President Me Myself and I!

Posted 11 Dec 2010 by Walaa Idris

Barack Obama

Not even an imprisoned dissident can escape the narcissism of the US president!

For the first time since 1935 the Noble Prize was won by an imprisoned person, Chinese rebel fighter Liu Xiaobo – which in itself is a major event. Who was then barred by his government from attending the ceremony to collect his prize in Oslo – another equally important event!

But what does last year’s winner, the US president do? He goes and issue a statement from the White House which in true Obama style was more about him “the chosen one” than this year’s winner – shame on you Mr. O!

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1 comment(s)

Floyd

Floyd
12 Dec, 21:35

Hi Walaa, I have to say that this has not been one of your better blogs, scrapping the barrell comes to mind I am afraid. I realise that in order to get accepted by TPHQ you have to prove you’ve got attack dog fangs but really.

There is a lot to criticise Obama for, and lord knows I have said quite a few things on his policys but what you have written is quite plainly dishonest. I took the liberty of clicking on the link that you included (thanks for that at least, although I suspect that yoyu never seriously expected anyone to actually use it). http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/12/10/statement-president-awarding-nobel-peace-prize

Here is also, for those Torys who cant be arsed to read, the statement produced in full; Please note that he only mentions himself three times.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release December 10, 2010 Statement by the President on the Awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize

“One year ago, I was humbled to receive the Nobel Peace Prize – an award that speaks to our highest aspirations, and that has been claimed by giants of history and courageous advocates who have sacrificed for freedom and justice. Mr. Liu Xiaobo is far more deserving of this award than I was.

All of us have a responsibility to build a just peace that recognizes the inherent rights and dignity of human beings – a truth upheld within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In our own lives, our own countries, and in the world, the pursuit of a just peace remains incomplete, even as we strive for progress. This past year saw the release of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, even as the Burmese people continue to be denied the democracy that they deserve. Nobel Laureate Jose Ramos Horta has continued his tireless work to build a free and prosperous East Timor, having made the transition from dissident to President. And this past year saw the retirement of Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu, whose own career demonstrates the universal power of freedom and justice to overcome extraordinary obstacles.

The rights of human beings are universal – they do not belong to one nation, region or faith. America respects the unique culture and traditions of different countries. We respect China’s extraordinary accomplishment in lifting millions out of poverty, and believe that human rights include the dignity that comes with freedom from want. But Mr. Liu reminds us that human dignity also depends upon the advance of democracy, open society, and the rule of law. The values he espouses are universal, his struggle is peaceful, and he should be released as soon as possible. I regret that Mr. Liu and his wife were denied the opportunity to attend the ceremony that Michelle and I attended last year. Today, on what is also International Human Rights Day, we should redouble our efforts to advance universal values for all human beings”

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