unleashing Total War in Southwest Asia? Even though I've met a few winners over the years, I've always been skeptical about the nature and intention of Nobel prizes. This one takes the cake. I am shocked. But to quote Gil Scott Heron, America leads the world in shocks. Whether they like it or not, I fear the dunderheads in Oslo may have given the dunderheads in the Democratic party the cover it needs to kill for peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

     Posted by Masaniello at 10/09/2009 @ 12:59pm

106. But at this point, it is nothing more than a mockery of affirmative action.

     Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:57pm

     Please don't back my arguments on the basis of some tired little racialized rant. It sickens me.

     The issue here is that he received the Nobel Peace Prize, when in reality he has taken absolutely no substantive action towards promoting peace, unless you count the Cairo speech. So what has he done? Well, he's set forward an Iraq withdrawal plan, but commanders have made clear that no substantive changes in troop levels will occur until after the January 2010 elections. He's escalated Afghanistan once and is about to approve yet another. On Israel he's completely folded on settlements while Secretary of State is told to pressure the PA into dropping demands for a vote on the Goldstone report in the UN Human Rights Council.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 1:07pm

107. But to quote Gil Scott Heron, America leads the world in shocks.

     quote a drug addled poet? sure.

     Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 1:07pm

108. The prize here is a political bribe,no more, no less.

     Posted by mystic at 10/09/2009 @ 08:55am

     From Rush's lips to the pages of The Nation.

     ----

     But at this point, it is nothing more than a mockery of affirmative action.

     Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:57pm |

     He got it for being 1/2 African?

     Interesting.

     ----

     Haha, yes, they do. No wonder Obama's arrogance seems normal to you.

     Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:53pm

     This take on Obama always surprises me, especially coming from someone usually a little more thoughtful than our cons. But, if I recall, FREI supported Bush fairly strongly. To say Obama is arrogant after supporting perhaps the most arrogant man to hod the office since Johnson is really stretching credibility. For someone that has accomplished what Obama has he seems to me to be pretty damned grounded.

     but, Obama hatred seems to have few connections to reality. Death squads, Marxist takeovers, connections to terrorism and what not. Now I guess we add in the expected hatred/fear of things European and we get people going off about something that should be a source of pride for America.

     Posted by crabwalk at 10/09/2009 @ 1:09pm

109. Johnson may have been arrogant, but he was accomplished in many ways, which is more than can be said about that goddamn Bush.

     Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 1:14pm

110. "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. "

     And this is why the right is pissed off about the dirty Euro's handing out an award.

     grrr, kill is the way to make friends and influence people.

     Posted by crabwalk at 10/09/2009 @ 1:16pm

111. Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:57pm

     And that's not to sound rude, but it really has nothing to do with race. The committee fell head over heels for a President who happens to be a master orator. But that's the extent of his skills. He's viewed as the feel good story of the year, the man who gave us all hope again. And yet nothing that he's done should inspire hope in anyone. Regardless of what his actual plans are, he'll make a (supposedly) electrifying speech and the progressive moment is fawning all over him again.

     The guy is trying soo hard to forge a reputation as the great pragmatist. The president who was able to rise above all the politics and do what was objectively. But what is being called pragmatic is ultimately spineless.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 1:16pm

112. Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 12:53pm

     The committee likes to get the most bang for it's buck.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:16pm

113. So, can anyone make a case for Obama over the 3 judges trying Thomas Lubanga in the first ICC case, or Baltasar Garzon?

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 1:18pm

114. Fryhate=racist, homophobe

     Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 1:19pm

115. Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:16pm

     By giving the award to someone who's repeatedly blocked efforts at peace? Did you know that the recent influx of contractors into Iraq has effectively escalated the war? That's right, the size of our forces in Iraq are now larger than under Bush, or when Obama first took office.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 1:21pm

116. PEACE.

     Just wanted to type the word. Apparently the mention of it makes heads explode. I didn't know so many people had investments in defense contracting companies.

     Posted by TheAfterParty at 10/09/2009 @ 1:21pm

117. So we are left to conclude...you get a prize for helping bring down America on many levels?

     Posted by YourJomamma at 10/09/2009 @ 10:10am |

     Well, nobody talks down Americans more than you, so I guess we could take your advice as an expert.

     ----

     WOW, all of a sudden Larry anti is concerned about civilians deaths. What brought about that change?

     Oh, right, change of admin to a Marxist Fascist, as opposed to BushCo.

     Posted by crabwalk at 10/09/2009 @ 1:22pm

118. That's a little hyperbolic. WWIII didn't start when Israel took out Iraq's nuclear reactor.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:29pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     No major strategic player in the game when Israel took out Iraq's reactor in 1981. Iraq had no major power as ally.

     There are two strategic players in the game now and both are aligned with Iran. Putin & Hu Jintao.

     Putin supports Iran because he sees that the Russo-Iranian alliance will control most of the world's oil & gas.

     Hu Jintao wants some of that oil & gas and sees Iran as a major consumer of its products including military products.

     Plus the military forces of Iran are enormous compared with what Iraq had at that time.

     If attacked, the Israeli forces will suffer a forlorn defeat as Iran's facilities are buried too deep to be effected by anything other than nukes.

     And whether we help Israel or not, we will be blamed.

     Iran will immediately close the Straights of Hormuz and the price of oil will skyrocket.

     Iran's response to Israel will be devestating to Israel. In effect, Netanyahu will be committing suicide.

     And Iran's response to the U.S. will not only be Hezbollah attacks on US facilities worldwide, Obama will be facing a new front in Afghanistan on the West.

     Plus the Iranians are educated and smart. We will be facing a serious enemy, not Sadam's hapless Republican Goards.

     God, I hope I am being hyperbolic.

     Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 1:23pm

119. Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 12:57pm

     Oh, I don't know. You would have to make a pretty good argument that it's unconstitutional to go after an enemy who kills 3000 of your people while knocking two skyscarpers down, trying to destroy the Pentagon and be thwarted while trying to fly another jet into the Capitol. It's true that they were mostly Saudis but their training grounds and their leader were in Afghanistan and now Pakistan.

     Should we really just give up the fight and let bygones be bygones and wish OBL and his followers well in their future endeavors or should we press the fight?

     I'm well aware of the arguments on both sides but I'm afraid I come down on the side of justice of this one, whatever it takes to achieve it.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:24pm

120. Posted by crabwalk at 10/09/2009 @ 1:09pm

     The Founding Fathers escaped the clutches of Europe and their ancient way of doing things three centuries ago. We do not need politicians that would set us back. America leads, not follows.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:30pm

121. Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 1:16pm

     I'd be happy if the guy could just make a decision.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:32pm

122. It's obvious in what many senses the prize is still unearned. But in the world's eyes, even by the Feb. 1, 2009 Nobel nomination deadline, had already COMPLETED a deed that may be worthy of the Peace prize: He sent the Republicans home.

