Harris Sherline: The Nobel Peace Prize and Politics

» tr on 10.17.09 @ 10:01 PM

Obama is quite a brave guy…. every day he’s in public is another day a lone nut may get him like they got Martin Luther King.  No president before him has had to face the same level of threat.  He did what no other black man could do… get elected president.  Is it so hard to appreciate his accomplishment in this, and appreciate the improvement in racial relations we see already?  I pray every day that what happened to MLK will *NOT* happen to Obama.  And frankly I cannot see why anyone says `he’s not done anything yet’.  Let people like that change themselves to a black man, change their name to an Arab sounding one, and get elected president.  Then I’ll believe them.

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» Michael Jaffe on 10.18.09 @ 06:29 AM

Time will tell, Harris. St Joan was burned at the stake. Lincoln was assasinated. MLK was assasinated, Ghandi was assasinated. Anything is possible, and the march of history alone will tell us which view is right. But, like McCain, I can certainly be proud that our “presidency” - not necessarily Obama himself - has won an award of this magnitude. And for all people who claim to love this country and yet don’t love it’s accolades, I must say I’m confused.

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» Patty on 10.18.09 @ 12:38 PM

Why does anyone care about right-wing Republican ignoramuses attacking the accomplishments of President Obama? These venal, vindictive jerks are a minority in this country and I wish they would just leave our country if they can’t say anything nice about our president. We would all do well to follow President Obama’s example of treating everyone with respect and in the same way he would want to be treated in return. He does not deserve such name-calling from idiots.

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» Meatpoet2002 on 10.18.09 @ 01:25 PM

He has continued Chenney’s war…as a matter of fact I believe the world is currently in an even more violent state of conflict and turmoil than when Obama took office.  I want to know where the peace is?  I care nothing for your hopes or intentions.  I do not get rewarded for my hopes or my intentions I get rewarded for my works.  I find it provocative and appalling that an international agency supposed to reward the characteristics of empathy and the advancement of the light side of the humanity and not the shadow, would carelessly bow to politics and power and dismiss integrity and works.

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» Bob Lily on 10.18.09 @ 01:28 PM

In regards to the comments of Patty, I seem to remember the liberated, educated, in step, and other adjectives to describe the loyal Democratic members, slandering our president at every turn of events for the last 8 years.  I find it laughable how the same people who derided President Bush now are inflamed when anyone is not absolutely kissing the ground President Obama walks on.  Let get real people.  Our president is our president and I THINK the 1st amendment is still operating, even though it is under attack by liberals and others who think anyone that does not think as they do is absolutely wrong.

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» surefire on 10.18.09 @ 01:31 PM

I wish you would get your fact rights. He was only nominated for the Prize. The selection of the winner came later

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» pawprints on 10.18.09 @ 01:34 PM

This article is right on point.  Obama does not stack up at all.  If anything, he has further divided the country internally.  He has accomplished nothing abroad (except apologizing for the U.S. every time he gets the chance, and getting nothing in return but further assertiveness on the part of those who already curse us and trod on us).  No wonder those abroad gave him this token in an attempt to further control our internal politics, and take the power out of the hands of “we, the people” of the U.S.  Why wouldn’t they?  His mealy-mouthed endless apologies send the message, “I’m your puppet.”

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» Machiavelli on 10.18.09 @ 01:34 PM

I quite like Obama but Nobel price for him is not only ridiculous but unfortunately it makes him a huge disservice. Many my friends in Europe who were in favor of the new president share this view. I think that right approach to this is what Mr. McCain says. Unfortunately most Americans are partisan animals both on the left and the right.

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» Ryan L on 10.18.09 @ 01:35 PM

If you want to make a compelling case, you might start with getting your facts straight. Obama was not selected for the Nobel Peace Prize 11 days after being in office, that is when he was NOMINATED. Big difference.

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» JG on 10.18.09 @ 01:40 PM

Probably this was not your intention, but the abbreviated list of some former Peace Prize winners shows that truly bad decisions have been made many many times before. Some of the choices are mediocre (Ahtisaari), some just celebrity feel-goods (the Dalai Lama, Lech Walesa), some are truly awful (Mother Teresa, whose fascist connections have been well-exposed, and Eli Wiesel, who has made a living for fifty years as the world’s only professional holocaust survivor and who is a rabid rightwing Zionist). So I think what we know now is that the Peace Prize brings a juicy amount of money, but as an honor, it just sucks.

