I can’t read the guy’s mind, of course, but after the initial, natural response of “Yeah, I got it goin’ on,” I’m thinking this is what President Obama must’ve really been thinking upon hearing that he’d won the Nobel Peace Prize:
Dang it! It’s a great honor and all, but I really don’t need this right now. I’ve got wars in Afghanistan and Iraq—not to mention nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea. Man, don’t they know I’ve still got health-care reform and the economic downturn to figure out at home? And on top of that, this will just be more fodder for all the haters who want to see me fail no matter what. Couldn’t they have put me on the list for 2017?
Well, at least that’s what I would’ve been thinking if I were in his shoes.
I also was shocked to hear the news this morning that Obama had won the Peace Prize. Clearly, he has yet to accomplish anything concrete that would naturally point to his selection. However, I do agree in part with Fareed Zakaria’s take over at CNN.com that this is more of an award to America—a challenge and encouragement to us (and the world) to pursue the high rhetoric of hope and international cooperation that Obama has advocated.
What’s more, the award is also a recognition of what happened in the U.S. last November when we elected Obama. It’s a salute to America’s ability to finally rise up to the ideals of equality, freedom, and strength through diversity that it was founded on. I think if our country is truly serious about living up to those ideals, we will ultimately prove the Nobel committee members to have been correct in their decision, whether we like Obama or not.
Shouldn’t the Nobel Peace Prize be given to those who have proven their worth, not to those who have yet to prove their worth? I cite your statement, “…we will ultimately prove the Nobel committee members to have been correct in their decision, whether we like Obama or not.”
Not that I don’t take pride in American success, but I wonder anymore what the value of the Prize is?
Is there an official explanation of why Obama received the Prize?
Maybe proving your courage is important too. Think about what this guy took on.
Wow, lifeaftereighty, I never thought about that. Just the courage it took for him to run. Like others, I thought it was just for America, but they couldn’t give it to a country.
Blessings.
Hi, Matt. Thanks for your comment. The Nobel committee said this in its official statement: “[The committee] has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama’s vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.”
I find it unfortunate that the right-wing whiners are again ignoring the facts. As you state, the Prize was awarded in part specifically for Pres. Obama’s work to reduce and eliminate the nuclear threat.
Pres. Obama had been working on detering nuclear proliferation as a Senator, notably with GOP Sen. Dick Lugar of Indiana, as soon as he was elected to the Senate 5 years ago.
And he DOES have accomplishments on that front as a Senator so this nonsense about “proving his worth first” is just that, nonsense.
Besides, people have won the Nobel Peace Prize in the past for negotiating peace between Israel and Palestine (Arafat, Peres, etc)… that has yet to be proven and it’s been decades.
As one Democrat said last week, if the President ate a BLT the right-wingers would whine that bacon should be banned and a bunch of yellers would carry signs with Obama looking like a pig with a big X across it or something.
Sheesh.
Ed, I am still a little…ummm…what’s the word…disheveled…by this. Obama is a brilliant politician and thoughtful man. Based on Fareed’s article, I wonder, why didn’t they just give the award to…the United States of America?
I am cautious because I am asking what are the concrete accomplishments that come with such an award. This isnt the first time I have questioned who got the award.
I applaud the President but I do kind of wish that he would have had more concrete victories under his belt.
Just my thoughts.
I am also a little taken aback. It has always been my understanding that the Prize was for something accomplished.
But to be honest, it seems that even if it has not been completed, the work of the Prize Winner to date is what the committee examines in making it’s determination.
Some may argue that even so this is still premature. I do not have all the facts but can you contrast the award to Mr Gore and how much more concrete his accomplishments were when he was awarded.
I was really suprised and, indeed thought it was premature. However, what has amazed and amused me is the hyperbolic reaction from the far right today. People have been going out of their way (Rush Limbaugh even sent an e-mail to politico) to explain how furious they were that he won this – or even saying that it was a bad thing that he did.
The only people who showed any class are John McCain and Tim Pawlenty.
