Obama And The Nobel Peace Prize

[porkenbeans]

Sorry snori, Your little chart is a FAIL. The simple and plane fact is the US has contributed more than all of those others on that list, COMBINED.

"According to the OECD, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the US gave between $6 and $15 billion in foreign aid in the period between 1995 and 1999. In absolute terms, Japan gives more than the US, between $9 and $15"
So, not really it seems.

Icould be wrong, but, I think this chart shows the amount of "Government" charity, NOT charity among individuals.

You are wrong, and you could've checked the link I provided if you don't want to sound ignorant.

It combines both government and individual charity.

The countries at the top of this list are naturally going to be those that are more, er, shall I say "Socialists".

My guess is that, of individuals giving to charities around the world, The people of the US would top the list.

Certainly both true. However, don't forget that Americans pay far less in taxes than those European Nations. If you pay half in taxes what someone in Sweden does it should be of no suprise that you have more money to give to charity. (And also don't forget that invididuals in the USA make more money than people in Europe, so naturally in terms of total aid given per person they would be on top even if they might give a smaller percentage.)

Yes, Americans are overal generous people. But they have more money to be generous with and their government gives so much less that as a percentage of it's total GDP it looks horrible.

EDIT: According to that website, it is aid given by corporations and individuals. HOWEVER, it also does not include "charity given within it's own country"...well what the hell? As far as I'm personally concerned, that invalidates the chart entirely. It is a useless addition to the thread, Snorri.

It's not only aid given by corporations and individuals, but also the government. (without the government it would actually not mean much, we're talking about nations here)
And no charity given within it's own country does in fact make it perfectly viable and actually worse for European nations because they spend a lot more money on the poor in their own country. (due to them being welfare states)

Read the whole thing, it's interesting. It mentions that the USA also "ties" it's aid which means the money they give must be spent on American products and services. Which is kinda harsh.
Also it mentions the USA gives more to allies like Israel than other poor countries.

Snori, There are just too many ways to define charity. How about all the money spent to protect those oh so generous European countries over the past 50+ years ? If you widened your definition a bit, you would realize that the USA has been the Whole free worlds benefactor for quit some time. And I would be on the mark if I were to through in an "unappreciated" in there.

[TeletubbyPrince]

I will also add that when they formed the United Nations, The USA was chosen to be its home. This says a lot about how the majority of the world, has in the past, viewed the United States of America. Who has given the most per ca pita and all that, is just derailing the conversation.

Like it or not, the USA is the strongest Super Power after the Cold War victory. Our economic might, allowed us to outspend the Soviets in the race for military might, while at the same time preserve our high standard of living, for most of our citizens.

Are we living up to our Cold War rhetoric about how Democracy is morally superior to Communism ?

Well Bush junior has answered that question to the world.

The question is now being posed to Obama.

People around the globe are scared. They are liking what they are hearing from him so far, and by giving him the Nobel Peace Prize, They are handing him a great deal of political capital. With all the crap that is going on right now, He can surely use all of the political capitol he can get.

The USA is in a better position than any other Country to take the lead. And, Obama's Peace Prize is just a way that the world is announcing its preferred leader, to finally fix this mess before it is too late.

When I see these stupid and selfish Republicans, say crap about how he has not done anything to deserve the prize. It makes me sick to my stomach. Are they really this stupid, or are they just playing internal politics at the detriment of the rest of the world, and its hope for peace and brotherhood ?

I take it you're typing this from some kind of mental asylum?

[Snorri1234]

I will also add that when they formed the United Nations, The USA was chosen to be its home. This says a lot about how the majority of the world, has in the past, viewed the United States of America. Who has given the most per ca pita and all that, is just derailing the conversation.

The United Nations has no home. It has a headquarters. Besides, the first meetings of the GA were in London. But fair enough the Headquarters are in the USA and it's therefore the home of the UN.*

*Fun fact: France, the UK and The Netherlands voted against basing the HQ in the USA.

