Obama wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

[Guest OrenG]

OrenG: Reagan deregulated the banking industry. Those regulations were put into place to prevent another Great Depression, and Reagan tore them up. Don't re-write history to suit your own political views.

Yes and then Clinton instituted them. Don't use a small part of history to suit your own political argument.

If we only looked at a certain part of history why not take a chunk out of the early 1800's and we could argue about the right's and wrong's about slavery.

Edited October 10, 2009 by OrenG

[robertk]

personally, It would have been more fun if they had given it to Rush Limbaugh

[HauteHippie]

No confusion here Freddy. Socialism and communism is in fact one and the same.

Actually, they're not... Nazi Germany was not a socialist state. The Soviet Union was not a socialist state. China is not a socialist state. Cuba is not a socialist state. Venezuela is not a socialist state. In fact, try to name any country in modern times in which true socialism has existed. Here's a hint... as long as the government maintains its power and operates top-down rather than bottom-up and the working class is not in charge, then you don't have true socialism. And I only know of one attempt at this in modern times. But it failed.

[Guest OrenG]

personally, It would have been more fun if they had given it to Rush Limbaugh

At least Rush Limbaugh doesn't have the power to send the United States into a downward spiral into a black hole economy. I hope he enjoys his Cracker Jack Prize, as it means absolutely nothing. It's actually quite comical it's like the sketch from the Simpsons, Bart's trophy from everyone gets a trophy day.

[HauteHippie]

They're celebrating his rhetoric.

They're celebrating his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples"... oh wait, that's what you said.

[freddy333]

personally, It would have been more fun if they had given it to Rush Limbaugh

Or the fellow in Iran who is the 1st to be sentenced to death for speaking out against that country's despotic regime. In contrast, I think most rational thinking people would see the obvious folly inherent in the committee's current decision.

[tenacious_b]

Give me a break, this is nothing more than a gesture from the rest of the mostly socialist world saying "keep up the good work in trying to bring socialism to America." Barak Obama no more deserves the Nobel Peace Prize than do I.

[Nanuq]

Barak Obama no more deserves the Nobel Peace Prize than do I.

What the heck? You didn't get your Nobel Peace Prize? All of us in Admin got ours ... here, I'll nominate you for one too.

[Brightight]

I belive this is a sort of racism. Wow a black man is POTUS, let's give him a prize! Obama would not have got the Peace prize if he'd been white I feel sure. Let's face it Clinton didn't and he has done more for peace (Northern Ireland for a start) than most.

Most of the commentators this side of the pond have suggested the main reason he got the prize is he is not George Bush. Poor George, a gut reaction to 911 in the invasion of Iraq and he's branded a warmonger for ever!

Obama would have been worth a hell of a lot more in my eyes if he'd said "Thanks guys, but I really don't deserve it, please give it to someone more deserving". However he didn't.

[HunterBL]

wow thats really interesting, i dont know if i like that

[Richard Tracy]

Then name one thing he's done that is helpful to the American people.

OrenG, this is not directed at you, so please don't take it personally, as I'm simply responding to much of what I have read in this thread in your post.

Sometimes, the ugly political and slimy under currents of racism by some in this board rankles my nerves and nearly drives me away.

If it weren't for a shared love of time represented in mechanical form, I don't see much we have in common.

This is why I shy away from forum get togethers.

The shiny sparkle of a replica watch, won't long blind me to the fake jaded smile of a bigot.

What has Obama done ?

Isn't it obvious ?

He's given solid living substance, to the long sung American slogan, that America is the one place on Earth where you can, no matter who you are, or where you come from, rise to any height your intelligence & determination can carry you.

The Statue of Liberty is now a true representation of the best of America.

If you don't know how much this astounding historical event has effected the attitudes of millions the world over, and especially in America where a vast segment felt that they never really belonged, then you were one that was blind to your brothers and sisters plight, and attitude is everything.

To the world, He's shown that America, for a time, and in places, overcame the past stagnating shadows of racism, which is, like religion, a most ridiculous and self defeating ramshackle wall, which keeps us as a human species, separated, and separation breeds ignorance, and ignorance begets fear, and fear brings forth hate, which explodes into violence, and violence destroys us all as a species, not only by bloodletting, but by blocking the flow of genius which has no color, no nationality, no sex, no religious of political affiliation, and only requires bread, clean water, clean air and respect, to grow and deliver the answers to the diseases and problems which kill us all.

If Obama does nothing the rest of his term, {which I doubt, as people are too quick to jump & judge,} then he will have still changed the world forever for the better.

This is all I have to say.

I will not respond to any commentary pro or neg.

[fakemaster]

Fakey's remarks are tongue-in-cheek Freddy. Facetious. Sarcastic even. If I know Fakey. And I do.

I hold less animosity to the man than I do his constituency. I think that is a thread running through this topic. Which is more frighteneing to me. He's just one guy. The fact there are so many 'subjects in the Emporer's' kingdom who can see his clothes' scares the crap out of me. Maybe him too.

If my sister wanted to marry Barack Obama I would be so glad. For him to be the CIC? Not so much.

