Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

Surprisingly, the Nobel Committee announced Friday that the annual peace prize was awarded to Barack Obama, just nine months into his presidency, “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” A surprise?? I think shocking is a better word..
 
Yeah you bet this award comes as a surprise…and with a side order of WTF? Iraq, still humming along at a good clip… with 150,000 troops and the largest fortified embassy in the world. Afghanistan, 30,000 more troops went in January, 40,000 more are on their way. We're still attacking villages in Pakistan and Columbia, and the Defense budet is stil over a trillion dollars. Exactly what peace are we talking about here. This award is a far cry from Harold Pinter's anti-Bush/anti-war screed of an acceptance speech in '05. Still, not as bad as Kissinger getting it in '73, they're still defrosting Hell from that one…. <a href=”http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/10/world/10nobel.html?_r=1&hp” rel=”nofollow” onmousedown=”UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), “ffe23affe72ceb61a372a5c7ff1bc767”, event)” target=”_blank”>http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/10/world/10nobel.html?_r=1&hp
 
Now I'm not the type to go out and paint a hitler mustache on an Obama picture like some crazy teabaggers may do, but come on! The nobel peace prize?! I know hundreds of activists working their asses off twice as hard as this guy who deserve that award so much more than he does.

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

From a Reuters article:

Obama has been widely credited with improving America's global image after the eight-year presidency of George W. Bush, who alienated both friends and foes with go-it-alone policies like the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.But critics called the Nobel committee's decision premature, given that Obama so far has made little tangible headway as he grapples with challenges ranging from the war in Afghanistan and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea.Obama, who got the news of the prize in a pre-dawn call from his press secretary, now also has the burden of living up to its expectations.LITANY OF UNRESOLVED PROBLEMSThe first African-American to hold his country's highest office, Obama, 48, has struggled with a litany of foreign policy problems bequeathed to him by Bush, while taking a more multilateral approach than his predecessor.Obama acknowledged while accepting an award predicated on the pursuit of peace, he was commander-in-chief of a country in two wars. “We have to confront the world as we know it,” he said.He received the honor the same day he was convening his war council to weigh whether to send thousands more U.S. troops to Afghanistan to turn the tide against a resurgent Taliban.Despite troubles at home including a battered economy and fierce healthcare debate that have eroded his once-lofty approval ratings, the Democratic U.S. president is still widely seen around the world as an inspirational figure.“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,” the Nobel committee said in its citation.But some analysts saw the award as a final slap in the face for Bush from the European establishment, which had resented what they saw as arrogance and recklessness in world affairs.  Continued…

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

“People will follow strong leaders.” 
 
Follow this link, and you’ll find a strong leader. 
 
http://groups.gaia.com/gaia_lounge/conversations/view/456905

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

Indeed, Lou. Thanks as always for your contributions!

Love,

Nicole

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

Strong leaders wear PINK.

5 Wins - No losses.

”People will follow strong leaders.”

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

ShadowFlame,

The Nobel Peace prize is nothing but a powerful message.

Peace is not a single achievement, but an environment, a process and a commitment.

Peace be with you ShadowFlame.

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

As an activist, I do feel that the Nobel Peace Prize this year was given to a collective, not just one man alone. It was a nod of encouragement to empower a movement of which Obama is merely one of the most prominent leaders.

No one understands this better than Obama himself. In an email today, he explains:

“M. –

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize – men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award – and the call to action that comes with it – does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama ”


The rallying cry of this movement has always been 'Yes, We Can', and if one leader is assassinated, another one will take his place, and another… and ten more where they came from.

We, the peacemakers, won the Nobel today. Woo hoo!!

Doing a little victory dance,

M - one tiny part of We The People, Worldwide.

