Comments on: Obama Accepts Nobel Peace Prize As ‘Call To Action’ http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace Boston's NPR News Source Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:26:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: wbur.org » News » First Woman Is Among Nobel Economics Prize Winners http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2320 wbur.org » News » First Woman Is Among Nobel Economics Prize Winners Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:57:32 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2320 [...] the biggest surprise of this year’s awards, President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize on [...] [...] the biggest surprise of this year’s awards, President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize on [...]

]]> By: Manaz http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2299 Manaz Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:29:53 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2299 I am outraged that as Americans we can not just be proud and celebrate our leader being recognized by a foreign prestigious committee. Any other country would have been rejoicing! But a bunch of jealous ultra right force us to waist time questioning the decision of independent foreign prestigious committee! Or poke fun at how many prizes Obama has been getting! It is just like the losers and bullies in school yard picking on the smart accomplished kids! I am sad for our country! Of course President Obama deserves the prize! How many leaders could have changed the political climate so positively around the world and change the negative image of US in such A Short Time? and after so much DAMAGE done by Bush administration? President Obama deserves it just for being such a peaceful man & leader! For how peacefully he has, and is handling the racism, haterate and attacks of the brutal vicious far right! For how he ignores those attacks (ie: his speech to school children, heckled on the house floor,etc.) so he does not loose the focus on the issues or divide the nation even more. This is not something too many people/leaders are willing to do or can do. Even - for example - when recently an unknown Shirin Ebadi got the Nobel peace prize there was no questions. This is unprecedented. I am sad for our country! Having 3 Democrat leaders (2 presidents and one vice president) winning the Nobel peace prize is a testimony to how backward, negative and unwelcome the Republican party's ideology is in the eyes of the majority of people of the world (including Americans). You would hope it would have been a wake up call for the Republican party, but unfortunately it seems instead it makes them very uncomfortable and has put them in full attack mode. And the media as usual plays into their hand. I am outraged that as Americans we can not just be proud and celebrate our leader being recognized by a foreign prestigious committee. Any other country would have been rejoicing! But a bunch of jealous ultra right force us to waist time questioning the decision of independent foreign prestigious committee! Or poke fun at how many prizes Obama has been getting! It is just like the losers and bullies in school yard picking on the smart accomplished kids! I am sad for our country! Of course President Obama deserves the prize! How many leaders could have changed the political climate so positively around the world and change the negative image of US in such A Short Time? and after so much DAMAGE done by Bush administration? President Obama deserves it just for being such a peaceful man & leader! For how peacefully he has, and is handling the racism, haterate and attacks of the brutal vicious far right! For how he ignores those attacks (ie: his speech to school children, heckled on the house floor,etc.) so he does not loose the focus on the issues or divide the nation even more. This is not something too many people/leaders are willing to do or can do. Even – for example – when recently an unknown Shirin Ebadi got the Nobel peace prize there was no questions. This is unprecedented. I am sad for our country!
Having 3 Democrat leaders (2 presidents and one vice president) winning the Nobel peace prize is a testimony to how backward, negative and unwelcome the Republican party’s ideology is in the eyes of the majority of people of the world (including Americans). You would hope it would have been a wake up call for the Republican party, but unfortunately it seems instead it makes them very uncomfortable and has put them in full attack mode. And the media as usual plays into their hand.

]]> By: barbara e. johnson http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2290 barbara e. johnson Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:00:02 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2290 Obama understands "Nobel has also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes", his own adminsitration's included. He embraces the truth that all countries are needed to co-create peace, and all peoples are validated as world citizens. Together We Can as an action plan projected to the world...is a transcendant message from a U.S. president who joined with Americans to transform their own self-image. Obama is a quick-study; give him time to manifest 'accomplishments'; the Nobel is example of expansion of ideals little by little; he likes to advance collaboratively; by consensus, not unilaterally, as noted in his humble understanding of the call to action that the prize signifies. barbara e. johnson Obama understands “Nobel has also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes”, his own adminsitration’s included. He embraces the truth that all countries are needed to co-create peace, and all peoples are validated as world citizens. Together We Can as an action plan projected to the world…is a transcendant message from a U.S. president who joined with Americans to transform their own self-image. Obama is a quick-study; give him time to manifest
‘accomplishments’; the Nobel is example of expansion of ideals little by little; he likes to advance collaboratively; by consensus, not unilaterally, as noted in his humble understanding of the call to action that the prize signifies. barbara e. johnson

