I really was not going to blog about this subject; seeing that I already made my feelings known. I read a bit of the speech and I was not overly impressed or shocked, some on the right liked the speech and some that outright hated the speech; some even thought it sounded a bit Bush-like.
I will have to agree with Ed here however, Obama was smart enough include a reminder that the United States of America has not avenged attacks on our Country, but has also stood up and went after those who sought to eliminate a class of people; namely Hitler’s Germany. This is why I cannot allow myself to be painted as a “Paleo-Conservative.” Because it is the Paleo-Conservatives, who feel that FDR going after Hitler was, in fact, wrong. This is because they did not, and still no not believe in Foreign Interventionism. Let me be the first to say, that there a good number of Jewish Republicans who are, to this very day, very grateful for FDR and his decision to get involved in the situation in Germany.
Another point as well, Obama was thrown a curve ball here and The President did what anyone else would do in his situation. President Obama knew what this award essentially was, and that was a slap in the face to President George W. Bush. President Obama did what any other civilized human being would do. He accepted the award, acknowledged that he did not really deserve such an honor, and went home. This is why I do not buy into the whole Sean Hannity idiotic talking point that he should have refused the award. I also will commend the President for essentially telling the Norwegians, “Thanks, but no thanks” to their offer for him to bask in the victory of getting the award. This shows them how President Obama really felt about getting the award in the first place. Some Conservatives may want to criticize him for doing this; I will not be one of them.
So, in closing, I simply say to the President —- good job. Thank you for reminding the rest of the world, why it is, that America is still called the greatest Nation on earth. — And please, Mr. President more speeches like this, praising America — instead of apologizing for it.