by Richard Frisbie
Member since:
December 19, 2005

Proud To Be An American

October 09, 2009 09:40 AM EDT (Updated: October 10, 2009 03:38 PM EDT)
views: 122 | comments: 39

When I woke up to the news that our President, Barack Obama, had won the Nobel Prize for Peace, I was astounded. Thoughts of "It's too soon" quickly gave way to an acknowledgement of his accomplishments already. His efforts at peace, at reconciliation, at reintroducing reason and diplomacy into a position too recently ruled with ignorance and belligerence have won him world-wide recognition - and the ultimate prize of all diplomats - the Nobel Prize for Peace.

Congratulations Mr President!

I hope you live long enough to win it many times more!






video

And to all you naysayers - the accusers of Obama being a card-carrying communist, a socialist who was born in Kenya and is a secret Muslim - to all you crazies out there who do nothing but undermine our position in the world with your deceitful ways . . . the American people are tired of it.

SHUT UP!

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Comments: 39

Sophie S. Oct 9, 2009, 9:43am EDT
I have been following the work of Nobel winners for years and I have to say I do not understand this one. Especially when it is coupled with some of the comments made by the committee members. The prize is supposed to be for recognition of work done and ongoing, but they make it sound like they gave it to him to encourage the peace he speaks of bringing about. Definitely not the same thing.
Richard Frisbie Oct 9, 2009, 9:48am EDT
Hi Sophie. I heard them their comments this morning too. I heard them say that it was not for what he will accomplish, but for what he already has. It is too soon to sort it all out, but I'm sure it is all we'll hear about for some time - go with it - it is a proud moment to be an American.
Sophie S. Oct 9, 2009, 9:58am EDT
True, I think anyone's efforts at peace are commendable, but I think if you go about even creating an award to recognize it and create honorable standards, then you should honor them. And that is my honest opinion.

Besides, I have always been proud to be an American, who wins or does not win the Nobel Peace Prize does not change that for me. Especially since it is meant to transcend nationalities.
Richard Frisbie Oct 9, 2009, 11:15am EDT
I just heard another report about how it is his position on nuclear arms, climate control and peace in general - and everything he's said and done to support that position so far - that led to his surprise win. Certainly he's shown potential (my immediate thought of "it's too soon!") acknowledges that. The Nobel Committee thinks he's already done enough for the honor. Who am I to second guess them - or as one naysayer replied - call it bizarre? Now I'm going to listen to his speech. I'm sure we can add humble to the list of President Obama's qualities shortly. Of course we are all proud to be Americans now - thanks Sophie.
Elizabeth R. Oct 9, 2009, 9:57am EDT
This is a proud moment to be an American. President Barack Obama has done a great deal to improve our standing in the world. Congratulations, Mr. President.

