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Does Obama deserve the Nobel Peace Prize?
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U.S. President Barack Obama has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee said Obama had been awarded the prize for his calls to reduce the world’s stockpiles of nuclear weapons and work towards restarting the stalled Middle East peace process.
The committee praised Obama for “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”
“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 laureate wins a gold medal, a diploma and 10 million Swedish crowns (1.4 million dollars or 878,000 pounds).
Obama was one of a record 205 nominees for this year’s prize and the decision has come as a surprise to many. Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, had been tipped as one of the favourites.
Despite his ambitious international agenda, Obama is yet to make a significant breakthrough in the Middle East or effectively deal with the threat of Iran’s nuclear programme and his country is currently fighting wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Has Obama done enough to justify winning the Nobel Peace Prize? If not, who do you think should have won?
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As an America Citizen I am so proud of our new president elect, and that the world see’s him as a true Peacemaker.
There are millions of us in America that support his new ideas for change. In fact that majority of American’s support and embrace him and his efforts to bring needed change to our country.
I sadly see the far right political extremists (Fox News) trying to turn this in to something negative, when in fact they should be honored as American’s that the rest of the world see’s our president as a Peacemaker.
Mahatma Gandhi, Corazon Aquino, Pope John XXIII, Pope John Paul II, Dorothy Day, César Chávez, Oscar Romero, Jose Figueres Ferrer, Steve Biko, Raphael Lemkin, Abdul Sattar Edhi and Irena Sendler, and Ronald Reagan ALL OMITTED.
and Barack Obama get’s one?
Wow – speechless.
President Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize certainly reveals much about those making the choice! This man has not accomplished any great, worthy, Nobel act! He stands for many things that go against what the United States was founded on. He surrounds himself with radicals bent on destroying the United States, radicals who have engaged in violence against the United States. He surrounds himself with individuals who are morally corrupt and unsafe, i.e. Kevin Jennings. Anyone, I repeat anyone, can say great things. It is not a man’s words that we put our faith in, but his deeds. Obama lacks good deeds! His winning lowers the bar.
In response to Moms Hugs’ comment: “Please understand that the negative reactions shown on TV or in online comments are due to ignorance shaped by a U.S. media who loves conflict more than peace.”
If you really don’t understand how Orwellian (as in “War Is Peace”) granting Barack Obama a Peace Prize is, then you are the one who is ignorant.
Weigh the promise of “Hope and Change” against the achievements of Nelson Mandela who delivered peace in South Africa after 27 years in an Apartheid jail. (And, then shared the prize.)
Surely the US President was selected not for what he has done, but merely for pointing out the idiotic nature of his predecessor’s foreign policies? In which case, they should probably share it. Would that be more laughable than giving it to Obama on his own? Only to a Nobel Committee that has lost its senses.
Terrorist Yasser Arafat won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994. Yes, he was a terrorist bomber but, unlike Obama, at least he did something.
btw.. as far as the Nobel Peace Prize..
It lost all significance when they awarded it to a Terrorist. Arafat was a child killer.. How did he deserve it? The Committee is irrelevant at best.. Inept and Corrupt at worst.
I promise to bring World Peace.. May I have my Prize now?
It just occurred to me that the Norwegian people must be starting to get an uneasy feeling regarding this historic faux pas committed by the members of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee.
Some Norwegians must already be demanding explanations, and others an apology – at least to the real peace and human rights fighters of this world, and there are many of them out there who do deserve recognition for their personal efforts, sacrifices, and yes – achievements too.
“Negative reactions shown on TV or in online comments are to ignorance”? I think you’ve just shown your ignorance. Nominations deadline was Feb 1…just 12 short days after Obama took office. I hardly think in those 12 days in office that Obama made any “extraordinary efforts” in establishing peace. It makes a mockery of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Obama has done absolutely nothing to deserve this prize.
It’s cuz he is 1st BLACK president of the US who makes great speeches.
Really you have to be kidding 2 weeks into his pres he gets a award for healing the world what a joke. How about taking down the Berlin wall How about people too numerous to mention that really made a difference –This Pres is not doing anything but saying America is at fault and worst
The noble committee is a shammmmm
I will review this site for being fair to my view point
Terrible disrespect for the legions of truly transformative figures who have worked decades towards achieving world peace.
OUR BUDDY OBAMA *might* do something great in the future!
That a disrespect for the others who has done something already.
Had the Nobel committee not lost all of its credibility after the selections of Al Gore and Paul Krugman, the selection of Obama surely seals the deal. Like the Obama presidency itself, the prize now appears to be more about saying the politically correct things or appealing to a certain segment of the political Left rather than accomplishing anything worthy of praise. As a colleague reminded me today, President Ronald Reagan and later the first President Bush played a large role in liberating much of Central and Eastern Europe yet were never honored as such. Similarly, George W. Bush drove the murderous Taliban as well as removing the oppressive dictator Saddam Hussein from office yet he is reviled by the European elite. I fail to see the logic in their decision.