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» pawprints on 10.18.09 @ 01:43 PM

Hey, Patty

I am a Republican and proud of it.  Among other things, I do not believe in killing infants, labeling it with a euphemism, and then calling this health care.  I do not believe in being given an award based solely on the color of your skin when you have not accomplished a thing to further peace, domestically or abroad. I love my country, but that does not mean I have to blindly approve of the work-view of every elected official.  That’s the beauty of America.  I can speak.  And, minority?  If you are basing this on the last election, I suggest you up-date your thinking.  The tides are turning.  And even if they aren’t, so what?  So what if Republicans are or are not the minority?  Since when do we not protect the rights of minorities?  Perhaps it is YOU who should leave OUR country.

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» ejhickey on 10.18.09 @ 01:44 PM

Guess what?  I have been nominated for an award by Waste Management for thinking about taking out the garbage.  yeah! Me!  an award!

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» Thozmaniac on 10.18.09 @ 01:50 PM

Isee the liberal’s are putting their “God” up on a pedestal as usual.
And no, we are not the minority, those who support this are.
Don’t believe me? Wait until November 2010, you’ll see.
I am absolutely 110% sure the democrats will be in for the shock of their meaningless lives.

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» Caroline on 10.18.09 @ 01:52 PM

I agree with Mr. Sherline that given the achievements of the past Nobel Peace Prize honorees it’s difficult to make a solid case for giving President Obama the same award based on his potential to create peace.  That doesn’t mean he won’t change the world, it just means that time will tell and now is too soon.  Obama looked so uncomfortable at the press conference he held the morning of the announcement; it would have been more respectful to him had the Peace Prize Committee waited for his vision to effect real change, with quantifiable results, so he could feel a real sense of accomplishment too.

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» src on 10.18.09 @ 01:54 PM

“during the preceding year [...] shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”

Which of these has Mr. Obama done?
Even more so, which of these where done as of the time of his nomination?

As far as I know being dark skinned and having a muslim name, or even being president, even all at the same time, is not on that list of requirements to recieve this prize.

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» JC on 10.18.09 @ 02:07 PM

I bet the writer of this article is either a republican, a racist or didn’t vote for Obama.

He talks about Al Gore’s “powerpoint” in a derogatory manner, probably meaning that global warning is a complete make up.

He’s so precariously informed about things he doesn’t know that most of the Nobel prize winners are not necessarily prominent or famous people, or people who has effectively accomplished or changed people’s attitute for the best.

Most of the winners are people who dared to say or do something differently, in order to make the world a better place to live.

In this way, there’s no doubt that Mr Obama fits perfectly the prize, no matter if his endeavor will succeed.

The choice of Mr Obama is an act of faith in a better future, a sincere gesture of hope that the world will never see a man like George W. Bush in charge of a nation as powerful as the USA again.

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» charlie thomas on 10.18.09 @ 02:15 PM

you have made several errors of fact .. i) the president was only nominated to the committee at the ll day in office mark.  2) there have been people awarded the nobel peace prize for their initiatives and not necessarily their accomplishing them Pres. Theodore Roosevelt is one of at least 2.  Please check this out and correct your errors.

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» jeff on 10.18.09 @ 02:28 PM

This president deserves the award. He’ll go down as one of the most transformative people in history; and likely be considered one of our nations greatest leaders.

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» JS on 10.18.09 @ 02:42 PM

I have never read a column of yours before, so I truly know nothing about you as a human being in the world.  What I know about Obama is, is he is gracious, civil, believes bullying and braggadocia is NOT the way to run a country or “be” in the world - I was so happy on the night he was elected because he gave and still gives me hope that perhaps humans CAN be civil with each other and work things out without screaming and yelling and being derisive.  I’m proud the Norwegians see in Obama what I see.  A politician who actually wants to solve problems rather than bad mouth and bury Democrats, Liberals - or anbody with a point of view (or religion) that’s different from the conservative Rebublican point of view.

I’ve been a law abiding citizen my whole life.  I’m 67 years old.  I’ve not broken any laws and I’m a contributing member of society.  I do not understand Republicans and the way they talk about Democrats and Liberals.  We are simply people who have a different point of view.  I don’t undstand the derisiveness and hateful screaming and yelling that goes on Fox News.  I don’t listen to Rush Limbaugh and I don’t understand why anyone would be attracted to the hate he spews.  I can only imagine what his self esteem is like.  Did his mother treat him poorly as he grew up?  And where in the Bible is it ever said that to HATE and name call and castigate is what God wants.