     Posted by acw53 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:33pm

123. Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 1:21pm

     What's your point? The job's not done yet.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:35pm

124. He sent the Republicans home. Posted by acw53 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:33pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     hurrah. I'm for letting this be the last word. (I wish)(notachance)

     Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 1:38pm

125. God, I hope I am being hyperbolic.

     Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 1:23pm

     Ok, so what's your option, keep talking while Iran goes nuclear? Maybe you'd like to see Iran finish the job that Nazi Germany started. Your handle is quite apropos.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:39pm

126. SOILED UNDERWEAR WINS NOBEL PEACE PRIZE!

     Obamanation, Carter, Gore, Arafat, but why not Bin Laden, Saddaminsane (postumously), Kim Junkyard, Marmaduke Kadaffyduck, Amaarabnutjob? They are all in the same sinking rowboat with the big four losers and not even an dishonorable mention for this most abused now dishonorable leftist award!

     Posted by BigPasture at 10/09/2009 @ 1:40pm

127. Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:35pm

     Obama's constantly hindered work on "the job" Besides, there's no meaningful job for the U.S. in either country.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 1:40pm

128. Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:30pm

     Yes, I can see the "ancient ways" continuing to this day, including the war for plunder lead by Kings...

     oh, wait...

     To hold a grudge for something that happened 200 + years ago rings of our Mulsim extremist enemies. but then, they are producing comments similar to those you are posting today. Once again the right wing of Americans have common ground with our enemies.

     ---

     Posted by acw53 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:33pm

     good point. Then, the repubs slammed the G-20 protesters for damaging property ...and named their group after Englishmen that damaged property in Boston.

     Posted by crabwalk at 10/09/2009 @ 1:41pm

129. here's a guy who showed some class:

     John McCain:

     But Obama's former rival for the White House said he was happy with the decision.

     "I think all of us were surprised at the decision," he said. "But I think Americans are always pleased when their president is recognized by something on this order."

     Posted by emile duBois at 10/09/2009 @ 1:42pm

130. Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:39pm

     Another reference to WWII? Members of my family died in the Holocaust, to even attempt such a comparison is nothing short of disgraceful.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 1:42pm

131. Maybe you'd like to see Iran finish the job that Nazi Germany started. Your handle is quite apropos.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:39pm

     whoops, deep end reached.

     next, GUN provides the missing link between Castro and the Chicago School of Economics.

     Posted by crabwalk at 10/09/2009 @ 1:43pm

132. Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 1:23pm

     Peace and freedom are two of the most expensive ideals in creation. There's a time for diplomacy and a time for action. Anyone who doesn't have the cajones to order the latter has no business occupying the Oval Office. That is the one office in the world that has the responsibility for peace and freedom.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:43pm

133. Wow. What a hateful and hyperbolic column.

     I have to admit, when I first heard about it, I expected that the true left would be a little too smart to go along with the cultists. Y'all didn't disappoint.

     Big ups to His Holiness for smelling what the rest of us can smell. I think sometimes he is genuinely embarassed by the elitists need to deify him.

     Back to the column. There is a disturbing tendency in the MSM and Left media to skip right past the analysis of every potentially negatory event, and focus on the reaction of the provincials. If Beck don't like it, it must be good.

     "Dude, Tel Aviv just totally got blown off the map! The neocons will be squawking about this one!"

     "I just sacrificed my baby to Odin. They'll have a field day with this one!"

     Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 1:59pm

134. Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:39pm

     Another reference to WWII? Members of my family died in the Holocaust, to even attempt such a comparison is nothing short of disgraceful.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 1:42pm

     All the more reason why you should understand the stakes then. Why don't you?

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:03pm

135. God, I hope I am being hyperbolic.

     Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 1:23pm

     Ok, so what's your option, keep talking while Iran goes nuclear? Maybe you'd like to see Iran finish the job that Nazi Germany started. Your handle is quite apropos.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 1:39pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     We can't fight Iran, Russia, China, Venezuela and who knows who else that will join them. We can't even defeat the Taliban. And Israel couldn't even defeat Hezbollah. This is not the 1940s, dude. Accepting a nuclear Iran is the only answer.

     Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 2:04pm

136. Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:03pm

     You're really trying to pull this shit? In what way are the situations remotely comparable. Where is that land mass the size of Europe that Iran is currently occupying, or the death camps? In fact, Israel is actually occupying the West Bank and Gaza.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 2:07pm

137. Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:03pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     And if Obama can keep us out of this mess (and I am not sure he can) then he will have earned his Nobel.

     Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 2:08pm

138. P.S. Iran doesn't want nukes to bomb Israel. They know that would be suicide as the entire West would nuke them in retaliation. They want nukes for regional hegemony. Iran's real enemy and competitor over the long term are the Sunni Arab states not Israel. Iran/Russia want to dominate oil and gas not blow themselves up. Even with their rhetoric, Iran's leadership is far more sane than that of Israel today. The problem for the U.S. is not Iran but a rogue Israel.

     Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 2:20pm

139. Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 1:23pm

     Well said.

     Solid argument for why the world needs American hegemony.

     Do you believe that the full nukularization of the Putin-Jintao-Khamenei triumvirate will lead to a more liberal world? Seriously, will a neutered America and emboldened alliance of fascists and islamofascists with a monopoly on energy turn the globe into a collection of Christopher streets?

     Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 2:21pm

140. Posted by crabwalk at 10/09/2009 @ 1:43pm

     I don't know anything about you or anyone else on this blog so I'll make a general statement. Imagine yourself to be a young man about seventeen years old. You go to high school, maybe work a part time job. You have a girlfriend you're crazy about and you have a roof over your head and food in the house but across the ocean there's a maniac who wants to destroy an entire race of people and also other people who aren't blonde and blue-eyed.

     All of a sudden you hear a radio report that Japan bombed your pacific fleet into pieces. Your President goes before Congress and declares war, then the nut on the other side of the Atlantic declares war on you. Because you can walk and chew gum at the same time, you find yourself answering your country's call and suddenly you say good-bye to your girlfriend and family and hit the beach at Normandy or Iwo Jima or Okinawa or Anzio or the Ardennes in the dead of winter at the Battle of the Bulge. Any moment you expect to die because you've already seen hundreds and thousands of other guys just like you get it. you're only 18, maybe 21 by now.

     Soon Hitler kills himself, Mussolini is murdered and Hirohito calls it quits because Harry Truman has the balls to drop a couple of bombs. You get to go home and hope that your girl isn't married to someone else and that your family survived the trauma of having you and your brother away at war. Maybe your brother didn't make it home.

     Now fast forward to the present. Would todays youth respond on such a massive scale to their President's call? Would the bleeding heart liberals call them baby killers if they did? Does our current President even understand the sacrifice of the 'Greatest Generation' that saved the world from evil?.....

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:21pm

141. osted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 2:20pm

     I've heard several times that Iran is seeking the "Japan option." That is, nuclear power for now with the ability to quickly produce nukes if they see it as necessary. That seems to be the most likely scenario

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 2:23pm

142. the prize lost it's value, it is just sad for people who really deserved it as gorbatchev...