To me this is just further undergirding my belief that the GOP of 2009 = the Democratic Party of 1972. It has become so ingrown and insular that it fails to even recognize that when something is good for America (and this certainly is) you ought to celebrate.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). Amen.
I’m very disappointed with the attitudes of many Republicans–especially those who consider themselves Christian. Rush Limbaugh is not an example to follow.
[…] Gilbreath over at Reconciliation Blog is thinking what I was thinking about what President Obama might have been thinking when he learned he had won […]
Respect is…
Respect is…listening with out interrupting
Respect is…taking your partner’s feelings into consideration
Respect is…keeping an open mind
Respect is…agreeing to disagree
Respect is…trying to understand your partner’s viewpoint
Respect is…loving yourself
Respect is…trust and honesty
Respect is…giving each other space
Respect is…nonviolence
Respect is…direct communication
Respect is…building a person up instead of tearing them down
Respect is…friendship
Respect is…not pressuring the other person
Love this!
I was surprised too, but he has begun to turn a very big ship around.
Ed, I was thinking exactly what you were thinking about what Obama was thinking.
I’m thinking of hanging out a shingle: “Psychic Readings by Rich,” based on my recent post: “…Bolton was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. The fact that it is given out like candy to killers, wingnuts and the brilliant alike (Arafat, Gore and Burlaug) makes it a dubious prize at best…”
Of course, I will have to modify that to read “killers, wingnuts, the brilliant, and those who promise to do swell stuff in the future if they can just get their damn health care bill passed.”
Rush Limbaugh likes to joke that President Obama has had a five-minute career. Well apparently, when the president was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, his career really was five-minutes old! He was nominated on February 1 for “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited “his outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation.” I didn’t look this up, but I don’t think his World Wide Apology Tour had even started then, did it?
The clichéd (but true) criticism of liberals is that it doesn’t matter what the results of their policies are, but that they mean well and that they care for people. Now that qualifies for a prize. An article on the award today stated, “In his 1895 will, Alfred Nobel stipulated that the peace prize should go “to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations and the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the formation and spreading of peace congresses.” I would think “shall have done,” would be the most important part of this rule.
Let’s contemplate actual results for a moment:
There are thousands of people walking around Iraq and Afghanistan, who, if not for President Bush, would have been raped, tortured, mutilated and/or beheaded. Many are crying now, not because loved ones have been murdered or have “disappeared,” but because the ink on their thumbs has finally completely faded away.
I feel like Red Buttons on the old Dean Martin Roasts who would say, “So and so who did so and so, never got a dinner!”
President Bush, who freed millions, never got a dinner!
President Reagan, who freed millions, never got a dinner!
But in all fairness, President Obama hasn’t yet accepted the award. Maybe he will reject it as being premature. Maybe in declining it he will pay homage to those who never got a dinner. Maybe in his speech he will not mention hope and change. Maybe he will balance five spinning plates on sticks while singing “The Impossible Dream.” Maybe…
Rich R.
http://ehlersoneverything.blogspot.com/2009/09/obama-at-un-in-search-of-fdrs-vision.html#comments
Thanks for a great blog post! Meg: it is indeed a big ship to turn!
Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize surprised me, as many others, as I was viewing it being announced on Norwegian television this morning. As I reflected upon it I do understand the reasoning of the committee; President Barack Obama has more than anyone this year (and in my memory) managed to inspire the world towards ideals of action. He has been a spokesman of so many individuals cross cultures expressing the need for change and conscientiousness. Let’s follow the Peace Price committee’s example and applaud Obama for his ambitions and help carry him towards great accomplishments.
Obama has achieved more than George Bush ever did.
He has opened dialogue with Iran – a noteworthy achievement (ask the Russians).
He has led the global fight against a worldwide recession, economics overlap with wars and crises.
He has done more on Kyoto than Bush ever did.
His extraordinary leadership and inspiration of the American people as a party candidate who promoted the ‘high ground’ of politics is an achievement not to be belittled.
And still Americans are not happy.
Be that as it may, the challenges he now faces such as health care, Iraq, Afghanistan etc are surmountable.
