Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama

***Valandil*** · 10-09-2009, 12:24 PM

I saw in the headlines this morning that President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. What do you guys think about this? I'm a little puzzled because:

1. He has pretty much continued most of President Bush's actions in regard to Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. I mean, there's some tweaking - but we're still in Iraq (which really seems to be settling down quite a bit - continuing this trend for some time), and we're even upping things in Afghanistan as that area heats up. Now... I just cannot see President Bush receiving a Nobel Peace Prize. So why does President Obama get one for doing essentially the same thing?

2. The President of the United States has a lot of power. President Obama is still inside the first year of his first term. He could potentially be President of the US for another 7 years and 3 months. It seems odd to me to give him this award at this point - rather than toward the end of his run as President. At that point, it would have a better chance of addressing what he actually DID while in office. Conceivably, his Presidency might prove to be very aggressive by the time another 7+ years has passed.

Opinions? Other viewpoints?

***Varnafindë*** · 10-09-2009, 12:39 PM

I must say I was surprised - and judging from the gasp in the room when the decision was announced (as shown on TV), so were most others.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee says that a major factor for choosing him, was his declaration against nuclear weapons. And they also say that they want to encourage the process, and therefore the award was not premature.

I'm not sure whether to agree or not ...

Insidious Rex · 10-09-2009, 01:39 PM

Yeah I woke up to the story on the radio and thought it was a joke at first. Definitely has a kind of April fools ring to it. I mean he hasnt done anything yet... Maybe this was a mea culpa for the Olympic insult?

But seriously, its a little bizarre. And I think this could hinder him some politically because its sure going to piss off the conservatives who will simply take it as a political statement against the past administration. And what makes this even more stunning is arent the nominees decided by November of the previous year? And thats the same month he was elected! Well maybe he can wear the thing around his neck a la Flava Flave's clock when he talks to the Israeli's and Palestinians and it will give him a little more clout.

Coffeehouse · 10-09-2009, 02:01 PM

Obama received the Nobels Peace Prize for the unprecedented visionary statesmanship that he has shown in under a year that which no leader in our lifetime, no leader on the planet, has shown. Any other leader in the West stands in shame compared to the long-term perspective that this man has. He's decided to tackle every single major issue facing the US, and every single major issue that is confronting humanity. He is a rare breed and needs all the wind under his wings that he can get. I think he deserves this 100%. I wish him all the good luck and can't wait to see him in Norway to receive the Prize!

P.S. The decision to choose Obama was unanimous, and no, did not occur last year but during the last few weeks by the Nobel Peace Prize Institute in Oslo. This is a contemporary prize, not the 'best of 2008'...

Best wishes Obama!

Insidious Rex · 10-09-2009, 02:20 PM

And theres that famous European Obama lovin

Ok so what if things fester in Afghanistan Vietnam-like... Will they take it back?

Coffeehouse · 10-09-2009, 02:32 PM

Obama governs with a mixture of realpolitik and idealism that is extremely rare. This is a prize to promote the momentum that is needed. It's about sending the signals when the signals are needed.

***Valandil*** · 08-31-2013, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Insidious Rex

And theres that famous European Obama lovin

Ok so what if things fester in Afghanistan Vietnam-like... Will they take it back?

Or... if he bombs Syria?

***Varnafindë*** · 10-09-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coffeehouse

P.S. The decision to choose Obama was unanimous, and no, did not occur last year but during the last few weeks by the Nobel Peace Prize Institute in Oslo. This is a contemporary prize, not the 'best of 2008'...

And the final desicion was made two days ago.

TurinTurambar · 10-09-2009, 03:22 PM

Im not quite sure what he did to deserve it. He really hasnt done anything besides talk about universal healthcare, sign a worthless stimulus, and bailouts some banks. THis all seems pretty strange. If it is cause of the nuclear declarations... He hasnt actually done anything hes just talked about doing things. And he talks alot.

Comic Book Guy · 10-09-2009, 09:12 PM

What charity is Barry giving his prize money to?

GrayMouser · 10-09-2009, 10:52 PM

I'm generally an Obama supporter, but count me in with the "way too early" crowd. He really hasn't accomplished anything yet.

Best joke, from Michelle Malkin:

"Where's Kanye West when you really need him?"

***Earniel*** · 10-10-2009, 09:48 AM

I was rather surprised, in fact I checked three different news sources before believing it.