]]> By: Janet Latham http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2275 Janet Latham Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:41:21 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2275 Five years from now? At some point in the future? The need to recognize our president's restoration of dignity and integrity to our role in world, his sense of our place and responsibility in a global community, his efforts to employ diplomacy and establish negotiations where desperately needed and previously untried (whatever the outcome) - the need to recognize and support these accomplishments and re-directions is NOW. There is so much at stake and his own people are undermining him and tearing him down with irresponsible partisan politics. To me THAT is what is undeserved, outmoded and unsustainable. Five years from now? At some point in the future? The need to recognize our president’s restoration of dignity and integrity to our role in world, his sense of our place and responsibility in a global community, his efforts to employ diplomacy and establish negotiations where desperately needed and previously untried (whatever the outcome) – the need to recognize and support these accomplishments and re-directions is NOW. There is so much at stake and his own people are undermining him and tearing him down with irresponsible partisan politics. To me THAT is what is undeserved, outmoded and unsustainable.

]]> By: Venus http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2273 Venus Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:17:46 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2273 According to Wikipedia, in Nobel's will, he indicated that the Peace Prize should go "to the person who 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." Dr. Martin Luther King did not broker "fraternity between nations," so much as fraternity WITHIN a nation. Yet, no one denies that he deserved the prize. I agree with the awards committee that President Obama has initiated a "new climate in international politics." How? By bringing insight, sensitivity, empathy, and common sense back into the office of the most powerful country in the world. He IS peace. He STANDS FOR peace. He is WORKING FOR peace. All he requires to actualize his vision is for his constituents to commit themselves as completely to peace as he has. Therefore, I believe that this prize is well-deserved, even if it seems to have come a little early in Obama's presidency ...even if it complicates the issue of sending more troops into Afghanistan ...even if it was awarded as an affirmation or a message to the world of how the committee would like to see international relations proceed ...even if, as Obama suggested, it was awarded "as a means to give momentum to a set of causes" Why the heck not? What cause is more worthy of momentum? According to Wikipedia, in Nobel’s will, he indicated that the Peace Prize should go “to the person who 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.”

Dr. Martin Luther King did not broker “fraternity between nations,” so much as fraternity WITHIN a nation. Yet, no one denies that he deserved the prize.

I agree with the awards committee that President Obama has initiated a “new climate in international politics.” How? By bringing insight, sensitivity, empathy, and common sense back into the office of the most powerful country in the world.

He IS peace. He STANDS FOR peace. He is WORKING FOR peace. All he requires to actualize his vision is for his constituents to commit themselves as completely to peace as he has.

Therefore, I believe that this prize is well-deserved, even if it seems to have come a little early in Obama’s presidency
…even if it complicates the issue of sending more troops into Afghanistan
…even if it was awarded as an affirmation or a message to the world of how the committee would like to see international relations proceed
…even if, as Obama suggested, it was awarded “as a means to give momentum to a set of causes”

Why the heck not? What cause is more worthy of momentum?

]]> By: Carol Agate http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2272 Carol Agate Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:52:49 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2272 Why are people asking what has he accomplished. This is not a science prize. Those are based on accomplishments. Look at past Peace Prize recipients. Many did not accomplish what they struggled hard to achieve. Obama's view of the way the U.S. should behave in the world (with the possible exception of Afghanistan) justifies his receiving the prize. Why are people asking what has he accomplished. This is not a science prize. Those are based on accomplishments. Look at past Peace Prize recipients. Many did not accomplish what they struggled hard to achieve. Obama’s view of the way the U.S. should behave in the world (with the possible exception of Afghanistan) justifies his receiving the prize.

]]> By: John T. Zelazo http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2271 John T. Zelazo Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:17:14 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2271 Good intentions should never go unpunished! Obama is the greatist Pollyanna of our lifetimes (and I am over 50). Wake me up on the day he lives up to it with actual accomplishments of substance behind him and upon us. Good intentions should never go unpunished! Obama is the greatist Pollyanna of our lifetimes (and I am over 50). Wake me up on the day he lives up to it with actual accomplishments of substance behind him and upon us.