     Posted by judith68 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:27pm

143. Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:21pm

     Now notice how that scenario bears zero resemblance to the present.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 2:28pm

144. That little narrative could be about a million different guys. It wasn't personal. I'm not old enough to have lived through WWII like the 'Greatest Generation' did. But I can appreciate their sacrifice and I can definitely appreciate the cost of peace and freedom.

     There are no words that can stop idealistic fanatics when they make up their minds to destroy anything or anyone who doesn't share their fanatical beliefs. That's why we have built the finest military the world has ever seen and have never wavered, except in Vietnam to get the job done. I'm afraid that we have elected a President who is good with words but I KNOW, that words don't stop someone who wants to kill you or change your way of life.

     I can't imagine anyone who would not be able to understand that basic principle.

     I don't think that today's America would have won WWII. I'm not referring to our military because we are blessed with patriots who will do us proud there. I'm talking about our current politicians with this policy of diplomacy that may be too little too late.

     We have vital, thats Vital with a capital 'V', interests in this world that must be protected at all costs so that we and our allies can preserve peace and promote freedom throught the world. If we don't live up to those expectations,......who will?

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:32pm

145. Solid argument for why the world needs American hegemony.

     Do you believe that the full nukularization of the Putin-Jintao-Khamenei triumvirate will lead to a more liberal world? Seriously, will a neutered America and emboldened alliance of fascists and islamofascists with a monopoly on energy turn the globe into a collection of Christopher streets?

     Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 2:21pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     "American hegemony". Get real. Can't happen. The only moment in history when that could have happened was between 1946 and 1952. We do not have the military capacity for hegemony, and now we do not have the economic capacity. Again this is 2009 and the world is simply not as you view it.

     There is a way, however, to prevent the Putin-Jintao-Khamenei-Chavez axis from gaining control over oil and gas. That is to break up this alliance by making deals with one or more of these leaders/states. We can't defeat them militarily (just ask any of the Joint Chiefs) but we can prevent them from coalescing. But we have to stop the bellicose rhetoric and start dealing.

     Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 2:32pm

146. Obama would have been absolutely brilliant in graciously declining, asking the Nobel Committee to please consider him in the future based on his accomplishments, not just on his promise and goals.

     He would have completely disarmed much of his opposition by demonstrating the pragmatism, humility and wisdom of a true leader.

     Instead, in my humble opinion, by accepting an award he doesn't even believe he deserves, he is building the foundation for a one term Presidency.

     And regarding my affirmative action quip earlier; from wikipedia:

     "The terms affirmative action and positive action refer to policies that take race, ethnicity, or gender into consideration in an attempt to promote equal opportunity or increase ethnic or other forms of diversity. The focus of such policies ranges from employment and education to public contracting and health programs. The impetus towards affirmative action is twofold: to maximize diversity in all levels of society, along with its presumed benefits, and to redress perceived disadvantages due to overt, institutional, or involuntary discrimination. Opponents argue that it promotes reverse discrimination."

     So Obama wins an award even he was surprised by, yet by definition I mention affirmative action and I'm labeled a racist here?

     Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:34pm

147. Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 2:28pm

     You got a little bit ahead of me. As for the Japan scenerio, I wouldn't want to bet the annilation and then a definite WWIII on it. To my way of thinking, a pre-emptive surgical strike on Iran's bomb making capability is the prudent course of action. I just don't think that Obama has the stomach to go against his political allies and pull the trigger. Bush did. Hell, Obama is waffling while our troops are hung out to dry in Afghanistan. I hope he grows a pair soon. this is a very dangerous world we live in.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:37pm

148. Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:32pm

     How exactly are we supporting freedom and democracy by lending tacit approval to fraudulent Afghan elections? Or only allowing elections in Iraq in 2005 after massive protests? Or refusing to recognize an organization democratically elected as the government of the PA. Or supporting Saudi Arabia, enlarging our military footprint in South America to support a government with ties to paramilitaries that regularly kill politicians, judges and activists? Or refusing the sign the convention on the Rights of the Child (we're the only ones besides Somalia)? And the list goes on and on and on.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 2:42pm

149. WOW!

     If the Nation is skeptical of the BHO Nobel Peace prize the committee is really facing skepticism.

     B.marks

     Posted by BMarks at 10/09/2009 @ 2:42pm

150. Orwellian.

     Posted by OneVote at 10/09/2009 @ 2:43pm

151. Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 2:42pm

     Stabilization.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:50pm

152. Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 2:32pm

     Being a superpower does not necessarily mean the capability of defeating every other super and not so super power combined in a kinetic war.

     We can curb the genocidal impulses of the Eastern Oceania a bit here and there. We are going to do NOTHING about Sudan. That's a given. Hey Darfur, fuck you, die.

     Killing the Jews twice over may have ramifications beyond just the fact of dead Jews.

     1) "Never Again" is officially toe-tagged. Replace with "Again." Genocide will become even more tolerable than it already is.

     2) The competing Shia and Sunni death cults no longer have their little hate magnet in common. Really shitty armies with tons of oil money are finally out of excuses for not killing the shit out of each other.

     3) The international welfare check for the Palestinans gets cut off abruptly. Uh oh.

     Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 2:51pm

153. Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:34pm

     Don't fret. People who throw that racist crap around are incapable of making a reasonable argument. It's the easy way out.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:52pm

154. Shouldn't the Nobel Committee...in the interest of fairness...

     offer a "War Prize" so that conservatives and modern Republican stand a chance at winning something?

     Posted by Mask at 10/09/2009 @ 2:53pm

155. Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:37pm

     Each of the Iranian nuclear facilities lie a mere few dozen miles away from cities with sizeable populations. What result are you expecting when we fire off a volley of bunker busters?

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 2:53pm

156. If Obama was nominated only 12 days into his Presidency, was his nomination based upon his work as a community organizer?

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:54pm

157. 'PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Pakistan vowed to launch a new offensive against militant strongholds along the Afghan border after a suicide bomber blew up a car near a crowded outdoor market on Friday, killing 49 people in the bloodiest attack to hit the country in six months.

     The United States has been pushing Pakistan to take strong action against insurgents who are using its soil as a base for attacks in neighboring Afghanistan.....

     Excerpt:

     Pakistan vows offensive after bomb kills 49 - AP

     And Bama says our enemy is 100 al-qaeda.

     Posted by OneVote at 10/09/2009 @ 2:54pm

158. Posted by Mask at 10/09/2009 @ 2:53pm

     They already have won something. Think about it. you'll figure it out.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:55pm

159. Shouldn't the Nobel Committee...in the interest of fairness...

     offer a "War Prize" so that conservatives and modern Republican stand a chance at winning something?

     Posted by Mask at 10/09/2009 @ 2:53pm

     Haha! That's funny! But do you think Bush would have won BEFORE invading anybody?

     Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:56pm

160. You got a little bit ahead of me. As for the Japan scenerio, I wouldn't want to bet the annilation and then a definite WWIII on it. To my way of thinking, a pre-emptive surgical strike on Iran's bomb making capability is the prudent course of action. I just don't think that Obama has the stomach to go against his political allies and pull the trigger. Bush did. Hell, Obama is waffling while our troops are hung out to dry in Afghanistan. I hope he grows a pair soon. this is a very dangerous world we live in.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:37pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     A pre-emptive surgical strike on Iran's bomb making capability it not only NOT prudent but suicidal. Iran has too many facilities. They are hardened to any attack other than nuclear. Our use of nukes against Iran will result in WWIII (for sure) and we will have no allies (Israel will not survive the retaliation).

     America in today's world has the following INTERESTS:

     1) Survive

     2) Repair our economy

     3) Destroy Al Qaida.

     Anything else is foolish.

     1) If a rogue Israel attacks, Israel will be committing suicide and it will take every diplomatic maneuver Obama can muster to keep us out of it.

     2) If a rogue Israel or Obama attacks Iran, we will not be able to repair our economy as the price of oil will skyrocket.

     3) If either Israel or the US attacks Iran, Al Qaida will be joined by Hezbollah (and perhaps the Russian and Chinese states and others) and we will be totally screwed.

     This talk of getting "balls" is adolescent nonsense. The world is not a school yard.

     Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 2:57pm

161. Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 2:53pm

     Collateral damage. That's the cost of letting a dictator run your country.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:57pm

162. They already have won something. Think about it. you'll figure it out.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:55pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     Ah yes, I did figure it out...thanks. They won the award for most dead military personnel in a war built on lies.

     Posted by jarshadow at 10/09/2009 @ 2:59pm

163. Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 2:53pm

     We'll drop the prerequisite leaflets of course.

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:59pm

164. It's clear that a frenzied Obama worship among the elitist crackers of the West is the method by which they convince themselves how wonderful they are.

     They've been overreaching but it's getting ridiculous now and it's hurting Obama. The question is: Are the limosine liberals so oblivious to how the rest of the country perceives them, to the point of self-parody, that they cannot stop themselves from taking down their own man?

     Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 3:00pm

165. But do you think Bush would have won BEFORE invading anybody?

     Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:56pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     Nope...he couldn't think that far ahead.

     Posted by jarshadow at 10/09/2009 @ 3:02pm

166. Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:59pm

     That's the solution? Leaflets? Do you really expect anything close to a full evacuation of a large city? That seems to be a mere justification to do whatever the hell we want. And the Geneva convention clearly forbids bombing what it calls "population centers," let alone with nuclear weapons.

     And this isn't "collateral damage," and the past couple of months have shown that they don't necessarily have control over who governs your country. Of course, their lives aren't of value, ours are. That explains why 3,000 killed on September 11th is justification to indefinitely occupy Iraq, killing an estimated 1.2 million in the process.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 3:09pm

167. 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 10/09/2009 @ 3:09pm

168. Its interesting the similarity between Obama and Sabbatai Zevi, for those who know their Jewish history. Check it out.

     Posted by trueleftist at 10/09/2009 @ 3:14pm

169. Shouldn't the Nobel Committee...in the interest of fairness...

     offer a "War Prize" so that conservatives and modern Republican stand a chance at winning something?

     Posted by Mask at 10/09/2009 @ 2:53pm

     Actually, we'd rather not have any prizes that associate us with the crazy folks at the Nobel.

     Posted by antisocialist at 10/09/2009 @ 3:15pm

170. Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 2:55pm

     Well, seems I read something about 48% of Republicans being Birthers or "Birther-Lite"...so maybe the

     Nobel Wackadoodle Prize is locked up for them???

     Posted by Mask at 10/09/2009 @ 3:15pm

171. Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 3:09pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     And nkurland do you think those here who want to bomb Iran have even tried to calculate how many nukes we would have to drop to eliminate Iran's nuclear facilities? Do you think they have given one thought (assuming they can think) to who the resulting radiation will effect the entire world? Do you think they have thought about how many deformed babies will be born after such an attack? And I am only asking about how many deformed babies in the U.S. not to mention the rest of the world.

     Since there is not way to stop Iran from getting the bomb other than nuking all their facilities; and since such devastation would boomerang back on us; therefore, we can not prevent them from having the bomb via military means; therefore we must get used to Iran joining the nuclear club. We have no choice.

     Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 3:16pm

172. Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 3:09pm

     You are right buddy. We are the most evilest country in the world. We need to be completely disarmed or destroyed.

     Then those beautiful people of Iran and china and Russia will liberate a world that is 100% death-free, except for the bad people.

     If I was them I would start with those Bollywood cunts who flash their bellies around which is disrespectful to the great and wonderful religion of peacefulness.

     Yep. The only thing preventing a world-wide utopia is America needs to bacdafucup.

     Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 3:17pm

173. So Obama's talking with Iran is the only logical approach to Iran going nuclear. And to prevent their hegemony over oil and gas we must woo their allies away. That is the only choice facing Obama and America in the real world of today. If Obama can do that, then he more than deserves the Nobel.

     Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 3:19pm

174. "Actually, we'd rather not have any prizes that associate us with the crazy folks at the Nobel."------------Posted by antisocialist at 10/09/2009 @ 3:15pm

     Of course, Larry.

     Eh! "Peace"!...it's so over-rated.

     Posted by Mask at 10/09/2009 @ 3:20pm

175. right on! this is not for the last six months. this is a prize to prod him to do good deeds. he is the most powerful man on earth. this is about helping him not to forget that the next 8 years could truly change the world.

     from day one, rahm, summers, and hillary have been force-feeding obama that supporting thugs, thieves, usurers, and usurpers --both domestic and foreign-- is the only way, as well as reminding him relentlessly that the "contributions" of such people mean death or life for any presidency.

     the rest of the world --us-- we have only our fading voices. the nobel committee has seen that and decided to add its little, highly symbolic prodding. let's raise our voices to denounce and harass obama's team of venal sell-outs and satraps and let's prod obama and the few decent democrats with power to side more and more with the non-predatory common people of the usa and of the world.

     Posted by erplus at 10/09/2009 @ 3:21pm

176. Barack Obama's credit card size resume was good enough to be elected to the most powerful position in the world. Why is the press now questioning his qualifications for something as unimportant as the Nobel peace Prize?

     Posted by spotswoode at 10/09/2009 @ 3:24pm

177. "And in international relations, Obama could actually use the prize to be more hawkish. Even Nobel Prize winner Barack Obama thinks we should bomb Iran, could be a talking point three years from now. Think of it as a deposit of political capital--only from the international left rather than the American center."

     From Slate.

     Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 3:30pm

178. he is the most powerful man on earth.

     Posted by erplus at 10/09/2009 @ 3:21pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     Obama is not the most powerful man on earth. If Obama were only to have the military might of the United States in his arsenal then he, like Nixon, would be a helpless, pitiful giant. Fortunately, he has wits and the wits of those around him. Just pray (as the Nobel committee obviously is doing) that he uses them and does not listen to all the idiotic warmongers who seem to be living more inside a video game than the real world. In today's world brains are more powerful in achieving America's strategic goals than all the firepower the Pentagon can muster.

     Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 3:32pm

179. "In today's world brains are more powerful in achieving America's strategic goals than all the firepower the Pentagon can muster."

     Pity you don't consider character.

     Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Mao, Castro, Amin, all pretty brainy guys...

     But at least you managed to get Nixon in there.

     Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 3:41pm

180. A-Rod has just been named MVP of the 2009 World Series.

     Predictably, the racist kooks and anti-christers that comprise the Boston Red Sox are squealing like the swine that they are.

     Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 3:47pm

181. Cher Richard, Je découvre, avec tristesse, ton article qui est reproduit jusque dans les journaux français, de manière partielle je te rassure, et certainement un peu partout dans d'autres quotidiens étrangers. Je voudrai dire ici combien il est triste de constater qu'un journaliste, aussi influent et pertinent se prétend-il, puisse passer à côté de l'opportunité qui lui ai donnée d'écrire une analyse de fond sur les motifs et les circonstances de la nomination d'un Président américain au Prix Nobel de la paix et non de se contenter de faire de la mousse avec les mots qu'il manie tel un jongleur de cirque chinois. Je me semble obligé de t'écrire de ma ville lointaine de l'autre côté de l'Atlantique, car ici en Europe nous savons trop bien ce que signifie les mots "guerre" et "paix", nous en avons payé le prix, et les générations dont je suis espèrent profondément que la paix sera encore longtemps l'esprit qui dirigera l'action des responsables politiques. Barack Obama est un homme de paix, et qu'il en soit récompensé aujourd'hui est un vrai symbole pour tous. Et vous devriez être fiers de cela. Au lieu de quoi, vous dénigrez votre Président, autant vous dire que ce genre de surprise de la part d'un français, dont vous connaissez certainement le caractère rebel, devrait vous alerter. Barack Obama est un homme de paix, ce qui n'empêche pas de devoir faire la guerre par ailleurs. Je discutais il y a deux jours avec des amis de votre Président, et nous reconnaissions volontiers que derrière notre gouaille de "frenchies", nous n'avions guère de leçon à donner à nos amis américains sur les questions de racisme (toute la discussion partait de savoir quand la France aurait un président noir ou algérien, vous voyez le rapport !) Au-delà du peuple américain, OBAMA INCARNE LA PAIX

     Posted by Christophe at 10/09/2009 @ 4:08pm

182. Posted by Christophe at 10/09/2009 @ 4:08pm

     Hey Frenchy, how many guns has your government sold to the rape squads in the Congo this year?

     Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 4:39pm

183. It was entertaining listening to the chit chat while waiting for my train this morning. I don't normally eavesdrop, but that was not necessary. The volume was at an all time high. "Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize? What a joke! What has he done?" Another rider said "Those people don't know what they're doin. They must not have gotten enough sleep this Summer. You know, they have too many hours of sunlight during the Summer." That's an interesting theory. It's been a big week for the anti-Obama establishment - cheering for the US not getting the Olympics and now this.

     I'll certainly agree that I was surprised to hear that President Obama was awarded the Prize. And I've been disappointed by some of the President's actions in office versus his words as a candidate. This Prize is most likely premature, especially given his recent decisions on the war in Afghanistan.

     But to say he hasn't accomplished anything is just plain wrong. His actions have led to a fundamental change in the way the US is viewed in the world, and he has pushed for peace in many arenas, including trilateral meetings with Israel and the Palestinians, meeting with the Russian President and agreeing to pursue an arms control treaty, his speech in Cairo in June, his speech in Philadelphia on race relations, and most recently his speech at the UN about nuclear disarmament.

     This award is something that will bring the President even greater credibility in international relations. I believe many of the terrorists in the world today were motivated by Bush's actions, including torture and the unjust war in Iraq, among other things. The US needs credibility and needs to be viewed as a vehicle for peace. This can only help in the fight against terrorism. Which is something conservatives should believe in too.

     Posted by richlombino at 10/09/2009 @ 5:15pm

184. Posted by richlombino at 10/09/2009 @ 5:15pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     Can't stop laughing long enough to respond!

     Posted by BigPasture at 10/09/2009 @ 5:32pm

185. Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 3:17pm

     So you missed the point entirely.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 5:38pm

186. Awarding of the Nobel Prize has now been officially arisen to be designated as the "Alfred E. Neuman" Fool of the Year status! Drum roll please!

     Posted by BigPasture at 10/09/2009 @ 5:41pm

187. I'm so sick of Republicans constantly criticizing Democrats for not doing anything, while constantly trying to block ANYTHING they try to do. They did it to Clinton and the Democratic Congress, and I guarantee they'll campaign against "Do Nothing Democrats" in 2010. Now they're complaining that Obama hasn't accomplished anything. He's accomplished more positive acchievements in 9 months than the Republicans have in 30 years. Screw you all. God Bless President Obama and Congratulations.

     Posted by playwrtr at 10/09/2009 @ 5:42pm

188. Posted by dont_know at 10/09/2009 @ 3:16pm

     I just find it incredible that after the IAEA releases a report stating that they could find "no verifiable proof" Iran was pursuing a nuke, the kneejerk reaction remains "fire off a volley of bunker busters, that'll show 'em"

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 5:49pm

189. Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 3:17pm

     I suppose it was foolish to expect anything more than frothing at the mouth ignorance from someone who uses the phrasing "most evilest." Did it take a lot of "brain power" to come up with that one?

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 5:55pm

190. Rich, I'm sorry that Obama's attending meetings and giving speeches gives you the impression that these, um, actions, "have led to a fundamental change in the way the US is viewed in the world."

     No it hasn't. What you are confusing is your view of the world being THE view of the world. You and liberals like you feel a sense of relief at Obama replacing GW Bush. I can certainly understand that and there are a lot of liberals in the world. WHen your policy is to rob Peter to pay Paul, you get a lot of Pauls... But really, aside from the collective relief of liberals and leftists around the world, including (hey Barak, read this!) Chavez, etc., what has really changed? Nothing, except as you point out, perceptions.

     Even the writers of Saturday Night Live saw fit to comment on the emperor's clothes last weekend. In fact, that should concern you greatly if you're all about perceptions.

     But to those in the real world who operate in an atmosphere of actions and results, you don't find Obama as worshipped as in your world of perceptions.

     Posted by freiheit1 at 10/09/2009 @ 5:57pm

191. Peace Prize for Obama. Please. This is a sharp jab of the middle finger at America, that's what it is.

     What's next? An international law enforcement prize for Barney Fife?

     Posted by jmbreland at 10/09/2009 @ 6:07pm

192. If these here Jews get it, will you guys revisit the question of the old Jews? I mean, the evil in the present Jews had to come from somewhere. Maybe there was a grain of truth to that "stabbed in the back" stuff.

