# obama wins nobel peace prize....what is the sound of a right-wing head exploding? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [October 9, 2009, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172 "2009-10-09T09:07:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 17
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/321 "2009-10-10T00:44:18Z")
My brother, the Professor said something interesting in an email > [@](#): > > the last seven weeks, in which I have gotten an inside look at what takes place behind the scenes of faculty evaluation, of promotion and tenure, at this state’s 2nd largest university. I have come around to realizing the following: > > Substance really does not matter. It does not. It does not. It absolutely does not. > > Style is what matters. The game is what matters. Talking the game. Playing the game. The simulation of substance, not the thing itself. > > I guess I’ve always known this. I’m not stupid. But now I really know it. > > This morning, I check the news and see the real-world equivalent, my big picture confirmation: > > Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize. > > For what? > > For being Obama. I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/322 "2009-10-10T00:47:12Z")
> [@Scylla](#): > > Me, in this. I listened to it live. He was laughing his ass off, Obama, being the big unifier finally found something that Republicans, the Taliban, and Iran could all agree on. (And apparently, from his speech, he agrees too, much to his credit) ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/323 "2009-10-10T00:47:38Z")
You’re arguing against yourself here. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/324 "2009-10-10T00:48:09Z")
This award has put President Obama in a no-win situation with the decision to increase troops in Afghanistan. They truly did him no favors with this. Donating it to charity was a great response. They should defer future awards to people out of office. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/325 "2009-10-10T00:53:00Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > I have to hope much of the world is similarly confused by this absurdly premature award. I think to the rest of the world it makes perfect sense. It may be a uniquely American obsession that any winner of the Nobel Peace Prize has to have a story that makes for a picturesque, Academy Award-caliber movie, complete with British accents. The more that story is about feeding crying orphans or writing pithy letters on scraps of toilet paper in a rat-infested prison cell, the more deserving it is of a Nobel/Oscar. Doesn’t matter if those scenarios don’t have fuck-all to do with Peace. _“Touching!” “A great date movie!” “Your spirit will soar!” “A must-see Nobel contender!” “I laughed, I cried, I ate a giant tub of popcorn!”_ OTOH, merely infusing the entire planet with the real hope that the U.S. is willing to work together with the international community instead of just doing whatever the fuck we please is a little too abstract for most Americans. Not nearly cinematic enough (yawn). ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/326 "2009-10-10T00:53:08Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > You’re arguing against yourself here. I needed some intelligent debate. ---
**Author:** ![lissener](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lissener/32/6139_2.png) [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/327 "2009-10-10T00:53:15Z")
> [@Martin\_Hyde](#): > > Putting myself in the shoes of a fringe leftists that still makes roughly as much sense as giving the first post-Hitler German leader a prize for being…not Hitler. Aaaaaaaand . . . thread! Can we close this puppy down now? the drain has finished gurgling. ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/328 "2009-10-10T00:56:24Z")
It’s ironic that they gave Obama this award on the the very same day that he launched a military offensive unprecedented in history. For the first time ever, a country engaged in interstellar warfare. A mere hour or so after receiving the prize, Barack Husein Obama bombed the shit out of the Moon. The Moon! Why? What did the Loonies every do to us? They’ll be feeling pretty shitty in Stockholm once the media starts showing the lunar casualties and refugees. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/329 "2009-10-10T01:02:54Z")
> [@Scylla](#): > > It’s ironic that they gave Obama this award on the the very same day that he launched a military offensive unprecedented in history. > > For the first time ever, a country engaged in interstellar warfare. > > A mere hour or so after receiving the prize, Barack Husein Obama bombed the shit out of the Moon. > > The Moon! > > Why? What did the Loonies every do to us? > > They’ll be feeling pretty shitty in Stockholm once the media starts showing the lunar casualties and refugees. Good God, man. At least throw in a smilie or two. There’s newbies around who won’t get your drift. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/330 "2009-10-10T01:12:49Z")
> [@Scylla](#): > > Why? What did the Loonies every do to us? > > They’ll be feeling pretty shitty in Stockholm once the media starts showing the lunar casualties and refugees. We’re _already_ seeing the Loonie casualties, what with the heads exploding and all. I think it’s Oslo, BTW. But that’s OK… you’ve probably had a hard day. Everyday is hard for a Loonie. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/331 "2009-10-10T01:25:04Z")
The fact that the award is grossly (optimistically) premature has been made by every sane person. But, and forgive me is this point was made earlier in the thread, I feel sorry for Obama here. Seriously and with zero snark. Here’s a guy who will probably accomplish a lot of good. and if he manages things right he might very well wind up deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize. But the committee fucked him over here. They gave him a gift. Sure he wanted the prize, but I believe he wanted to earn it. Now, it’s gotta feel so hollow to him. And from his speech, I believe it goes. The committee wanted to do him a favor, but they wound up showering him with thunder before the lighting lit up the sky. It’s like bad special effects in a play. He’s probably cursing those dopey bastards on the committee right now. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/332 "2009-10-10T01:28:50Z")
