Hope is Cheap
Sharon October 9th, 2009
Wow, that’s a backhanded compliment. Here, President Obama, have the Nobel Peace Prize. Everyone will know you didn’t earn it, or do anything to deserve it, but you seem like a nice man, and well, we really hated your predecessor. So you get a special award just for not being him, kind of the Miss Congeniality for world leaders. Either that or the Nobel Prize Committee was under the impression that our bombardment of the moon was actually subduing some enemy.
Tough day for peace, y’know. More troops and drones to Afghanistan, more money in a military budget that is by a whole lot the largest in the world, more rumblings with Iran…. But hey, the first black president is also the first black president to win the nobel peace prize, so things must be looking up. I’m hoping they give him the the faux-nobel for economics next – if we give him enough awards, he’ll have to do better! Or the Heisman trophy.
The only real explanation is this – the nobel prize nominees, made up of the world political elite, the most educated people in the world, and prior winners have no freaking idea what to do next. They are all hoping that a resolutely-middle-of-the-road guy who got to be president in the US has a plan, and some hope for the future. They hope if they give him a prize he hasn’t earned he’ll live up to it. Just as a lot of us hoped that if we started with big expectations, he’d live up to them.
So far, not so much. And that kind of hope is cheap. But apparently, so is the definition of peace.
Sharon
- politics
- Comments(102)
Sharon, that’s a cheap shot. I was as stunned as anyone that he won this, but you don’t display any understanding of just how much of a difference it makes to foreigners that our president’s name isn’t Bush.
Go the Guardian UK and get some viewpoints of observers outside the US media bubble, and then reflect on what he means to them.
Sharon,
I’m going have to agree w/ Heath on this one..
Your opinion your blog I give you that..and I am a little tiff at
him right now.. But I’m also proud of him ..
Denise in TN
I’ll be the first to weigh in with you, Sharon, and dissent with Heath and Denise. Obama might have great plans, a good name in the world, and have begun to improve the reputation of the US enough to wheedle a spot in the worldwide sandbox for the US to come in and play again, but… he hasn’t accomplished anything yet. I am under the impression that Nobel prizes acknowledge accomplishments, not ambitions. As such, I find this award at best premature and at worst, pandering. At least they’re pandering to people’s hopes, not their fears, though.
Personally I think he has spent far too much time proving he is not a liberal to a rabid and vocal opposition, thus avoiding the pesky need to do all those liberal things people were hoping for when they voted for him…such is politics…but…
I’m proud we have a leader that the world feels it can cooperate with again. That goes a long way. My optimistic side says: “He has to move slowly or the rodeo clowns in the media will scream: I told you so!”
Then again, it could be a case of “same as the old boss” and if so, well then at least of all the dirty powerhungry politicos in the world, ours is the most likeable.
I’m sorry, but you don’t get the nobel peace prize for not being George Bush – that’s ridiculous and condescending. I don’t give a flying hoot how much foreigners like that he’s not our previous asshole president – that’s not grounds for giving him the peace prize. This isn’t teh special olympics.
He did nothing to earn it – that’s not to say he couldn’t eventually, but he didn’t, and we all know this. Do you really think that a man who just upped troops in Afghanistan earned this more than people who have been fighting for real peace their whole lives?
Sharon
BTW, Denise and Heath, you do realize that the deadline for nominations means that he had to have been nominated within a few weeks or days of his inauguration. So he really didn’t do anything to deserve this?
Note that not all non-americans think he deserves it – Lech Walesa, for example, made the perfectly reasonably observation that he hadn’t earned it. If I were Lech Walesa, and had, I’d be kinda pissed.
Henry Kissinger probably thinks it is cool, though.
Sharon
I’m totally with you, Sharon. I actually said the same thing as I was doing chicken duty this morning; DH came outside to tell me as he was surprised also.
So what does this do to the Prize? Only diminish its importance, its relevance, its reputation. Kinda like the ‘Nobel’ in economics.
Way to go, Nobel committee…I’m sure Al would be so proud of you sullying his name like that (sarcasm).
I’m glad he won the election, but even I did a triple-take when I saw the news this morning. I kept trying to figure out if it was a parody or something. I mean, I usually think of the Peace Prize as like a lifetime achievement award. Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela, the Red Cross…
I was racking my brain trying to think if there was some big thing I’d forgotten. Closing Guantanamo (still in progress), changing the rules on interrogation, and, um… not starting any new wars? Talking to Iran? Letting Bill Clinton go to North Korea? Not denying climate change? I’m scratching my head a little.
Sharon,
One of your shorter pieces, but you couldn’t have hit the nail any more accurately with one word more.
Seems that the whole world has gone Orwellian, not just the U.S.
Sharon ok..I can understand where your coming from.. but are you mad at Obama or the Nobel folks?