Seems like people always want more and it’s never good enough. I’m glad he won, but I’m afraid he’s going to have to continue to do more before he pleases more people. I can’t even imagine the stress of being the president of the United States of America. Yeesh…
-Chris
Discover everything you need to know about music at DecibelBlog.com.
I agree its more of an award towards America. Well said
– http://redlinemg.net/blog
Most presidents try to keep peace. Many have had to deal with wars, economic troubles, health care reform….and more.
Roosevelt, for instance. Many of them ACHIEVED solid accomplishments. None of them got the award. I’ve not seen Obama do any yet that helps the common man. My problem with his “accomplishments” are that, as yet, I haven’t seen anything accomplished! The working poor are lucky if they are still working and they are poorer than ever. Homeowners don’t have their homes any more. The number of homeless has increased radically. The price of everything is still going up, up, up. If you think Americans “still aren’t happy” claverc, you are right. Our children and grandchildren are in serious trouble and the rich keep getting richer. Obama spent a billion to get into office and to date he has spent more than any other president.
I just don’t see the peace when I talk to the common man on the street. I see disgruntled citizens that are getting more fed up every day.
As an attorney and teacher, I could sit here and give all the rational reasons why this decision makes no sense – whether you voted for President Obama or not. Many of the comments here already do that.
However, as a Christian, my immediate response to the news was the song by Crystal Lewis, “People get ready; Jesus is coming; soon we’ll be going home.”
My theoretical/rhetorical question is whether he knows that he’s being used as a pawn in these end times, or is he a willing participant? Not so much seeking a response; just putting the thoughts out there.
It’s very simple and I can’t believe no one has mentioned it yet. Barack Obama won the award because he’s black(think Nelson Mandela). He represents everything the Nobel Peace Prize seeks to honor: Justice, Equality, Peace between different people’s.
And that’s totally awesome. I’m fine that he got it.
But the jury’s excuse for giving him the prize is disingenuous to say the least: “The Committee has attached special importance to Obama’s vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.”
Puh-leeze! Who do they think they’re kidding? They’re just a group of racially-profiling, European motherfuckers…Fuck ’em.
Please explain why you think awarding the Peace Prize to him for his work on ridding the world of nukes is “disingenuous”?
He was a Senator before he was President and perhaps you ought to look up his Senate record on nuclear non-proliferation before inserting your foot into your mouth again. Even GOP elder statesman Sen. Dick Lugar has given Obama praise for his work against the nuclear threat.
Just because you don’t know about his Senate record doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Obamanation getting the Nobel piss prize is a BIG FAT JOKE. The Nobel peace award has even been given to Israeli terrorist Menachim Begin, who belonged to the IRGUN — same as Rahm Emanel’s father — you do know who Rahmbo is right?
The whole thing is all insider politics BS. The arrogant Obama has done SQUAT. All he’s done is spend this country into oblivion.
Speaking of Obama’s “work” on non-proliferation, it might be nice if he mentioned Israel having nukes. But we can forget that ever happening, can’t we?
The only reason you’re so giddy about Obama getting the Nobel, is because you’re a “person of color.” That’s basically all that concerns you, not America. You know it, I know it. White America has had quite enough of you spoiled and militant “African-Americans.”
“It’s a salute to America’s ability to finally rise up to the ideals of equality, freedom, and strength through diversity that it was founded on.”
Oh BS, this country was not founded on that “diversity” crap and you know it. You’re just spouting off PC mumbo-jumbo so you can justify your Affirmative Action lifestyle in the cushy civilization that White people have created.
Enjoy the next few years as this country devolves into a third-world hellhole, chump-of-color, because Whites will finally come out swinging.
And that is what really scares you.
Wow, just reading all of your posts makes me a) embarrassed to be an American and b) disgusted as a human being in general. Not one of you has said anything intelligent. Where do you get your news? Fox? CNN? Have you read a book lately? Have you traveled the world and truly asked people in other countries what they think? When Teddy Roosevelt received the NPP, do you think America dissented? Do you think they spoke out in outrage? Hell no, because they were proud to be American and proud of all it had to offer including their President (no matter their belief system).
