Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

Post by Straha »

Duckie wrote:Uh huh. And Nobel Prizes always have to go for the most deserving candidate rather than being explicitly given to whomever the Nobel Committee feels like. That's why Gandhi has a Peace Prize.
Uh huh. So I should quit my bitching because the system's flawed? Wonderful logic you have going there.
Glad you didn't quote my listing of all the diplomatic things he's done either, like his very real accomplishments viz Russia and Russian involvement in Iran. They were unnecessary to the meaning of my post.
Yeah, because two of your quotes said that Barack Obama deserved it for, essentially, being a likeable fellow and the one on Russia outright said that's he's done more by "not being a Republican... than anyone else." As for the claims that he's improved Russian Relations, that's questionable at best. And don't get me started on "the first succesful Iranian nuclear talks" because that, like the rest of the quotes, is a load of horseshit.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

Post by Lusankya »

They should have given it to Clinton for that North Korean hostage thing, and then Obama could have gotten it in two years time.

That way we can have 2007: The guy who the US should have had instead of bush, 2009: The guy the US had before bush and 2011: The guy the US had after Bush. And then maybe John Kerry could get one as well.

Personally, I think that the Nobel Peace Prize is a bit silly, so I don't really care who gets it. It's kinda like the Oscars, except for International Politics.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

Post by Lord MJ »

the nobel peace prize can no longer be taken seriously... The worst president in the history of the country has received the nobel peace prize...where is mine?
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

Post by CaptainChewbacca »

So... he's getting the Nobel Peace Prize for trying and hoping that world peace gets better. How... literal. When I saw the headline I literally thought 'FOR WHAT?'. If he merited a Nobel Prize, he should be getting it 3 or 5 years from now. Let's hope he lives up to it.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

Post by Simon_Jester »

Raesene wrote:It's breaking news right now, reports will follow.

The reason: extraordinary endeavour for diplomacy and relations between peoples (translated by me from german, so not perfect).

Edit:
the Comittee's website wrote: "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."
Personally, I'd have preferred some prosecuted dissident or NGO.
I agree.

In the sciences, you usually don't get your Nobel until your discovery is long enough in the past that people can be fairly sure it's actually worth something; you wouldn't want to award the Physics prize to a couple of guys who "discover cold fusion" only to find that no one can replicate their results.*

I think the same standard should be applied to the Peace Prize. Otherwise you end up with embarassing cases where the laureate collects his Nobel Peace Prize... then goes home and starts urging people to blow stuff up. Or where what looked like a contribution to world peace wasn't... which doesn't become obvious until three or four years after the attack. I mean, there were people who were lauding Benito Mussolini as a peacemaker for his role in "settling" the Munich Crisis; can you imagine how ridiculous it would have looked if he'd gotten the Prize in 1938?

Just as a matter of general principle, you shouldn't get the Nobel Prize for anything you did only last year, unless the evidence that it got results is totally incontrovertible. Obama doesn't have much to show for his effort yet; he hasn't had time.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

Post by Duckie »

Yeah, I totally agree. This year I would have preferred Tsvangiri, and give it to Obama after a few years if the US staying not-hated, Iranian progress, and other things stick.

But I'm having so much fun watching people melt down because they dislike Obama or stubbornly refuse to realise he's actually done things (probably more things than Gore, who basically won it for making Inconvenient Truth, or Rigoberta Menchu, who got it for writing a book about Guatemalan military abuses of natives that later turned out to be partially fabricated). So I like this nomination. It's fun.
Last edited by Duckie on 2009-10-09 11:05am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

Post by Lonestar »

I do not know how true this is, but a coworker said that the submissions for the candidates all have to be in by February.

This means, of course, that he spent less than a month as Prez before someone thought "Yeah, he totally qualifies!"
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

Post by SirNitram »

Of course, noted conservative, religious group had a spokesman make a comment.
“We have seen no change in his strategy for peace. He has done nothing for peace in Afghanistan.”
Zabihullah Mujahid, the first choice for Taliban denunciations.

Other noted conservative who blows hot air while hating America, Eric Erickson of Free Republic, said,
I didn't realize the Nobel Committee had affirmative action quotas it had to meet.
And Reuters give the flat and simple reason why, this year, he got it: Link
OSLO, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Wanted - a peace maker or rights activist engaged in a current conflict whose influence would benefit greatly from winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

That is who Norway's Nobel Committee will choose for 2009 Peace Prize laureate if, as experts expect, it returns closer to Alfred Nobel's notion of peace. Past prizes went to climate campaigners, life-long diplomats and grass-roots economists.