LOL. Damn Dems you got me. I was just trying to keep it light.

[Guest OrenG]

OrenG, this is not directed at you, so please don't take it personally, as I'm simply responding to much of what I have read in this thread in your post.

Sometimes, the ugly political and slimy under currents of racism by some in this board rankles my nerves and nearly drives me away.

If it weren't for a shared love of time represented in mechanical form, I don't see much we have in common.

This is why I shy away from forum get togethers.

The shiny sparkle of a replica watch, won't long blind me to the fake jaded smile of a bigot.

What has Obama done ?

Isn't it obvious ?

He's given solid living substance, to the long sung American slogan, that America is the one place on Earth where you can, no matter who you are, or where you come from, rise to any height your intelligence & determination can carry you.

The Statue of Liberty is now a true representation of the best of America.

If you don't know how much this astounding historical event has effected the attitudes of millions the world over, and especially in America where a vast segment felt that they never really belonged, then you were one that was blind to your brothers and sisters plight, and attitude is everything.

To the world, He's shown that America, for a time, and in places, overcame the past stagnating shadows of racism, which is, like religion, a most ridiculous and self defeating ramshackle wall, which keeps us as a human species, separated, and separation breeds ignorance, and ignorance begets fear, and fear brings forth hate, which explodes into violence, and violence destroys us all as a species, not only by bloodletting, but by blocking the flow of genius which has no color, no nationality, no sex, no religious of political affiliation, and only requires bread, clean water, clean air and respect, to grow and deliver the answers to the diseases and problems which kill us all.

If Obama does nothing the rest of his term, {which I doubt, as people are too quick to jump & judge,} then he will have still changed the world forever for the better.

This is all I have to say.

I will not respond to any commentary pro or neg.

That is a bunch of wishie-washie [censored] and you all very well know it. Last time I checked the president's only duty was not to reestablish the "slogan" of America, it is to lead the nation through good times and bad. Instead what our dear leader is doing is steering us into known dangerous water. Ask a real Canadian or Englishmen about their health care system, ask a real french person on welfare how their day to day life is. I can guarantee their answer will be unpleasant to most ears.

And you are a typical liberal bringing in the race card when we all know he was elected because of his race and nothing more, as he has no qualifications or experience to prove otherwise.

Lest you forget that the Admin started this thread (although I agree this sort of thing does not belong on this forum), not one of the regular members, therefore I see no harm in posting here.

[Demsey]

OrenG, this is not directed at you, so please don't take it personally, as I'm simply responding to much of what I have read in this thread in your post.

Sometimes, the ugly political and slimy under currents of racism by some in this board rankles my nerves and nearly drives me away.

If it weren't for a shared love of time represented in mechanical form, I don't see much we have in common.

This is why I shy away from forum get togethers.

The shiny sparkle of a replica watch, won't long blind me to the fake jaded smile of a bigot.

What has Obama done ?

Isn't it obvious ?

He's given solid living substance, to the long sung American slogan, that America is the one place on Earth where you can, no matter who you are, or where you come from, rise to any height your intelligence & determination can carry you.

The Statue of Liberty is now a true representation of the best of America.

If you don't know how much this astounding historical event has effected the attitudes of millions the world over, and especially in America where a vast segment felt that they never really belonged, then you were one that was blind to your brothers and sisters plight, and attitude is everything.

To the world, He's shown that America, for a time, and in places, overcame the past stagnating shadows of racism, which is, like religion, a most ridiculous and self defeating ramshackle wall, which keeps us as a human species, separated, and separation breeds ignorance, and ignorance begets fear, and fear brings forth hate, which explodes into violence, and violence destroys us all as a species, not only by bloodletting, but by blocking the flow of genius which has no color, no nationality, no sex, no religious of political affiliation, and only requires bread, clean water, clean air and respect, to grow and deliver the answers to the diseases and problems which kill us all.

If Obama does nothing the rest of his term, {which I doubt, as people are too quick to jump & judge,} then he will have still changed the world forever for the better.

This is all I have to say.

I will not respond to any commentary pro or neg.

This is a good post and I agree with a lot of it. And said same could have been accomplished if Gerneral Colin Powell had run and won. He sure as hell would have had my vote. In the booth and of confidence.

I don't think anyone in this thread is begrudging President Obama for who he is and what he's accomplished. I think the rub lies in who he isn't and what he has yet to accomplish in execution of duty to the office he holds before he lays on the brocade of "Peace Maker". The blind faith of the masses to a quasi 'Second Coming' is not of his doing. It's a pony trick that has taken on a life of it's own. Aside the man.

"Change" is not a plan of action and "Hope" is not a destination.

To suggest this web site is an irreverent cover for bigotry and racism is not right, nor is it accurate. The membership wouldn't stand for it, nor would the Administration allow it. One of the reasons I come here is to find a refuge from what you're talking about Kevin. I could honestly give a toss about watches in a grander scheme.

If you try real hard, you can see an ocean where a forest stands. That's an individual's perspective not a truth.

[Ztech]

This is a good post and I agree with a lot of it. And said same could have been accomplished if Gerneral Colin Powell had run and won. He sure as hell would have had my vote. In the booth and of confidence.

