I know it’s too much to hope for something along the lines of “thanks for helping our country not be a laughing stock in the eyes of the world anymore.” But most rational people would think that even Republicans might put aside their differences for 30 seconds, long enough to say to President Obama a simple “congrats” for winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee: “What has President Obama actually accomplished? It is unfortunate that the president’s star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights.”

And of course the bloggers are even worse as they are not constrained by anything. Such as Erick Erickson, writing for redstate.com: ”I did not realize the Nobel Peace Prize had an affirmative action quota for it, but that is the only thing I can think of for this news. There is no way Barack Obama earned it in the nominations period.”

IMHO, it is this sharply divisive party politicking, this need to adhere to party lines at all times and regardless of common sense or even common courtesy that makes US politics a laughing stock in the eyes of the outside world. It’s things like this that give ammunition to places like China and Singapore and Hong Kong, so that when you say they ought to be democracies, they can respond with, “What, you mean like the United States?” and laugh and walk away.

I think Taiwan-style fistfights on the floor on Congress are just weeks away.

Hongkie Town
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