Thank you for your positive input, Richard. It is truly appreciated.
John Philipp Oct 9, 2009, 10:16am EDT
Richard, I am a fan of Obama, support most everything he's done in office (especially considering the mess he inherited), this is a great honor for him and I will also have to say I am with Sophie on this — I do not understand this award. Maybe I will after they release more details.
Richard Frisbie Oct 9, 2009, 11:17am EDT
Yes - I think it will all come out - this will be talked about ad infinitum - meanwhile I'm just so happy!
Marilyn M. Oct 9, 2009, 10:25am EDT
I have always been proud to be an American. But this is bizarre.
The Unnameable Oct 9, 2009, 11:28am EDT
I love the peace work he's doing in Afghanistan!
Richard Frisbie Oct 9, 2009, 11:29am EDT
good
flit . Oct 9, 2009, 11:53am EDT
I was pretty surprised that he's won a Nobel prize already - I'm sure there will be a lot of discussion about it.
Richard Frisbie Oct 9, 2009, 11:55am EDT
Thanks Flit - I just heard the President on NPR. His speech was great - surprised, humbled and accepting on behalf of everyone working for peace in the world. We'll be talking about this for a long time.
I'm glad the question has been settled. Now we can move on to the cool explosions and stuff.
I'm surprised, happy, and confused. Maybe it's an inherent weakness in the frog brain. It seems like he received the prize in anticipation of achievement rather than on the basis of achievement. I'm really happy he got it.
Richard Frisbie Oct 9, 2009, 3:12pm EDT
Thanks nippy, me too, but it might be that the rest of the world perceives his work as so well begun it should be encouraged. The judges seem to think he's accomplished a lot already. Who am I to say no?
Ishbel R. Oct 9, 2009, 2:13pm EDT
Whilst I am pleased that Mr Obama has won the award - I, too, wonder how, when the closing date for nominations was just after his inauguration, he was considered AT THIS TIME. (I think had he won it next year, I would have been much more comfortable about the award.)
Richard Frisbie Oct 9, 2009, 3:02pm EDT
Obviously, I'm happy too, thanks Ishbel. I read elsewhere about the closing date, but not that the Judges didn't consider his actions after that date - neither did you. Yet it is being assumed here, and elsewhere. I'll have to go with the facts as they have been explained to us. I'm glad he won the award. The Judges cite events after that much-bandied-around-date as reasons they voted for him. I can accept their statements.
Ishbel R. Oct 10, 2009, 11:19am EDT
Fine.... but if my students try to suggest that I consider work they do after a hand-in (deadline) date...... they're not going to get far!
Richard Frisbie Oct 10, 2009, 11:56am EDT
your rules are different - theirs is a date to file intent, yours is a final hand-in.
Ishbel R. Oct 10, 2009, 5:55pm EDT
OK - pax.
You and I have different ideas of what was meant here.
I think President Obama is a great asset to the USA. Particularly after Mr Bush... but I still think I'm right!
Richard Frisbie Oct 10, 2009, 6:02pm EDT
That's fine - you can't be wrong - it's your opinion. Did you watch the video I added? Amazing stuff.
Ishbel R. Oct 10, 2009, 6:20pm EDT
no - but I saw bits of it on the BBC news.
Cheri Cabot Oct 9, 2009, 3:36pm EDT
It is a wonderful day for America! It shows we are once again recognized as the leader on the world stage. Thank you President Obama for being such a marvelous leader for our country and the world!
Richard Frisbie Oct 9, 2009, 3:39pm EDT
Thanks Cheri - I don't often offer political commentary - but this so moved me this morning - GREAT NEWS indeed!
Today's Illusion Oct 9, 2009, 10:41pm EDT
I understand their reasoning.

Dramatically improving the diplomatic language and cooperation between all nations.
Richard Frisbie Oct 10, 2009, 12:48am EDT
Thanks TI - dramatically! Gone are the "bomb the sh*t out of them" presidential deplomacy days - Here! Here!
Lyn Owen Nov 4, 2009, 1:20pm EST
Thank goodness!!!!!!!
Elizabeth Madrigal Nov 7, 2009, 10:13pm EST

Elizabeth Madrigal Nov 7, 2009, 10:13pm EST
Thanks, Richard. You said it all. I hope the Obamas survive intact, but seeing what the two of them have already done and how they are such high achievers, I am not too worried. I just wish we deserved them.
Richard Frisbie Nov 8, 2009, 1:34am EST
Elizabeth - our job is to live up to them! Thanks so much for stopping by.
Barbary Chaapel Nov 15, 2009, 9:35pm EST

Grand finale to your post! Still smiling, Richard.

Yes, congratulations are certainly due.
Richard Frisbie Nov 15, 2009, 10:51pm EST
your encouragement is appreciated - thanks, Barbary.
Kathryn E. Nov 17, 2009, 4:29am EST
I was very happy to see this honor for Obama.
David C. Nov 25, 2009, 8:26pm EST
Didn't see this when first posted...but approp to read now, on day it was announced (or was that ysterday) that he'd go to Copenhagen for Climate Change summit on the way to pick up the hardware. Don't recall his predecessor going to the climate change events (climate change, what's that?).
Richard Frisbie Nov 27, 2009, 10:56am EST
I spent an unfestive dinner yesterday listing to cheap shots about global warming and Obama's Nobel Prize. Finally I had enough and said:
At least admit that we have to be Proud to be Americans when our President is so honored - even if you don't agree with his polices. I took the silence as admittance and made my leave. That's the last time . . .
Diana Raabe Dec 9, 2009, 12:29pm EST
Amen!

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