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

I heard about this on NPR this morning and was also quite surprised at what seemed to be a sudden unsubstantiated decision.  I was extremely pleased with Obama's reply, and perhaps Lou and Mascha are correct in that it will spark resurgence towards the “Yes We Can” peacemaker policies of Obama's campaign.
The realist in me, however, has to agree somewhat with ShadowFlame and Nicole.  The United States has manipulated or outwardly destroyed budding democracy unless it conforms to our international will; we're currently embroiled in a two front war with many Para-military actions in the economic sectors of countries the Pentagon label strategic…
Kissinger, L B Johnson, Nixon, Rumsfled/Cheney, Reagan and H.W. Bush (the latter two of whom I admire, despite their Nationalist diplomatic policy) and then that little arrogant puppet…what was his name again?

The Nobel Board members seem to be handing it out as a way of saying, “Thanks for being so…Not George W. Bush.  Good luck.”

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

A few hours later, I must clarify another side of my edge…
“Thanks for being so…NOT George W. Bush.  Good luck.”
What's that say about us, as a population, giving Bushie 8 years?  The rest of the world is so happy to be rid of him that 9 months later, they give his replacement THE NOBEL PRIZE.  Good job, us.
And hey, for any of you who feel depressed at your lack of motivating the faddy populous who voted Georgie Porgie back into office, I'm not stating these things to make you feel humbled.  I'm a soldier, for goodness sake.  How dumb have I been since age 17?!  hehe

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

“Thanks for being so…Not George W. Bush.”

Like in the image below? Can someone give a caption to the image? My take: Bush Saves Obama the Blushes!

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

lou, mascha, itswill, aaia - sorry, looks like i overlooked responding to this. 

thanks for all your input. i heard on the radio today that a year after his election, obama is feeling much less certain of his support. i consider this totally normal and unremarkable. the honeymoon has long been over, but why not work with him for good?

what think you?

love

nicole

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

It's indeed interesting that Obama won the prize. This is especially true when you consider the fact that the nominations were closed within two weeks of Obama's innaugural address. I believe he was given it for the tone his administration took as opposed to actual achievements. There are, however people who have been tortured and imprisoned while standing up for peace in repressive parts of the world who probably deserve it more.

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

Mascha, Jason, Mr - I want to believe in Obama. I hope that having set his hand to the plow, he can finish the field. 

However, I am concerned that his commitment to his promises so far has been soft - see the Obameter links below:

All promises with No ActionAll promises In the WorksAll promises StalledObama's broken promisesObama's compromisesObama's kept promises

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

Hi Nicole,

the strongest Obama supportes worldwide know how tough the change of poltical realties is. Within a country and globally.

Its not primarily about Obama keeping his promiseses. He is limited in his possibilties. its about the question how large scale systems change can be realized with the greatest impact in US, North America in general, Europe and worldwide.

I found this new article from David Brookes for NYT VERY constructive. You know David is from Canda:):) so he illuminates the US media landscapes with his pragmatic wisdom:):)

An Innovation Agenda

We all are in charge for innovation. No single leader or group can do it. Charisma alone isnt sufficient.

have a great sunday!

Albert

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

Hi Albert,

I guess time will tell. I am loathe to make excuse for Obama. I am not surprises at the broken promises and compromises because politics is like that. But he does have choices. His hands are not wholly tied.

His Nobel prize speech was masterful of course. Let us see what the coming years bring.

Love

Nicole

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

Hi Nicole,

the criticism is even harder here in Germany.

However:

All, most of the critics have not the slightest offering how to do better. How to create real change. So the challenges are open. Taking responsibility and accountaibility , bringing the own person into engagement with clear consequences will create enough fire under the ass of many who never went into real change in their life and who never faced serious crisis.

Best,

Albert

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

You make an excellent point Albert.

If someone is going to criticize the least qualification that should be expected is a positive, working alternative.

Personally I'm amazed that the N.P.P. was given for potential rather than action but that is because I've been conditioned to judge others by their actions, not their intentions.  Judgement based on intent I reserve for myself.

It will be interesting to see if the faith of the judges in Obama is rewarded.

