I am shocked to come to the realization that, amongst the wishy-washy normality of the President's speech in Oslo, Mr. Obama stated the truth. Furthermore, it seems as though the President is becoming a new-age George W. Bush if he keeps saying things like this:
But as a head of state sworn to protect and defend my nation, I cannot be guided by their examples alone. I face the world as it is, and cannot stand idle in the face of threats to the American people. For make no mistake: Evil does exist in the world. A non-violent movement could not have halted Hitler's armies. Negotiations cannot convince al Qaeda's leaders to lay down their arms. To say that force may sometimes be necessary is not a call to cynicism -- it is a recognition of history; the imperfections of man and the limits of reason.
Right on! I can't believe it. Imagine President Obama stating this as Nominee Obama. It wouldn't have happened. Can you imagine Senator Obama saying that you can't solve everything though negotiations?
And later:
[T]he world must remember that it was not simply international institutions -- not just treaties and declarations -- that brought stability to a post-World War II world. Whatever mistakes we have made, the plain fact is this: The United States of America has helped underwrite global security for more than six decades with the blood of our citizens and the strength of our arms.
Holy crap, the President even defended the United States of America! Now, if only he could do this on American soil, we'd be getting somewhere.
Good work, Mr. President. Keep this up and you may gain respect with the American people!
Cross-linked at Jumping in Pools
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Filed under:
Barack Obama
Tags: Nobel Prize, Obama
Comments (31)
I agree. The first third of... (Below threshold)1. Posted by WildWillie | December 11, 2009 7:57 PM | Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
I agree. The first third of the speech was right on. Unfortunately the rest was the usual I-I-I-I-stuff and the red meat for the euro trash; "I don't support torture" as if any of us did.
The prize was a joke and even Obama seems to have to quantify his getting it. 1 year to go. ww
1. Posted by WildWillie | December 11, 2009 7:57 PM |
Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 19:57
2. Posted by Les Nessman | December 11, 2009 8:33 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
I thought cowboy diplomacy was bad?
2. Posted by Les Nessman | December 11, 2009 8:33 PM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 20:33
3. Posted by davidt | December 11, 2009 8:38 PM | Score: 12 (12 votes cast)
Talk is cheap.
Actions speak louder than words.
3. Posted by davidt | December 11, 2009 8:38 PM |
Score: 12 (12 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 20:38
4. Posted by brian | December 11, 2009 8:41 PM | Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
I welcome his remarks, but methinks I smell the product of poll driven speech-writing. With a 47% approval rating, his handlers know he needs to talk tough on an international stage. Let's see his actions measure up.
4. Posted by brian | December 11, 2009 8:41 PM |
Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 20:41
5. Posted by Victory is Ours | December 11, 2009 8:41 PM | Score: -17 (19 votes cast)
"Can you imagine Senator Obama saying that you can't solve everything though negotiations?"
Can you show us where he ever said you can solve everything through negotiations?
No, you can't.
So then why are you surprised at his current statement? Could it be because it runs counter to the blathering bullshit that is generated by Michelle Malkin and Rush Limbaugh and regurgitated throughout the right wing blogosphere?
Could it be that all this time all of the right wing wacko chatter about Obama being soft and weak was just crap spewed from idiots who were lying and knew it?
Could it be?
Vic
5. Posted by Victory is Ours | December 11, 2009 8:41 PM |
Score: -17 (19 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 20:41
6. Posted by 914 | December 11, 2009 9:03 PM | Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Warmongering fool..
6. Posted by 914 | December 11, 2009 9:03 PM |
Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 21:03
7. Posted by GarandFan | December 11, 2009 9:05 PM | Score: 12 (14 votes cast)
"Could it be that all this time all of the right wing wacko chatter about Obama being soft and weak was just crap spewed from idiots who were lying and knew it?"
Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, VIC, you fucking jerk-off. That explains Barry's EXIT DATE FROM AFGHANISTAN.
7. Posted by GarandFan | December 11, 2009 9:05 PM |
Score: 12 (14 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 21:05
8. Posted by GarandFan | December 11, 2009 9:07 PM | Score: 13 (15 votes cast)
And VIC, before you give me that 'it's not set in concrete bullshit'; THEN WHY MENTION THE DATE AT ALL?