Like it or not, the USA is the strongest Super Power after the Cold War victory. Our economic might, allowed us to outspend the Soviets in the race for military might, while at the same time preserve our high standard of living, for most of our citizens.

Indeed "like it or not". That's the point, most other countries don't like it.

Are we living up to our Cold War rhetoric about how Democracy is morally superior to Communism ?

Well Bush junior has answered that question to the world.

The question is now being posed to Obama.

People around the globe are scared. They are liking what they are hearing from him so far, and by giving him the Nobel Peace Prize, They are handing him a great deal of political capital. With all the crap that is going on right now, He can surely use all of the political capitol he can get.

The USA is in a better position than any other Country to take the lead. And, Obama's Peace Prize is just a way that the world is announcing its preferred leader, to finally fix this mess before it is too late.

When I see these stupid and selfish Republicans, say crap about how he has not done anything to deserve the prize. It makes me sick to my stomach. Are they really this stupid, or are they just playing internal politics at the detriment of the rest of the world, and its hope for peace and brotherhood ?

I agree. Giving it to Obama was a political manouvre, but that was the point of it. It said: "Dude, you're the one who can put an end to this mess." It's a way of putting trust in the leader of the country which is the only one who can bring the solution. (Yes, because they're also the cause behind most of the mess, but that's not Obama's fault.)

I just hopes he realizes that and that the American people do too. He's the hero that gotham needs right now.

[Snorri1234]

Snori, There are just too many ways to define charity. How about all the money spent to protect those oh so generous European countries over the past 50+ years ? If you widened your definition a bit, you would realize that the USA has been the Whole free worlds benefactor for quit some time. And I would be on the mark if I were to through in an "unappreciated" in there.

Bollocks. The US historically has been way too concerned about itself. You protect out of self-interest. Which isn't actually bad but it's just silly to say the US is some goody-two-shoes.

The Americans themselves are friendly and charitable. They're cool beans. But the government has mostly only looked out for itself in quite horrible ways sometimes.


*Edit: I don't actually care about how much charity the US gives, because it's one of the most inefficient ways to help people in poor countries. I'm just saying that the US isn't supercharitable.

[TeletubbyPrince]

He's the hero that gotham needs right now.

Don't make me laugh, we all know who the true hero is

[nippersean]

Do you think Obama's foreign policy will be superior to Nixon's?

[porkenbeans]

I will also add that when they formed the United Nations, The USA was chosen to be its home. This says a lot about how the majority of the world, has in the past, viewed the United States of America. Who has given the most per ca pita and all that, is just derailing the conversation.

The United Nations has no home. It has a headquarters. Besides, the first meetings of the GA were in London. But fair enough the Headquarters are in the USA and it's therefore the home of the UN.*

*Fun fact: France, the UK and The Netherlands voted against basing the HQ in the USA.

Like it or not, the USA is the strongest Super Power after the Cold War victory. Our economic might, allowed us to outspend the Soviets in the race for military might, while at the same time preserve our high standard of living, for most of our citizens.

Indeed "like it or not". That's the point, most other countries don't like it.

Are we living up to our Cold War rhetoric about how Democracy is morally superior to Communism ?

Well Bush junior has answered that question to the world.

The question is now being posed to Obama.

People around the globe are scared. They are liking what they are hearing from him so far, and by giving him the Nobel Peace Prize, They are handing him a great deal of political capital. With all the crap that is going on right now, He can surely use all of the political capitol he can get.

The USA is in a better position than any other Country to take the lead. And, Obama's Peace Prize is just a way that the world is announcing its preferred leader, to finally fix this mess before it is too late.

When I see these stupid and selfish Republicans, say crap about how he has not done anything to deserve the prize. It makes me sick to my stomach. Are they really this stupid, or are they just playing internal politics at the detriment of the rest of the world, and its hope for peace and brotherhood ?

I agree. Giving it to Obama was a political manouvre, but that was the point of it. It said: "Dude, you're the one who can put an end to this mess." It's a way of putting trust in the leader of the country which is the only one who can bring the solution. (Yes, because they're also the cause behind most of the mess, but that's not Obama's fault.)

