Here's the thing...or rather what I've been privey to in private discussions with other Americans of various political views, family and otherwise:
1. category one American: The Americans who hated Bush/Cheney and agreed with the world on this point, did not underestimate it and to a degree applauded the Peace Prize. (my mother is in that category as am I, and we agree with you.) These Americans feared Bush, feared how the world viewed Bush, and saw Bush as fascist.
2. (subset of category one, who hated Bush/Cheney but don't understand why Obama got the prize) - Several Americans don't understand why someone would give a sitting President a Peace Prize - when there are two wars still in progress, two wars they don't agree with and think should have ended yesterday. Since Obama has not ended any of these wars - how has he furthered peace? Shouldn't we give it to someone who has done something major in this regard? (In response to their criticism - which is admittedly valid, this is my aunts critique and I had troubles answering it - the Norwegians stated they'd given it to Mikhal Gorbechev (sp?) prior to his peace initiatives in Soviet Union because he was in the process of doing something. My aunts retort - okay, so isn't that like giving an Oscar to someone just because you think they will create a great movie?)
3. the Americans who think the world is nuts, and loved Bush/Cheney. Yes, there are quite a few. And who think Obama is the anti-christ or worse. They are terrified of Obama. They believe we are in even more danger now. And they loved Palin and McCain. I know a couple. I work with them. And there are a few in my own family. Heck, my mother lives near many of them and has learned to keep her mouth shut at dinner parties. (The group is outraged about the Obama selection.)
We are quarrelsome and contrary bunch, aren't we? Amazing that we get anything done. ;-)
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branchandroot
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Date: 2009-10-15 01:38 am (UTC)1. category one American: The Americans who hated Bush/Cheney and agreed with the world on this point, did not underestimate it and to a degree applauded the Peace Prize. (my mother is in that category as am I, and we agree with you.) These Americans feared Bush, feared how the world viewed Bush, and saw Bush as fascist.
2. (subset of category one, who hated Bush/Cheney but don't understand why Obama got the prize) - Several Americans don't understand why someone would give a sitting President a Peace Prize - when there are two wars still in progress, two wars they don't agree with and think should have ended yesterday. Since Obama has not ended any of these wars - how has he furthered peace? Shouldn't we give it to someone who has done something major in this regard? (In response to their criticism - which is admittedly valid, this is my aunts critique and I had troubles answering it - the Norwegians stated they'd given it to Mikhal Gorbechev (sp?) prior to his peace initiatives in Soviet Union because he was in the process of doing something. My aunts retort - okay, so isn't that like giving an Oscar to someone just because you think they will create a great movie?)
3. the Americans who think the world is nuts, and loved Bush/Cheney. Yes, there are quite a few. And who think Obama is the anti-christ or worse. They are terrified of Obama. They believe we are in even more danger now. And they loved Palin and McCain. I know a couple. I work with them. And there are a few in my own family. Heck, my mother lives near many of them and has learned to keep her mouth shut at dinner parties. (The group is outraged about the Obama selection.)
We are quarrelsome and contrary bunch, aren't we? Amazing that we get anything done. ;-)