Obama has up until now favourably impressed me with the way he tackled the utter mess in front of him. But... as much as a man may be admired for the energy he put into solving these difficult problems or for his refreshing ideas, seeing results is quite a different matter. In that sense I think the award is a little premature.

But as others has put the idea forward that this awarding was more intended as a signal than a reward for good deeds done, I tend to agree. The Nobel Peace Prize is well, an unparallelled accolade. On the other hand, it's one more heavy expectation that's heaped on Obama. Sometimes I wonder if the world in general isn't expecting too much from only one man...

Amael · 10-10-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrayMouser

I'm generally an Obama supporter, but count me in with the "way too early" crowd. He really hasn't accomplished anything yet.

Best joke, from Michelle Malkin:

"Where's Kanye West when you really need him?"

Haha I like that joke! Very up and coming!

And I agree, I'm too an Obama supporter. I'm part of the way too early crowd as well.

inked · 10-10-2009, 04:30 PM

For the record, the O-man was nominated for the prize 10-12 days after his inauguration, so I guess it was for showing up to work for 10 days or so.

At any rate, the LA Times thinks that this has diminished the award. I am inclined to agree - not because he's a Democrat but because he had done nothing to deserve it. As one wag put it, it was like winning Mr. Universe for one's planned and anticipated but not yet begun fitness program.

See LA TIMES: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/...,1431554.story

Everyone does know where the money for the Nobel prizes began, right? (hint to be found in my original post)

Coffeehouse · 10-10-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inked

For the record, the O-man was nominated for the prize 10-12 days after his inauguration, so I guess it was for showing up to work for 10 days or so.

At any rate, the LA Times thinks that this has diminished the award. I am inclined to agree - not because he's a Democrat but because he had done nothing to deserve it. As one wag put it, it was like winning Mr. Universe for one's planned and anticipated but not yet begun fitness program.

See LA TIMES: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/...,1431554.story

Everyone does know where the money for the Nobel prizes began, right? (hint to be found in my original post)

The usual infantile comment...

GrayMouser · 10-10-2009, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inked

For the record, the O-man was nominated for the prize 10-12 days after his inauguration, so I guess it was for showing up to work for 10 days or so.

At any rate, the LA Times thinks that this has diminished the award. I am inclined to agree - not because he's a Democrat but because he had done nothing to deserve it. As one wag put it, it was like winning Mr. Universe for one's planned and anticipated but not yet begun fitness program.

See LA TIMES: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/...,1431554.story

Everyone does know where the money for the Nobel prizes began, right? (hint to be found in my original post)

Or a rookie getting the season's MVP award after a couple of nice plays in his first game....

Of course, if he actually did accomplish the stuff that the Nobel Committee hopes he will, the American right-wing would go even more berserk.

Global Warming pact, nuclear disarmament, Israeli withdrawal from Occupied Territories and establishment of a Palestinian State, getting Iran to shelve its nuclear weapons program without even getting to "Bomb, bomb, bomb; Bomb bomb Iran", closing Gitmo, forbidding torture and extraordinary renditions, strengthening international law and institutions....

Gwaimir Windgem · 10-10-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amael

Haha I like that joke! Very up and coming!

And I agree, I'm too an Obama supporter. I'm part of the way too early crowd as well.

Very *fingersnap* NOW...

***Alcuin*** · 10-10-2009, 11:24 PM

Cartoon “No-Bush Nobel”, Daryl Cagle, MSNBC.com. Normally, I’d link it in with [IMG], but he wants $10 for that. You can click on it. And, I should think, MSNBC qualifies as the ultimate in politically correct, non-“ infantile”, sophisticated news and commentary.

**Mari** · 10-12-2009, 05:14 AM

It was interesting to see how surprised Obama himself was. I think except for the committee everyone was and I'm not quite sure that is the way to go >_<

The Gaffer · 10-13-2009, 06:19 AM

Yup, too early. However, anything that gets the rightwingers whining and moaning and frothing at their mouths, as this seems to, gets my support.

Wasn't the day Kissinger got it also the day that "satire died"? I would say it's a far less controversial award than that one.