Top contenders for the $1.4 million prize include Colombian peace broker Piedad Cordoba, Afghan rights activist Sima Samar and Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

French-Colombian activist and ex-hostage Ingrid Betancourt, Jordanian interfaith dialogue advocate Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad and U.S. and French presidents Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy are also in the running, although the field remains wide open.

Maltese-based bookmaker Betsafe lists Betancourt at 5-to-1, and Tsvangirai at 6-to-1. Austrialian Centrebet has Cordoba and Samar at 6-to-1 and both Obama and Tsvangirai at 7-to-1.

The secretive five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee does not disclose the nominees. The winner will be announced on Oct. 9.

"It's quite likely this committee will reward somebody who is engaged in current processes," said Kristian Berg Harpviken, head of the International Peace Institute in Oslo (PRIO).

"They want the prize to have an impact on things that are about to happen and want to affect events," he told Reuters.

Last year, Finn Martti Ahtisaari won for three decades of work to resolve numerous international conflicts. The prize was seen as a well-earned lifetime achievement award and did not appear have much impact on ongoing conflicts, critics say.



BIGGEST IMPACT OF PRIZE

Earlier this decade the Nobel committee said it widened the definition of peace to include environmental activism, with Al Gore and the United Nations' climate panel winning in 2007 and Kenyan conservationist Wangari Maathai in 2004.

Some say this strays too far from Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel's 1895 will, in which he says the accolade will go to those who do most for fraternity between nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for peace congresses.

"Giving the prize to someone in the middle of a security conflict, and with a chance of boosting his or her influence, is a wise way to use the power of the Nobel," said Professor Janne Haaland Matlary from Oslo University.


Other leading candidates include Chinese and Russian dissidents, such as Hu Jia and Lidia Yusupova, but some experts say the Nobel Committee will not risk challenging a major power this year, just after two politicians joined the panel.

"A controversial prize that raises severe protests by powerful states or other powerful interests would draw attention to ... the independence of the committee," said Harpviken. (Editing by Louise Ireland)
Top Runners were: French-Colombian activitist Betancourt, Prince Ghanzi bin Muhammend for his interfaith work, Colombian peace broker Corboda, Afghan Rights activist Samar, French PResident Sarkozy, and Zimbabwae's prime Minister Tsvangirai. Not a bad company to keep. I can understand not giving it to the Chinese or Russian advocates, but it's still a bummer.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

Post by CaptainChewbacca »

For a sec into his speech, I thought he would decline it, but he's accepted it on behalf of the American (and Global) ideals of peace towards which he and all Americans aspire.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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To be perfectly honest, I thought it was a joke when a friend of mine mentioned this to me earlier today. While I do like Obama and think he has quite a bit of promise as President, I think it's a tad premature to award him when he's not even been in office a year. He's certainly on the right track by doing his best to get the US' reputation back up to scratch, but I think it'd be best if we waited to see if these attempts actualy worked before handing him an award.

I wonder what he'll do with the 1.4 million. Donate it, perhaps? If he keeps the money then the right wing is going to just attack him over it (well, more so than they're undoubtedly preparing to do so already).
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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Straha wrote:I wonder how long it'll take for someone to say that this is the Norwegian Parliament meddling in American affairs? If it hasn't happened already.
Well that is how it started so it is just continuing in the same tradition.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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Rochey wrote:I wonder what he'll do with the 1.4 million. Donate it, perhaps? If he keeps the money then the right wing is going to just attack him over it (well, more so than they're undoubtedly preparing to do so already).
He was active in numerous community organizations in Chicago and I'm sure has many causes he can donate to.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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Obama seems to feel he was awarded not based on his accomplishments but rather to give the cause he represents a boost.

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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

Post by Shroom Man 777 »

I think Europe and the rest of the world should continue to troll Spartafreedomerica. Maybe they can have Obama throw the first pitch in the Ollie-lympics, in Rio, in a few years' time. :lol:

Yes, it is a bit premature to give him a Nobel Peace Prize when he hasn't done something particularly big or megahugeawesome. But hey, showing those Republicans up is always a good thing and if the Nobel Committee does it, then that's totally cool too. Give those true Freedomerican patriots MORE stuff to grumble about!