I just hopes he realizes that and that the American people do too. He's the hero that gotham needs right now.

Right on brother. It warms my heart to be in agreement here. If people like us can both see the light, maybe others will also begin to see it. I particularly am impressed with your insight that the USA is the only one that can lead, and bring the solution. It will take something much different than what the world has been doing so far. It will take a Powerful and respected genius, to lead us down a NEW path. My money is on Obama, and it seems that the majority of the world has put their wager on him as well.

Now if only these obstructionist Republicans would start to see the light. Maybe there is a thoughtful member of their caucus that will realize the opportunity to step up, and support our President. Maybe if the Republicans can exorcise themselves from the warmongering, bible thumping, hypocrites that Our country has rejected in 08, they may see a revival of the true Compassionate Conservatives. Could you imagine if Someone like Newt were to step up and proclaim that we need to set aside our petty little squabbles, and all of us as Americans, should rally behind our President as he works to pull the world back from the precipice. Something like that would go a long, long way to give Obama some more of that Political capital that he needs right now. It would also put that very smart Republican in the running for the oval office in 2012, or 2016.

[porkenbeans]

I will also add that when they formed the United Nations, The USA was chosen to be its home. This says a lot about how the majority of the world, has in the past, viewed the United States of America. Who has given the most per ca pita and all that, is just derailing the conversation.

Like it or not, the USA is the strongest Super Power after the Cold War victory. Our economic might, allowed us to outspend the Soviets in the race for military might, while at the same time preserve our high standard of living, for most of our citizens.

Are we living up to our Cold War rhetoric about how Democracy is morally superior to Communism ?

Well Bush junior has answered that question to the world.

The question is now being posed to Obama.

People around the globe are scared. They are liking what they are hearing from him so far, and by giving him the Nobel Peace Prize, They are handing him a great deal of political capital. With all the crap that is going on right now, He can surely use all of the political capitol he can get.

The USA is in a better position than any other Country to take the lead. And, Obama's Peace Prize is just a way that the world is announcing its preferred leader, to finally fix this mess before it is too late.

When I see these stupid and selfish Republicans, say crap about how he has not done anything to deserve the prize. It makes me sick to my stomach. Are they really this stupid, or are they just playing internal politics at the detriment of the rest of the world, and its hope for peace and brotherhood ?

I take it you're typing this from some kind of mental asylum?

Well, I am just sane enough to score higher than 14% in a kid's game like Risk. Actually its more than 4 times that. ...So who's the Dummy ?

[Titanic]

Snori, There are just too many ways to define charity. How about all the money spent to protect those oh so generous European countries over the past 50+ years ? If you widened your definition a bit, you would realize that the USA has been the Whole free worlds benefactor for quit some time. And I would be on the mark if I were to through in an "unappreciated" in there.

What money was spent to protect these European countries? The money given during the war and in the years after was in the form of loans which took almost 60 years to pay back. Also a lot of these loans were for selfish reasons; to build up western Europe so that it could look like the better half in the Cold War, and also so that the US corporations which flourished in WWII would have a market to export to and make money.

Right on brother. It warms my heart to be in agreement here. If people like us can both see the light, maybe others will also begin to see it. I particularly am impressed with your insight that the USA is the only one that can lead, and bring the solution. It will take something much different than what the world has been doing so far. It will take a Powerful and respected genius, to lead us down a NEW path. My money is on Obama, and it seems that the majority of the world has put their wager on him as well.

Now if only these obstructionist Republicans would start to see the light. Maybe there is a thoughtful member of their caucus that will realize the opportunity to step up, and support our President. Maybe if the Republicans can exorcise themselves from the warmongering, bible thumping, hypocrites that Our country has rejected in 08, they may see a revival of the true Compassionate Conservatives. Could you imagine if Someone like Newt were to step up and proclaim that we need to set aside our petty little squabbles, and all of us as Americans, should rally behind our President as he works to pull the world back from the precipice. Something like that would go a long, long way to give Obama some more of that Political capital that he needs right now. It would also put that very smart Republican in the running for the oval office in 2012, or 2016.

