This week a survey was released that said there is 6.3 people for every 1 job. There hasn't been this kind of competition for jobs in 70 years (IE Great Depression).
This week a mixed American-Afghan force stormed an Al-Qaeda compound, killing 18 militants.
This week, it was realized that Northern Alaska, once a glacier filled area, is now a viable commercial and recreational port because of global warming.
This week a group of Gay activists will march on Washington to demand equal rights.
Last month a report came out that said August was the deadliest for Afghan citizens. Sen McCain called equivocation on troop increases a "historic error."
This week, a Pakistani force freed hostages held by militants in a 20 hour gun battle that left many dead.
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Oh yah...and this week President Obama won the Nobel Prize.
Of course, in reaction to the last "happening" detractors went nuts. Chairman Michael Steele was fast to denounce the win for the president and Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck had their usual rants. Wingnuts and some lefties found a reason to learn about the Nobel Prize process, and found it astounding that the nomination deadline was February of this year, meaning that Obama was in office for a total of 10 days when he got nominated. Other than ignoring the fact that he promised to fight global warming, a flagging economy, bring the US back to the table in diplomacy, close Gitmo and eliminate nuclear arms months before he even stepped into office, I understand that actions are stronger than words. Some detractors (not just wingnuts, but lefties too) said that Obama won because he was not George W Bush.
The Nobel Prize win also brought out an unusual occurrence...a consensus of opposition to the prize between elements of the right wing and the Taliban. Woah...
Let me put this in perspective for those who are completely outraged about Obama's win. This Nobel Peace prize winner is picked by a panel of 5 who are recommended by the Norwegian Storting (parliament). The deadline for a nomination is the 1st of February of the year the prize is given. So people are in outrage over a nomination made over 8 months ago, and taken up by a panel of 5 Norwegians?!?! I don't mean to detract from the Nobel Peace Prize, but is it really that important? Does Obama winning the Nobel Prize help us reduce unemployment or beat the Taliban in Afghanistan...?
No...but neither does harping on Obama's win. In fact, I think a recognition by an international body for the diplomatic efforts (yes...efforts, not results) is an inherent win, because it has the possibility of legitimizing further diplomacy. Of course that is all speculation and risk. But, isn't that what the nomination was? I say we should look at it as an investment, a risk, a bet that someone put on Obama that he might fulfill his diplomatic aspirations and make the US a more respected country on the international scene. Think of this win as taking the pile in Hold 'Em, but not yet winning that Bracelet (The winner of the World Series of Poker wins a bracelet...and a lot of cash).
Did Obama win on a bluff or was he holding pocket aces?
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