Obama splits Nobel Peace Prize money among 10 charities
posted at 8:45 pm on March 11, 2010 by Allahpundit
For a guy used to doling out trillions, this must have seemed like pocket change. Seriously, though, I have nothing but sympathy for him here. The Nobel itself was nothing but a political headache, underscoring his lack of accomplishments and turning up the pressure from the left to get out of Afghanistan. Donating the money was a headache on top of a headache: What do you do as president with a sum that large, knowing that no matter what you do, some interest group somewhere is going to feel snubbed?
He did a fine job, with worthy causes all. At first glance I was surprised to see nothing for veterans, but that was my mistake: I didn’t know the name Fisher House, which ended up receiving the single largest share of the money. The rest of it was split between relief funds and scholarships, which probably has some charities devoted to medical research grumbling, but oh well. In any event, I’m sure the hardest of hardcore O critics will find something here to dislike, so have at it. Speculation-inducing exit question: Which two on the list has the big A donated to in the past?
Blowback
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This is the only time he’s transparent? Phony as “baloney”.
He should’ve paid for that Florida woman’s mortgage and gas.
SouthernGent on March 11, 2010 at 8:48 PM
So ACORN has broken up into 10 different groups?
lavell12 on March 11, 2010 at 8:48 PM
For an atheist…your sentiments are much more in line with Christian principles than mine.
Chewy the Lab on March 11, 2010 at 8:48 PM
I like that he spread the money out, rather than give it all to one group.
BadgerHawk on March 11, 2010 at 8:49 PM
He shoulda won the Heisman.
John the Libertarian on March 11, 2010 at 8:50 PM
Fisher House is akin to the Ronald McDonald House. It houses family members of military personnel near military medical treatment facilities where the service member is receiving medical care. Large one in San Antonio near BAMC and Center for the Intrepid (state of the art amputee/burn facility).
BHO–good choice. +2
ted c on March 11, 2010 at 8:50 PM
LOL. Spit coke out my nose. Burns so good.
Warn me next time, Chewy.
alohapundit on March 11, 2010 at 8:51 PM
Good on him.
Geronimo on March 11, 2010 at 8:51 PM
Europe has lost the last drop of credibility, after dishing out the prize. Mr. Nobel is still twitching in his grave over this one.
On the list, it’s a pretty PC-balanced one, as even the derelict LAT put it.
Schadenfreude on March 11, 2010 at 8:51 PM
Very kind of President Obama.
portlandon on March 11, 2010 at 8:54 PM
It’s nice to see Obama spending money wisely for a change.
SoulGlo on March 11, 2010 at 8:55 PM
Why? He was perfectly able to decline the Nobel Peace Prize and the cash. And he should have.
Stephen M on March 11, 2010 at 8:56 PM
Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund & United Negro College Fund.
amerpundit on March 11, 2010 at 8:56 PM
I say you’ve donated to the UNCF & Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund.
amerpundit on March 11, 2010 at 8:57 PM
Sorry for the double comment. The first didn’t go through originally.
amerpundit on March 11, 2010 at 8:58 PM
Well, now it’s official. After 14 months in office, the Moron has done something good.
notagool on March 11, 2010 at 9:00 PM
Anyone looking for a controversy here is just being a douche.
uknowmorethanme on March 11, 2010 at 9:06 PM
I’d give it a solid B+.
No, really. His list is just fine. took him long enough, though.
JeffWeimer on March 11, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Off Topic:
Welcome to post racial America…feel the healing.
http://www.breitbart.tv/louisiana-walmart-under-fire-for-selling-black-barbies-for-less-than-white-ones/
AUINSC on March 11, 2010 at 9:11 PM
He should have contributed 100% to Fisher House. That’s a good org that I’ve contributed to, too.
BottomLine5 on March 11, 2010 at 9:12 PM
Honestly, I’m just amazed he didn’t sign the whole thing over to Ayers for R&D.
Maybe things are looking up?
Kensington on March 11, 2010 at 9:13 PM
What’s with the ‘big A’ stuff? Is it like the ‘Big E’ that’s held in Massachusetts every year?
joejm65 on March 11, 2010 at 9:14 PM
You
rangsqueezed ?SouthernGent on March 11, 2010 at 9:15 PM
Seriously, I would respect it if he had bought a giant TV or a hot rod or something with the winnings. Every time a famous person wins money, they have to give it away. No different from Kramer and the Aids ribbon.
For cryin’ out loud, why can’t people just keep it? Yeeesh!
Dongemaharu on March 11, 2010 at 9:15 PM
Donatin’ some money…….datsa peace prize!!!!
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 11, 2010 at 9:17 PM
The Kostards are acting like he is Jesus for donating the money. As if any other President wouldn’t have given it to charity!
Speedwagon82 on March 11, 2010 at 9:18 PM
I’m pleasantly surprised to find myself saying this, but, President Barak Obama, A+.
I’d like to say that more often.
shick on March 11, 2010 at 9:19 PM
He should have used it to pay down the debt.
Daveyardbird on March 11, 2010 at 9:20 PM
From what many have stated on this matter, Obama had no business accepting the award as it comes with it a purse. He’s now in direct vio;ation of his oath of office under the constitution. Then again, Obambi believs the document should be bent and molded to fit cirvumstances that might arise. I believe kings and tyrants think they can circumvent any limit on their authority.
larvcom on March 11, 2010 at 9:22 PM
Did he take the deduction?
No, really. Since he doesn’t want us to, did he take the deduction?
Doorgunner on March 11, 2010 at 9:22 PM
You sound flabbergasted. All the Atheists I know act more Christian like then actual Christians..
