"F&^k! I won the Nobel!" (w/ a tip of the hat to Himself)

[lagilman]

Ok, that's something to wake up to: Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize.

Huh. Okay. Although a lot of people are yowling, I see exactly why they choose him -- not only has he been a major inspiration to PoC worldwide and especially here and in Africa, but he is seen as a strong hope for undoing much of the damage that was done during the Bush administration. A perfect choice? No. But there are no perfect choices -- even Mother Theresa wasn't perfect. The attempt to use a position of power and make the world a better place, to overcome fear and malice, insensitivity and greed? Under those standards, he is certainly qualified.

And is anyone else imagining an awards bump-down between Obama and Gore?
"I have a Nobel AND two Grammys!"
"Yeah, but I have an Oscar and an Emmy, too."
"I'm President."
"You win."

Comments

[mtlawson.livejournal.com]

My wife called up her folks when she heard the news, and the first thing her father said was "I bet it'll be a fun afternoon listening to Limbaugh today!"

Heh.

I believe this qualifies as a PeaceWin.

[tehuti.livejournal.com]

I have to say, I think it's a bit premature. And somewhat ironic, considering the White House is pondering sending more troops to Afghanistan at this very moment. I understand why they did it, and I am tickled at the news, but I do wish he had more actual stuff on the resume to back it up.

[mela-lyn.livejournal.com]

What bothers me the most is that he was awarded the prize for efforts during his presidency (-dancy??) but the cut-off for the awards was 2 WEEKS BEFORE he was sworn into office.

So how is it possible he deserves the award? The time period during which the Nobel Peace Prize committee should be looking at service/actions he was petitioning to be President. You shouldn't win for campaign promises...

[threeoutside.livejournal.com]

I'm no expert on either the Nobel nor politics, but perhaps the committee pinned it most on the "gave millions of people worldwide hope" line.

And...some of us thought Gore *was* the President, at least 2000 - 2004.

[lagilman]

Good point about the cut-off point.

Personally I tend to see the Nobel peace prize as more of a carrot than an award, and don't even get me started on the Lit prize...

[mela-lyn.livejournal.com]

If he won it next year, it wouldn't bother me as much.

[scbutler.livejournal.com]

Ah, the Lit prize. I think they've gotten the two confused lately.