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Quote of the day

Posted by JACK GRANT, Assistant Editor in Politics.
Oct 11th, 2009 | Comments

From Steven Taylor, who is not known as a fan of liberal causes:

Look, I have already stated my incredulity at Obama winning the prize after so short a period of time on the world stage, but the fact of the matter is, it is actually in the national interest of the United States for its president to be liked and respected within the international system. I am not talking ponies and sunshine here, but simple facts-one of which is that diplomacy does matter and it is actually better to have one’s president receive accolades rather than being insulted on international television.

Some folks seem to have the bizarre opinion that it is actually better for the US if other countries dislike it. Even theorists who look solely at questions of power understand the importance of diplomacy and communication with other states. So even if the Nobel was awarded oddly, it makes all the sense in the world for the US government, especially the State Department, to try and use the situation to the US’ international advantage. That’s their job.

So what does it mean when the most vocal of those who are associated with the Republican Party are denouncing the award?

One wonders who has the best interests of our nation at heart.

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Cross-posted between Random Fate and The Moderate Voice.

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  • All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle [of self-government], and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels and modified by mutual interests.

    ----George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796
  • ModDem72
    Hmmm, what an pleasantly thoughtful and rationale response. Even those who refuse to take any national pride in our President winning the Noble Peace Prize, it should at least be viewed as an opportunity and a benefit.

    I hope a few more can allow their love of country to exceed their obsessive dislike of the President.
  • shannonlee
    I've removed myself from this debate. I've been very reactionary towards the right and their opinions on this award. I've let my pride in our country to become more important that my desire for reasonable debate.
  • DLS
    Even some leftists realize this Prize, for years a joke, is more of a joke than ever this year.

    As some have noted, the US Voter should have been given the award if there is any actual achievement to be rewarded, for electing Obama. (That Obama would be more likely to get it than Clinton hasn't gone unnoticed by many -- there's also some personality-cult swooning likely in effect, given the timing of his selection; more astute people have even wondered if the Prize this year was also an attempt to sway US foreign policy, which won't be successful, if so.)
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