]]> By: Beverly Cooper-Wiele http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2269 Beverly Cooper-Wiele Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:34:18 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2269 YES. Barack Obama is "a right decision." Perhaps there can never be "The Right Decision." The Nobel Committee is a historically independent organization which bases it judgments upon a number of factors other than and beyond those which an "average person" may consider. Barack Obama did not campaign for the Nobel Committee; nor are its members representatives of parochial national political parties. Let's stretch ourselves to recognize that we, as individuals of limited knowledge, fairness, and insight, may have something to learn from a group of high-minded others. This prize is an example of the world speaking. YES. Barack Obama is “a right decision.” Perhaps there can never be “The Right Decision.” The Nobel Committee is a historically independent organization which bases it judgments upon a number of factors other than and beyond those which an “average person” may consider. Barack Obama did not campaign for the Nobel Committee; nor are its members representatives of parochial national political parties. Let’s stretch ourselves to recognize that we, as individuals of limited knowledge, fairness, and insight, may have something to learn from a group of high-minded others. This prize is an example of the world speaking.

]]> By: Beverly Kaiser http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2268 Beverly Kaiser Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:20:12 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2268 Obama deserves the award because he understands that we live in a global village. He has changed attitudes of people all over the world. Attitudes affect actions. If we are to have peace and a livable climate, people in all nations have to work together. Obama deserves the award because he understands that we live in a global village. He has changed attitudes of people all over the world. Attitudes affect actions. If we are to have peace and a livable climate, people in all nations have to work together.

]]> By: Tommy http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2265 Tommy Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:44:34 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2265 I think it's pretty obvious. He wasn't awarded this because of what he's done as president - it's how he's transformed our country and our world through his actions and his words. This was just a Norwegian pat on the back compared with the emmense challenges he faces as the leader of the free world I think it’s pretty obvious. He wasn’t awarded this because of what he’s done as president – it’s how he’s transformed our country and our world through his actions and his words. This was just a Norwegian pat on the back compared with the emmense challenges he faces as the leader of the free world

]]> By: HMM http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2264 HMM Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:43:11 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2264 Don't you have to do something to earn this award, first? If he had brokered peace between Israel and Palestine, I would've agreed completely...but he's not even close. If he had pulled the troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan, I would've agreed completely...but he's not even close. Out of all the 205 applications that were submitted by 2/1/09, Obama was the best choice? I doubt it. Don’t you have to do something to earn this award, first? If he had brokered peace between Israel and Palestine, I would’ve agreed completely…but he’s not even close. If he had pulled the troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan, I would’ve agreed completely…but he’s not even close. Out of all the 205 applications that were submitted by 2/1/09, Obama was the best choice? I doubt it.

]]> By: jim http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2255 jim Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:05:58 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2255 This is just another example of how there is nothing genuine left in the world. Everything is manufactured, bias and agenda driven. Of course he doesn't deserve the award. What has he done? Since when does reading a teleprompter make you a great statesman? This is just a continuation of the left wingers trying to justify their deep, bitter hatred for Bush and their euphoric love affair for Obama. It shows how insecure they are of their policies. They need to give someone an award to try and remind people how great he is or will be. Nothing has changed for the better in the world since January. In fact things have gotten worse. This is just another example of how there is nothing genuine left in the world. Everything is manufactured, bias and agenda driven. Of course he doesn’t deserve the award. What has he done? Since when does reading a teleprompter make you a great statesman? This is just a continuation of the left wingers trying to justify their deep, bitter hatred for Bush and their euphoric love affair for Obama. It shows how insecure they are of their policies. They need to give someone an award to try and remind people how great he is or will be. Nothing has changed for the better in the world since January. In fact things have gotten worse.

]]> By: Jeffrey Schnitzer http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2253 Jeffrey Schnitzer Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:14:50 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2253 Oh, Lord, yes. He has turned us from being perhaps the world's most feared and disliked/hated country almost back into "the last best hope of earth." If he would just stop trying to make nice with the implacable GOP, we would have health care, union reform, finance regulation etc. I am so proud to have worked for his election. I am so proud that he is our President. And, today, he has made all America proud. Oh, Lord, yes. He has turned us from being perhaps the world’s most feared and disliked/hated country almost back into “the last best hope of earth.” If he would just stop trying to make nice with the implacable GOP, we would have health care, union reform, finance regulation etc. I am so proud to have worked for his election. I am so proud that he is our President. And, today, he has made all America proud.

]]> By: GBS http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2252 GBS Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:58:20 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2252 Yes. He deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. President Obama is a rare gifted individual who makes the right decisions and choices. We are witnessing history, a society which has begun to regain its collective hope and imagination for a future that will be more secure. I am humbled by this act by the Nobel Prize committee and most thankful that they recognize the extraordinary contribution President Obama has made to the world. Yes. He deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. President Obama is a rare gifted individual who makes the right decisions and choices. We are witnessing history, a society which has begun to regain its collective hope and imagination for a future that will be more secure. I am humbled by this act by the Nobel Prize committee and most thankful that they recognize the extraordinary contribution President Obama has made to the world.