10-09-2009, 12:24 PM	#1
*Valandil* High King at Annuminas Administrator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Wyoming - USA Posts: 10,752	Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama I saw in the headlines this morning that President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. What do you guys think about this? I'm a little puzzled because: 1. He has pretty much continued most of President Bush's actions in regard to Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. I mean, there's some tweaking - but we're still in Iraq (which really seems to be settling down quite a bit - continuing this trend for some time), and we're even upping things in Afghanistan as that area heats up. Now... I just cannot see President Bush receiving a Nobel Peace Prize. So why does President Obama get one for doing essentially the same thing? 2. The President of the United States has a lot of power. President Obama is still inside the first year of his first term. He could potentially be President of the US for another 7 years and 3 months. It seems odd to me to give him this award at this point - rather than toward the end of his run as President. At that point, it would have a better chance of addressing what he actually DID while in office. Conceivably, his Presidency might prove to be very aggressive by the time another 7+ years has passed. Opinions? Other viewpoints? __________________ My Fanfic: Letters of Firiel Tales of Nolduryon Visitors Come to Court Ñ á ë ?* ó ú é ä ï ö Ö ñ É Þ ð ß ® ™ [Xurl=Xhttp://entmoot.tolkientrail.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=ABCXYZ#postABCXYZ]text[/Xurl] Splitting Threads is SUCH Hard Work!!

10-09-2009, 12:39 PM	#2
*Varnafindë* Princess of the Noldor (and Administrative Empress of the Lone Islands) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Imladris (and sometimes Norway) Posts: 3,304	I must say I was surprised - and judging from the gasp in the room when the decision was announced (as shown on TV), so were most others. The Norwegian Nobel Committee says that a major factor for choosing him, was his declaration against nuclear weapons. And they also say that they want to encourage the process, and therefore the award was not premature. I'm not sure whether to agree or not ... __________________ Signature picture art - Bard the Bowman - by vigshane Avatar art - Footsteps of Spring (a young Luthien) - by Henning Janssen

10-09-2009, 01:39 PM	#3
Insidious Rex Quasi Evil Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Maryland, US Posts: 4,634	Yeah I woke up to the story on the radio and thought it was a joke at first. Definitely has a kind of April fools ring to it. I mean he hasnt done anything yet... Maybe this was a mea culpa for the Olympic insult? But seriously, its a little bizarre. And I think this could hinder him some politically because its sure going to piss off the conservatives who will simply take it as a political statement against the past administration. And what makes this even more stunning is arent the nominees decided by November of the previous year? And thats the same month he was elected! Well maybe he can wear the thing around his neck a la Flava Flave's clock when he talks to the Israeli's and Palestinians and it will give him a little more clout. __________________ "People's political beliefs don't stem from the factual information they've acquired. Far more the facts people choose to believe are the product of their political beliefs." "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

10-09-2009, 02:01 PM	#4
Coffeehouse Entmoot Minister of Foreign Affairs Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Copenhagen Posts: 2,145	Obama received the Nobels Peace Prize for the unprecedented visionary statesmanship that he has shown in under a year that which no leader in our lifetime, no leader on the planet, has shown. Any other leader in the West stands in shame compared to the long-term perspective that this man has. He's decided to tackle every single major issue facing the US, and every single major issue that is confronting humanity. He is a rare breed and needs all the wind under his wings that he can get. I think he deserves this 100%. I wish him all the good luck and can't wait to see him in Norway to receive the Prize! P.S. The decision to choose Obama was unanimous, and no, did not occur last year but during the last few weeks by the Nobel Peace Prize Institute in Oslo. This is a contemporary prize, not the 'best of 2008'... Best wishes Obama! __________________ "Well, thief! I smell you and I feel your air. I hear your breath. Come along! Help yourself again, there is plenty and to spare." Last edited by Coffeehouse : 10-09-2009 at 02:04 PM.

10-09-2009, 02:20 PM	#5
Insidious Rex Quasi Evil Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Maryland, US Posts: 4,634	And theres that famous European Obama lovin Ok so what if things fester in Afghanistan Vietnam-like... Will they take it back? __________________ "People's political beliefs don't stem from the factual information they've acquired. Far more the facts people choose to believe are the product of their political beliefs." "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

10-09-2009, 02:32 PM	#6
Coffeehouse Entmoot Minister of Foreign Affairs Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Copenhagen Posts: 2,145	Obama governs with a mixture of realpolitik and idealism that is extremely rare. This is a prize to promote the momentum that is needed. It's about sending the signals when the signals are needed. __________________ "Well, thief! I smell you and I feel your air. I hear your breath. Come along! Help yourself again, there is plenty and to spare."

10-09-2009, 03:22 PM	#9
TurinTurambar Sapling Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 12	Im not quite sure what he did to deserve it. He really hasnt done anything besides talk about universal healthcare, sign a worthless stimulus, and bailouts some banks. THis all seems pretty strange. If it is cause of the nuclear declarations... He hasnt actually done anything hes just talked about doing things. And he talks alot.

