NSA Whistle Blower Edward Snowden Nominated For Nobel Peace Prize

Edward Snowden 

Courageous whistle blower, Edward Snowden, has been nominated for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, for presenting evidence of vast, illegal spying occurring at the NSA (National Security Agency). Snowden, a former contractor for the NSA, leaked concrete evidence of massive, unconstitutional spying, such as the unlawful program Prism, illegally recording Americans and international citizens phone calls, as well as collecting emails.

Swedish professor Stefan Svallfors has nominated Snowden for the award citing his, "Heroic effort at great personal cost." The Judiciary Report is of the belief, Snowden deserves the award and should be formally commended for his efforts. He has done a great public service.

STORY SOURCE

‘Heroic effort at great personal cost’: Edward Snowden nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Edited time: July 16, 2013 11:15 - A Swedish sociology professor has nominated Edward Snowden for the Nobel Peace Prize. He says the NSA whistleblower could help "save the prize from the disrepute incurred by the hasty and ill-conceived decision" to give the 2009 award to Barack Obama.

In his letter addressed to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Stefan Svallfors praised Snowden for his "heroic effort at great personal cost." He stated that by revealing the existence and the scale of the US surveillance programs, Snowden showed "individuals can stand up for fundamental rights and freedoms."

"This example is important because since the Nuremberg trials in 1945 has been clear that the slogan ‘I was just following orders’ is never claimed as an excuse for acts contrary to human rights and freedoms," Professor Svallfors wrote.

He emphasized that the decision to award the 2013 prize to Edward Snowden would also "help to save the Nobel Peace Prize from the disrepute incurred by the hasty and ill-conceived decision to award US President Barack Obama 2009 award

http://rt.com

Obama Billboard Comparing Him To Colorado Theater Kill James Holmes Provokes Anger

Barack Obama

An incendiary Billboard erected in Aurora, Colorado is comparing U.S. President Barack Obama, to James Holmes, the mentally deranged man that opened fire on a packed theater of moviegoers in their city, who had paid to see the latest Batman film, "The Dark Knight Rises."

James Holmes (left) Barack Obama (right)

The Billboard features side by side pictures of President Obama and Holmes and reads, "(Holmes) kills 12 in movie theater with assault rifle, everyone freaks out... (Obama) kills thousands with his foreign policy, wins Nobel peace prize." Obama supporters are enraged over the billboard. However, due to free speech laws in America, it is covered by the Constitution as lawful.

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The FBI Is Wrong To Promote J. Edgar Hoover After What He Did To Martin Luther King Jr.

Former cross-dressing FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (left)

The clandestine FBI continues its offensive promotion of the late J. Edgar Hoover, a man that terrorized Americans for decades, during his reign of terror as head of the FBI (Public Slams FBI's Planned J. Edgar Hoover Museum). It is because of Hoover, term limits were placed on FBI Directors, something one of his latter lawbreaking successors, Robert S. Mueller, has managed to flout, in violation of U.S. law. 

During his time as head of the FBI, Hoover turned a blind eye to the harassment and murder of blacks and other minorities. He corrupted many court cases with tainted evidence. He illegally amassed a  porn collection of very young stars, who were furious, as he used it to blackmail them. 

Martin Luther King Jr.

Many people, including former FBI agents have revealed, Hoover ordered the assassination of civil rights legend, Martin Luther King Jr. Hoover terrorized, perversely spied on, arrested, threatened and slurred King with terrible racial epithets. Hoover even wrote King a nasty condemnatory letter, wrongly telling him to commit suicide, on the eve of the African-American hero accepting a Nobel prize. 

Deranged Hoover, so consumed with hatred, jealousy, racism and rage, was furious that a "nig*er" he despised for preaching the Gospel and the fact God sees blacks and whites as equal, was to receive this prestigious international award. In Hoover's estimation a "nig*er" was not worthy to possess such a great award. To this day, world history reviles Hoover as a terrible human being and an abomination, while King is remembered very fondly.  