If its with Obama then IMHO the anger that I see is misplaced..
I’ve been reading this morning and just can’t figure out what it iwas he has done yet? Yes he has really gotten the country debating about health care for all, but he didni’t start the ball rolling , he gave it a good solid push.
Unfortunately we are still at war overseas. There hasn’t been any sweeping change in education yet. And don’t even start on the environment.
Forgive my ignorance but what was the award given for?
I do think that its time for change – but haven’t really seen changes yet.
Sharon: A really cheap shot which is beneath you. I have always admired your ability to see both sides of an issue, but this response is really childish. Obama did not ask for this prize – it was voluntarily given to him by those who admire his efforts to bring peace to the world by making peaceful overtures to the Muslim world (rather than continually threatening to kick their collective asses) and by extending the kindness of the United States to the poor of the world with increased humanitarian efforts.
Really, Sharon, I would have expected better from you.
I feel sorry for Mr. Obama over this. He’s smart enough to know that the two weeks in office before the nomination didn’t include anything to earn the Peace Prize. Either was as given out of hope that he will do something worthy, or because they don’t have an award on hand that you get just for being the first U.S. president who is partically of African descent.
What are his choices, rudely refuse or sheepishly accept?
MEA
I couldn’t agree more. I stand by my vote for Obama, but only because he was the better choice over McCain. Still though, lack of better options doesn’t make him the best. His entire message is not substantiated by any actions I’ve seen and I really couldn’t be more disappointed. But hey, what can you expect out of our government? I’ve essentially given up on our government and I can’t see any way of it being fixed short of a complete collapse. And in that same vein I’m eternally optimistic that we can get things right once given the chance.
Keep writing and thanks,
Patrick
Chattanooga, TN
Spot-on, Sharon. I used to think that Nobel prizes were given for extraordinary accomplishments and ones that had a real effect on society. Look at this year’s Nobel physics prize: it was given to the teams that developed fiber-optic cable and the charge-coupled device back in the 1960s. The internet and digital cameras would not exist without these components. Would. Not. Exist. And they did this in the 1960s.
For comparison, what has Obama actually done and what tangible effect have these actions had? (cue crickets)
I like Obama and I’m still clinging to a tattered bit of Hope(TM). But that’s beside the point. In my eyes a big-name international award just lost a lot of credibility. It should be more than just an Academy Award for politicians.
Sharon,
I have to agree with Cathy … one of the reasons I’m a regular on your blog is how objectively you present issues. Many of your stances on these issues I disagree with, but your clear, fact-based presentations help me clarify my own positions, “keeping me honest” with why I believe a certain way.
Today’s post struck me as more gut-based on your part … reacting without thinking.
Hi Sharon,
I agree with you. I don’t think it is childish at all and yes, he certainly could have no thanks. Of course that wouldn’t have been politically correct.
I am disgusted with both. Obama promised change and none has occurred. The lobbyist – two in particular have grown by 65% and 57% respectively. He was supposed to tell them to pack up their toys and go home. Not happened yet.
The Nobel prize committee did much to deplete the meaning of the prize.
Sharon,
Thank you for expressing my own disappointment, with respect and dignity I would not have managed.
Brad K.
I have to agree Obama is not deserving of this. (YET)
Sure he’s offered to broker Middle East peace but who hasn’t in the last half dozen administrations? We all know it’s a hollow and pointless offer as an accommodation between these two sides is unlikely. Israel’s demographics seem to favour increased power to ultra orthodox and nationalistic coalitions not people who would make accommodations for peace, the other side(s) seems no more conciliatory either.
I would applaud him if he could pull it off but Obama’s offer is just window dressing at this point.
Yes Obama OFFERED to reduce nukes but until those weapons are gone talk is cheap, credit him when the job is done.
What has he done? He’s still supporting 2 wars and talking tough to towards another.
The U.S still allows and in some cases subsidies massive weapon sales to dictators and human rights abusers,
Obama still funds the largest spending military force in the world,
Is he a better man than Bush was? Hell Yes, but to get this prize needs to fulfill his promises and create peace not just talk about it.
I think this cheapens the prize for others, who get it later,
This feels like it should be embarrassing for the Oval Office, having people swooning over your policies before you’ve made any inroads. Still at war, still as many nukes out there, yet to redeem America fully from it’s position in the Middle East. His ideas are on the right track, but as many readers here know, there were not too many other options for a president who got voted in on a change platform, the world had changed radically in the previous couple of years and Obama was one of the leaders who got it.
@Heath – you say that we should be looking at the foreign perspective, well the poll on the Guardian Website gave an indication that 68.9% of respondents believed it was too early for Obama to receive this award. After all, he took office only two weeks before nominations closed back in February.
