Jewish World Review Oct. 22, 2002/ 16 Mar-Cheshvan, 5763

Marianne M. Jennings

Marianne M. Jennings
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Nobel Prizes and other ventriloquist acts


http://www.NewsAndOpinion.com | From his pronunciation of "NOO- KYUH- LUHR" to that sweater he wore because he kept the White House at 68 degrees rather than solve the energy crisis, Jimmy Carter was ineffectual. Even his recreational activities were marginal. He passed out while jogging and claimed a gigantic rabbit attacked him as he fished. The media types gave the latter short shrift because they didn't see a story, most having experienced similar large fauna visions of many species whilst inhaling or "experimenting."

Mr. Carter used the tool of all weak presidents - world peace through meditation with thugs. So long as there are rogues in the world, there cannot be peace without moral absolutes and military strength. In fact, despots seek out charismatic doofs, ala Carter, and court them precisely because they know a huff, a puff, or a promise appeases them. Carter defends Castro and now assures that Hussein is not as bad as Bush alleges.

Recently released Kremlin documents and transcripts reveal that Khrushchev feared Nixon and Gorbachev feared Reagan. Khrushchev did not fear Kennedy and, in fact, manipulated him via the Cuban missile crisis. What liberals have long perceived as a Kennedy coup was a throwaway by Khrushchev, who then went about building the Iron Curtain and Soviet bloc. Kennedy was unwilling to confront Khrushchev, leaving his successors a mess, "It seems particularly stupid to risk killing a million Americans over an argument about access rights on the Autobahn." Nixon was handed Kennedy's half-baked Southeast Asia and Reagan mopped up the Soviets, "the roughnecks in the Kremlin," as he called them during Kennedy's bungled foreign policy.

Nobelers love Carter because he loves Arafat, North Korea, and Hussein. Nobelers trust Arafat, North Korea, and Hussein because of a camaraderie born of mutual US resentment. Nobel Committee fools delight the Arafats, Husseins, and bin Ladens, who watch from afar as those giving and receiving peace prizes defend them and denounce the US. The Nobel Committee and Carter have climbed into bed with thugs. They do so in the name of peace, but the result is increased terrorist resolve and standing.

Mr. Clinton, Ms. Albright, and a host of State Department employees cringed at Mr. Bush's clumping of North Korea into the "axis of evil." Guess what? They do have NOO-KYUH-LUHR weapons after all. While Clinton was Nobel-negotiating and Carter provided Nobelesque support, the North Koreans tinkered away with plutonium, snickering at gullible presidential marionettes who gave them a free pass for a Nobel.

The most irritating aspect of Mr. Carter's Nobel is Bill Clinton's renewed vigor. Until Carter's win, Mr. Clinton had surrendered hope, vis-à-vis the Nobel. He led a full life, he and his sax, playing at the opening of Indian casinos in upstate New York and purchasing thong bikinis in Rio. Surely these are two acts of Nobel preclusion. But, nay! Clinton will begin anew with post-presidency sojourns to Havana, Palestine, and other homes of cowards who trample human rights and dignity. Oslo or bust!

The Nobel committee lauds affable parrots who befriend and defend tyrants and rebuke the United States. To use an iconic term of the left - is this agenda so difficult to see? The Nobel Committee's transparency is an affront. They have crossed yet another line, now using the prize to shape current U.S. policy. Mr.Carter long ago ignored the historical deference of past presidents in not criticizing successors. By accepting the award, he now inserts himself back into the presidency. Mr. Carter should denounce the award, but won't. The Committee knows that; that's why they chose him.

Most revealing about the Nobel Peace Prize agenda is who hasn't won. Ronald Reagan. The man who ended the cold war never won a Nobel. Gorby did. George Bush I brought a swift end to the crisis in Kuwait with an international coalition. No Nobel. Nixon ended Vietnam - no Nobel. They gave it to an aide, Kissinger, and a Politburo hack, Le Duc Tho, who had the good sense to decline the silly thing.

The stunning bias amongst historians and those in charge of honors, awards, and recognitions is troublesome. During the week that Carter won his Nobel, a new edition of Bartlett's Quotations appeared. Justin Kaplan, editor, explained that he was adding Reagan quotes after excluding him completely from the last edition, "I admit I was carried away with prejudice." Imagine excluding, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

There is nothing from current President Bush, "There is nothing presidential about him," offers Mr. Kaplan. Perhaps next edition when he admits his bias? Nobel rebukes and Bartlett's shunning are the real honors. Clinton has six quotes in the current Bartlett's, including "It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is."

Not being quoted and not being awarded a Nobel mean that you are presidential, that you have done your job. It means you have been carrying the water for those who tote the Nobel. Carter and Clinton are busy with accolades, teaching the world to sing in peace and harmony even as the baritone thugs build their arsenals and prepare to launch.

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JWR contributor Marianne M. Jennings is a professor of legal and ethical studies at Arizona State University. Send your comments by clicking here.

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© 2002, Marianne M. Jennings