The J. Edgar Hoover reboot, FBI Director, Robert S. Mueller

Yet this is the monster the FBI is inexplicably celebrating on their website this week. There is even a building named after Hoover, who had a hand in the brutal murder of the great Martin Luther King Jr. That should let you know how the FBI feels about race. They haven't changed one bit and I can and will testify to that firsthand.

King has served as a great inspiration to me for many years, because I subscribe to the doctrine that all men and women are created equal in the sight of God, regardless of color or country of origin. This is a lesson the FBI has yet to learn. The horrible racial hatred driving the FBI shall be the same force that causes it closure under a cloud of enormous shame and disgrace.

Obama Ordered Bombing In Libya Kills Gadhafi’s Son, Underage Grandchildren And Destroys School For Disabled Children

Barack Obama

A NATO (NATO = OBAMA) ordered bombing of Libya, using state of the art technology to hit precise targets, has resulted in the tragic deaths of Libyan President Muammar Gadhafi's son and his three UNDERAGE grandchildren. The bombing targeted Gadhafi's son's home, but the Libyan President escaped. This is the second son of President Gadhafi that has been killed in a President Obama ordered bombing in the past month.

Prior to the latest bombing, the Judiciary Report repeatedly warned, attempting to or assassinating Gadhafi was not the way to handle this matter (Obama Accused Of Trying To Kill Gadhafi and Obama Says He Is Not Giving Up His Nobel Peace Prize). But as usual, the U.S. government didn't listen and now has the horrible worldwide distinction of having murdered innocent underage children and bombing a school for disabled kids.

Children in Libya holding up photos of the President's son Saif Al Arab Gaddafi

The world press is condemning the aforementioned bloody incident, as are many people from all over the world, writing in to feedback sections of websites. It has sparked rage in Libya and threats of revenge against the West. The attack is fomenting world hate.

The war in Libya is illegal under international charter, which the U.S. government signed and agreed to abide by. The war in Libya is also a criminal violation of American law. Now children are paying the ultimate price for President Obama wantonly breaking both international and domestic law. They have horrifically paid for it with their lives and as such, the President's Nobel Peace Prize should be revoked.

Muammar Gadhafi

To claim you are a man of peace, then churn out so much violence in the world, constitutes a Biblical definition of anti-Christ. Am I saying Obama is the central anti-Christ figure in the Bible? No, but he is behaving like the anti-Christ's predecessor.

The Bible describes the anti-Christ as one coming as a man of peace, being lauded by the public for his peaceful ways, then deceitfully provoking and engaging in world violence that leads to an international bloodbath.

STORY SOURCE

Hey Obama What do you say. How many Kids will you kill today?

How Many More Libyan Children Are We Willing to Kill?

Bombs hit Gaddafi home: NATO strikes kill son and three grandchildren

Libya: NATO airstrike killing Gadhafi's son, 3 grandchildren illegal

Libya disabled children school hit in NATO strike

NATO Strikes Draw Scrutiny After Qaddafi Family Deaths

Gaddafi family deaths reinforce doubts about Nato's UN mandate

British, Italian embassies attacked in Tripoli following NATO airstrike that

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Obama Accused Of Trying To Kill Gadhafi

Obama Says He Is Not Giving Up His Nobel Peace Prize

Obama Says He Is Not Giving Up His Nobel Peace Prize

It Would Be Like Milli Vanilli Keeping The Grammy

Barack Obama

U.S. President, Barack Obama, has publicly stated, he is not giving back the Nobel Peace Prize he was awarded in 2009. This is in the face of fresh international calls going out for the accolade to be rescinded, after he illegally invaded Libya, without Congressional or Constitutional approval, attempting to remove and kill their president of 42-years, Muammar Gadhafi.

Let's call it what it is, shall we, as you bombed the man's house. Anyone that bombs a person's house is trying to kill them. There is nothing peaceful about that. With all due respect, the award that was bestowed upon you should be deleted for the year of 2009, as thousands of civilians have died in Libya, squarely due to the war you are unlawfully waging in their nation. You no longer exemplify what the award stands for, due to the aforementioned conduct.