I don't think anyone in this thread is begrudging President Obama for who he is and what he's accomplished. I think the rub lies in who he isn't and what he has yet to accomplish in execution of duty to the office he holds before he lays on the brocade of "Peace Maker". The blind faith of the masses to a quasi 'Second Coming' is not of his doing. It's a pony trick that has taken on a life of it's own. Aside the man.

"Yes we can" is not a plan of action and "Hope" is not a destination.

To suggest this web site is an irreverent cover for bigotry and racism is not right, nor is it accurate. The membership wouldn't stand for it, nor would the Administration allow it. One of the reasons I come here is to find a refuge from what you're talking about Kevin. I could honestly give a toss about watches in a grander scheme.

If you try real hard, you can see an ocean where a forest stands. That's an individual's perspective not a truth.

I agree with you there Demsey. I think most here are just dissapointed with the decision of the Nobel prize committe than anything else. Personally, I grew up with high regard for the prize and those who "earn" it. It's quite dissapointing to see what it has become today. I think the general consensus will agree with my statement here, no matter what their political stance, etc. Now, back to watches gentlemen...

[Guest Carl]

I'm amazed that the Admin has brought up this political topic and then strapped on his skis and run for Narvik.

He knew just what he was starting and it isn't about watches or Norway.

Keep running and hope that we don't catch you.

Carl

[Demsey]

Not so sure that's fair. I think the OP was neutral. Maybe he knew what to expect, but certainly couldn't have known what he was starting.

Perhaps I'm too thick skinned or politically incorrect but I just think it's people talkin'. The view points are varied and honest but not inciteful. I am considering all of them.

If I take issue with it at all, and it's not really an issue, more of a curiosity, is; why it was originally posted in "General Discussion"? If a member of the common membership had posted it here, it would have been moved to "Off Topic" immediately by the first moderator to come across it, merely as a matter of board policy and design.

There is a large portion of the membership that really has no taste or want for anything off-topic of watches. The basic tenet dished out to those who feel that way is; "Stay out of "Off Topic" and certainly the "Loony Bin".

Considering the genre of RWG I don't think those who want only to participate to that end should have to see this thread title in "General Discussion". There's a reason why "Off Topic", "Humor" and "The Loony Bin" are at the bottom of a very loooooooooong scroll of watch related sub-forums. You certainly know where to find it if you want, but it's not in your face if you don't.

[ChipSlap]

Last time I checked the president's only duty was not to reestablish the "slogan" of America, it is to lead the nation through good times and bad.

Maybe I'm nitpicking, but that's not the job of the president. That's more like a wedding vow.

The constitution directs the president to swear that he "...faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

"Leading the nation" appears nowhere in the constitution.

[freddy333]

The constitution directs the president to swear that he "...faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

"Leading the nation" appears nowhere in the constitution.

'Leading' is implicit in the President's job description (as taken from Article II, Section 2 of the US Constitution) - 'The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States.......'. The 'faithfully execute' quote is simply an 'Oath or Affirmation' the President takes before entering the Office.

[plaifender]

Actually, they're not... Nazi Germany was not a socialist state. The Soviet Union was not a socialist state. China is not a socialist state. Cuba is not a socialist state. Venezuela is not a socialist state. In fact, try to name any country in modern times in which true socialism has existed. Here's a hint... as long as the government maintains its power and operates top-down rather than bottom-up and the working class is not in charge, then you don't have true socialism. And I only know of one attempt at this in modern times. But it failed.

+1.. You couldn't be more right chief. I don't know why people confuse socicalism and communism. Neither has ever existed in it's theoretical/philosophical form. Communism is defined as a type of system that cannot possibly exist within a state or government. With pure communism we wouldn't need government..... but that is of course impossible as we see it today.

Socialism on the other hand is a government in which every aspect of life is controlled by the government. The soviets messed up the concepts by labeling their totalitarian stalinist government Communist... When in fact.. it was not (since communism can only be achieved through universal acceptance. And by getting rid of all forms of government and a class systems.)((which we all know is beyond our nature as humans)...

[ChipSlap]

'Leading' is implicit in the President's job description (as taken from Article II, Section 2 of the US Constitution) - 'The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States.......'. The 'faithfully execute' quote is simply an 'Oath or Affirmation' the President takes before entering the Office.

"Leading the nation" is completely different from being Commander in Chief (CINC) of the Army and Navy. One is a specific designation of military authority, the other is rather more nebulous and touchy-feely. Being CINC means that the members of the armed services are obliged to obey his lawful orders. As I (to take an example) am no longer a member of the military, I am not obliged to obey his orders. Many in the media, especially during the time immediately after September 11th, mistakenly referred to the president as the CINC of the nation, or of the United States. This is really only true if we become a military dictatorship.

Regarding the Presidential Oath of Office: It is not simply an oath or affirmation, it is The oath or affirmation. It is of such importance in defining the duties of the president, that when the House Judiciary Committee passed articles of impeachment against Richard Nixon, the articles specifically cited violation of the oath as justification for removing Nixon from office.