I believe all people should be treated with dignity and respect.  That is the point of view Obamam comes from.  There’s “peace” in his words, his demeanor and the legislation he’s been behind.  I am proud that he is my President and that he’s created a shift in how the world sees the United States.  I travel a lot out in the world, and the U.S. has been a laughing stock for years and years.

I am delighted he’s won the Nobel Peace Pride.  I congratulate him and all of us citizens for voting for someone with Obama’s presence and integrity.

I realize I didn’t answer the question you asked - I just had to say what I had to say and your column stimulated it.  Thenk you.

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» Retired Soldier on 10.18.09 @ 03:14 PM

The Nobel Peace Prize was given to Obama as a bribe. As the Commander and Chief, he should not accept it. We would expect no less of every other member of our military.

Since the Nobel Peace Prize has become a tool to manipulate politics, to lobby our government. A rule should be put in place that a sitting President or member of congress cannot accept it.

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» Terry on 10.18.09 @ 03:34 PM

Yes, the prize was richly deserved as your own examples show!  The prize is often awarded to persons who are not president of the US and for efforts that address not only international tensions, but the underlying conditions of racism, poverty, and repression, often in the individual’s own country, that might otherwise spill over into world conflict. 

How long Obama has been in office is irrelevant.  His Nobel endeavor began when he stepped forward to offer leadership against the bullying, baiting, sanctimonious, jingoist direction in which our country was headed—a leadership which others were too cowed or coopted to provide.  Against overwhelming odds his movement has prevailed for now, substantially restoring the rule of law and normal relations to the most dangerous nation on earth. 

And he has done this with a congruence of ends and means, always focusing on behaviors, common interests and ideals rather than motives, dogma, or ethnicity.  He has thus defined the form that non-violence takes in the realm of politics.  We can only hope that, in time, the wisdom of these means will be recognized, and will restore to this nation that “decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind” without which we can never be free of our own bullies.

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» Deb Higgins on 10.18.09 @ 04:28 PM

Yes, tr, there are lunatics who would like to see BHO dead. BHO’s predecessor, GWB, was also frequently threatened by murder-minded lunatics. Threats toward the president are nothing new.

Ms. Palmer, those epithets you flung at Mr. Sherline in the first line could all be seen in BHO’s words and actions even more clearly with the single exception of “greedy”. “Faithless” - he has been going around the world apologizing to everybody for his country being rotters, and also provably lying outright to the voters. “Power-hungry, quick-fix-addicted” - he tried to engineer a government take-over of one sixth of the nation’s economy before Congress’s August recess, apparently expecting to slide it through before the voters caught on to what HR3200 was like. Thank goodness for people who actually keep a close eye on the Congressional websites where HR3200 was posted and where the current versions are posted. He did manage to slide the cap and trade bill through the House without much debate either public or Congressional; if the Senate passes it also, our utility bills will be skyrocketing (to use BHO’s own description) this winter without, apparently, much of any debate on what effect this will have on the poor, who already have a hard time keeping their homes barely livable in freezing weather. (Been there; haven’t forgotten robbing newspaper recycling to burn for heat and cooking fuel.) And that is just the start. Hope? Sanity? Maybe for people who are more thrilled by symbolism and rhetoric than cognizant of real life. Dignity? I don’t think the way BHO keeps whining about his opponents and apologizing for his country is particularly dignified. Nor is the way he keeps saying that documented facts are lies inspiring to anyone who fact checks. And I have been fact checking since before the Internet made it a lot less time-consuming.

I also have not forgotten how outraged so many libs were about having their patriotism questioned, or the way they declared that protest was patriotic. Now that lib policies are being protested, protest isn’t patriotic any more? That sort of thing is hypocrisy and attempted tyranny. If BHO can’t make the most of his position in spite of whatever criticism (short of assassination) he faces, his potential is not worth grieving over. I sincerely hope BHO will NOT be assassinated; he should have the opportunity to have his eventual record stand on its own.

My forebears have been in North America since before Leif Ericson landed, on my father’s side, and in the USA for barely over a hundred years on my mother’s side. (I am the result of a series of interracial marriages.) We have been getting on with our lives, not waiting for some magical but merely human leader, which is the American way as I was brought up to understand it. I have the impression it was also the way BHO’s parents lived their lives.

Time will certainly tell with BHO’s presidency. If it were not for the way he seems to be ignoring how his program will affect the poor .... Well. We will have to see how successful his foreign policy is. The tenth month he is in office is far too soon to tell much about that.