I can’t believe I am witnessing the day that Americans are happy we lost the Olympics and pissed off that our President won the Nobel Peace Prize.
And for “Incogman”, you are at best an ignorant human being and at worst, a racist redneck, either way a complete waste of oxygen. Please do all of us a favor and stop “writing”, b/c reading your posts actually makes me less intelligent.
PS. In the words of the great George W. “you are either with us, or against us” make your decision.
Educated,
I’m pretty sure that’s a misnomer. Perhaps you were being ironical?
Maybe we’re misinterpreting ‘Peace Prize’. Maybe Obama’s getting it because he’s very good at staying quiet for a certain number of minutes each day. “Dad, Dad!” “Hush now, Malia, daddy’s in his Peace zone and he won’t be out until he get’s his prize.”
http://doctorbeatnik.wordpress.com/
Ed–You ought to get the NPP for writing so articulately about this confusing moment. I apologize to you on behalf of Incogman. Your graciousness alone, at allowing his inappropriate comment on your blog, renders you a true American and man of integrity and grace. I salute you.
Excellent commentary with a few exceptions. Just heard more bizarre talk from Garafolo, but she does serve a purpose by making clear thinking people question everything she and the Liberal Democrats say and do. Obama is in good company regarding the Nobel Prize, with Jimmy Carter’s poor statesmanship, Al Gore’s dumping on the planet and Yasser Arafat, the terrorist.
check out my blog at http://www.donottreadonus.wordpress.com
Ted,
ummm…are you playing the race card?
This country is in serious trouble and its just a matter of time before American’s wake up and find their freedom and liberty taken away and replaced with big brother “government” watching US all and keep US under its thumb. This is the American Obama wants for US and is working very hard to achieve. I don’t believe Obama receiving this Peace Prize was deserved nor earned, however it doesn’t surprise me at all. These are very scary times. It blows me away that so many people still don’t see where we are heading as a nation. We deserve what we get because after all, Americans voted this inexperienced radical leftist in so we can’t complain when he does what he said he would do and that is CHANGE this country. It’s the CHANGE that has this American terrified. Luckily… God (in my humble opinion) is still in control.
To “Educated:”
You don’t know anything about me. Zip, nada. All you are doing is exactly what you accuse me of: Racist, anti-White attacks by calling me a dumb “redneck” and all the other tired “trailer park trash” crap.
What’s worse, is you’re probably White.
Face the facts: You revel in White Guilt. You go out of your way to attack fellow White people, who stand up for their own kind, because you are too spineless to buck the PC mantra set out for you.
It’s little wonder our country is on this path with members of our own race exhibiting such stupidity.
Wendy says:
“Ed–You ought to get the NPP for writing so articulately about this confusing moment. I apologize to you on behalf of Incogman. Your graciousness alone, at allowing his inappropriate comment on your blog, renders you a true American and man of integrity and grace. I salute you.”
Wow, what a load of pure race ass-kissing there. Some “blogster of color” allows a White person’s comment to show up and he now deserves such high honors.
Does anyone out there even wonder how America fallen to such levels of utter idiocy?
Incogman,
This “blogster of color” appreciates you sharing your perspective on his blog, even though I might strongly disagree with parts of what you’re saying. However, would it be asking too much for you to try to keep things a little more civil? You came out firing with hostility from word one.
I’m honestly interested in hearing more of your viewpoint on these issues, but this is not a place for calculated outbursts of hate. Folks here usually exercise more decorum.
Again, I welcome your views—and I want to hear them—but can you tone down the personal attacks? It’s hard to take you seriously when you’re spewing such vitriol, and I’d like to take you seriously.
Peace,
Ed G.
Ed,
Your response to “incogman” is a masterpiece of genuine tolerance and self-control. God bless you. I’m not there yet–pray for me–but I’m inspired by your example to keep pressing toward the goal.
It takes a WHOLE LOT of grace to deal with some folks.