Peace Prize??? What a joke – the man is STILL engaged in an ILLEGAL war in Iraq, a pointless war in Afghanistan, the US murders civilians with drones…..if this is peace… I need a new dictionary!
Look at the pattern: Gore + Carter + Obama = America haters who won this worthless, politically motivated award.
I barely can believe it–its an outrage to a do-nothing but to advance socialism. Hey that’s it! one socialist group patting another on the back. A better candidate would be Shimon Peres of Isreal. After all the persecution the world been handing out to Isreal– constant rocket attacks, seking war crimes against them, and Obama wanting to give away half their land. And I’m not even Jewish. Makes one wonder where Obama is headed next?
As an American I’m shocked that he won – in a bad way!
Obama has yet to accomplish anything, I hope he does, touring the world giving hopeful speeches does not warrant any prize particularly the Nobel.
This has forever cheapened the Nobel prize and the integrity of the committee. What a waste.
I am happy for President Obama. Yes, he has a lot to live up to, but for that matter, so most of us.
Most of us could be more humble, taking time to hear each other and seeking first to understand. Most of us could do with a lot less and paying more for better, more durable goods – instead of participating in a throw-away society. Most of us could do more to improve ‘our’ health, which all by itself would be a major improvement to our sickly healthcare system. Most of us could walk, bike or bus, thereby reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and in supporting countries that deem us their enemies. Most of us could lead, rather than complaining about our leaders. If you can do better, then please do. Most of us could turn off the tube and pick up a book, broadening our intelligence instead of our mass. Most of us could stand hand-in-hand, demanding an end to nuclear… bombs, energy, or food. Instead, we wish it from our minds, or like some, give neither a care nor a worry. Most of us could get behind a great man who is willing to sacrifice years of his life to improve ours, but too many have forgotten what it’s like to move forward, move past and make haste to a new horizon.
We’ve never had a better opportunity to progress, at least in my 48 years of living. We’ve never had more to lose, yet I look around and see ghosts of an America that once was. When are we going to wake up and notice our Roses are made in China. When are we going to grab a shove, rake and hoe and turn our lawns into gardens, the way our fathers and mothers before us did – rather than polluting our lakes and rivers with harmful, petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides.
If you don’t think President Obama deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, that’s fine, I’m sure that others do. But if it applies more pressure to this man and enables him to expand his intestinal fortitude and increase the certainty that we will turn the tide on our shortcomings, then I’m all for it and wish him the best of efforts. As for me and mine, we’ll see you out there, on our bikes of course…
The Nobel Peace Prize has now been devalued to pocket change, what a travesty.
Congrats Mr. President, I must say that he makes me proud to be an african american this day and age. I dont disagree with getting this award eventhough I know most of America does. I think the that they gave him the award for what he is trying to do. But, as usual certain Americans and congress dont want to get onboard. When will people realize that the old ways of conducting ourselves domestically and abroad are not going to work. We need to respect the growth of other nations and learn to respect the muslim world. We are not standard in which the rest of the world should adhere to. These facts Obama understands and attempts to convery but unfortunately the Good Ole Boys in Washington are still up to their old tricks.
The Nobel committee has shredded its credibility by giving the award to someone with no accomplishments; just some nice speeches. What a joke.
Thank you Moms Hugs for speaking up for the rest of us quiet ones. We did elect the president because we believed in him. The rest of the world sees this, too.
This is a travesty and a mockery of the Nobel Prize Committee, the presidency, and the United States of America. It’s a downright shame to claim this man deserves the prize. ANYONE can call for peace. Does that mean ANYONE deserves it? No. One must prove beyond a measure of a doubt that they have done enough to actually PROMOTE what they TALK about. Obama can talk the talk. But can he walk the walk? Based upon his 9+ months in office so far, the answer is a resounding “NO!”
As for this “silent majority” BS that I read earlier, I calmly and polite ask you to WAKE UP. What has Obama promised? 1) No earmarks on legislation. 2) 48 Hours MINIMUM for lawmakers to read the legislation. 3) Transparency in government. 4) Get troops out of the Middle East. Those are the first four that pop to mind. Think of any others, let me know. He has FAILED miserably to achieve any of them (especially the one that actually deals with “peace,” the war in the Middle East. Rather, he has INCREASED TROOPS). So again. Please, all you Obama-lovers. Take a good hard look at your hero. Stop sucking him off and point out his flaws. Stop with this self-pity of “the silent majority still supports you.” Why is the majority silent? Two reasons: 1) they are either not the majority and will be told to shut their mouths or 2) they realize Obama has yet to do anything he promised in his presidency. Please America. WAKE UP. This is not a bash against anything other than the broken promises of a man that miraculously hypnotized an entire nation with his BS. His BS got him into office, now his actions need to get him out.