     Also, would it be so wrong to conduct medical experiments on the surviviors, as long as any new advances were dedicated to left-thinking people? Maybe we could stop autism.

     Hey, do you think Obama should win American Idol? That would piss 'em off real good.

     Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 6:15pm

193. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Henry Kissinger. It's worth nothing but money. It comes from fools.

     Posted by goedel at 10/09/2009 @ 6:32pm

194. Now he has a good excuse to meet with the Dalai Lama while he is in town!! He could invite Carter and Al Gore too...Maybe Johnson should have gotten one to at least he tried to negotiate before leaving office rather than getting one for extending the Vietnam War for years...

     Posted by wildthing at 10/09/2009 @ 6:41pm

195. Its 3 hours later and we're all still waiting for your first relevant comment.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 6:45pm

196. Don't forget the million bucks or so that goes with it. Even a president would be feeling a bit cash strapped in his (and your) basket case economy. Should come in handy for hair rinses to get rid of that rapidly greying pate. Or alternatively,who knows, to buy more of that "wisdom" rinse he is using.

     Posted by lrjones4 at 10/09/2009 @ 7:11pm

197. Yes he won!!! Put the money to good use and move on. Peacefully

     Posted by notsleepy at 10/09/2009 @ 8:59pm

198. Better yet, why not give the Nobel Peace Prize to the American military for trying to bring peace to the world

     Posted by gunslinger1 at 10/09/2009 @ 11:57am

     uh.....

     Posted by frosty zoom at 10/09/2009 @ 9:23pm

199. OBAMA INCARNE LA PAIX

     Posted by Christophe at 10/09/2009 @ 4:08pm

     now, that's funny.

     obama incarnates focus-groups.

     Posted by frosty zoom at 10/09/2009 @ 9:33pm

200. Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 4:39pm

     hey, gringo....

     how many guns has the u.s. sold to

     EVERYBODY?!?:

     "In 2008, the United States accounted for a lopsided 70.1 percent of all arms transfer agreements with developing nations, or $29.6 billion, according to a Sept. 4 report by the nonpartisan U.S. Congressional Research Service.

     Way back in second place was Russia with $3.3 billion or 7.8 percent of such agreements. France was third with $2.5 billion or 5.9 percent, the report said."

     Posted by frosty zoom at 10/09/2009 @ 9:44pm

201. What do you know, Michael Steele has made the most sensible comment I heard so far. Michael Steele, RNC chairman: The real question Americans are asking is, "What has President Obama actually accomplished?" It is unfortunate that the president's star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights. One thing is certain -- President Obama won't be receiving any awards from Americans for job creation, fiscal responsibility, or backing up rhetoric with concrete action." The Republicans are beginning to sound good. Maybe the left can find a place there.

     Posted by trueleftist at 10/09/2009 @ 9:48pm

202. If people think this will change Obama's policies they are sadly mistaken. This is Obama's mandate to continue in the same direction.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/09/2009 @ 10:20pm

203. Put aside the hatred for middle america for one second. Are some of you so tone deaf that you don't understand that the elitist wing of the Left has overreached here? The guy is in his freshman year. We have no idea what he may end up doing. He might end up bombing Iran. He might let them humiliate him and make him look weak.

     Voting him the Nobel was a vote for the smug sense of self-righteousness that int'l, rich, fake-left crackers are high on right now. I truly believe that Obama is embarassed by this and getting somewhat tired of being the shiny black trophy of the self-worshiping elites. He knows that these shenanigans have gone too far. Stop making him Jesus. He's not Kanye, he doesn't want to wear your crown of thorns.

     Posted by gangpapist at 10/09/2009 @ 10:45pm

204. Republicans constantly criticizing Democrats for not doing anything, while constantly trying to block ANYTHING they try to do.

     Posted by playwrtr at 10/09/2009 @ 5:42pm | ignore this person | warn this person

     That was an incrediably DENSE statement! Who has 60 seats in the Senate, who controls the House and has blocked the other party from submitting bills, passing amendments, or participating in drafting legislation?

     Posted by BigPasture at 10/09/2009 @ 10:53pm

205. Perhaps the best interpretation of this controversial decision is that the Nobel Committee is attempting to inspire Obama to better deeds on the world stage (or shame him into them). Aside from fine rhetoric, he has thus far contributed extremely little. A few examples where deeds are needed: He should resist the temptation to further escalate the Afghan War and instead bring the troops home. Likewise end the US occupation of Iraq (with no long-term bases or other interference, please). He should also stop killing innocent civilians with "surgical" missile strikes in Pakistan. How about actually fulfilling his promise to close Gitmo and go further by eliminating other brutal facilities abroad? Why not stop the policy of rendition, sending alleged terrorists to countries that routinely torture? Could American officials actually be held accountable for torture and other abuses? Can Obama be brave enough to stop his support for the PATRIOT Act? Will he work to end America's blind support for Israeli aggression and apartheid? Will Obama stop rattling the saber at Iran and also withhold American support for an Israeli attack on Iran? Then there is the issue of human rights abuses stretching from Mexico to Darfur to China and Tibet (perhaps Obama will stop refusing to meet with his fellow Nobel laureate the Dalai Lama?). To significant extent, the president has already talked the talk, but now he must actually begin to walk the walk. Please.

     Posted by feinfein at 10/09/2009 @ 11:55pm

206. There's a Santa Claus. The Nation told me there is. And there's a Nobel Peace prize that no principled person would be unhappy to receive. The Nation...

     What a sorry piece of work. Naomi Klein or no Naomi Klein (and a few others), I long ago lost my illusions about The Nation. The Democrats won't save us. Give it up. Then again, Why would you? You are who you are.

     Ted Kennedy was no shining knight in white armor. Neither is Obama. And Camelot was never a good place. The 'system' doesn't work. It can't work. A progressive org worth it's salt would be looking at that problem. It would be looking at the crisis of democracy and political representation. We don't have any choice in the electoral marketplace. We have Republicrats down south and Coniberals up here in Canada.

     If there is a need for it to be expressed differently - the Trialeral Commission identified a crisis of democracy, which meant the opposite of what I mean - then call it a crisis of corporatocracy. I don't care.

     You see, Nation, you reside in my 'mainstream media' bookmark folder for a very good reason.

     You are, in fact, part of the problem.

     Posted by Aarby at 10/10/2009 @ 12:30am

207. Methinks you are spot on Nkurland.

     Posted by Aarby at 10/10/2009 @ 12:39am

208. Here's a good piece by Stephen Lendman on the Nobel Peace Prize. I meant to toss it in with my post above:

     http://bit.ly/40b1Xy

     Posted by Aarby at 10/10/2009 @ 12:42am

209. >>>I could go on: fully closing Gitmo and restoring civil liberties and compliance with the Geneva Conventions; negotiating with Iran in good faith; withdrawing from Iraq and, of course, withdrawal from Afghanistan. Escalation, or even maintaining the status quo there, would alone discredit this award in history's eyes. <<<

     You have completely missed the point about the PEACE prize, JOHN NICHOLS!

