We interrupt this program . . .

for an entirely different rant. I was going to put up a few words on the lack of civility in American politics (great article on it at http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/07/avlon.civility/) but in reading the news this morning that discussion has been preempted.

I agree the President Obama is a gifted orator. He is eloquent and inspiring. That said, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for “inspiring hope” and his “vision” and not for any real achievement is more than a little ridiculous. When I first read the headline, I truly thought that The Economist’s website was hacked and it was all a joke. I understand that the president has lofty goals and that he is wildly popular, especially in the international community, but Miss America wishes for world peace all the time and she’s never received an international peace prize for it. Even Al Gore had a slideshow of actual work to go with his award.

I do not see how the Norwegian committee could see Obama’s limited contribution as more deserving than that of say Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute. They build schools for girls in high risk countries and have built over 130 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan despite the threat of violence or even death. He has inspired millions with his message of education as the key to establishing world peace and global prosperity. But Obama’s speech to the UN on nuclear nonproliferation sure was rousing (even though coincided with the revelation that Iran had been enriching uranium).

Obama’s win is even more insane considering nominations closed February 1, only 12 days after he was sworn in as president. That must have been some Superbowl Party.