I agree with this a lot. The only way a Republican is ever going to get back into the White House is a disastrous democrat administration or if they move back towards the centre where they can pick up enough votes. The have lost the blacks, they are losing hispanics and asians and other minorities, they lose amongst the young, and are only slightly ahead now on white males. The more and more they fly over to the far-right the less percentage of the population actually wants to vote for them. Honestly, if they keep on going on at this rate (and give Palin a run in 2012) I think the party might actually splinter between the moderates and the extremists.

[thegreekdog]

I sort of skimmed through most of this (admittedly because most of the posts were by the Tubster and porkenbeans). Anyway, one thing I picked up on was that the US was an "evil empire." As a citizen in the evil empire, as long as I am living comfortably in that evil empire and the evil empire doesn't turn its evil intentions towards me, I'm okay with supporting that evil empire... it keeps me happy and well-fed.

[Snorri1234]

I sort of skimmed through most of this (admittedly because most of the posts were by the Tubster and porkenbeans). Anyway, one thing I picked up on was that the US was an "evil empire." As a citizen in the evil empire, as long as I am living comfortably in that evil empire and the evil empire doesn't turn its evil intentions towards me, I'm okay with supporting that evil empire... it keeps me happy and well-fed.

Calling it evil is quite the stretch. I'd go with "sort of a dick".

[porkenbeans]

I sort of skimmed through most of this (admittedly because most of the posts were by the Tubster and porkenbeans). Anyway, one thing I picked up on was that the US was an "evil empire." As a citizen in the evil empire, as long as I am living comfortably in that evil empire and the evil empire doesn't turn its evil intentions towards me, I'm okay with supporting that evil empire... it keeps me happy and well-fed.

I resent that you put me in the same category as Tub. "I" am not a blabbering buffoon. You can disagree with my views if you must, but just because I always seem to be able to beat you at the debate, that's no reason to act like a sniveling cry baby.

[thegreekdog]

I sort of skimmed through most of this (admittedly because most of the posts were by the Tubster and porkenbeans). Anyway, one thing I picked up on was that the US was an "evil empire." As a citizen in the evil empire, as long as I am living comfortably in that evil empire and the evil empire doesn't turn its evil intentions towards me, I'm okay with supporting that evil empire... it keeps me happy and well-fed.

I resent that you put me in the same category as Tub. "I" am not a blabbering buffoon. You can disagree with my views if you must, but just because I always seem to be able to beat you at the debate, that's no reason to act like a sniveling cry baby.

Yeah, you're right. Tubster is a different animal altogether. Not sure about the sniveling cry baby label though. I thought the post above was neither sniveling nor crying, but I guess you took it a little differently.

[porkenbeans]

I sort of skimmed through most of this (admittedly because most of the posts were by the Tubster and porkenbeans). Anyway, one thing I picked up on was that the US was an "evil empire." As a citizen in the evil empire, as long as I am living comfortably in that evil empire and the evil empire doesn't turn its evil intentions towards me, I'm okay with supporting that evil empire... it keeps me happy and well-fed.

I resent that you put me in the same category as Tub. "I" am not a blabbering buffoon. You can disagree with my views if you must, but just because I always seem to be able to beat you at the debate, that's no reason to act like a sniveling cry baby.

Yeah, you're right. Tubster is a different animal altogether. Not sure about the sniveling cry baby label though. I thought the post above was neither sniveling nor crying, but I guess you took it a little differently.

You dismissed me like I was insignificant, and then lumped me in with Tubs. It seemed to me that you were being a sore looser. Which in my book is the same thing as a whiner, or sniveler.

[thegreekdog]

I sort of skimmed through most of this (admittedly because most of the posts were by the Tubster and porkenbeans). Anyway, one thing I picked up on was that the US was an "evil empire." As a citizen in the evil empire, as long as I am living comfortably in that evil empire and the evil empire doesn't turn its evil intentions towards me, I'm okay with supporting that evil empire... it keeps me happy and well-fed.

