One year ago, I was humbled to receive the Nobel Peace Prize...
Opening a statement meant to honor the current recipient, by talking about yourself? ARROGANT.
– 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.
Again, talking about himself like he is indeed the second coming. WTF did Obama sacrifice?.. ARROGANT
Mr. Liu Xiaobo is far more deserving of this award than I was.
A little false modesty never hurt anyone, right?
The entire opening paragraph... all about Obama instead of the current recipient. He mentions the current recipient only in passing. ARROGANT
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.
Here we have the main body of the statement from Obama. 3 past Nobel Laureates are mentioned by name... not the current recipient.
Not arrogant, just lame.
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.
FINALLY! In the closing remarks of the statement, we hear about the current recipient. It's about ****ing time.
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.
And of course, since he opened the statement talking about himself instead of the current recipient, he has to close it talking about himself instead of the current recipient... can you say NARCISSIST? Sure you can.