10-09-2009, 09:12 PM	#10
Comic Book Guy Best Ex-Administrator ever Join Date: May 2001 Location: Ireland Posts: 60,547	What charity is Barry giving his prize money to?

10-09-2009, 10:52 PM	#11
GrayMouser Elf Lord Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Ilha Formosa Posts: 2,068	I'm generally an Obama supporter, but count me in with the "way too early" crowd. He really hasn't accomplished anything yet. Best joke, from Michelle Malkin: "Where's Kanye West when you really need him?" __________________ Glendower: I can call spirits from the vasty deep. Hotspur: Why, so can I, or so can any man; But will they come when you do call for them? "I like pigs. Dogs look up to us, cats look down on us, but pigs treat us as equals."- Winston Churchill

10-10-2009, 09:48 AM	#12
*Earniel* The Chocoholic Sea Elf Administrator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: N?n in Eilph (Belgium) Posts: 14,363	I was rather surprised, in fact I checked three different news sources before believing it. Obama has up until now favourably impressed me with the way he tackled the utter mess in front of him. But... as much as a man may be admired for the energy he put into solving these difficult problems or for his refreshing ideas, seeing results is quite a different matter. In that sense I think the award is a little premature. But as others has put the idea forward that this awarding was more intended as a signal than a reward for good deeds done, I tend to agree. The Nobel Peace Prize is well, an unparallelled accolade. On the other hand, it's one more heavy expectation that's heaped on Obama. Sometimes I wonder if the world in general isn't expecting too much from only one man... __________________ We are not things.

10-10-2009, 04:30 PM	#14
inked Elf Lord Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: sikeston, MO, usa, earth, sol Posts: 3,114	For the record, the O-man was nominated for the prize 10-12 days after his inauguration, so I guess it was for showing up to work for 10 days or so. At any rate, the LA Times thinks that this has diminished the award. I am inclined to agree - not because he's a Democrat but because he had done nothing to deserve it. As one wag put it, it was like winning Mr. Universe for one's planned and anticipated but not yet begun fitness program. See LA TIMES: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/...,1431554.story Everyone does know where the money for the Nobel prizes began, right? (hint to be found in my original post) __________________ Inked "Aslan is not a tame lion." CSL/LWW "The new school [acts] as if it required...courage to say a blasphemy. There is only one thing that requires real courage to say, and that is a truism." GK Chesterton "And there is always the danger of allowing people to suppose that our modern times are so wholly unlike any other times that the fundamental facts about man's nature have wholly changed with changing circumstances." Dorothy L. Sayers, 1 Sept. 1941 Last edited by inked : 10-10-2009 at 04:35 PM. Reason: later than usual thought occuring....

10-10-2009, 11:24 PM	#18
*Alcuin* Salt Miner Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gone to Far Harad Posts: 987	Cartoon “No-Bush Nobel”, Daryl Cagle, MSNBC.com. Normally, I’d link it in with [IMG], but he wants $10 for that. You can click on it. And, I should think, MSNBC qualifies as the ultimate in politically correct, non-“ infantile”, sophisticated news and commentary.

10-12-2009, 05:14 AM	#19
Mari Elf Lady Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: In the lands where mountains are but a fairytale Posts: 8,588	It was interesting to see how surprised Obama himself was. I think except for the committee everyone was and I'm not quite sure that is the way to go >_< __________________ Love always, deeply and true ★ Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer. ★ Friendship is sharing openly, laughing often, trusting always, caring deeply. ...The Earth laughs in flowers ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Hamatreya"...

10-13-2009, 06:19 AM	#20
The Gaffer Elf Lord Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: In me taters Posts: 3,288	Yup, too early. However, anything that gets the rightwingers whining and moaning and frothing at their mouths, as this seems to, gets my support. Wasn't the day Kissinger got it also the day that "satire died"? I would say it's a far less controversial award than that one.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Theology IV	Mari	General Messages	647	03-19-2013 02:43 PM
Gore and IPCC win Nobel Prize	The Gaffer	General Messages	97	08-18-2011 11:41 PM
The Official US President Election Thread	Insidious Rex	General Messages	896	11-05-2004 03:41 PM
Jabberwocky For President	Rosie Gamgee	Writer's Workshop	4	02-12-2004 04:21 PM
The Entmoot Presidential Debate	Darth Tater	Entmoot Archive	163	12-06-2002 09:44 PM