I’d also like to go on record as saying the talking heads were out of line with level of vitriol because it’s not the President’s fault he won the award and it’s not his fault it has been politicized into a joke. The fact that he acknowledged early that it was unearned and he would donate the money should have directed all the objections back onto the committee that awarded it. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/333 "2009-10-10T01:36:01Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > I’d also like to go on record as saying the talking heads were out of line with level of vitriol because it’s not the President’s fault he won the award and it’s not his fault it has been politicized into a joke. The fact that he acknowledged early that it was unearned and he would donate the money should have directed all the objections back onto the committee that awarded it. I agree completely that Obama deserves no flak for this—zero. On the other hand, those who gave the award and those that are trying to defend it: sad and funny at the same time. In other words, pathetic. ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/334 "2009-10-10T01:59:40Z")
> [@Scylla](#): > > The OP and several of our more… kneejerk leftists have been going on about the tidal wave of outrage and hatred and anger that this was generating on the right. > > Do we have, like, examples that this is the majority reaction? or has the bar on supporting stupid memes been lowered yet further as a form of affirmative action for our less mentally able board participants? > [@RedFury](#): > > [**Limbaugh agrees with the Taliban and Iran in saying President Obama did not deserve the award**](http://www.examiner.com/x-5738-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m10d9-Video--Rush-Limbaugh-goes-on-verbal-assault-regarding-Obamas-Nobel-Peace-Prize) > > He says “we” several times during his tirade. Who’s he speaking for, **Scylla**? > [@Scylla](#): > > Me, in this. I listened to it live. He was laughing his ass off, Obama, being the big unifier finally found something that Republicans, the Taliban, and Iran could all agree on. Why ask something you knew the answer to all along? Anyway here’s hoping you [**find something**](http://www.tradekey.com/product_view/id/987323.htm) that goes well with your latest Cole Haan. No need to thank moi. But I do take Paypal. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/335 "2009-10-10T02:01:52Z")
> [@leander](#): > > So is the latest bullshit that Obama only won because of Affirmative Action? It was even on the first page of the thread: > [@Shodan](#): > > Affirmative action runs riot again. ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/336 "2009-10-10T02:05:46Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > Why ask something you knew the answer to all along? > > Anyway here’s hoping you [**find something**](http://www.tradekey.com/product_view/id/987323.htm) that goes well with your latest Cole Haan. > > No need to thank moi. But I do take Paypal. When I wear shoes, I wear these: [http://www.aldenshop.com/DrawOneShoe.asp?CategoryID=95](http://www.aldenshop.com/DrawOneShoe.asp?CategoryID=95) ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/337 "2009-10-10T02:56:18Z")
What. Without being a billionaire president’s son but rather starting out obscurely, he defeated the Dem competition and then unseated the GOP war machine, seizing maybe half the power in the world. The situation changes from a PNAC unipolar nightmare where all comers are undermined and crushed to a world where the other poles are engaged, befriended and cooperated with. Who else could do that by smiling a lot and speaking excellently? ---
**Author:** ![elelle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f0a364/32.png) [@elelle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elelle)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/338 "2009-10-10T03:40:28Z")
I think the Secret Service should change Obama’s code name to Bittersweet. First African American President, a truly great accomplishment for this country, but saddled with a horrifying mess to try to clean up. Wins the Nobel Peace Prize, but, crap, why not after the seeds he’s sowing now have had a chance to have some fruition? Bittersweet. His acceptance speech was apt and honorable, and I trust he will do his best to live up to the task. I think it was too soon to give him the Nobel based on concrete results, but in reading the Nobel commitee’s statement, and comments from World leaders, it represents the rest of the world acknowledging an important change in our position of leadership. Obama’s election represented to non white people all over the world that there was a sea change, that racial equality is possible at a high level. I remember the day after the election, my hon’s email box (he works for an organization that helps with healthcare for Third world countries) was full of everyone abuzz and celebrating that day. Africa, India, South America, everyone was celebrating. The possibility of inclusion in power had greatly increased, and, that got hopes up for so many people. Certainly upped the image of the US. I’ved been mired, as all y’all have too, in the antagonistic barrage of right and left: tis leaving me exhausted. I’m afraid of the chasm in our differences, and the anger and hate seen recently. Them dang Scandinavians, with a rationalism honed by a society that had to get along in close quarter cold climes—read: get along together during long winter months or hear the _click_ of the cottage lock in January if yer an asshole and freeze to death-- decide to give an award for being the best example of possible change for peace for the year. I can see that. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/339 "2009-10-10T03:52:55Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > You’re arguing against yourself here. Yeah, but he’s winning that one. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172/340 "2009-10-10T04:00:11Z")
> [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](#): > > Without being a billionaire president’s son but rather starting out obscurely, he defeated the Dem competition and then unseated the GOP war machine, seizing maybe half the power in the world. The situation changes from a PNAC unipolar nightmare where all comers are undermined and crushed to a world where the other poles are engaged, befriended and cooperated with. Who else could do that by smiling a lot and speaking excellently? William Jefferson Clinton. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize-what-is-the-sound-of-a-right-wing-head-exploding/513172.md?page=18)