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

Albert and Andrew, I hear you, and I think I myself made a related point in the other thread on this today in terms of my own experience in politics at a much more modest level.

Love,

Nicole

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

You all bring up wonderful points, and I appreciate all the diversity in views. I guess I just feel like there are many other activists working their asses off for peace everyday that were more deserving of such a title, Noam Chomsky perhaps, or a myriad of other hard working members of the Peace movement.

I also understand that they wanted to help inspire him along his journey, that maybe by giving him this title it will help him to push harder for Peace in his policies. But I also feel that it could be detrimental to the movement by taking steam away from other activists.. “So Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize? Well, it looks like he's got this under control then, why should I take action?” or “Obama won this award! Don't worry, he is doing all he can to make Peace and end war, lets just put it in the back of our mind again (not like it was ever anywhere else) and forget about the thousands of innocents dying every day from twisted American foreign policy”

I want to believe in Obama too, but I know that real change comes from the ground up, not from smooth talking politicians making false promises and over-exaggerated claims.

This is another good article by Howard Zinn on the issue http://www.truthout.org/101009A

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

Good perspective in that article, thank you so much!

Love,

Nicole

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

“Change comes from the ground up” —ShadowFlame

Better health will bring you world peace!

”Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.”

—Winston Churchill

Today, the Senate Finance Committee passed its version of the OBAMA health care reform bill by a vote of 14-9. Senator Olympia Snowe was the sole Republican to vote with all of the Democrats in approving the bill.

Here's the breakdown:

Yeas:
Max Baucus (D-MT)
John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV)
Kent Conrad (D-ND)
Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)
John F. Kerry (D-MA)
Blanche L. Lincoln (D-AR)
Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Bill Nelson (D-FL)
Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Thomas Carper (D-DE)
AND… Olympia Snowe (R-ME) 

Nays:
Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT)
Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
Jim Bunning (R-KY)
Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Pat Roberts (R-KS)
John Ensign (R-NV)
Mike Enzi (R-WY)
John Cornyn (R-TX)

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

Good to know, thanks Lou!

Hugs,

Nicole

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

I just feel like there are many other activists working their asses off for peace everyday that were more deserving of such a title, Noam Chomsky perhaps, or a myriad of other hard working members of the Peace movement.

And my vote goes to Dr Sima Samar. Reasons as explained in the article below: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/4507937-why-dr-sima-samar-deserves-the-peace-nobel-more-than-barack-obama

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

Well, I can appreciate that perspective, aaia.

Thanks and much love,

Nicole

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

In response to Obama's acceptance speech, personally I felt like he was channeling the Bush spirit with his use of the word “Evil” and just using a more smooth kind of finesse to justify the same exact actions of dropping bombs on innocent civilians, occupying foreign countries, and sucking the corporate cock of weapons dealers.

We CAN pull out, it really is that simple. We say “hey troops, lets go home!” and they say “hell yeah! i get to see my family again!” Everyone is happy and they can regain their personal sovereignty while they rebuild their OWN countries. We must pull out or we will continue to impregnate Iraq and Afghanistan with fear and hatred, giving birth to more terror and pain.

Obama is another puppet in a long line of puppets doing what they are told. We cannot put our faith in this man any longer, we need to stop these occupations ourselves. Open the door to resistance within the military by informing troops and letting them know they have support to fall back upon with a strong Peace movement, organize against the recruiters promising lies to poor high school kids and speak out against the mindless bloodshed committed in our name for no reason other than filling the pockets of greedy corporate fatcats.

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

I can really appreciate your frustration and disappointment, SF. Yet as an organiser and a politician of sorts myself, as the president of a small franchisee association, I know how easy it is for people to give up on our association because the perception is we are not doing enough and change is not coming fast enough. Can we find a way to work with Obama and others to effect change rather than abandoning them? Together we are stronger.

Love,

Nicole

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

This seems to sum it up short sweet and to the point…

Re: Obama wins the nobel peace prize?? WTF???

Ah yes, thanks, US of A :)

Hugs,

Nicole