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My God, people’s expectations are high. How long did it take President Bush to get the US into the mess? And some people expect president Obama to twitch his nose, and poof, no more Israel Palestine conflict, no more nuclear Iran, no more oppressive Taliban and Al Qaeda, no more recession, and immediate National health care, and energy independence.
Give the guy a break! He has been in office a very short time and the fact that he received this prize shows that he has done a great job improving the US image abroad. I think referring to the US President as “Obomba” is inappropriate.
Look, this guy is a man, not a myth. He handles the prize with class and gave an eloquent statement about the prize representing a call to action, not his accomplishments in the short time he has been in office. Straightening out President Bush’s war mongering is like trying to remodel a house built by a incompetent builder. It’s a nightmare.
Would you rather of had Bush or McCain? I, as an American, think he is doing his best. That is all anyone can do, I am not sure that anyone’s “best” can resolve so many important challenges. I am sure these problems cannot be resolved quickly. Please try watching a little less Fox news (“Fox News” is an oxmoron – it’s an anti-President Obama entertainment channel).
Hey Scott, it does not surprise me your O’Bomba comments, from someone that made his living on Wall Street or wherever your were, under that extremely corrupt financial-banking system you worked for. let me guess…you must be a far right (evangelical)lockstep conservative?
As someone that has enjoyed your websight I strongly reccomend that you stick with issues dealing with Costa rica…spare us the political commentary, there is way too much of that already. Thanks….amigo
Thank you for your comments, they are always welcome…
I am proud to state that I belong to a ‘religious’ group that doesn’t start wars ‘jdemaso1,’ I am a devout atheist.
And wouldn’t it be lovely if the actions of the USA and their “allies” (the British etc) around the world did not affect us in Costa Rica?
Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.comNice writeup Scott, and a good background on the Nobel prize. In the decades since it originated it has recognized the accomplishments of hundreds of scientists and others. The financial portion of the award has in some cases been used to continue their good work.
President Obama won this prize, in the words of the Nobel Committee, for “intending to promote nuclear disarmament and world peace.” The Committee acknowledged that he hasn’t actually accomplished anything on either of these wishes. This may be the first time the prestigious award was given to someone for their good intentions.
The Nobel Committee didn’t wait for results before doling out the prize. It also means other candidates who’ve actually accomplished something were denied that award. When he does accomplish it, give him the award.
Sorry, Scott, I have to stand with 2BNCR. Here’s something I would have preferred to see in your “newsletter”:
THE NEW YORK TIMES
http://www.nytimes.com/
Published: October 9, 2009Following is a transcript of President Obama’s remarks in response to receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, as transcribed by CQ Transcriptions.
President Obama: “Good morning.
Well, this is not how I expected to wake up this morning.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.
I am both surprised and deeply humbled by the decision of the Nobel Committee.
Let me be clear, I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations.
To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who’ve been honored by this prize, men and women who’ve inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.
But I also know that this prize reflects the kind of world that those men and women and all Americans want to build, a world that gives life to the promise of our founding documents.
And I know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it’s also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.
And that is why I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations to confront the common challenges of the 21st century.
Now, these challenges can’t be met by any one leader or any one nation. And that’s why my administration’s worked to establish a new era of engagement in which all nations must take responsibility for the world we seek.
We cannot tolerate a world in which nuclear weapons spread to more nations and in which the terror of a nuclear holocaust endangers more people.
And that’s why we’ve begun to take concrete steps to pursue a world without nuclear weapons: because all nations have the right to pursue peaceful nuclear power, but all nations have the responsibility to demonstrate their peaceful intentions.
We cannot accept the growing threat posed by climate change, which could forever damage the world that we pass on to our children, sowing conflict and famine, destroying coastlines and emptying cities.
And that’s why all nations must now accept their share of responsibility for transforming the way that we use energy.
We can’t allow the differences between peoples to define the way that we see one another. And that’s why we must pursue a new beginning among people of different faiths and races and religions, one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect.
And we must all do our part to resolve those conflicts that have caused so much pain and hardship over so many years. And that effort must include an unwavering commitment to finally realize that — the rights of all Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security in nations of their own.
We can’t accept a world in which more people are denied opportunity and dignity that all people yearn for: the ability to get an education and make a decent living, the security that you won’t have to live in fear of disease or violence without hope for the future.
And even as we strive to seek a world in which conflicts are resolved peacefully and prosperity is widely shared, we have to confront the world as we know it today.
I am the commander in chief of a country that’s responsible for ending a war and working in another theater to confront a ruthless adversary that directly threatens the American people and our allies. I’m also aware that we are dealing with the impact of a global economic crisis that has left millions of Americans looking for work.
These are concerns that I confront every day on behalf of the American people.
Some of the work confronting us will not be completed during my presidency. Some, like the elimination of nuclear weapons, may not be completed in my lifetime.
But I know these challenges can be met, so long as it’s recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.