[…] What ‘toon do YOU want to see naked next?! PopWatch Subway Stairs Turn Into Piano Fun Quipster I Won What? (Reflections on the Nobel Peace Prize) Reconciliation Blog Today: Read on Memory Lane On Tap For Today Killer Queen: Twelve Inches of Death? Blue […]
Not always easy to take people seriously when their judgement seems clouded by an aversion to certain shades.
Edward Gilbreath:
Uh, I think that I was the one attacked first as a “ignorant” White. That’s what they always try to say if you buck the intolerant “tolerance.”
My comments are pointed, I admit, but the fact that Whites cannot say JACK anymore (even the stupidest things) makes toeing the PC line a little difficult.
Am I so evil because I dare to speak what many Whites think and even whisper?
Figure it out: All of us are really Niggers to the powers behind the curtain. Me standing up for my own race is what they don’t want to see. A cohesive White race would present real dangers to these people’s eventual goals.
They’ve understood this possibility for a long time now. If you can’t see it yet, then I ask you to put away your own skin color for a minute and think about it.
Obama is not one of you. He is owned and operated by the elite class who are enemies to the whole concept of America.
Incogman says, “My comments are pointed, I admit, but the fact that Whites cannot say JACK anymore (even the stupidest things) makes toeing the PC line a little difficult.”
I remember a time when we Americans (of any color) couldn’t say JACK about the man in the White House (even the stupidest things)… heck, we couldn’t even say “french” fries or “french” toast anymore and the GOP-controlled Congress even passed a law changing it in their own Capitol Hill cafeteria…
What happened to those days? 😉
LOL.
Actually, I remember that bit about French Fries. Totally bogus. The French didn’t let us overfly France when we bombed Tripoli. I later found out that the Mossad tricked the US with phony transmissions and paid someone to throw a grenade into the Labelle disco in Germany. Read Victor Ostrasky’s book on the Mossad.
I, too, have been a sap for the US Zionist media. We all have been, sadly. Remember Saddam and WMD? Pay attention to the media NOW.
Folks, we don’t have a lot of time.
i think the nobel prize will make obama more clear of his responsibilities..being president of the most influential country on earth..he is a good one..
I almost laughed out loud when I saw the news story on my computer yesterday. Obama has mesmerized so many in the world. He was president for two weeks, two weeks! So many people have put their hope in him, that somehow he’s going to fix problems that humanity has been struggling with for a hundred years, some since the beginning of time.
I’ve never seen anyone be rewarded and admired more for some idea he represents rather than what he actually is and has done.
I think the song “Cult of Personality” sums up the Obama phenomenon better than anything else I’ve seen or heard.
Didn’t mean for the whole video box to pop up, I just pasted a link. sorry.
No worries. I love that song and video. I posted their 1989 performance of this song on “The Arsenio Hall Show” on my Facebook page a few months back. I actually think the song could speak to our obsession with any number of public figures (politicians of all stripes, preachers, etc). I won’t even mention that certain ex-governor who currently has a best-selling book that hasn’t even been released yet. 🙂
😉 Good one. I haven’t ordered the book…yet. Actually I probably won’t. I don’t read political books.
I invite those on this blog to watch a few videos I have on race at my blog. Feel free to comment.
http://incogman.wordpress.com/keep-it-white-videos/
IS no-one else going to call a racist a racist? Incogman was ‘attacked’ because his opening gambit was offence – both in the sense of being on the offensive rather than having a discussion, and in the sense of offending. Trouble is, I think it’s what he was looking for – the old. go stir some folk up with racist talk and then be able to point at them and say “Told you it was a problem” when they react’ routine. For the record I am white, and this guy sickens me.
I usually try not to engage that kind of stuff, especially here. This has been a unique corner of the blogosphere where people of varying opinions can express their views without resorting to the typical insults and profanity that’s rampant in the blogosphere.
I don’t know what other people are thinking, but I see it and choose not to give it attention.
Ahhhh, did widdle Steve “for the record I am White, but don’t please don’t think I’m like him,” get his tummy upset with Evil, Racist, Xenophobe, Nativist, Klansman, Nazi INCOG MAN?
