So I wake up today and see this headline on my phone about the E.U something fully thinking it is another bailout or other non news. Then I started laughing hysterically. Apparently, the Nobel Peace Prize this year has been awarded to an entire continent for keeping the peace of the last 60 odd years. Here is a pretty decent commentary.
Thorbørn Jagland, the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said that the organization wants to encourage Europe to back away from the "extremism and nationalism" that led to major conflict in years past. "This is, in a way, a message to Europe to secure everything we have achieved and move forward," he said while addressing a packed crowd at the Nobel Norwegian Institute in Oslo on Friday.
I mean, I"m not necessarily against the point and spirit of the reward, a reminder to Europe as to how far they've come since unionizing themselves. It's not surprising given the state of affairs in Europe and the dire consequences that could come. I'll be honest in that this is as ridiculous to me as awarding Obama one back in 2008 was. I mean really, what are they thinking over there?
The EU is currently negotiating with the Nobel committee for both Mr. Barroso and EU President Herman Van Rompuy to go to the Nobel prize ceremony later this year, according to an EU official. No decision has been made on what to do with the money, but it likely will go to charity. Mr. Jagland said it is "up to the European Union" to decide what to do with the approximately $1.2 million in prize money that comes with the award and said the EU should decide how the award is ceremonially received.
Well, at least Europe has found another backer for their stability funds besides Germany. But anyway, what i'm really interested in are comments from those of you on here that are from across the pond. Does this inspire you or make you well up with tears of patriotism and joy? Or is this just another example as to why I forget that Nobel prizes are awarded every year.
Yeah, I mean the Nobel Prize was a joke when Obama got it, now this.
Nigel Farrage has some choice words on the decision:
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2012-10-12/farage-slams-nobel-peace-prize…
I'm gunna shrug my shoulders and get on with my day to be honest. A fucking robot was up for that prize, it means nothing.
Previous winners have to pissed. LOL. They are just giving the shit away now days like its a fucking lottery prize or something. Honestly, I haven't been this disappointed since Clay Aiken lost Idol. DAMN YOU RUBEN!!!!! Most probably don't care as much anymore.
Nobel Peace prize lost its credibility when Obama got it.
It's easy to be cynical: gee, a European establisment awards themselves a prize for not fucking up? woooo, big deal. For republicans, they could have given that to Obama after he cured cancer, paid the debt in diamonds he pissed out, and convinced Israel and Iran to love each other: they'd still be pissed because they're trogdolytes with shit for brains and it's not their fault, I get that. The prize has also been awarded for political reasons in the past: Arafat? REALLY!!!!!????? Someone also suggested Ron Paul be awarded, I'm not sure why not.
I will say this though: europe was little more than warring tribes for most of their history and have really grown up compared to that. Normans and saxons, germanics and anglos HATED and killed each other for many millenia, now they more or less function within the same system...and mostly voluntarily. Europe is certainly not perfect, but who is? They're trying and I'd say that this generation is substantially better than the goosestepping mongoliods of generations past. I can overlook current mistakes (debt, whoopsie!) but what's worse: debt or constant war? I commend them as a role model for other fragmented regions.... *ahem, MENA
I think the prize is being awarded to remind Europe that their problems, while severe, very much pale in comparison to what they once were. In the midst of a panic, it's easy to lose perspective and lash out. My guess is that the real motivator for this prize is to encourage a cooler headed approach to how they address their financial situation: people are rioting in the streets and it's only making things worse. If there's going to be a war, then so be it, but there are much better viable options and they'd be foolish to return to their old ways.
You've been really pissed off at Republicans lately.
I honestly thought it was some sort of a joke at first, and then I realized that it is in fact a joke.
Relax everyone knows the nobel peace prize is affirmative action
by the same token USA/Canada should get the award for not going to war in almost 200 years
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