Obama Meets Nobel Committee And Snubs Others

| |

Obama Meets Nobel Committee And Snubs Others

December 10. 2009

"Video: Nobel Peace Prize laureate US President Barack Obama meets Norway"

President Obama has come under fire again for visiting another foreign nation and snubbing dignitaries and officials. The President is currently in Norway, to accept his Nobel peace prize, which was roundly criticized in much of the world as premature. His acceptance of the award today, is now being criticized all over again, as he is sending 30,000 troops of to Afghanistan, defeating the premise of peace the award is based on.

U.S. President Barack Obama accepting the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

During his stay in Oslo, President Obama snubbed the King of Norway, incensing many locals. Similar incidents regarding Obama, occurred this year in Britain, France and Russia, with the same negative reaction.

U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

The President has given no reason for these snubs, leaving others feeling offended. He should address that. As a head of state, much is required of one and as such, making friendly, good-natured appearances, even if brief, are apart of the job to promote international goodwill.

Who knows what has gone into the President's decision in this regard and whether he is limiting appearances for fear of being assassinated or if his advisors have failed to see the importance of certain international engagements.

In light of the extensive damage former President Bush did during his tenure, President Obama should endeavor to pull America out of the rut that is isolationism, as the world is a cooperative. If not, furnish a gracious explanation, as what is being stated regarding this issue is very damaging to his reputation.

RELATED ARTICLES

Obama Wins Nobel Prize

Obama Nobel Controversy Continues

Obama Nobel Prize Fall Out Continues

Nobel Committee Defends Obama Award

Obama's Nobel snub angers Norwegians

Thursday 10 December 2009 08.39 GMT - Barack Obama has arrived in Oslo to receive his Nobel peace prize amid considerable anger over the White House's decision to cancel a series of events normally attended by the prizewinner.

Obama is scheduled to meet the Norwegian prime minister, Jens Stoltenberg, and the Norwegian royal family before receiving his medal at a ceremony due to begin at midday. His main speech is scheduled at a banquet tonight.

But Norwegians are incensed over what they view as his shabby response to the prize by cutting short his visit.

The White House has cancelled many of the events peace prize laureates traditionally submit to, including a dinner with the Norwegian Nobel committee, a press conference, a television interview, appearances at a children's event promoting peace and a music concert, as well as a visit to an exhibition in his honour at the Nobel peace centre.

He has also turned down a lunch invitation from the King of Norway. According to a poll published by the daily tabloid VG, 44% of Norwegians believe it was rude of Obama to cancel his scheduled lunch with King Harald, with only 34% saying they believe it was acceptable.

"Of all the things he is cancelling, I think the worst is cancelling the lunch with the king," said Siv Jensen, the leader of the largest party in opposition, the populist Progress party. "This is a central part of our government system. He should respect the monarchy," she told VG...

http://www.guardian.co.uk