You spineless liberals make me sick. You would probably lick the boots of any criminal robbing you. Hell, your sensitive avatar says it all right there.
I bet you hate you were born White, right? Admit it.
At least you know the right adjectives for your opinions, Incog Man. As for avatars, you hide behind an image of someone else, you also hide behind a pseudonym. Perhaps you don’t really have the courage of your perverse convictions after all. Oh and I read some of your spurious writing. Deluded race hatred posing as ‘truth’ is all I found.
“It’s a salute to America’s ability to finally rise up to the ideals of equality, freedom, and strength through diversity that it was founded on.”
Finally?
There have been American Presidents and leadership that have been doing just this way before Obama was a gleam in his father’s eye.
Hi Ed,
My reaction was similar to yours. When I saw the headline yesterday morning, my first reaction was to chuckle. Unfortunately, in spite of Obama’s humble reaction, this award will be used as fodder by conservatives pushing the Obama is an egomaniac narrative.
In regard to the discussion that has taken place on this post, I wonder if you might reconsider the decision to let comments be posted without review. While I think a free and open dialogue is valuable, I believe there are those whose intentions and tone are so contrary to what you are working toward that they in fact only inhibit and detract from real dialogue. In any case, I respect so much your ongoing commitment to grace and love. Thank you!
Jesse says, “Unfortunately, in spite of Obama’s humble reaction, this award will be used as fodder by conservatives pushing the Obama is an egomaniac narrative.”
Pres. Obama’s very presence in the White House is fodder enough for the whiners.
he did write a couple encouraging books
Steven,
I’m also a white guy and incogman disturbs me as well and I don’t agree with what he says or stands for, however I must admit I can relate to his frustration on certain issues relating to political correctness on steroids in this country. Let’s face it – the word “racism” itself is a very loaded term and it seems to me ever since Obama took office as President both sides of the political spectrum have been either playing the race card or using race in some way for political purposes. Obama included!
one further note….if we continue down the road Obama has this country on free speech (in my opinion) will be a thing of the past. We see a glimpse of this already with the Hate Crimes bill. I can see a day in the not to distant future where we will not be able to have this conversation in the open and incogman would be thrown in prison whether he deserves it or not for voicing his opinion.
keoughp, I noted this in a reply to incog above … but when you say “however I must admit I can relate to his frustration on certain issues relating to political correctness on steroids in this country” you must realize it’s a two-way street.
From January 2001 to January 2009 (and even til today) we Americans have been chastised that we dare not speak ill of Pres. Bush. To do so was unpatriotic, even treasonous, we were scolded.
When the nation of France thought ill of the neo-cons’ plans to invade Iraq under what turned out to be false pretenses, we Americans were told we could no longer call “french” fries by anything other than “freedom” fries.
It seems all too often that the ones crying about “political correctness” are the ones most easily offended and all too often (yourself perhaps a rare exception) all too quick to offend for the sake of being offensive.
Put more simply: one man’s “political correctness” is another man’s “common courtesy”. Think on that, please.
I think it is too early to win a Nobel Prize. However, I hope that over time, Obama can show that he really deserved it.
Ed: Stifle Incogman. (Though I’m secretly pleased I irritated him.)
I bet that thrilled you to the core, didn’t it? I probably made your Saturday night fairly exciting in a AIDS free sort of way.
I think that, from my perspective here in the UK, Americans don’t realise that the previous administration actually got the country into terrible difficulties.
Obama hasn’t begun his presidency yet…he is still putting out the fires, restoring a reputation that had been completely tarnished.
I know that many Americans read their Bibles so you may remember that…
” A good reputation is worth more than silver and gold. “
You people here don’t get to hear much from the likes of me — yet. I also noticed that none of you had the guts to comment at my blog. Probably too chicken to even read anything, let alone make a feeble point.
But that’s OK. My hits are going thru the roof as other Americans come to the same conclusions I have. I get more hits in one day, than this blog in a week or more.
Soon you might see a lot of INCOG MANS here. Unless you stay so boring.