Obama is the last person to deserve the Nobel Peace Prize. The committee who awarded this have reduced yet another symbol of peace and freedom to dust.
If Obama were any sort of a man and leader, which he isn’t, he would insist that the prize be given to someone who has actually done something to promote the betterment of humanity.
If this was meant to embarrass the United States, it worked.
Of course it is deserved for inspiring the world to move toward peace. Hope is an important thing for people to continue on knowing a better world is on the horizon.
Of course the “republiphibians” have their own agendas and wish to put a negative spin on anything that they can. Just to promote their own biased agendas. I cannot see that Obama has any but the most altrustic goals in mind for us and the rest of the world.
It would have been illegal for the committee to vote in our elections, although manyillegals probably did, so this is their equivalent of a vote. He has no accomplishments, but they fell for the “gift” he says he has. Give a good speach, and win a peace prize. What a shame! What a joke!
The problem with the internet age is that it is as much a blessing as a curse. The Nobel Committee has spoken and they are the only ones who are vested with the authority of Alfred Nobel’s Trust to nominate and award the Nobel prize to extraordinary and deseving individuals who merit this distinction. The Nobel Committee consists of brilliant, distinguished luminaries who have great educational and lifetime achievement credentials and capabilities who have been elected. Because of the internet and twitter we have uneducated, half educated, racist and crazed people without an honest bone in their bodies giving their 2 bits of an opinion. Who cares! Incidentally by the same token these same folks oppose the President, The Federal Reserve Chairman etc. but they need education, brains and hard work to get to a position of leadership where their opinion counts for anything at all. Right now it’s just Noise!
Can someone convince me why President Obama deserves the Nobel Peace Prize? If speeches and good intentions were going to bring about changes for the better we would be living in a safe and peaceful world devoid of any conflict by now. I am sure the runner up from Zimbabwe whose actions helped in resolution of the conflict there deserved to win the peace prize.
Selecting Obama instead of Morgan Tsvangirai is a travesty. The Committee could have done something useful in recognizing the inspiring efforts of Tsvangirai in peacefully resisting a despot and bringing him down. Instead, it goes to Obama, who was nominated while he was wasting hundreds of millions of other peoples dollars on inauguration parties.
Obama: Do the right thing. Give it back to Morgan Tsvangirai.
Medal of Honor recipient, Donald Ballard made a comment that there are many men who fought in Vietnam who probably deserve this medal more than myself. I only hope that these men will allow me to be an ambassador for
them.though,I am a recipient of this medal, I will always bear the tremendous weight it carrys for so many.
I hope our president will share the same thoughts about the peace prize.
To Bob,
Yes Bob we Americans are a glum lot. Our country is in a state of ruin, health care is better in Cuba and we are losing the war in Afghanistan which is on the way to becoming the longest US war in history.
I’m not sure why your so happy Bob (mb your a bailed out banker or perhaps yet another unemployed waste living off the money I work for ????). Your failure to realize the obvious – that America and Americans are in bad times – only serves to highlight your ignorance.
We need to look at ourselves but also provide for ourselves and not wait for handouts like so many of our lazy countrymen do.
Name me 1 single, positive, tangible result of Barack Obamas presidency and I may reconsider.
Speeches don’t count. I’m talking about real results. Beside amassing more debt than you can likely conceive of.
Obama does not know courage and neither do those of you who so loosely use the word.
Undoubtedly Obama is a breath of fresh air compared to Bush and his lap dog Blair.
However, whilst the motives of the committee may be well intended, this award is premature and makes a mockery out of the Nobel peace prize, and not for the first time.
The following awards were a disgrace.
1994 Shimon Peres, Foreign Minister of Israel.
1994 Yitzhak Rabin, Prime Minister of Israel.
1978 Menachim Begin, Prime Minister of Israel.
1973 Henry Kissinger, Secretary of State, State Department, Washington.
1973 Le Duc Tho, Democratic Republic of Viet Nam. (Declined the prize.)
Time will tell whether Obama is deserving of any awards.
Peter Franzen
With all due respect to the President, he’s done nothing to earn this award. Even he seems to have been surprised in not slightly embarassed by it. The Nobel committee is bebasing its process by politicizing it to this degree.
For those who want to limit the blame of critisism to American’s who are anti Obama, you need to recognize the critisism is world wide.
The committee has tarnished the prominence of this award and denigrated those who have won it in the past for their hard work and not their rehtoric.
To place Barack Obama on the same level as Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Anwar al-Sadat, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, F.W. de Klerk, and even Jimmy Carter who have all either dedicated their lives or lost their lives for their work for peace is a disgrace!