But 11 days into office is still far too soon for the nomination to have been based on any real action. That nomination has to have been pure hope, with no concrete basis in reality. But then, it has been obvious for some years now that the Nobel Peace Prize has become not much more than a Norse political/ popularity statement.

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» Barbara Kerr on 10.18.09 @ 06:11 PM

Mr. Sherline is wrong about President Obama being selected for the Nobel Prize 11 days after he was sworn into office. The President was nominated at that time but he was not selected for the Prize until October of 2009. Such patiently partisan and political statements should not be published in a credible newspaper.  I really like Noozhawk, I read it every day but this man’s column is not up to your standards. Facts are important.

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» TEX805 on 10.18.09 @ 08:28 PM

‘Why does Obama deserve the Nobel Peace Prize?”

According to the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Committee, “Alfred Nobel wrote that the prize should go to the person who has contributed most to the development of peace in the previous year.  Who has done more for that than Barack Obama?”

The decision was unanimous.  Other recipients have been awarded Nobel Peace Prizes in hope of their causes succeeding (viz. Albert Luthuli in 1960).

What is your problem, Haris?

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» Obama-- worst president even on 10.19.09 @ 03:27 AM

Remember Chamberlin in England—Hitler loved apeasers…

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» JAX on 10.19.09 @ 08:46 AM

Most people, even those that did not vote for Obama, would concede he is very personable, and a good public speaker (albeit a bit glib), at least when he has a good speech programmed on his tele-prompter.

The problem is that those qualities seem better suited to recieving an Oscar or an Obie rather than a Nobel Peace Prize.  Those knowledgeable people, that is, those outside of rabid party politics, recognized that Obama did little or nothing as a “community organizer” and not much more when the democratic party’s, “Chicago machine” got him elected to the Illinois Legislature.

His brief and largely eventless tenure as a U.S. senator also demonstrated that he was basically an obedient Democratic party hack, for the most part, but one who was on his way up the political ladder after his (“rising star”) speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention.

So prior to and during his run for president, the mainstream liberal media engaged in an obvious promotional campaign for him, at times resembling a public rooting club. He was, after all, photogenic, well spoken and in their eyes, “black” enough to represent the sensational side of the “race issue”. (remember he was billed as the first “black” or “Afro-American” to run for the presidency of the United States). I guess the fact he was half white and raised almost entirely by his “white” grandparents wasn’t sensational or newsworthy enough to the liberal and racially apologetic media, to even rate a slight mention.

When he ran for the presidency he mostly spouted nice sounding cliches’ and adages galor, but never addressed anything specific. It is no surprise then, that once elected, he has done little or nothing of significance, at least not yet, other than promoting the biggest future indebtedness of American taxpayers in history and perhaps will be noted for setting a record for the most photo opportunities and television appearances of any prior president.  So the question naturally arises, “What had he ever done to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize”?

As near as can be determined, it was awarded as some kind of foreign political or policy statement, either based on what the Nobel committee thought he might do in the future while president, or simply a slap at America and American politics in general. 

The problem with this particular award is, that it caused many like myself, to lose all credibility for the Nobel Prize Committee; An award committee which many of us here-to-for assumed was evaluating nominees based upon their ACCOMPLISHMENTS not their race, their politics or their popularity!

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» bob on 10.21.09 @ 03:37 PM

I’m pleased that our President was honored this way; I see it as an award for our whole country.  He’s not been in office long but he seems to be intelligently approaching the problems with an open mind.  and is inclusive.  I think it’s good that other countries feel that, too.

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» AN50 on 10.23.09 @ 03:47 PM

Man oh man that’s a laugh and a half GH. Let’s try it without the pantywaist, tyrant appeasing, European socialist worshipping, revisionist crap we have all come to associate with the red diaper doper baby syndrome. They gave it to a guy whose political mentoring came from ex radical cop killers, racist hate spewing faux pastors and one of the most corrupt, violent political machines in the country. And boy is he showing his true colors now, huh? Zero transparency, un-vetted czars and hate spewing trash talk to anyone showing less than 100% agreement with his polices. Oh, and let’s not forget censorship of any media outlet not towing the admin line. Hmmmm, yep that sounds like prize winning material to me.

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» AN50 on 10.26.09 @ 07:03 PM

Local, I did respond to GH, rather sarcastically at that. You just don’t like it when some uses your tactics on one of your own. Your boy gave a flowery description of the “O”, I just brought him back to reality. Now, if you liberals are not pantywaist, tyrant appeasing, European socialist worshipping, revisionist, then show me an example, I sure the hell can’t find any.

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