Muammar Gadhafi (you know, I had a bedspread once that looked like that fabric and there he is wearing it)

Side Bar: Why does Muammar Gadhafi have more names than Prince (The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, TAFKAP, Prince Nelson and the symbol that looks like his guitar with scurvy). My spell checker does not appreciate the variations, as one minute it is Moammar Kaddafi, the next it is Gaddafi, Gadhafi and Qaddafi. Pick a name!

Obama Illegally Invades Libya, Thousands Dead...

Nobel PEACE Prize winner, Barack Obama is a war criminal, as thousands lay dead in Libya, after military strikes he ordered.

The Obama Administration is spearheading a war in Libya, using the same premise former President, George W. Bush did to invade the Middle Eastern nation of Iraq in 2003. As the Drudge Report website reminded the world last week:

MARCH 19, 2011 - OBAMA: 'Today we are part of a broad coalition. We are answering the calls of a threatened people. And we are acting in the interests of the United States and the world'...

MARCH 19, 2003 - BUSH: 'American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger'..."

Washington is being accused of waging war for oil again, failing to learn from past mistakes (Iraq). A number of nations have condemn the Obama ordered military strike on Libya, attributing it to greed for oil, which will be stolen.

A congressman from President Obama's political party, Democrat, Ed Markey, has also stated, "We're in Libya because of oil." This is undoubtedly a repeat of Iraq and it shall not end well. America cannot afford another war, not in lives or money. Not to mention the damage it does to the target nation.

It is being stated one of Gadhafi’s sons, Khamis, has been killed in the Obama orchestrated bombings. Khamis Gadhafi, reportedly sustained severe burns to his body. When a large mass of skin is severely burned, the body’s immune system is open to infection, which can lead to death. In the Bush ordered war on Iraq, Saddam Hussein's sons were also killed in bombings.

The government invades a foreign country, kills people and puts it on display, like the head of animal mounted on a wall after the hunt. President Obama calling for this madness is so disappointing and disgraceful. Look what it has already turned into, in a matter of days.

Libyans burying their relatives in mass graves, who are civilians killed in Obama led bombings (Getty)

Another report indicates, the Obama Administration bombed Gadhafi’s home, then ludicrously claimed they were not targeting him. This insulted the public’s intelligence, as it was an assassination attempt, much in the manner of what transpired against Saddam Hussein, when former President, George W. Bush, ordered the bombing of his palaces.

The Judiciary Report is not in favor of the Obama Administration’s actions in Libya. Thousands of civilians and rebels have already died in the face of this awful sneak attack in Libya. Make no mistake, these are war crimes.

In the September 7, 2009 article Britain, Obama And Hillary Clinton Knew, the Judiciary Report expressed extreme skepticism at then British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, embracing the Gadhafi family in Britain as they did. It has nothing to do with them being Muslim. Once again, there are many Muslims that have acclimated into British society.

However, Gadhafi, is and always has been, an extremist, but I suspect his oil rich nation’s national resources, drove former Prime Minister Blair and Brown’s decisions. Roughly one year after the Judiciary Report's article, Gadhafi proved the website right, by calling for jihad against the West (Kadhafi Calls For Jihad). This conduct was very inappropriate, as is his family's lavish lifestyle, while Libyans go hungry.

In 2009, the Judiciary Report, also denounced the release of convicted Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbaset Al Megrahi, warning he would outlive the cancer prognosis his doctors rendered and he has by two years and counting (David Cameron Meets With Barack Obama).

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Obama Acquiring Nuclear Weapons

...Even Though He Just Won The Nobel Peace Prize

U.S. President Barack Obama

In spite of the fact he just won a Nobel PEACE Prize, U.S. President Barack Obama, is stockpiling nuclear weapons. He has requested billions more in the U.S. budget for nuclear weapons research and development.

It was referred to as, "The president's nuclear vision." Also known as World War III if they are not careful, as it could set off an international arms race. Obama certainly is changing and it is being noted everywhere.

Obama seeks money for nuclear weapons work

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – President Barack Obama is seeking increased funding for nuclear weapons research and security programs next year, even as his administration promotes nonproliferation and has pledged to reduce the world's stockpile of nuclear arms.

