http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/10/09/nobel-peace-prize-reaction-obama389.html
What do you think? I have to admit I didn't believe it at first. LOL! I thought he's so young and he's only getting started, ya know? I'd always thought you had to work a lifetime to earn one of these things. But I guess from what I'm reading it can be awarded for big ideas and as encouragement, which makes sense. And he certainly has inspired the world.
Yeah, I always thought most recipients are nominated based on a lifetime of work. So I understand the opposition, especially considering he was nominated so early in his presidency.
But it can't be denied what a huge impact he has made, and will continue to make. If it can be awarded based on big ideas, than right on, because it might encourage those who've been touched in some way by him, to try and make a difference in the f-d up state of this country, especially in regards to it's relations with the rest of the world
NOTE: fuck, I had to edit this post so many times. Ever since DD I cannot form a coherant sentence. At one point this post said "so early in his pregnancy"... I've got major mommy brain... :tired:
I have a hard time believing that the leader of a country that is currently engaged in an unjust, illegal war deserves the Nobel peace prize. At the time the nominations were due, I can't see how anyone could tell the difference between what his actual aspirations were and which ones were only campaign promises.
I hope he lives up to the prize, but I strongly feel that it was awarded at the very least prematurely.
"I have a hard time believing that the leader of a country that is currently engaged in an unjust, illegal war deserves the Nobel peace prize."
True that. My view on this subject comes from really REALLY wanting to have some hope for my country and it's leader. But obviously you can't award a Nobel Peace Prize based on that...
So considering that Kissinger won the Nobel Peace prize, I don't exactly put a lot of merit into the award. However, even ignoring that he hasn't fulfilled his campaign promise yet of ending the Iraq war, he is escalating the Afghanistan war - and has shown only undivided support for the war. Albeit there might be a better argument that that's a "just" war, if there is such a thing - I don't know how he can win the award in that context.
I guess I don't know much about American politics. I thought the plan was for the war to be ending, and they're just working on the process of ending it? No?
dita, I think you make a good point when you say that you really want to have some hope. I don't think that's specific to Americans right now, as a Canadian I would seriously like to have some hope for this country. Obama is charismatic, and he gives us something to hope for and get involved about - whether or not he's going to deliver, I see that as a good thing.
He promises to end the Iraq war, not the Afghanistan war.
Oh wow, I had no idea! That sucks.
I agree with canadianmama
I also think that award was premature. hopes and dreams shouldn't be recognized as accomplishments.