Let's see some fringe world hillbilly yokel bring an AR-15 to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony thing. :twisted:

EDIT:

I also like the fact that the Republicunts are dissing him for withdrawing the ABM from Poland, when the Poles and other Europeans (read: the people who actually live over there) are still totally cool with Obamamang.

Hell, I think the Nobel Committee should award more people who've screwed over Amurrikan Foreign Interests, just to troll America.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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Rochey wrote:To be perfectly honest, I thought it was a joke when a friend of mine mentioned this to me earlier today. While I do like Obama and think he has quite a bit of promise as President, I think it's a tad premature to award him when he's not even been in office a year. He's certainly on the right track by doing his best to get the US' reputation back up to scratch, but I think it'd be best if we waited to see if these attempts actualy worked before handing him an award.

I wonder what he'll do with the 1.4 million. Donate it, perhaps? If he keeps the money then the right wing is going to just attack him over it (well, more so than they're undoubtedly preparing to do so already).
I don't think he can keep the money if he wanted to, considering the laws for Presidents accepting gifts and such.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

Post by Rochey »

Ah, right. I wasn't aware that the President wasn't allowed accept gifts. Though it certainly makes sense now that you mention it.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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Rochey wrote:Ah, right. I wasn't aware that the President wasn't allowed accept gifts. Though it certainly makes sense now that you mention it.
Article I, Section 9 the U.S. Constitution:

"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."
The monetary prize could be considered a present or some such if you really wanted to argue it.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

Post by Shroom Man 777 »

Is the Nobel Committee a King, Prince or foreign state?
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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Shroom Man 777 wrote:Is the Nobel Committee a King, Prince or foreign state?
I think it's a committee of the Norwegian Parliament, so that might count.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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Shroom Man 777 wrote:Is the Nobel Committee a King, Prince or foreign state?
Its made up by several Norwegian MP's, so I suspect that could be classed as being in the 'foreign state' catagory.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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Lonestar wrote:I do not know how true this is, but a coworker said that the submissions for the candidates all have to be in by February.

This means, of course, that he spent less than a month as Prez before someone thought "Yeah, he totally qualifies!"
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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General Zod wrote:
Rochey wrote:Ah, right. I wasn't aware that the President wasn't allowed accept gifts. Though it certainly makes sense now that you mention it.
Article I, Section 9 the U.S. Constitution:

"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."
The monetary prize could be considered a present or some such if you really wanted to argue it.
Yeah, I'm sure Nancy Pelosi is going to make Obama give it back... :wanker:
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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Elfdart wrote: Yeah, I'm sure Nancy Pelosi is going to make Obama give it back... :wanker:
I was thinking more about the Republicans raising a stink, but I'm not sure why you're pissy over the notion. There's plenty of precedent for sitting Presidents to accept the Nobel prize, I'm just not so sure about the monetary prize that comes with it.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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General Zod wrote:
Elfdart wrote: Yeah, I'm sure Nancy Pelosi is going to make Obama give it back... :wanker:
I was thinking more about the Republicans raising a stink, but I'm not sure why you're pissy over the notion. There's plenty of precedent for sitting Presidents to accept the Nobel prize, I'm just not so sure about the monetary prize that comes with it.
I'm not being pissy. I'm just pointing out the obvious. The Democowards might take masochistic delight in being buttfucked and humiliated by the Republitards over and over again, but they haven't yet started knifing Obama in the back -at least, not without being paid to do so by the drug and insurance companies.
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Re: Nobel Peace Prize goes to... Obama

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Elfdart wrote:
General Zod wrote:
Elfdart wrote: Yeah, I'm sure Nancy Pelosi is going to make Obama give it back... :wanker:
I was thinking more about the Republicans raising a stink, but I'm not sure why you're pissy over the notion. There's plenty of precedent for sitting Presidents to accept the Nobel prize, I'm just not so sure about the monetary prize that comes with it.
I'm not being pissy. I'm just pointing out the obvious. The Democowards might take masochistic delight in being buttfucked and humiliated by the Republitards over and over again, but they haven't yet started knifing Obama in the back -at least, not without being paid to do so by the drug and insurance companies.
He should find out what Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson did w/ the money and follow example. It's been 90 years since a sitting president won a Nobel Prize, but there are definitely precedents.
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