     The Bush cowboy engagement with the world was actually a destabilizing force, and the world was more conflict-prone as a result.

     Obama has reset America as a stabilizing and constructive force for peace around the world, and even you should be able to see this.

     Posted by Metteyya at 10/10/2009 @ 01:06am

210. Posted by Aarby at 10/10/2009 @ 12:39am

     You know, even though his campaign platform was somewhat limited, I still thought there would be some sort general demilitarization. Nevertheless, I decided not to vote for him due to a gut instinct that a massive betrayal was coming, so I voted for Nader. And surprise, surprise, he's backed down on whatever promising initiatives he's proposed.

     I found a couple of things to be particularly disgusting. One was his stance on Israel, where he cherrypicked his positions, whether it was only adopting the portion of the Arab League proposal calling on Arab states to recognize Israel, or the arm twisting to force the PA to drop a vote on the Goldstone report in the UN Human Rights Council. Another issue was his attempt to justify repeated escalations and watered down withdrawals as pragmatism (troop levels in Iraq won't be changing significantly until after January elections). On Columbia in particular he's been incredibly disappointing, whether its support for free trade or plans to install massive new bases.

     People need to start demanding that he do what he promised or prepared to get voted out of office

     Posted by nkurland at 10/10/2009 @ 01:26am

211. But what really took the cake for me was the war spending bill back in the spring. Calling freshman senators and threatening to block off funds for re-election if they didn't vote for the bill. We have a supposed progressive in office and this is the only legislation he uses real leverage on? This entire vision of his as the great pragmatist is really a cover for his unwillingness to stand for any substantive change.

     Posted by nkurland at 10/10/2009 @ 01:40am

212. The Bush cowboy engagement with the world was actually a destabilizing force, and the world was more conflict-prone as a result.

     Obama has reset America as a stabilizing and constructive force for peace around the world, and even you should be able to see this.

     Posted by Metteyya at 10/10/2009 @ 01:06am

     The only group in the world essentially destablised by Bush was al Qaeda. It is beyond dispute that Iraq was substantially finished as an international terrorist movement through its rejection by insurgent Arabs in Iraq and through decimation of its operatives in that country before Bush left office.

     What is not always recognised is that Bush's worldwide call to "arms" against al Qaeda energised the formation of security forces of the policing kind right around the Western world as well as in parts of SE Asia. Those forces, thanks to Bush's example of intolerance toward al Qaeda, are still operational today and is the reason many would be terrorists have been and are still being brought before the courts and those convicted are doing time.

     Given the sort of ineffectual politicians who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the past and the founder's grounds on which it is to be given, Obama is just as deserving as any of the former recipients who have had little or no practical impact in producing a more peaceful world.

     Obama it seems is just as willing to pursue Bush's "war on terror" even if by another name and it is that attitude that may make him a real long term "peace" act by helping keep Pakistan's WMD out of the hands of other terrorist groups.

     However it is interesting that his rationale for ramping up the Afghanistan/Pakistan conflict, viz to defeat al Qaeda is in the process of losing credibility on both the Left and the Right. I wonder why?

     Posted by lrjones4 at 10/10/2009 @ 06:04am

213. I have to give credit where credit is due. President Obama was tremendously gracious and classy in the remarks I read. He said:

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

     He recognizes how badly the Nobel Committee has embarassed themselves.

     Despite our policy differences, he is a President all Americans can be proud of.

     Posted by Darin_the_Big_Fat_Troll at 10/10/2009 @ 06:35am

214. Absolutely right! It is aspirational.On that basis, logically the Nobel Literature Award might go to authors on the basis of the preliminary synposis of the book they indend to write. Or the Science Award to someone talking about a cure for AIDS.

     This is a joke when you reflect on the unswerving courage,independence and forensic peace research of someone like Chomsky over so many decades. Alas, today's kneejerk Nobel Institute itself lacks the independence and courage to recognise him. Besides, he'd look uncomfortable in that great hall in a tuxedo, surrounded by the great and good of the global establishment.

     Posted by pongacat at 10/10/2009 @ 06:40am

215. As some have already alluded to, I think the only problem here is the laziness of the nobel committee. Obama is certainly deserving, yet other lesser known individuals are deserving as well.

     To the crazies, I see no evidence that, as many on the right are so fond of saying, supporters of Obama "worship" him. That's a red herring. The right has no ideas, wants the US to fail, and embarrasses itself regularly.

     Posted by erazma at 10/10/2009 @ 07:34am

216. Hey DuNcE it sounds like the Republican party of a couple of years ago. The same thing happened in reverse,did you post nah,nah then. I am reading posts of are you that naive? Yes,I am I feel the worlds perception has changed. We don't have the John Bolton's of the world representing our interests at the U.N. Why is Jim Demint going to Honduras. Has he become a Central American expert? Is he a special envoy? Is it a personal trip? It is unfortunate that the pasture has a number of Dems grazing in it. It shows there are ill guided folks on both sides of the aisle.

     Posted by whatozz at 10/10/2009 @ 08:01am

217. "The Committee insists this is not an aspirational prize" that's just plain wrong.

     Bad research!

     Posted by bokmal at 10/10/2009 @ 09:15am

218. Here's a strange anomaly: The left joins the right and the Taliban in thinking this is not right! And if the right is making a fuss - you can be sure the main stream media will start parroting it sooner or later.

     The left is hurting itself by aligning with such causes. The award is well deserved - Obama has set a new tone.

     People who are calling him out on the wars forget what he is dealing with and who started these. He is good but not god! Work with him instead of with the right wing.

     Posted by bokmal at 10/10/2009 @ 09:19am

219. Thank you Darin, well said.

     Posted by Denise29 at 10/10/2009 @ 10:19am

220. "SOILED UNDERWEAR WINS NOBEL PEACE PRIZE!..."

     Posted by BigNAMBLA.IN.THE.RIGTWING.JEFFS/KORESH.STYLE.COMPOUND at 10/09/2009 @ 1:40pm

     Has everyone connected the dots here on what the filthy rightwing grunter is saying?

     Eight months into George W Failure's tenure in office, our enemies were sufficiently emboldened by the out-of-his-depth pussy "president" -- and the American homeland was attacked in an unprcedented manner. 3,000 people were incinaterated on the spot while Loser's DoJ was pursuing porn cases (ys, pron cases, NOT terrorism) and putting clothing on statues.

     And the right's response over the next several years, even beyond the initial shock? Kim Il Sung style worship of the Maximum Leader and the politburo-like circle of insiders (including ANTISOCIAL's sickening outburst that Cheney was the best veep ever). And into the present, the stomach-turning "September 11 nostalgia" industry, led by Beck (remember, there is none of the heinous celebration of September 12 without a September 11 to procede it). Sick stuff. And lapped up mindlessly by gruesome haters like BARRY.IQ.25.