I am almost speechless…..this is about on a par with kindergarden graduation ceremonies…
I agee, he doesn’t have much choice but to accept it gracefully, but it certainly does cheapen the whole thing.
Hey Sharon, I’m inclined to agree with you, but let’s tighten it a bit.
Who should the committee have given it to instead?
I’ll work up some suggestions and you can too
I voted for Obama and thought I was hearing a parody when the radio said he won the Nobel. He may earn it someday but that day is not today.
Sharon,
Nail. Head. HIT. Nicely done.
For everyone whining about Sharon’s “objectivity” — please tally the objective, concrete peace accomplishments of Barak Obama.
Then compare them to prior Peace Prize winners.
Not Being Bush™ doesn’t count as an “accomplishment”. Heck, by that standard they could have given the prize to me. Or to Sharon. Or to any of you.
I’m an American living in Britain, and perhaps y’all see a different version of the Guardian website in the US than we do here in Britain. The article comments I see are not positive, but have the typical articulate style of the British.
It does seem rather condescending to give a prize to someone who hadn’t actually *done* anything yet.
As for commenters bashing Sharon for “attacking Obama,” y’all should go back and read what she said, not what you thought she said.
not bashing her!!! my word Carol.. just taken back a bit .. that’s all.. like Obama ,Sharon is human.. and I don’t agree with either one of them about certain subjects but highly respect them both..
IHMO her words should be directed to the Nobel folks.. not at Obama.. because he had nothing to do with winning.. and he is damned if he give it back or he is damned if he keeps it.. so it really sucks to him today
How about this — in order for the world to express its delight that Mr. Obana is not Mr. Bush, they give the prize to the voting population of the US, which comes, I think, to about 30 cents per person who turned out (regardless of whom was voted for).
[...] Source: Casaubon’s Book » Blog Archive » Hope is Cheap [...]
Bingo MEA!!!!! Maybe this is what its REALLY about ..
I feel sorry for President Obama for the plate he was handed, but I don’t think he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Surely there must be an aid worker or a scientist or some missionary in the wilds of South America who’s done more to cultivate peace than our current President.
It’s very sad to me that this Prize is about politics rather than something more substantial and meaningful.
Er, Mr. Obama, not Obana — typo
I agree. It’s great (at least to most of us) that Obama, unlike our previous president, WANTS to see peace with justice in the Middle East, and to reduce the world’s nuclear arsenals, and to get America to pay for the climate-changing consquences of its energy addiction. However, the prize isn’t warranted until he actually makes concrete progress toward one of those goals. I would LIKE to discover a cure for cancer; can I have a Nobel for medicine?
The NPR piece I heard this morning did make the point that the prize is sometimes given as a spur to action, but I have to say that I also agree that he hasn’t earned it yet. Of course, they also gave the prize to Arafat, so after that everything about it requires a few grains of salt.
Wow, look who’s a big grumpy-face this morning. I think this post is unfairly harsh. I was surprised by the announcement too, but really! Your post takes a similar tone as the comments from the Taliban and some nut group called “conservatives4palin.”
A few points:
1. The peace prize is not always awarded for past accomplishments. Sometimes it’s awarded to people who are in the midst of having an effect, in order to encourage and support what they are seen to be trying (or even what they stand for). This is fine. It’s the Nobel committee’s prize and they follow their own rules. Just as this is your own blog and you write what you want.
2. This prize is being awarded to the American people as much as to Obama, for turning away from Bush-Cheneyism. Those of us who are Americans are probably unaware of how great a difference Obama’s election made to the rest of the world (and those of us who are liberals are naturally preoccupied by Obama’s shortcomings and the things he hasn’t done yet, which I think distorts the picture somewhat as to what a difference his election has made). A recent poll showed that opinions of America have vastly improved in other countries. There was a vast feeling of relief, decrease of tension, anger and fear, and increase of hope. Obviously, as seen from abroad, this has made a huge difference.
I think Andrew Sullivan’s post on the topic is much more balanced and thoughtful:
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/10/all-over-the-world.html
Mike Cagle
ps — what’s with the grumpy comments about the moon mission? The moon gets several similar impacts each month. In this case, what would have become floating space junk was sent to the moon instead, so as to gather data! You’re married to an astronomer, right? Sheesh.
This just shows you are RIDICULOUS these “prizes” are. How successful was President Carters efforts for middle east peace in the long run? What is valid about the science awards is they usually let a little history unfold to see how effective those “accomplishments” have been over time.
Just more form over substance….