The administration on Monday asked Congress for more than $7 billion for activities related to nuclear weapons in the budget of the National Nuclear Security Administration, an increase of $624 million from the 2010 fiscal year.

NNSA Administrator Thomas D'Agostino defended putting more money into the programs, saying the U.S. needs the best nuclear weapons facilities, scientists, technicians and engineers as it moves toward eventual disarmament.

"This budget is implementing the president's nuclear vision," he said...

http://news.yahoo.com

Obama Meets Nobel Committee And Snubs Others

"Video: Nobel Peace Prize laureate US President Barack Obama meets Norway"

President Obama has come under fire again for visiting another foreign nation and snubbing dignitaries and officials. The President is currently in Norway, to accept his Nobel peace prize, which was roundly criticized in much of the world as premature. His acceptance of the award today, is now being criticized all over again, as he is sending 30,000 troops of to Afghanistan, defeating the premise of peace the award is based on.

U.S. President Barack Obama accepting the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

During his stay in Oslo, President Obama snubbed the King of Norway, incensing many locals. Similar incidents regarding Obama, occurred this year in Britain, France and Russia, with the same negative reaction.

U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

The President has given no reason for these snubs, leaving others feeling offended. He should address that. As a head of state, much is required of one and as such, making friendly, good-natured appearances, even if brief, are apart of the job to promote international goodwill.

Who knows what has gone into the President's decision in this regard and whether he is limiting appearances for fear of being assassinated or if his advisers have failed to see the importance of certain international engagements.

In light of the extensive damage former President Bush did during his tenure, President Obama should endeavor to pull America out of the rut that is isolationism, as the world is a cooperative. If not, furnish a gracious explanation, as what is being stated regarding this issue is very damaging to his reputation.

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Obama Wins Nobel Prize

Obama Nobel Controversy Continues

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Nobel Committee Defends Obama Award

Obama's Nobel snub angers Norwegians

Thursday 10 December 2009 08.39 GMT - Barack Obama has arrived in Oslo to receive his Nobel peace prize amid considerable anger over the White House's decision to cancel a series of events normally attended by the prizewinner.

Obama is scheduled to meet the Norwegian prime minister, Jens Stoltenberg, and the Norwegian royal family before receiving his medal at a ceremony due to begin at midday. His main speech is scheduled at a banquet tonight.

But Norwegians are incensed over what they view as his shabby response to the prize by cutting short his visit.

The White House has cancelled many of the events peace prize laureates traditionally submit to, including a dinner with the Norwegian Nobel committee, a press conference, a television interview, appearances at a children's event promoting peace and a music concert, as well as a visit to an exhibition in his honour at the Nobel peace centre.

He has also turned down a lunch invitation from the King of Norway. According to a poll published by the daily tabloid VG, 44% of Norwegians believe it was rude of Obama to cancel his scheduled lunch with King Harald, with only 34% saying they believe it was acceptable.

"Of all the things he is cancelling, I think the worst is cancelling the lunch with the king," said Siv Jensen, the leader of the largest party in opposition, the populist Progress party. "This is a central part of our government system. He should respect the monarchy," she told VG...

http://www.guardian.co.uk

Nobel Committee Defends Obama Award

Thorbjoern Jagland of the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo, Norway

The Nobel Committee in Oslo, Norway, have leapt to the defense of U.S. President Barack Obama, the recipient of this year's Peace Prize.

Many have spoken out, stating the President has not done anything of great accomplishment yet, to merit receiving the award. The criticism has been quite heavy and harsh, with some even calling for the award to be rescinded.

The Examiner.com pointed out an article in the New York Times, published days before the award was bestowed upon Obama, hypothesizing when and how the committee should rescind a Nobel Prize given to a recipient deemed unworthy of such an honor.

Yes, it's getting ugly out there.

AP Newsbreak: Nobel jury defends Obama decision

OSLO – Members of the Norwegian committee that gave Barack Obama the Nobel Peace Prize are strongly defending their choice against a storm of criticism that the award was premature and a potential liability for the U.S. president.