Answer:
In order to placate his shitty leftist buddies like you, that's why.
8. Posted by GarandFan | December 11, 2009 9:07 PM |
Score: 13 (15 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 21:07
9. Posted by Dr Carlo Lombardi | December 11, 2009 9:15 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Congratulations!
You won!
9. Posted by Dr Carlo Lombardi | December 11, 2009 9:15 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 21:15
10. Posted by RScott | December 11, 2009 10:30 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Obama has discovered you have to break eggs to make omelets? It was time to move on; he probably finished that waffle.
10. Posted by RScott | December 11, 2009 10:30 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 22:30
11. Posted by 914 | December 11, 2009 10:36 PM | Score: 2 (4 votes cast)
The truth be told...oBmaa sucs.
11. Posted by 914 | December 11, 2009 10:36 PM |
Score: 2 (4 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 22:36
12. Posted by Matt | December 11, 2009 10:37 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Basically, he said that sometimes violence is the means to an end. Same thing the Communists said on occaision, and the same thing the radical islamists believe.
12. Posted by Matt | December 11, 2009 10:37 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 22:37
13. Posted by JLawson | December 11, 2009 11:12 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
I'm thinking Obama's starting to realize the "one size fits all" answers he figured would work as President aren't sufficient. His visitation at Dover undoubtedly hammered home that his decisions (or lack thereof) have consequences, and it can't have escaped his notice that his outstretched hand to Iran was met with an upraised finger and the promise to make more nuclear sites.
Reality is hitting him, and as a 'reality-based' thinker, he's having a tough time dealing with it. He's smart, though, and adaptable - and he's realizing the usual methods of Chicago politics aren't anywhere near good enough.
Is he changing? Is he getting a clue? Damn, but I sure hope so.
13. Posted by JLawson | December 11, 2009 11:12 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on December 11, 2009 23:12
14. Posted by 914 | December 12, 2009 12:46 AM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
Even an idiot assertains that He is indeed an idiot..
Thank You Vicky!
14. Posted by 914 | December 12, 2009 12:46 AM |
Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 00:46
15. Posted by astonerii | December 12, 2009 12:56 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Sorry, welcome the words, but what matters is what happens when the rubber meets the road. You cannot just let some serial34 bad actor off the hook when ever they decide to talk nice and sweet the way you like. Trust and respect are both things that are earned. He has started down the path of earning some respect, but I would in no way put him on par with Bush, who I personally do not respect much, on this speech, as Barack still was able to throw enough platitudes into the speech to ensure that every vested interest could find a silver lining in it for their cause.
15. Posted by astonerii | December 12, 2009 12:56 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 00:56
16. Posted by Stephen Macklin | December 12, 2009 8:20 AM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
I find this passage particularly troublesome:
...it is a recognition of history; the imperfections of man and the limits of reason.
Meeting force with force does not indicate a limit of reason. It is precisely the response that reason would require. And the implication that the application of force by the U.S. Military is done without reason is offensive.
Precision targeting of your enemies with unmanned arial drones is not irrational. Flying airplanes into buildings is. We are not seeing the "limits of reason" we are seeing force with reason acting against the irrational use of force.
16. Posted by Stephen Macklin | December 12, 2009 8:20 AM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 08:20
17. Posted by jim2 | December 12, 2009 8:20 AM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
As H. Clinton said, he gives a good speech,
17. Posted by jim2 | December 12, 2009 8:20 AM |
Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 08:20
18. Posted by JLawson | December 12, 2009 8:23 AM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
And in the end, jim2, words count for little.
18. Posted by JLawson | December 12, 2009 8:23 AM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 08:23
19. Posted by Brett | December 12, 2009 9:04 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Hey, guys, I despise the man and his "approach" as much as the rest of you, but whether he is sincere or not, you have to give him some credit for saying the right thing. He may genuinely be learning on the job. Probably not, probably is just pandering, but words to actually matter to some extent.
19. Posted by Brett | December 12, 2009 9:04 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 09:04
20. Posted by epador | December 12, 2009 10:10 AM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
All ye Hope and Changers be ye left or right, heed ye #4.
