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Standing Tall

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Mr Obama accepted the prize with deep "gratitude and humility" but warned that war was sometimes necessary despite its "acute" human tragedy.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee chose Mr Obama as this year's Peace Prize laureate for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples" and "work for a world without nuclear weapons."

As he accepted the award, Mr Obama paid tribute to anti-government demonstrators in Iran.

In excerpts of his speech released by the White House as the ceremony got underway, Mr Obama said America would always stand on the side of those who sought freedom including in Iran, Burma and Zimbabwe.

Comments

  1. James FergusonDecember 11, 2009 at 12:07 PM

    I thought it was a good speech, even if he spent too much time on Afghanistan. Looking for reactions to the speech, it was funny coming across the snippet in Fox, where three House Republicans tried to claim that Obama needed Congressional approval for the Nobel Peace Prize,

    http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/27/obama-accept-nobel-prize-congress-consent-house-republicans-claim/

    Is it really that painful for Republicans?

    ReplyDelete
  2. James FergusonDecember 11, 2009 at 12:12 PM

    Apparently Obama had to cut short his stay in Oslo because of the Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen. As a result, Norwegians are none to happy,

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/dec/09/obama-nobel-peace-prize-snub

    Tough job being Superman ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. RickDecember 11, 2009 at 2:19 PM

    Yes, it is that painful for Republicans. There's a reason that party hasn't been able to attract black voters -- transparent racism.

    ReplyDelete
  4. avrdsDecember 11, 2009 at 4:22 PM

    I haven't yet had an opportunity to read the speech or this, which looks very good (John forwarded it to me)


    http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/michaeltomasky/2009/dec/10/barack-obama-nobel-lecture

    ... so am going to reserve judgment for the time being. I do think Obama rises to the occasion and understands how you can work for somethings in alternative ways. I did see the Obamas on the news last night and they do represent the nation well (as opposed to GW and his crew).

    While I don't agree with Obama's decision on Afghanistan, I really liked his response to the "bell" curve that he was presented with when making his decision showing an increase of troops and then their gradual withdrawal. Move the bell to the left. We can't be there forever. So I think he "gets it." Or at least I hope he does.

    ReplyDelete
  5. James FergusonDecember 11, 2009 at 7:57 PM

    Good piece, av. I liked this comment,

    ... at the very least, here we have a leader who is thoughtful and intellectually honest and won't insult your intelligence.

    ReplyDelete
  6. TripplerDecember 11, 2009 at 11:51 PM

    There have been just as many protests in Honduras over the illegal actions of the fascists against Zelaya. Yet, where was the support from Obama?

    Unfortunately, the news media ignores this truth and Obama is too inclined to sell out to their whims. If we profess to stand for universal freedom, then we must apply the same standard to everyone, everywhere.

    ReplyDelete
  7. avrdsDecember 12, 2009 at 5:32 AM

    I just read the guardian piece. It is good. Thanks to John for forwarding it.

    Of course I zeroed in on this comment:

    "If you truly believe you are carrying out divine will, then there is no need for restraint."

    ReplyDelete
  8. JAbelDecember 12, 2009 at 5:39 AM

    Diane,I see there is a link on the right of the article to the text of the speech.I thought the piece was good also but I didn't notice last night the link that Reads Palin gives thums up to Obama speech.Gee I'm glad an important person like Sarah approves.

    ReplyDelete
  9. avrdsDecember 12, 2009 at 5:48 AM

    Yes, Palin and Gingrich and a couple others liked that he acknowledged there is evil in the world.

    I have mixed feelings about all of this but still want to give Obama the benefit of the doubt. (Didn't protest once when I was in DC. This is my third trip since he was elected and it feels so much better now that he and his family live there.)

    ReplyDelete

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