Asked to comment on the uproar following Friday's announcement, four members of the five-seat panel told The Associated Press that they had expected the decision to generate both surprise and criticism.

Three of them rejected the notion that Obama hadn't accomplished anything to deserve the award, while the fourth declined to answer that question. A fifth member didn't answer calls seeking comment.

"We simply disagree that he has done nothing," committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland told the AP on Tuesday. "He got the prize for what he has done."

Jagland singled out Obama's efforts to heal the divide between the West and the Muslim world and scale down a Bush-era proposal for an anti-missile shield in Europe.

"All these things have contributed to — I wouldn't say a safer world — but a world with less tension," Jagland said by phone from the French city of Strasbourg, where he was attending meetings in his other role as secretary-general of the Council of Europe.

He said most world leaders were positive about the award and that most of the criticism was coming from the media and from Obama's political rivals.

"I take note of it. My response is only the judgment of the committee, which was unanimous," he said, adding that the award to Obama followed the guidelines set forth by Alfred Nobel, the Swedish industrialist and inventor of dynamite, who established the Nobel Prizes in his 1895 will.

"Alfred Nobel wrote that the prize should go to the person who has contributed most to the development of peace in the previous year," Jagland said. "Who has done more for that than Barack Obama?"

Aagot Valle, a left-wing Norwegian politician who joined the Nobel panel this year, also dismissed suggestions that the decision to award Obama was without merit.

"Don't you think that comments like that patronize Obama? Where do these people come from?" Valle said by phone from the western coastal city of Bergen. "Well, of course, all arguments have to be considered seriously. I'm not afraid of a debate on the peace prize decision. That's fine."...

http://news.yahoo.com

Should the Nobel Peace Prize Committee have the power to revoke unworthy prizes?

October 11, 6:26 PM Miami City Buzz Examiner Robbin Swad - In an almost eerie foreshadowing of the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to President Obama, the New York Times online published an article just days prior to Obama's winning, discussing the suitability of reversing past honorees who received the Peace Prize. Randy Cohen, syndicated columnist and ethics writer for the New York Times' Sunday magazine authored a post entitled, Taking Back Nobel Prizes in which Cohen makes the following argument:

"Past winners comprise a roster worthy of esteem, but the list also includes a few clinkers, people who, in retrospect, seem curious choices at best. On Friday, when this year’s winner is disclosed, shouldn’t the Norwegian Nobel Committee do what we encourage in other realms: acknowledge error, and then rescind those past awards bestowed on the conspicuously undeserving?"

Cohen posted his reflections a week before the world learned that President Obama was to earn the prize. In the past few days, following Obama's "victory", various observers both nationally and internationally have noted that the selection of President Obama was premature, at best and unearned at worst. A surprised Barack Obama additionally echoed such sentiments:

"Let me be clear: I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations.
To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace."

It is true that awards are usually presented for achievements, as in fait accompli. Despite the Nobel Peace Prize committee's judgment, the jury is still out on the success of the President's actions, as in Iraq and Afghanistan. And who can predict how yet-to be agreed-on talks with North Korea on nuclear issues will fare? Combine all Obama's many international policy question marks to Obama having been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize only weeks after arriving fresh from the campaign trail back in February-- some have argued that Obama's prize is undeserved. Nonetheless, the Nobel Committee has stated, that it is the "hope" for peace embodied in President Obama that impresses them-- indeed, the "world"-- immensely.

"Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population." ...

http://www.examiner.com

Obama Nobel Prize Fall Out Continues

"Video: Inside Story - Obama's Nobel Peace Prize"

The fallout for awarding U.S. President, Barack Obama, the Nobel Peace Prize, continues, as numerous pundits continue to discuss it on the news and talk shows.

