I have two children living in Europe and I have had many visits during the Bush years. We were hated!
My daughter, Jennifer Glasse, who is a journalist with Voice of America, has a very good Norwegian journalist friend, Asne Seierstad, who wrote “ The Book Seller of Kabul.” You should read the book.I was invited to have lunch with my daughter and Asne and during our conversation she said this of George Bush: “He is a dangerous Cowboy.”
That about says it all regarding our perception throughout the world for the Bush and Cheney years.
There was no reason for this. None!
I was so very happy to see the throngs of Europeans when Obama made a visit during his campaign. It looked like the USA was back.
Do I think that Obama may have not done anything tangible in the short period of time to receive the award?
Yes, I believe that, however, he is on the right track and is inspiring the rest of the world. After the eight years of “Cowboyism,” it is about time that we be recognized for the great country and values that is The United States of America.
Now there are the Republicans who are outraged. Rush Limbaugh joins with the Taliban denouncing the award. Beck insists that Obama not accept the award.
Here is a quote from Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post who said it best: “Why, oh why, do conservatives hate America so?"
The problem for the *addlebrained Obama-rejectionists is that the president, as far as they are concerned, couldn't possibly do anything right, and thus is unworthy of any conceivable recognition.
If Obama ended world hunger, they'd accuse him of promoting obesity.
If he solved global warming, they'd complain it was getting chilly.
If he got Mahmoud Abbas and Binyamin Netanyahu to join him around the campfire in a chorus of "Kumbaya," the rejectionists would claim that his singing was out of tune.
As Republican leaders -- except RNC Chairman Michael Steele -- are beginning to realize, "I'm With the Taliban Against America" is not likely to be a winning slogan.”
I note, that there was a nice response of congratulations from John McCain
My answer to my question: Should Obama have received the Nobel Peace Prize?
"Yes!"
* addlebrained: Lacking in common sense; having a muddled mind.