Sharon Otterman of the new York Times wrote this morning, “Was the Nobel committee’s decision to award President Obama the Nobel Peace Prize well-deserved or overly premature? Inspired or wishful thinking? Too political or utterly appropriate? Around the world, there was no shortage of opinions about the surprise announcement.
Sentiments ranged from enthusiasm to indignation. Lech Walesa, the 1983 peace prize winner and Poland’s president from 1990 to 1995, seemed to sum up the basic thrust of many commenters, both here on the Times Web site and elsewhere, saying to reporters in Warsaw: “Who, Obama? So fast? Too fast — he hasn’t had the time to do anything yet.”
It’s hard to get passionate about politicians, in part because they are party to a broken system, and that system appears to corrupt even good people. I’m told it was inevitable that my conservativism would soften as I got older, and perhaps this is true —perhaps it isn’t. In Wisconsin where I grew up you could be a Republican, and still be progressive, moderate, even liberal. Economic views and social views had a distinct separation, and the defining lines between candidates platforms were allowed (by the political machines?) to be refreshingly hazier. Times have changed.
“The Republican Party has thrown in its lot with the terrorists — the Taliban and Hamas this morning — in criticizing the President for receiving the Nobel Peace prize,” wrote DNC Communications Director Brad Woodhouse. “Republicans cheered when America failed to land the Olympics and now they are criticizing the President of the United States for receiving the Nobel Peace prize — an award he did not seek but that is nonetheless an honor in which every American can take great pride — unless of course you are the Republican Party. The 2009 version of the Republican Party has no boundaries, has no shame and has proved that they will put politics above patriotism at every turn. It’s no wonder only 20 percent of Americans admit to being Republicans anymore – it’s an embarrassing label to claim.”
I feel like a Star Bellied Sneetch, or was it a Sneetch without a star?
“until neither the Plain nor the Star-Bellies knew
whether this one was that one or that one was this one
or which one was what one… or what one was who.”
It sure seems like the far left and far right speak, by their nature, to a predetermined and unbending set of philosophies that don’t fit within basic guidelines for tolerance, understanding, open mindedness, or dare I say, objectivity. In short, I grew up with reasonable people, many of us did. I admit, Garrison Keeler speaks my language. I was taught to let people speak, and to listen with sincerity. If they are radical or obtuse, or loud? Maybe they just need a pat on the back and a good joke? Nothing can be that serious right? When we are at our best, we try hard to get along and listen, and to give a helping hand, without fanfare. We are taught to see all sides, that this is important, even vital.
My dad taught me to listen, and seek guidance from disparate sources. The left feels burned by Obama with his right wing pastors getting podium time, and his slower-than-hoped arc away from big business titans driving U.S. policies. He has simply not moved fast enough, or as “left” as they’d anticipated. The far right simply hates him regardless of what he does.
Todays announcement that Obama has won the Nobel peace prize held a certain satisfaction, not because I agree with everything he or his administration does. I understand the folks who hand out the prize are political in and of themselves, be that as it may —I was glad to see him win because in the end, he’s a reasonable guy. A regular guy who is trying to quit smoking and has a couple kids and who approaches conflict and challenge in the way we are taught in martial arts classes —and in kindergarten classes. Diffusing and calming a situation with a soft voice, while also inspiring to become better, and to communicate, requires incredible discipline.
His speeches may or may not speak to our political leanings, but like a calm parent giving advice to a teenager, the kid really wants to rebel and to voice opposition. But, it’s hard to argue with wisdom and not walk away with a dose of humility. He may not be a sage, but for many of us, we are drawn to his calm, thoughtful approach to ideas, people and challenges —and thankfully, so are the life-long Republicans in my family. We prize thoughtfulness above policy.
That said, hope and inspiration are fickle emotions, and can only be brought, kicking and screaming, to the surface by leaders with exceptional skill and unique public speaking abilities. I’ve been told that I only like Obama because he delivers inspiring speeches about America’s potential, and I’ve been told that my patriotism is shallow and untrue if it wanes without Obama’s soaring rhetoric. So be it. On a daily basis, on a global stage, he delivers messages of hope and potential for a troubled world: Not a bad resume’ for a peace prize candidate? Anyone who can make me feel hopeful and inspired, and even patriotic in this troubled world has my vote.
We are told that America is now seen throughout the world as the hope it once was. In these troubled times, and against all odds, he has tweaked the American brand. It’s not a new brand, it’s an old one. It’s called hope, and nobody delivers it better than Obama. -bd
Here is a nice read about Obama’s long view and political parallels.
Bill – when you sent this to me I thought it was a joke. Not out of cynicism, but, like Mr. Walesa, I felt it too premature to be true. After checking your story, I sat and stared at Methodist for a while (my contemplative stance when confronted with most conundrums) and began to construct a rational explanation. (I have learned that in the absence of information, people, myself included, will speculate). So here is my (speculative) take:
The US became, and remains, the stabilizing force in the world. This will not last forever, but every day that it does yields a benefit to most people. In recent years we have become more insular, less worldly, and less aware of how we are perceived around the globe. While there is an American assumption that other peoples don’t like us anymore, I don’t think that is true. On the contrary, I believe most people and countries still have hope that America will awaken from this nap, look around the world with fresh eyes, and begin to lead again. If that is indeed the hope, than laying this mantle on the leader of the leaders perhaps makes sense. Rewarding people for things they haven’t done yet is an unusual method for creating change. But with a person like Obama, it just might work. In some ways, it seems a bit desperate. But if this is the world’s best hope, might as well put the pressure on him.
From another perspective, I had to scratch my head and say “Well, who should have got it instead?” Long silence…Mitchell?…Long silence.
My vote was Greg Mortenson, someone who is dedicated to making the world a better place without regard for rewards or accolades.
Without commenting on whether or not the Prize was deserved, I thought that Obama’s speech was a good one, given the position he is in. I do think it is odd that people are castigating him for being awarded the Prize. He didn’t do anything. If you want to yell at the Committee, that’s one thing, but it it hard to see fault for this in Obama.
Thanks for the thoughtful commentary.I couldn’t agree more.Anyone who can get me to feel happy about being an American again deserves a Nobel…
To quote Rachael Maddow from her show last night; “An American president just won the Nobel Peace Prize. By any reasonable measurement, we should be proud.” Personally, I agree with Bill Smith and Greg Mortinson would have received my vote, but Obama’s selection shows that the world sees an opportunity for the US to move from it’s arrogant, bellicose stance of the past 8 years toward the type of leadership the world has rightfully expected of us since WW II. You got the prize Mr. President, now show us the way.