Obama Nobel Controversy Continues

"Barack Obama's peace prize starts a fight" Controversy surrounding President Barack Obama's Nobel Peace Prize award continues, as numerous outlets around the world weigh in on the honor. The Times had a very scathing review on announcement. Barack Obama's peace prize starts a fight October 10, 2009 - Gasps echoed through the Nobel Hall in Oslo yesterday as Barack Obama was unveiled as the winner of the 2009 Peace Prize, sparking a global outpouring of incredulity and praise in unequal measure... In a clear swipe at his predecessor, George W. Bush, the committee praised the “change in the international climate” that the President had brought, along with his cherished goal of ridding the world of nuclear weapons. “Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future,” it added. International reaction ranged from delight to disbelief. The former winners Kofi Annan and Desmond Tutu voiced praise, the latter lauding the Nobel Committee’s “surprising but imaginative choice”. But Lech Walesa, the dissident turned Polish President, who won the Peace Prize in 1983, spoke for many, declaring: “So soon? Too early. He has no contribution so far.” Mr Obama’s domestic critics leapt on the award as evidence of foreigners fawning over an untested “celebrity” leader. Rush Limbaugh, the US right-wing commentator, said: “This fully exposes the illusion that is Barack Obama."... “Let me be clear. I do not view it as recognition of my own accomplishments but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations," he said. The Nobel Peace Prize is a notoriously difficult award to predict, but yesterday's decision was clearly a political choice, with three of the past six peace awards going to Bush adversaries... But Bobby Muller, who won the Nobel Prize as co-founder of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, told The Times: "I don't have the highest regard for the thinking or process of the Nobel committee. Maybe Norway should give it to Sweden so they can more properly handle the Peace Prize along with all the other Nobel prizes." http://www.timesonline.co.uk

Obama Wins Nobel Prize

U.S. President Barack Obama has won the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, formerly awarded to men like Martin Luther King jr. Congrats to the President on the honor.

The Judiciary Report would be remiss, if it did not mention, the controversy surrounding this news, as many people view bestowing Obama the award premature. Below is a sampling of what is being written regarding it:

GOP, even some liberals, dismiss Obama peace prize

October 9, 2009 - 1:00pm - WASHINGTON (AP) - Gee, you'd think a U.S. president who won the Nobel Peace Prize might get rave reviews from his party's activists and polite congrats from top Republicans.

But news of Barack Obama's award Friday drew a rebuke from the Republican Party chairman, ridicule from conservative bloggers, and even gripes from some liberals who think he hasn't done enough to wind down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Top Democrats congratulated Obama, of course, but critics abounded on the left and right.

"What has President Obama actually accomplished?" said Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee.

"It is unfortunate that the president's star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights."

There was praise from two Democrats who also have won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Former President Jimmy Carter, who won in 2002, called Obama's selection a "bold statement of international support for his vision and commitment."

And former Vice President Al Gore, who won two years ago, said Obama's prize was "extremely well deserved."

"I think that much of what he has accomplished already is going to be far more appreciated in the eyes of history, as it has been by the Nobel committee," Gore said.

And some Republicans had kind words, too. "Under any circumstance an appropriate response is to say congratulations," said Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

But GOP Rep. Gresham Barrett, who is running for governor of South Carolina, mocked Obama's prize. "I'm not sure what the international community loved best; his waffling on Afghanistan, pulling defense missiles out of Eastern Europe, turning his back on freedom fighters in Honduras, coddling Castro, siding with Palestinians against Israel, or almost getting tough on Iran," Barrett said.

Several commentators challenged the value of the Peace Prize, noting that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat shared it in 1994.

"What's Obama done?" asked Rick Moran in his blog on American Thinker, a strong advocate of Israel. "What peace has he negotiated? ... I suppose an organization that thought Yasser Arafat worthy of the same prize can't be taken seriously anyway. But they are."

Erick Erickson, writing on the conservative RedState.com, suggested Obama won in part because he is black.

"I did not realize the Nobel Peace Prize had an affirmative action quota for it, but that is the only thing I can think of for this news," Erickson wrote. "There is no way Barack Obama earned it in the nominations period."

Obama himself said he felt humbled and undeserving, declaring in a Rose Garden statement: "I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments."

http://www.wtop.com

Obama Peace Prize win has some Americans asking why?

Fri Oct 9, 2009 12:47pm EDT - NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama's selection as winner of the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday left many Americans puzzled about why he deserved the honor.

