Allahpundit on the issue.
Obama's nomination was submitted no earlier than January 19 (less than two weeks before the deadline) which was before he was in charge of anything other than his transition.
Rather than recognizing concrete achievement, the 2009 prize appeared intended to support initiatives that have yet to bear fruit: reducing the world stock of nuclear arms, easing American conflicts with Muslim nations and strengthening the U.S. role in combating climate change.In other words, he's not Bush.
I don't see any "easing" of "American conflicts with Muslim nations". We're still in Iraq; we're concentrating on Afghanistan. The only "easing" which has happened that I could see has been Obama's World Apology Tour. Bowing to the Saudi king. Etc.
Regarding that alleged “new climate in international politics,” which aspects of Obama’s foreign policy thus far are any different from Bush’s? He’s increased troop levels (slightly) in Afghanistan, he’s kept up the drone attacks on Al Qaeda and the Taliban, he’s broken his promise to close Gitmo by January, he’s approved “rendition lite” and indefinite detention without trial for some terrorist suspects, and he’s let himself be jerked around in nuclear negotiations with Iran. There’s a reason why, aside from his handling of Honduras, he’s gotten comparatively little flak from conservatives on international relations. To this point, contrary to what the Nobelistas would have you believe, not much has Hopen-changed.I mean, come on.
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Yesterday I got the new VSS for the Escort drivetrain, and installed it. So I'm just about ready to fit the gearbox to the engine.
I'm going to do that either today or tomorrow.