stunned and appalled, but there is precedent (updated)

I've rarely been more surprised than I was to learn that US President Barack Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The award would be more fitting if Obama actually took a few major steps towards ending either of the current US wars of aggression. Or one major step. Or one step.

Then again, Henry Kissinger was the co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973, the award that caused Tom Lehrer to famously say, "It was at that moment that satire died. There was nothing more to say after that."

I don't know if a famous quote will emerge from this year's award, but it again tarnishes the Nobel Peace Prize.

One might hope Obama would feel an obligation to live up the potential of the Prize. But it's perhaps better to hope for Santa Claus.

Update. Please see comments for important links, plus the presidential precedent.

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