I have to agree that this award seems based more on potential than it does on accomplishment. Still hoping this bodes for good things for the Admin and the US.
I hear a lot of people saying that he doesn't deserve it. I guess my question would be: who has done MORE on to forge international peace this year? Who would your pick be? Because, while I agree he hasn't yet accomplished all his goals for peace, he has definitely laid the groundwork and started dialogues that can lead to peace with many of our enemies (and our friends, for that matter).
I agree with this. He hasn't had a chance to finish many of his projects as President. But, he has achieved a lot just by becoming President. First black president; inspirational candidate in the US; inspirational leader throughout the world. His mere election has caused a massive shift in the way other countries see not just the US Government but the US Electorate. Relatives of mine in France, for example, thought the US was far too racist to elect Obama; when he was elected, they thought of Americans differently. The same could be said for blacks in the States who thought "they" would never allow a black man to become president. So, in terms of the criteria for the Peace Prize, I think the effects of his election made him very qualified. That said, I think the Peace Prize is a complete joke, and I'm not particularly proud he's won it. It's just an opportunity for a couple of Norwegians to play politics and have their opinions given far more importance than they deserve.
I think the nominations and vote took place after he was in office for 1 month, not even the full year. Congrats to him, but I just don't see how anyone could have legitamitely voted for him after 1 month in office.
looks like mc mark and sland balla have taken exception to your remark - maybe basso will finally be conquered and stop starting redundant threads if they merely pay more attention to him!
Obviously, I don't know the other 200 nominees, but I'm sure there were some that actually accomplished something.
This is exactly my point: how much could the other 200 nominees "accomplished" if we've never heard of their accomplishments on the international front? I'm not saying Obama is perfect, nor that he has reached every goal that he has set. I just think he has done as much (or more) for establishing international peace as any of the other nominees.