]]> By: Tom Johnson http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2251 Tom Johnson Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:52:10 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2251 He was awarded this distinction because the real world beyond our borders acknowledges Mr Obama's authentic hope that world domination is a shared goal for all peoples. His hope was followed by his behavior. He was awarded this distinction because the real world beyond our borders acknowledges Mr Obama’s authentic hope that world domination is a shared goal for all peoples. His hope was followed by his behavior.

]]> By: BettyD http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2249 BettyD Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:47:45 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2249 I was surprised but then I remembered---most of the world sees Obama in a more positive light than many in his own country. US politics are so polarized that we may overlook the fact that Obama is helping the US to be seen once again as a global leader. That is why he received the award. I was surprised but then I remembered—most of the world sees Obama in a more positive light than many in his own country. US politics are so polarized that we may overlook the fact that Obama is helping the US to be seen once again as a global leader. That is why he received the award.

]]> By: Alanna http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2248 Alanna Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:30:09 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2248 Congratulations to the President. He has undoubtedly worked hard, but he is young and will hopefully accomplish much. There are so many people who have dedicated their lives to peace that I do wish the committee would spotlight this work. Congratulations to the President. He has undoubtedly worked hard, but he is young and will hopefully accomplish much. There are so many people who have dedicated their lives to peace that I do wish the committee would spotlight this work.

]]> By: Scott Santos http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2246 Scott Santos Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:26:38 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2246 Whether one agrees with this decision or not, one has to recognize that the world's view of the US has changed since we elected President Obama to office.His efforts to extend an olive branch to those willing to accept it have done a great deal to enhance our position as a world leader.By opening up a dialogue with those who with we might not agree, but must communicate with will do much to encourage peace. The award should also be seen as an award for our country's accomplishments as the president is our representative on the world stage. Whether one agrees with this decision or not, one has to recognize that the world’s view of the US has changed since we elected President Obama to office.His efforts to extend an olive branch to those willing to accept it have done a great deal to enhance our position as a world leader.By opening up a dialogue with those who with we might not agree, but must communicate with will do much to encourage peace. The award should also be seen as an award for our country’s accomplishments as the president is our representative on the world stage.

]]> By: Colleen McCall http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2245 Colleen McCall Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:08:42 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2245 I was surprised to hear of the choice but hearing why he was chosen makes lots of sense. He does represent hope to the world (not just our country!) and at a time when so much is bleak, I guess even the Nobel Peace Committee recognizes how important that is. It is sad that we, as a nation, cannot seem to get past the poison partisan politics to be proud of our standing president for such an honor bestowed him for even one hour. Hatred is out of control; this country could benefit from a class in peace itself!! I was surprised to hear of the choice but hearing why he was chosen makes lots of sense. He does represent hope to the world (not just our country!) and at a time when so much is bleak, I guess even the Nobel Peace Committee recognizes how important that is. It is sad that we, as a nation, cannot seem to get past the poison partisan politics to be proud of our standing president for such an honor bestowed him for even one hour. Hatred is out of control; this country could benefit from a class in peace itself!!

]]> By: Kathy Tamburri http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/09/nobel-peace/comment-page-1#comment-2244 Kathy Tamburri Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:02:45 +0000 http://www.wbur.org/?p=10924#comment-2244 My teenage sons are home from school today and when I read this headline out loud to them, they shared my (still unspoken) reaction: "FOR WHAT?" It's a cynical enough world we're raising our children in. Do we have to lessen their respect for even such institutions as the Nobel Committee? We admire and respect our president in my household, but we like to see accomplishments come BEFORE commendations. This is world politics becoming Hollywood. With apologies to the Obamas, who are wonderful visionary people. I think they would agree with us. My teenage sons are home from school today and when I read this headline out loud to them, they shared my (still unspoken) reaction: “FOR WHAT?” It’s a cynical enough world we’re raising our children in. Do we have to lessen their respect for even such institutions as the Nobel Committee? We admire and respect our president in my household, but we like to see accomplishments come BEFORE commendations. This is world politics becoming Hollywood. With apologies to the Obamas, who are wonderful visionary people. I think they would agree with us.

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