I resent that you put me in the same category as Tub. "I" am not a blabbering buffoon. You can disagree with my views if you must, but just because I always seem to be able to beat you at the debate, that's no reason to act like a sniveling cry baby.

Yeah, you're right. Tubster is a different animal altogether. Not sure about the sniveling cry baby label though. I thought the post above was neither sniveling nor crying, but I guess you took it a little differently.

You dismissed me like I was insignificant, and then lumped me in with Tubs. It seemed to me that you were being a sore looser. Which in my book is the same thing as a whiner, or sniveler.

Sore loser? That contemplates that I actually lost something, which I have not.

[pimpdave]

Sore loser? That contemplates that I actually lost something, which I have not.

Well, to be fair, you did completely lose to me. But not to porkenbeans.

Don't mind him, he's just like Tubster.

[thegreekdog]

Sore loser? That contemplates that I actually lost something, which I have not.

Well, to be fair, you did completely lose to me. But not to porkenbeans.

Don't mind him, he's just like Tubster.

I don't remember losing to you either. I'm unfamiliar with porkenbeans... the only things I've read are the stuff in this thread and his complete desecration of Civil War history. At least he doesn't make lame flame attempts.

[pimpdave]

I totally won.

[thegreekdog]

I totally won.

You may have won, but you didn't beat me.

SUCK IT!

[Skittles!]

I totally won.

You may have won, but you didn't beat me.

SUCK IT!

I'll beat and suck.


LOL JKS.

[colton24]

This happened the same night Obama received the award:

Click image to enlarge.

Failed missle? Attempt to have everyone in Poland under Russian mind control? Or...?

[The Neon Peon]

There is something in this world called photoshop. It has a distort effect called the swirl tool that for some odd reason makes something that looks exactly like that.

[jimboston]

... it is great that an American president is getting it...

I am jumping in on this one late... so I apologize if someone already said this.

First... I agree CreepersWiener that Obama doesn't deserve it.

However this line from your opening I take exception with... and I will explain why.

I don't believe any sitting American President should be eligible. As President he is Commander-in-Chief (CIC) of one of the largest armies (military) in the world... and undoubtably the strongest military forces ever assembled in the history of mankind. That alone should make one ineligible. In addition... as CIC his (our) military is actively engaged in two major armed conflicts... not including smaller activities.

Now one could argue that the US military also often provides humanitarian assistance. They would be right. One could also argue that the conflicts are defensive and/or the end-goal is a good one.... I would argue that, but that's is a debatable statement. Neither is relevant.

The primary job of the US military is to wage war.

How can the CIC of one of the largest armies... actively engaged in military conflicts... even be considered for the Noble????

Now... post-presidency... go for it. I might be convinced Carter did deserve it.

Obama though... not now... likely never.

(This is all coming from a conservative oriented libertarian type... so you can know the source.)

[jimboston]

Obama has brought a ray of hope. Its like we are being given a second chance to retake the test. That is why Obama was given the Peace prize. The world is hoping and doing what it can to help us pass the test.

Ugg.

I am amazed at how naive some people can be...

Hope.

That is what Obama ran and won on... but hope doesn't accomplish anything... you need action too. Obama is proving that he was all talk.

Wake Up!

[snufkin]

The countries at the top of this list are naturally going to be those that are more, er, shall I say "Socialists".

4 out of the top 5 on that list are founding members of NATO (and although Sweden officially was neutral they always worked closely with the CIA against the Soviet union)

The cold war was between socialists led by the USSR and socialists led by the USA?

4 out of the 5 countries topping the list are run by conservatives or right-wings and they are all monarchies..
I guess socialist = everyone except the USA?




(on the other hand I keep hearing in US media that Obama is a communist incarnation of Hitler..
so maybe all governments are commies - except that barack also wants the aryan race to rule?
I know you guys know the melody to "the internationale" from rocky etc so why don´t we all hum it really loud and go attack Martians or something..