Sharon, I agree with you. Did not vote for our President, HOPE he someday is effective, but have concluded that GOVT will not solve our problems, people will. Until enough people realize and begin to act on that in the personal lives and in the voting booth, then BAU continues….
peace…
Wow, I’m trying to read my post and see where I was attacking Obama, but I don’t see it. I stand by what I say – the guy got a backhanded compliment, that will probably do him as much political harm as good, at least in the near term (give him 20 years, and he’ll be able to use it, but as long as people remember why…) He’s the victim of a nobel committee’s foolishness – of course, we know they are foolish – they gave the nobel peace prize to Henry Kissinger, for cripes sake. As for “grumpy comments about the moon” – huh? All I did was make a joke about possible reasons the nobel prize committee might have given him the prize – why do you think I’m criticizing NASA? Are we even reading the same stuff?
Brian, the nobel prize committee had some really good candidates this year – I personally like Denis Mukwege and Mordechi Vanunu. We could come up with other names, of course….
I agree that he hasn’t done anything yet to match up to many other Nobel Prize recipients. In fact my first response was “What. This is embarrassing.” Embarrassing that the world now thinks this is the best we can do. But after reading your blog post, I felt a little embarrassed by my embarrassment.
I agree with you all around, Sharon. He hasn’t earned it, not by a country mile. My hope is that he knows this and that he declines the prize. That would generate more goodwill for him than anything else. I also think this is indicative that the prize committee simply had no better ideas, which is very, very sad.
I didn’t vote for him, but I do find him congenial. I know how much people hated and continue to hate his predecessor – both in the US and abroad. And believe me when I say I can relate to that sentiment. But this does really cheapen hope, peace, and the prize.
The more I think about it, the more I realize that more or less says, we don’t expect you to do anything later to earn it.
MEA
OK I put up a post of better options the Committee had than giving the prize to Obama, and I didn’t come up with either of Sharon’s ideas
Here’s my post http://selfreferentialcollapse.blogspot.com/2009/10/better-choices-than-obama-for-peace.html
And I like MEA’s point that this sorta says “we don’t expect you to do anything later to earn it.”
Vs. Mike Cagle – the Prize has been awarded (occasionally) to people in the midst of having an effect, but never before that I can see, to someone at the VERY BEGINNING of having an effect.
You know what really bugs me about this is that I’ve met a few people nominated for the peace prize who really deserved it – people who cross borders in war zones and see their friends killed trying to get the real story of refugree camps. An 80 year old man who drags his body up to 11,000 feet to help train Tibetans cross the border to go back and resist Chinese crackdowns. A woman who brings medical supplies into Afghanistan and Gaza, into places where it isn’t safe to go, but where people are still being blown up.
Again, it isn’t Obama’s fault he got the prize. But he didn’t deserve it, and there are people who really, truly do.
Sharon
I am amazed at the vitriol. He didn’t give the prize to himself.
Others might be more deserving, but it is the Committee’s choice.
Right, that’s why I’m criticizing the committee, and saying they actually did Obama a bad turn.
Sharon
Sharon,
Well said!
Obama has blood on his hands! Certainly, he’s no peacemaker!
Paz!
Thanks for the reality check. Some of the progressive/Democrat blogs and websites are starting to sound almost religious in nature. And the conservative/Republican ones are even worse. How can they criticize when much of this economic/military/climate mess is because of things they ignored because it didn’t help them? Who are they to say anything? I wish I could just ignore them all.
I congratulate President Obama and wish him the best. I sincerely hope this winds up being a good thing.
I think I’ll just sit here and watch it rain.
Just to keep things from the Obama household real, Yahoo News reports how his kids reacted,
I quote:
‘ “Well, this is not how I expected to wake up this morning,” Obama said. He described his interaction with his two daughters.
“After I received the news, Malia walked in and said, ‘Daddy, you won the Nobel Peace Prize, and it is Bo’s birthday.’ And then Sasha added, `Plus, we have a three-day weekend coming up.’ So it’s — it’s good to have kids to keep things in perspective.” ‘
Peace to All,
Shamba
I have little respect for the man as our President, but I feel that had he graciously REFUSED the award, he would have garnered more respect than he will now that he’s accepted an award that even HE acknowledges he doesn’t deserve.
Even my 10yo son, who loves Obama in general, was furious when he heard the announcement on the NPR this morning: “What did he win THAT for?”
Good words Sharon.
In accepting the prize of 1.4 million “for America” and in keeping with “tax the rich”, it is my opinion that Obama should pay income tax on monies received and then donate the balance to reduce the national debt.
Hey There. There is no way he could have refused. He was as surprised as all of us. His comments about what his daughter Malia said this morning shows that he is humbled by this. Instead of refusing the award he accepted it on behalf of all of the many people throughout the world who are working toward peace. We, as a nation, are trying not to stick out as all so important and perhaps this didn’t help in that effort but he has given us all a great sense of hope and frankly makes me breathe easier. I am certain I am not alone.