"It would be wonderful if I could think why he won," said Claire Sprague, 82, a retired English professor as she walked her dog in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. "They wanted to give him an honor I guess but I can't think what for."

Hospital worker Itya Silverio, 33, of Brooklyn, said: "My first opinion is that he got it because he's black. What did he do that was so great? He hasn't even finished office yet."

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who won the prize in 2002, said Obama's win showed hope he had inspired globally.

"It is a bold statement of international support for his vision and commitment to peace and harmony in international relations," Carter said in a statement.

Some Americans resented Obama's popularity in Europe and other parts of the world.

"Obama gives speeches trashing his own country and he gets a prize for it," said conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who has a wide following.

The peace prize announcement quickly became one of the top discussions on social networking website Twitter. One user commented: "Why not give him the literature prize? At least he's actually written a couple of books."

Political blogger Jon Henke tweeted: "So far, the right, left and media all seem to agree that the Nobel Peace Prize committee just beclowned itself."

"OBAMA WON?"

An online straw poll by MSNBC asked whether Obama deserved the honor. About 62 percent of more than 194,000 answers said no, about 24 percent said yes, while 13 percent said some day, but the award was premature.

"It looks less like an objective award than it does a political endorsement," said William Jelani Cobb, a history professor at Spelman College in Atlanta.

Some people believed the award was political.

"This is the Nobel committee giving Obama the 'you are not George W. Bush' award," said Brian Becker, national coordinator of Act Now To Stop War and End Racism. "Unfortunately Obama is continuing many of the same policies of Bush and is in fact expanding the war in Afghanistan rather than ending it."...

http://www.reuters.com

Obama award sad - NI Nobel winner

Barack Obama at the White House, 7 October 2009

Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Corrigan Maguire has criticised the decision to give this year's award to US President Barack Obama.

The Nobel committee said Mr Obama had created a new climate in international politics and made extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy.

However, Mrs Maguire said she was "very sad" to hear of the award.

Mrs Maguire won the 1976 Nobel award along with fellow Belfast peace campaigner Betty Williams.

"President Obama has yet to prove that he will move seriously on the Middle East, that he will end the war in Afghanistan and many other issues," Mrs Maguire said.

"The Nobel committee is not meeting the conditions of Alfred Nobel's will, because he stipulated that the award is to be given to people who end militarism and war and are for disarmament."

But SDLP leader Mark Durkan said the committee "rightly highlights the president's extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples"...

http://news.bbc.co.uk

Most surprised by Obama's Nobel win

WASHINGTON — President Obama received congratulatory messages and some political barbs Friday after learning he'd won the Nobel Peace Prize. But many people said they were simply perplexed that a man who has been in office less than a year could have won one of the world's most prestigious prizes.

"I was stunned," said Aaron David Miller, former Mideast peace negotiator and author of the upcoming book, Can America Have Another Great President? "It really does undermine the notion of excellence and greatness."

Miller guessed that members of the prize committee were demonstrating "their view America is somehow back … after eight years of being lost."...

http://www.usatoday.com

How Obama can earn that Nobel Peace Prize

October 9th, 2009 - The Nobel Committee in Norway says it awarded President Barack Obama the 2009 Peace Prize for “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” (Congratulations, Mr. President.) In particular, the committee noted Obama’s multilateral approach on the issues of climate chance and nuclear disarmament.

But where has the president been when it comes to using diplomacy and cooperation to promote global trade, which is essential to global peace and prosperity? Given the infamous role of protectionism in the Great Depression, it’s no surprise that open and expanded trade has been at the core of the post-World War Two economic order, particularly during the past two decades.

The Great Recession, though, has shattered that consensus. An analysis by economists Barry Eichengreen and Kevin O’Rourke has calculated that “world trade is falling much faster now than in 1929-30.” Paul Krugman says trade “has fallen through the floor in a way that it literally never has before, including in the Great Depression.” Global Trade Alert, a trade watchdog group with links to the World Bank, found at least 121 protectionist measures had been implemented by G-20 nations during the past year...

If Obama did all that, not only would he actually be worthy of the Peace Prize, but probably the Nobel Prize for Economics as well.

http://blogs.reuters.com