Come check it out (if you got the guts): http://incogman.wordpress.com/
BTW: Obama is a BIG FAT JOKE on America. He’s a stuck-up puppet of his Zio-masters. You’ll figure it out, one day.
Incogman says, “I also noticed that none of you had the guts to comment at my blog. Probably too chicken to even read anything, let alone make a feeble point.”
If we need a laugh, we’ll watch Saturday Night Live instead. 🙂
Check out my “Dark Humor” Topic in my topic cloud on the left. I’m certain you might have a laff or two (but not tell anyone).
hopefully mr obama will work more closely with muslims.
Yeah, on getting approval from corrupted Muslim governments for another Jew war on Iran, probably. Who do you think owns Obama?
When will you people wake up and smell the coffee? Once the dollar bites the dust and you get a pink slip?
Incogman,
I have checked your blog and it’s pretty disturbing. I’m saddened by all the anti-Semitic and racist tripe from you and your many commenters. The environment there doesn’t appear to be too welcoming to someone like me, but you do have a nice design.
At this point, I think I need to follow my friend’s advice above and ask you to refrain from commenting here. You’re clearly not interested in engaging the discussion in a constructive way. I will try to take what I can of value from your few comments that weren’t attacking someone or intentionally pushing buttons. (If the antidote to political correctness is belittling someone and directing hate at a fellow human being, then perhaps there’s something good to be said for political correctness.)
I do want to better understand the reasons for your anger, resentment, and paranoia. If ever you’d like to have a serious conversation, minus all the bitterness and hate, please send me a note.
I pray that you will experience the mercy, healing, and forgiveness of Jesus. The stuff you’re peddling is both insulting and evil.
Peace,
Ed G.
Ed I think there can be few genuine reasons for opinions and attitudes like that. Fear is usually somewhere beneath this sort of thing but belief such clearly wrong opinions cannot solely be attributed to fear; the people peddling racist and anti-Semitic slander must take responsibility for their words and actions. In this day and age there really are no excuses, not even the one that they are fighting against the ‘PC brigade’. Love and respect to you from England.
I have to agree with Ed G., well articulated. I would have had my thoughts on everything else and asked why not on catch me on the next pass by? 🙂
As for deserving the award? I pass no judgment. I can only do as I have done in the past and as it is asked for us to do and that is to Pray for our leaders! Pray for our country, and it’s people.
Mr.Ed G. you show not only patience but compassion and wisdom in adverse conditions within your very on blog. Your article is well rounded and is balanced for a nice discussion. ‘Tis a rare occasion that I find a conversation worth solid interaction. Yours is such, it invokes actual thought. Great post.
Well said Ed. I visited his site too and was pretty disturbed. Over the years, I have visited a few like this. The one consistent pattern I see is the very thing these websites accuse many Blacks of: playing the victim card.
They are victims and individuals while everyone else are placed into generalized groups with names that denigrate them.
That’s the dead giveaway.
Props Ed!
I really don’t know what you guys think, but Obama, in his few months in office has brought more peace than the eight years that killer Bush have been trying to do.
I think that a win for one member of our country is a win for all, but I can’t help but wonder if the value of the Nobel Peace Prize has been devalued by giving it to someone who has a lot more prominence than he does actual fruits of labor. I respect the President, but I have lost respect for the prize.
Please read this
http://pleasehelpevan.wordpress.com/
Thank you.
As someone with policy differences from the President, the awarding of the NPP eight months into his term simply confirms the critique that many of us have had since the campaign. He is a charismatic intelligent guy with an inspiring personal story and an amazing career arc. But when it comes to legislative or governing accomplishments there is way more sizzle than steak.
The need to “interpret” what the committee really meant is amusing. If they meant all of these other things, why didn’t they just say them? This choice simply shows their political predilections.
As was pointed out above, the policies of Ronald Reagan brought an end to the cold war and ended oppressive regimes all over the world bringing freedom to millions without getting a nod. But they give it to president Obama barely into his term? Right.