20. Posted by epador | December 12, 2009 10:10 AM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 10:10
21. Posted by Say Hey DK | December 12, 2009 10:54 AM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Sounds as if Obambi's 47% approval ratings are starting to hurt his ego. Me thinks this speech is the official start of the 2010 campaign season, by doing the usual Democrat dance of tacking back to the right as election time approaches.
21. Posted by Say Hey DK | December 12, 2009 10:54 AM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 10:54
22. Posted by _Mike_ | December 12, 2009 12:29 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
These statements are irreconcilable with many of his previous statements. Two possibilities exist: (1) He's had a rather sudden change of belief or (2) He was being dishonest about his beliefs one of two times.
I suggest everyone decide on their own which possibility is more likely.
22. Posted by _Mike_ | December 12, 2009 12:29 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 12:29
23. Posted by Victory is Ours | December 12, 2009 2:21 PM | Score: -6 (6 votes cast)
"These statements are irreconcilable with many of his previous statements."
Like what?
If there's many can you quote one or two?
One, even?
Didn't think so.
Vic
23. Posted by Victory is Ours | December 12, 2009 2:21 PM |
Score: -6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 14:21
24. Posted by _Mike_ | December 12, 2009 2:57 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Vic:
Like what?
If there's many can you quote one or two?
They're easy to find. Don't be so lazy. I note that you didn't include any quotes to prove that he was being consistent. Why ? Because they don't exist.
24. Posted by _Mike_ | December 12, 2009 2:57 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 14:57
25. Posted by Victory is Ours | December 12, 2009 3:09 PM | Score: -6 (6 votes cast)
SO when you said there were many you didn't really have even one in mind, Mike?
Then why did you lie and say that?
Vic
25. Posted by Victory is Ours | December 12, 2009 3:09 PM |
Score: -6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 15:09
26. Posted by _Mike_ | December 12, 2009 4:54 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Vic:
Quit being so lazy and simply use google. There's plenty to be found. If you have something to prove that my statement is false, present it; you won't for the obvious reason that you can't.
You're simply being hateful and deceptive - and everyone knows it.
26. Posted by _Mike_ | December 12, 2009 4:54 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 16:54
27. Posted by Flu-Bird | December 12, 2009 5:37 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Barack Obama the all time worse president in americas hisory and despite his undeserve peace prize Becase these peace prizes dont mean anything anymore
27. Posted by Flu-Bird | December 12, 2009 5:37 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 17:37
28. Posted by gollyneds | December 12, 2009 5:52 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
so scumbama accidentally said something which made sense?
even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while.
28. Posted by gollyneds | December 12, 2009 5:52 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 17:52
29. Posted by Victory is Ours | December 12, 2009 6:36 PM | Score: -4 (4 votes cast)
"Quit being so lazy and simply use google. There's plenty to be found. "
I can't prove a negative, Mike. I've never seen a single statement from Obama that contradicts what he said in this speech.
And I can't prove Obama didn't say something.
You say that he's contradicted himself with past statements - I can't prove that one way or the other -- except to point out that you've been given a chance repeatedly to show what you say is true -- and you've repeatedly failed to do so.
Others have expressed similar remarks and they also have failed to provide quotes to back it up. Sounds like more than one person is talking out of their ass, and lying through their teeth at the same time (ugly image, that).
So I guess that's the proof. People say this is a change for Obama, that what he's saying now is different from what he's said in the past - but apparently NOBODY can show that's really the case.
Can ANYONE show us quotes that prove that's true? Mike says they are easy to find -- why can't anyone find even one?
Vic
29. Posted by Victory is Ours | December 12, 2009 6:36 PM |
Score: -4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 18:36
30. Posted by _Mike_ | December 12, 2009 6:51 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Vic:
No, but you're claiming that Obama is being consistent - isn't a negative statement, hence no one is asking you to prove a negative. You're simply making excuses for your laziness and ignorance. Tisk tisk.
30. Posted by _Mike_ | December 12, 2009 6:51 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on December 12, 2009 18:51
31. Posted by gary gulrud | December 15, 2009 8:27 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Often when the incomprehensible occurs it is one's understanding of reality that is amiss.
Dear Leader has shaken our understanding of his principled stance on the issue of defending America and her people.
Are we to re-evaluate our opinion?
I have the paper, here in my hand.
31. Posted by gary gulrud | December 15, 2009 8:27 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on December 15, 2009 08:27