OK: Jimmy Carter, Yasser Arafat, now Barack Obama. Yes, he deserves this laughable award.
I cannot believe he of all people has won it there’s more troops at war now than when Bush was messing things up.
And stopping nukes? Well why hasn’t America lead by example….
Sheesh. Are you sure it wasn’t the ‘cheesy media icon of the year’ award?
This should prove to Americans what jerks we are. This is the most sarcastic move I’ve ever been witness to. An inside joke to ahow that a ‘takeover’ will not necessitate the use of any force or energy.
We should be outraged! Instead we look at eachother and say ‘huh?’like we’re all dimwitted. Guess what?…we are!
Objectively speaking, at this time Obama should respectfully refuse to accept the prize but should continue to work for peace and ultimately have the opportunity in the future to be considered for the prize based upon his merits. Kindest regards, Peacemaker
At first I thought it was a joke…what has he done except talking about 21st century? (and seriously..why does he keep chanting about 21st century
)
Obama for Peace Prize?
Who next…. Barry Bonds – Nobel Prize for Medicine?
The leader of the only country ever to use the atomic bomb is now leading the charge to consign nuclear proliferation to the past. For this at least, and because his diplomatic policies give us reason to believe that peace is possible, President Barack Obama has won “The Prize”. I harbor the wish, perhaps in vain, that Americans will unite behind him as he works to manage the burdens he has courageously assumed on our behalf. Please, let the world’s next generation grow up without the fear that someone will push the nuclear button.
Yes. President Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This cannot be reversed. Now, The world wants him to prove that a right decision was made. Let us give hime a chance. The ball is in his court.
PEACE ON EARTH is a welcome thing.
Barack Obama cancels meeting with Dalai Lama ‘to keep China happy’
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/ame ricas/barack-obama-cancels-meeting-with- dalai-lama-to-keep-china-happy-1905659.h tml
I think that speaks for itself.
I think this is disgusting
What has he done? NOTHING
What will he do? Not much.
No-one will ever take the Nobel Peace Prize seriously EVER again… I know I’d never want to recieve it, however deserving.
It really does make you wonder if it’s just because he’s (mostly) sub-saharan considering todays laws and beliefs of the West….
I think Mr. Obama has accomplished a great deal since January. We’re now 1.4T in debt; we have exciting new “green” legislation in Cap and Trade that will raise the average American’s energy bill by over $3000/yr; we’re about to have government run healthcare, that the Congress has NO constitutional authority to regulate, that means I’ll be paying for the illegals and lazy; we have over 30 unconstitutional, unelected czars making public policy; we’ve given the IMF and Fed unbelievable control over US monetary policy; we’re cozier now with the UN than we’ve ever been, which means we’re more likely to be subjugated to the whims of other nations that care nothing about the US and American interests; we have a “President” that bows to foreign kings; we have government run private auto and insurance industries by all the bailout money; we have a civilian defense force instead of more police officers to keep us safe to look forward to, kinda like the brownshirts were in Germany during WWII; and we have the “President’s” party contemplating a second stimulus. See, we shouldn’t be critical of Mr. Obama – he has accomplished a great deal since he took office!
I was one of the people questioned about the Obama Nobel peace prize, today on times Square. I really like to say that I really like to say that I congratulate our president, and wish many more optimism in the future. though people disagree, don’t you believe at this point that Peace is needed among America and the Global nation????
We should Test out a Stop on nuclear weapons, and see what the result of social action results to in difficult times, especially when all our action are still at its primitive stages.
Where still learning and weapons of mass destruction are hazardous, and can result in genocide, which does violate our global human rights.
Robert
Obama must not take the Nobel. He does not deserve it. Let him earn it.
I believe Obama is a great man, but he has been given a green light to do just about whatever it is he wants.
Obama, has spent more money than Bush the 2nd ever did. on top of that he did it faster than Bush. What I think is funny is Noone is complaining about how much money he has spent in less than nine months in office. The media has no back bone. They where all over bush, about money and the war. Barack is still in both conflicts and is about to expand the effort in afganistan. Now he wins the NOBEL PRIZE. In my eyes he hasnt done anything. worthy of that honor. I dont know what thier criteria are for picking a winner but i dont believe Obama shouldnt have won.
I think Nobel Prize itself has lost its lustre and is meaningless. Let us change its name to DICK DURBIN Prize.
Is this a joke? Do the people in Oslo deliberately nominate those who are least deserving? The deadline for the nomination was Feb. 1st – 11 days after he entered the office. It would appear they have a penchant for selecting Americans who delight in bashing and apologizing for this nation – Jimmy Carter, Al Gore and now Barak Obama. This is a deliberate slap in the face of those who truly cherish this country. Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa must be spinning in their graves to find themselves in the company of such mediocrity.