A NPP often recognizes the pinnacle of someone’s career and life accomplishments. Let’s hope that it isn’t down hill from here for our president. He still has time to make a significant impact, but getting this award the week after SNL lampoons how little he has accomplished so far is rich with irony.
This blog provides a remarkably broad cross section of thought and opinions expressed with a high degree of decorum and civility that I really appreciate. Sometimes you don’t fully appreciate what you have until it is threatened. Ed, thanks for the leadership.
“It’s a salute to America’s ability to finally rise up to the ideals of equality, freedom, and strength through diversity that it was founded on.”
Are you kidding? America came to life through war, cultural imperialism, political elitism and European tradition. You know, all that horrible stuff that make democrats like Obama cry, but also made the Western civilization great.
Are you kidding? America came to life through war, cultural imperialism, political elitism and European tradition.
Perhaps. But I believe America’s Constitution, though certainly imperfect, has always cast a higher, more noble vision than its leaders and citizens have been able to live up to on a consistent basis. Occasionally we get it right, though.
[…] interesting take on Obama’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize by Edward Gilbreath in his Reconciliation blog. Not everyone shared Ed’s views exactly, but that’s the nature of debate. But the […]
[Are you kidding? America came to life through war, cultural imperialism, political elitism….more garbage]
Incorrect. They followed the examples of failed societies and is only now realizing that they too will suffer the same fate if they don’t embrace equality. All that horrible stuff that you oh so nonchalantly refered to is what led to the stock market crash, the current recession, 9/11 and all the other similar catastrophe’s in American history. But I do commend you for closing your eyes to reality to honor your forefathers. That’s about the only virtue that could be considered redeeming.
As for the NPP, it shows that we’ve come to a turning point where the onus is on America to establish the rough beginnings of world peace. To say that it wasn’t deserved is saying that America is incapable of enlightened thought.
I like this blog. It contains a certain civility among very diverse opinions. My opinion on this is that anything that distracts attention away from the President’s agenda is bad for the President. He lost another few days on this news story, and he failed to turn it into a positive. He fell right into another barrel full of laughs on the late-night comedy routines. He should have refused it or offered to share it with someone else who’s been on the front lines of peacemaking around the world. I think Barak Obama is an an amazing person with great talent. But he lacks experience and this is really diminishing his ability to get things done.
For those of you with school age children, do you have knowledge of exactly what they are being taught with regard to daily life and our country’s history. I have great concerns about the odes to Obama just suddenly surfacing after some 6 months. This type of misuse of educable time is inappropriate regardless of the party in power. Unfortunately this propaganda has been used in the past and is still being used by totalitarian governments. For those of you who might have some interest in this, I refer you to a recent blog written on my site http://www.donottreadonus.wordpress.com
Ed I am glad the president won an award . But the Nobel Peace Prize in my opinion has lost much of its prestige then the days King had won it .
Recent winners appear more based on a good old boys network of selection based on ideologies , not merit .
China basically just spit in our face diplomatically r , Iran laughs in our faces . Russia continues to see our problems dealing with Afghanistan as something they hope to encourage . Middle East countries like us , Israel thinks we sell outs and skunks . Obama is not very popular in Israel , Egyptians think he is great .
I personally think less of him then when he was elected . He seems more of the same that I had thought .
But winning the Nobel Peace Prize , nothing wrong with that , he has cute Kids , a great wife , and is quite smart .
10 percent unemployment , I hear the Real Estate Commercial Market is headed for harsher times . Not good news.
Get people back to work . don’t raise Taxes and the majority of Americans will think he is worth a second term .
Rather give him a re election for doing that .
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I invite those on this blog to watch a few videos I have on race at my blog. Feel free to comment.
http://incogman.wordpress.com/keep-it-white-videos/”
“You people here don’t get to hear much from the likes of me — yet. I also noticed that none of you had the guts to comment at my blog. Probably too chicken to even read anything, let alone make a feeble point.”
Another typical tactic from this racist coward,
Anyone who comments on his blog who disagrees with him and his ilk…gets banned
Incogman…give it up already, you tactics are rather transparent.