This award is not simply about the efforts of my administration; it’s about the courageous efforts of people around the world.
And that’s why this award must be shared with everyone who strives for justice and dignity; for the young woman who marches silently in the streets on behalf of her right to be heard, even in the face of beatings and bullets; for the leader imprisoned in her own home because she refuses to abandon her commitment to democracy; for the soldier who sacrificed through tour after tour of duty on behalf of someone half a world away; and for all those men and women across the world who sacrifice their safety and their freedom and sometime their lives for the cause of peace.
That has always been the cause of America. That’s why the world has always looked to America. And that’s why I believe America will continue to lead.
Thank you very much.”
Edited on Oct 10, 2009 11:06
Scott, the more I have read your comments over the last three years,the more I see that you and I hold similar views. It is hard to say where a person’s world view comes from. Some experts say it is genetic, others say it is enviornmental. I tend to go along with the genetic answer.
You may have opposing politics to your father’s, but perhaps not to your grandfather’s. My father was conservative. I am a liberal. A person’s political and philosopghical views, when strongly held, sometimes come from unlikey environmental situations. They seem to be innate and rarely change over time despite life experiences. While I enjoy discussing with opposing views, I never expect to change anyone’s mind. These things are hard wired into us. So it is not surprising to hear sour grapes from the right wing whenever anyone on he other side of the fence is honored.
Edited on Oct 10, 2009 12:40
Oh, Scott, with all do respect, I can think of several atheists who were considered “monsters” who not only started wars but were responsible for millions upon millions of deaths…I don’t think it’s necesary to mention them all, your readers know who they are…
It’s a small dangerous world, a global economy, if you do not want to be bothered or affected by the USA and their “allies” perhaps we should all move to the Galapagos and stick our heads in the sand…a wonderful thought Scott, but not very realisticNice cut-and-paste uppity… but rather than paste in a whole article from a newspaper, how about making a comment to which people can agree or disagree.
Obama acknowledges that he hasn’t done anything… which is what prior posts said.
Beinuppity:
You post hits the mark: one that some people refuse to see. That is the incredible personal development this president has.
That was a welcomed post and something that I really appreciate and had never seen.
Regardless of your politics, has there ever been such an eloquent and intelligent president who speaks from the heart? All the other presidents, except maybe Clinton (a little bit) have never made me feel as if they were looking out for the average guy. President Obama does. Isn’t it funny how the old white man media machine brands him an elitist – the very thing that they represent.
There is some profound insight in that, but not to be explored in this post. God bless president Obama, and it is such a wonderful and refreshing change from the ignorant, pompous leaders of the past.
“We can’t allow the differences between peoples to define the way that we see one another. And that’s why we must pursue a new beginning among people of different faiths and races and religions, one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect.”
That’s pure gold. Wow!
I think that the problems that this president is compelled to confront are monumental and people listen to simplistic criticism in the media based on half truths and a sensationalist rabble raising tone that is the antithesis of real conversation on how to approach these issues. Our president is methodical, thoughtful, and highly intelligent. He’s also a bit green behind the ears but learning fast. So far he’s done well. Give him a break. All those angry people should stop blaming their own problems on someone who’s honestly trying to deal with the environment, two wars , an economy that was diving downward and now thankfully stabilizing, terrorism, swine flu, health care prices in the stratosphere, and a polarised congress playing power games. You want the job?
He has tremendous challenges and I sincerely hope he can make a difference. I think we all agree on that.
However, the question is whether he should be given a Nobel prize for something he has yet to accomplish and merely “intends” to do. To that question I must say “no”.
I’d rather see it go to someone who has already accomplished their objective, and wait until the President accomplishes his before awarding a Nobel prize, THEN give it to him.
Whichever side of the fence you are on, open and free commentary is always welcomed by me. I don’t feel it is ever necessary to resort to personal ego driven attacks on someone. I would much prefer to read an intelligent retort to the opposing point of view.
I concur with 2BNCR. Although it is Scott’s forum and he is entitled to write what he wants, I am not that interested in his political views.
Although I am sure he is a terrific guyIf you are interested in a very interesting documentary about the FOX “news” channel find a film called “Outfoxed”
In terms of american politics today……I have never seen a time when the opposition party was so rabid to defeat anything that the Democrats propose and to focus so much effort on “bringing Obama down”
It seems very un-american to not support the president, he won the election….he should have a REAL kick at the can.
Plain and simple… the “Award” was give for style rather than substance… and I for one think it’s foolish, dangerous, and an insult to those that have received it previously. All part of the Obama spin machine. Lots of style and gloss… but no substance. And just who was it that nominated him?
A few months from now when the world’s myopic memory kicks in he’ll be getting referred to as “Noble Peace prize winner”… and no one will remember that he was awarded the honor for nothing!
I’m wondering… has Jimmy Carter chimed in yet? I’d be very interested in hearing what his take on this is?
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