     And roughly the same interval into President Obama's term, the outside world lobs not weaponized flights at us but accolades at our highest citizen; even does so prematurely, as numerous posters here have throughtfully observed. But look at the response from the same hateful, spiteful, mongrels who acted as if 911 was an "achievment" on Loser's part. Again, here is BigNAMBLA's own wretched words: "SOILED UNDERWEAR WINS NOBEL PEACE PRIZE"

     If there was ever an example of how much the spiteful BigNAMBLA-style trash of the right detests America, this is it. These are lessons to remember as we turn our society around and put the BigNAMBLAs in their proper place.

     Posted by PhilMcCrevice at 10/10/2009 @ 10:31am

221. I believe many of the terrorists in the world today were motivated by Bush's actions, .....

     Posted by richlombino at 10/09/2009 @ 5:15pm

     Who was the motivating force behind the first Tower bombings? The Embassys in Africa...the decades of terrorist actions against the US?..and the west in general?

     There is a sizeable Islamic nut group, well finaced and organised, thats wants to end the US as an influencial force on the planet..for the US is, or until recently, was, the only one who could and would stop the Islamic nuts from trying and one day succeeding to set up a Sharia type govt in most Islamic countries...it seems the people of these countrys do not have much will to stop it themselves...or the means.

     but the main issue, for me, is their goal and desire is to fight the US HERE..on our soil, not theirs...and that is what they are doing on a large, quiet scale....and you will see more home grown terrorists here..and it will not stop. And the entry route is from Latin America.

     Anyone know that the two parties vying for electoral power in El Salvador..are Palistineian....there are huge Middle Eastern colonies in Latin America...when Arafat died, a large bust of him was placed in memorial in downtown San Salvador....most Americans do not know who their neighbors are....it is going to be interesting the next 10 or so years...here.

     Posted by YourJomamma at 10/10/2009 @ 11:39am

222. An "Aspirational Nobel'?? Do we even want a Commander and Chief who is trying to live up the expectations associated with this award?

     Our President, more than anyone, needs to realize that idealistic goals can often be achieved only through real, sometimes horrific, means. President Lincoln was able to save the Union and end slavery only by embracing unspeakable slaughter. Was Lend Lease an act of a peace maker?? Hardly. We have been blessed with leaders who have been able to ignore their critics and make the difficult choices. We can only pray that this meaningless award doesn't go to President Obama's head.

     Posted by LAn8ive at 10/10/2009 @ 12:17pm

223. Dear "gangpapist", I'm not my government ... That's what we call "democratry"

     Posted by Christophe at 10/10/2009 @ 12:51pm

224. An award is only as valuable as the accomplishment or sacrifice that it proposes to honor. Lowering the threshold qualifications from achievement to intention devalues the award and diminishes the prestige of all other recipients, past and future.

     Posted by Incoming at 10/10/2009 @ 1:16pm

225. An interesting side note is that here in Australia and in other places around the world Obama has been placed in the position of being a divisive rather than a unifying figure. I'm rather surprised at the level of disquiet about the award here. That in itself gives one the impression that Obama is not universally held in the high regard that some Americans claim. As this article from a local newspaper indicates:

     Opposition Urges Nobel Chief's Resignation

     October 11, 2009 1:58AM

     THE leader of Norway's main opposition has called for the resignation of the Nobel Committee's chairman, one day after US President Barack Obama was awarded the peace prize.

     Siv Jensen, head of the far-right Progress Party, said that committee head Thorbjoern Jagland should step down because his new job as secretary general of the Council of Europe compromises his independence.

     "It would be politically intelligent for Jagland, after having studied the situation, to announce his resignation to avoid" trying to do two jobs at once, Mr Jensen told daily paper Bergens Tidende.

     Erna Solberg, leader of Conservative party Hoejre, also criticised Mr Jagland's attempt to do two jobs and questioned his decision to hand Mr Obama the peace prize.

     Mr Jagland, who has headed a Labour Government in Norway and has also served as foreign minister, was elected secretary general of the Council of Europe at the end of September.

     This came several months after he became chairman of the Nobel Committee.

     Friday's decision to hand Mr Obama the Nobel Peace Prize came as a shock and has divided world opinion, with some calling the move a victory for ideals while others condemned it as deeply politicised

     Posted by lrjones4 at 10/10/2009 @ 1:24pm

226. Congratulations! Every American should be proud and honored.

     The Globe & Mail has a piece "Obama deserves the Nobel: He has changed the international game in issues that matter."

     Time will show he absolutely deserves the award.

     "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."

     It is to his credit that he was chosen unanimously out of so many. It is a vote of confidence in Obama's vision & action in health care, education, climate change & a nuclear-free world - a vote of confidence to encourage progress in society.

     Obama has an 82% approval in England and Canada (higher in France) where Bush had a 17% approval, but is about more than respect for Obama. He is popular in countries that have excellent public health, where people live longer and healthier because they want for the American people what they already are thankful to have: a basic right to quality and accessible health care.

     Obama is a transformative figure. Health care reform alone will save and improve countless lives.

     Obama is following through on the thing for which Al Gore received a Nobel. No other country had investment in green technology more than the US because of Obama.

     I give credit for McCain for showing grace. Those that undermine this great award only make themselves seem smaller, not the President.

     Limbaugh said "I'm with the Taliban" and I agree he has quite a few things in common with them. He is not interested in a healthy, confident & educated population because they would never listen to him. Even republicans are speaking out to say he undermines the party's credibility:

     "We conservatives are submitting our movement to some of the most unscrupulous people in American life." David Frum.

     Posted by Canadianmom at 10/11/2009 @ 01:20am

227. Another thing: We support, finance the militarization of the most warmongering bellicose state in the ME, Israel; By supplying white phospohorus to Israel, the US is complicit in its war crimes proven by the Goldstone report and that of every other human rights group execpt for the upcoming World Court in the Hague.

     Posted by mystic at 10/11/2009 @ 03:26am

228. Was Lend Lease an act of a peace maker??

     by this time it was a bit late for peace making, Poland conquered, France conquered, Britain on the ropes, FDR did the right thing.

     Posted by emile duBois at 10/11/2009 @ 6:49pm

229. apropos Lincoln and the civil war. that was the world's first modern war. no one including Lincoln had the slightest idea what was to come. all thought the war would be brief.

     Posted by emile duBois at 10/11/2009 @ 6:50pm

230. 'all thought the war would be brief.' -- emile duBois

     'His so-called Anaconda Plan...urged a strong defense of the capital, a naval blockade ... and a massive attack along the Mississippi River to split the South in two and open river commerce to the Midwest. ... In recognizing that the war would not be short and easy, however, Scott [Winfield Scott, the Union's general-in-chief] opened himself up to critics, who argued that his plan would take too long and require too many troops.' -- http://www. encyclopediavirginia.org /Scott_Winfield_1786-1866#

     Posted by HonestLiberal at 10/12/2009 @ 07:39am