In a surprising move, the Nobel Committee gave the Peace Prize to an entirely-deserving person:
Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus and his Grameen Bank won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for their pioneering use of tiny, seemingly insignificant loans — microcredit — to lift millions out of poverty.Through Yunus's efforts and those of the bank he founded, poor people around the world, especially women, have been able to buy cows, a few chickens or the cell phone they desperately needed to get ahead.
"Lasting peace cannot be achieved unless large population groups find ways in which to break out of poverty," the Nobel Committee said in its citation. "Microcredit is one such means. Development from below also serves to advance democracy and human rights."
This man has done more to benefit the lot of women than a thousand Gloria Steinems. Almost 96% of the pioneering microloans to the "pre-bankable" his bank has given out have been to women to start small businesses and raise their status. Who knows, maybe one loan was for a bicycle so the woman could transport her fish to market.
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Ignoble Ignorance
They didn't try to make a political statement this year with the award, what a suprise.
I guess that doing good in the world does have a reward, even from the Nobel Peace Prize Committee.
now that sounds like an idea that will probably win more than a 'peace prize'. I gave up on Nobel.
Maybe I should reconsider my decision, and maybe soon they will have people at gas stations that check your tires, oil, fluids, and pump your gas at the same time..for free.
Posted by: csason at October 13, 2006 10:53 AMA Turkish novelist won the Nobel for literature yesterday. The NY Times includes this shocking quote:
"They are giving the prize as a symbolic statement for one thing or another."
No! Ya think??
Posted by: CJ at October 13, 2006 12:17 PMCongrats on tanking Cindy Sheehan's chances. You think this guy's so big with his "microloans," wooptee-doo. I gave a microloan to my brother when I was NINE. Where's MY Nobel Prize? Cindy Sheehan CHANGED THE WORLD. She put up hundreds of little crosses across from Bush's ranch. Almost thousands, but that's just because they got tired. It's hot out there in Texas.
I hope you're happy.
Posted by: Bill from INDC at October 13, 2006 01:08 PMIf he uses genetically modified crops in the food of the company he is setting up, Europe will stone him.
Posted by: ken at October 13, 2006 01:45 PMya know I am so sick and tired of hearing about the price Cindy Sheehan paid... the price Cindy Sheehan paid...
tell you what (old southern for 'listen to this')
Casey Sheehan paid a price. Cindy was and probably has, all her life enjoyed the protection afforded her to do and say whatever she wanted. That price was paid by many. Isn't it ironic that her own son's decision was to willingly and with honor shed his blood so that we, my kids, and that piece of trash people say is his Mother, could have some measure of security in our lives.
I wonder if I stepped on her head so I could get out of a dark hole if she would call me a freedom fighter ? Or maybe if William Wallace were to cover her in tar, set her on fire, and roll her down the hill toward Longshanks, if she would be remembered as a 'freedom fighter' ??
Casey lived right up to his name...he heard the pipes calling, and answered. He didn't listen to his Mama, (who probably regrets the sit-ins that she was too chicken to go to when she had the chance) but made a choice to stand up and be counted.
Casey, you did a fine thing serving our country. Many of of respect and admire your service. Thank you. We will do our best to put up with your sorry
Mama, and keep her warm and dry, while she blabbers like a weird character in some Torentino film.
You're not a 'peace activist' Cindy, your son was.
You're just a wore out bitch.