[norwaytips]

A joke, or what?

Norwegian press said today that he got it for not being George W Bush.

I get an invitation to the concert each year, so I guess I will be thoroughly investigated by the C.I.A, or whichever agency does these things.

What do our U.S friends think of the award?

[pething101]

Bit of a joke, isn't it.

Well, more than just a bit of one. It is a Paul Bunyonesque whopper.

[Footstomper]

I like Obama and think he's been given the award for the change in tone from the previous administration, but yes its a bit of a joke because he's been in power for only 9 months and has done precisely nothing. Which brings me to my question...
Obama seems a nice, reasonable, intelligent chap who in his 9 months in office has achieved precisely nothing internationally or domestically, so why does he induce such unreasonable spittle-laden hatred in so many of the students I teach and the parents whose reactions they mimic? Of course there is an element of racism (which everyone denies) but I really dont get the hatred. Could someone please rationally explain it to me, because I am seriously confused and not a little bit worried?

[harkes6]

it's rigged! he's done little to warrant it other than tell people to not worry so much. i was talkig about it with some friends last night. it's either a genius stroke or a really bad decision. it could energize his staff and give him some sort of mandate or it could be something people take pot shots at for years to come. at worst, i suppose it could tarnish the legacy of the nobel prize (ha!), but it has always been political...if anything he's getting it for being in the right place at the right time.

i can't rea;ly say anything about obama hatred that isn't already apparent. we americans hate the idea of compromising our ideals, even if those ideals stand in the face of what we as a nation should or could be doing. obama is stressing people to be accountable and open minded-- but we're the bratty children of a spoiled people.

[Footstomper]

Originally Posted by harkes6

it's rigged! he's done little to warrant it other than tell people to not worry so much. i was talkig about it with some friends last night. it's either a genius stroke or a really bad decision. it could energize his staff and give him some sort of mandate or it could be something people take pot shots at for years to come. at worst, i suppose it could tarnish the legacy of the nobel prize (ha!), but it has always been political...if anything he's getting it for being in the right place at the right time.

i can't rea;ly say anything about obama hatred that isn't already apparent. we americans hate the idea of compromising our ideals, even if those ideals stand in the face of what we as a nation should or could be doing. obama is stressing people to be accountable and open minded-- but we're the bratty children of a spoiled people.

Frankly, I think the prize is premature and a kiss of death in terms of raised expectations. As for your final sentence; I dont buy it. Americans are great at volunteering and giving their time to help others; far better than the British, but this hatred is something else. I honestly find it both incomprehensible and scary. Maybe its because I live and teach in a fairly redneck area, but I dont think so.

[harkes6]

where do you live and teach? even if we're not all that bratty and spoiled, there's still a fair amount of regionalism and imbedded history; and much of american history is shameful.

[Footstomper]

Frederick MD. Close to the capital but very rural. As for American History, my school are letting me teach it for the first time next semester (I have taught it before but, as I said this area is very rural) feathers will be ruffled, I am sure.
Short story. On the same day a kid I teach (a senior) brought in two notes. 1. My son may watch any video you choose. 2. My son may not watch the propaganda of Barack Obama when he addresses American school children/
Crazy!

[pething101]

Originally Posted by Footstomper

. Which brings me to my question...
Obama seems a nice, reasonable, intelligent chap who in his 9 months in office has achieved precisely nothing internationally or domestically, so why does he induce such unreasonable spittle-laden hatred in so many of the students I teach and the parents whose reactions they mimic?

Of course, this begs the questions why does he induce such an almost messiah like status among so many when he as done so little?

My take ... if he and I were to sit down a drink a beer and talk basketball ... or West Ham since he supposedly is a supporter, I think we would get along fine.

If we started talking about the role of government here in America, I think we would have some major disagreements. For me, it has nothing to do with race, more the idea of the role of government in America today.

[Footstomper]

I dont know of anything he has said or done that impinges on the rights of the individual more than any other president. I honestly dont get it.
Maybe this would be better discussed via private email, but I'm sure I'm not the only person who is confused. The guy has done nothing, good or bad.

[harkes6]

Originally Posted by Footstomper

Frederick MD. Close to the capital but very rural. As for American History, my school are letting me teach it for the first time next semester (I have taught it before but, as I said this area is very rural) feathers will be ruffled, I am sure.
Short story. On the same day a kid I teach (a senior) brought in two notes. 1. My son may watch any video you choose. 2. My son may not watch the propaganda of Barack Obama when he addresses American school children/
Crazy!

i have a friend from there, actually, who is very intelligent and an avowed liberal. his dad was a long time diplomat, he's a web developer and entrepreneur...so it takes all kinds...i think both ends of the spectrum tend to live and congregate together.
i honestly don't know and a lot of this vitriol and vehemence makes no sense to me. racism? ignorance? xenophobia? anger? fear? displaced guilt?