Bill Blizzard on March 11, 2010 at 9:23 PM
The difference here is that is was his money. Not so wise when it is my (our) money.
Electrongod on March 11, 2010 at 9:24 PM
I’m pleased.
katy the mean old lady on March 11, 2010 at 9:25 PM
JeffWeimer on March 11, 2010 at 9:09 PM Minor FIFY:For the 2nd time in his life, he got a B+ after 3 months of dithering.
Obambi should dither more often if he hopes to leave the title of “Worst POTUS evah” to Jimmah Cartuh. Ironic that the longer JC dithered, the worse the situation became, but inversely true for BO.
AH_C on March 11, 2010 at 9:25 PM
Well, when I get my Nobel prize money, I’m keeping it.
I don’t know when I’m supposed to get it but apparently all us people who haven’t really earned it are in line for it.
TheSitRep on March 11, 2010 at 9:25 PM
+1, and self-regenerating too!
AnotherOpinion on March 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM
10??????? What a sorry example of “spreading the wealth around”!
pgrossjr on March 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM
Also if he could win the Nobel every month and do this “spreading the wealth around”, Great. I will then give him credit. Until then, I will have to work double time to spread the wealth around
Electrongod on March 11, 2010 at 9:30 PM
He should’ve keep some of it for the taxes he’s gonna owe. Just because he is giving it away, doesn’t mean that he doesn’t owe the taxes.
Sporty1946 on March 11, 2010 at 9:31 PM
I’m stunned!
He actually spent his OWN money for a change.
(seriously, at least the charities benefitted, although he should have declined the award and prize right from the start.)
DrAllecon on March 11, 2010 at 9:34 PM
He and Michelle are latecomers to the world of charity giving. They, like many liberals, prefer to nag others to surrender their money.
However, once one has achieved a high profile, it’s sort of expected.
By all means, don it like a flag pin. Right, Barky?
disa on March 11, 2010 at 9:35 PM
Probably because you had the word ‘Negro’ in it.
factoid on March 11, 2010 at 9:38 PM
So he gets a tax deduction along with the prize.. win win..
loose
Doogiesd on March 11, 2010 at 9:40 PM
My wife and I stayed in a Fisher House while our son was undergoing cancer treatment in Bethesda. Look up the word selfless in the dictionary, and it shows a picture of the Fisher’s.
rightside on March 11, 2010 at 9:40 PM
Also keep in mind that when we give to charity, we usually are giving a part of our efforts to someone else.
Obama did nothing for this Nobel prize. It didn’t hurt him financially one bit.
Electrongod on March 11, 2010 at 9:41 PM
Allahpundit, I never have sympathy for Obama for anything.
Sometimes I feel somewhat sorry for him, for various reasons,but that’s entirely different.
Alana on March 11, 2010 at 9:50 PM
Fixed it for me.
Alana on March 11, 2010 at 9:54 PM
Worthy charities all. Good job Mr. President.
Well, I think the “Save the Rightwingguys” charity is much more worthy. We could have done so much with a cool $1.4 mil.
Like make sure that an economic stimulus gets delivered to the Jack Daniels, Bacardi, and Jose Cuervo companies. Talk about jobs saved or created!
Rightwingguy on March 11, 2010 at 9:56 PM
So what’s the ‘tax write off’ on that?
GarandFan on March 11, 2010 at 9:58 PM
I am glad he gave the prize money to some worthy charities.
I still believe that he should have graciously declined the Nobel because of the rules of not taking gifts etc of that value.
I still think the other selectees were more worthy of winning the Nobel and the prize money.
But a true B+ this time.
journeyintothewhirlwind on March 11, 2010 at 9:59 PM
I don’t particularly care who he chooses to give his money to, but if he tries to deduct them as charitable contributions on next year’s tax return after scheming to end charitable deductions for the “rich” I’ll be there to point it out.
Buy Danish on March 11, 2010 at 10:01 PM
Yup, we’ve got a few down the street from us on base. Donate here:
http://www.fisherhouse.org/contribute/contribute.shtml
Glad to see they got the lion’s share.
pookysgirl on March 11, 2010 at 10:13 PM
This is like Ed McMahon knocking at your door telling you you won 10 million in the Clearing House sweepstakes that you never entered. You except and appear on all the late shows and rake in much more. So you give the prize to charity, so what. Now if Obama was a private citizen and invented the gravity boots to help mankind and then gave to charity, I would respect that. But the way it is now, Prez. Obama gives to charity money he didn’t earn or sought then increases my quarterlies to fund his ideology; big deal.
Electrongod on March 11, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Africans, Chinese, Indians, but not one damn cent for the Irish!
O’Bama indeed.
parke on March 11, 2010 at 10:23 PM
LOL!
Bill Blizzard on March 11, 2010 at 10:37 PM
I seem to remember that Michelle was visiting returning wounded soldiers and their families during part of the interminably long campaign. I must admit my first reaction was that it was a photo op but maybe good came of it…still could have been a photo op.
jbinnout on March 11, 2010 at 11:23 PM
We should offer some kudos to the President for his generosity. The Fisher Houses ae great programs to give to for the Armed Forces.
hawkdriver on March 11, 2010 at 11:27 PM
I would agree on the kudos thing if this Nobel prize was something that Obama sought after, or even did something noble and then won it, but it wasn’t what he was looking for but got anyway. It might seem generous to some but to me, it was expected. I mean, what was he going to do, hoard the money for himself? He should of denied the prize and let the other selectees that actually earned it,get it.
Electrongod on March 11, 2010 at 11:46 PM
Giving the money to charities was a good thing to do.
Not much more to say.
ace tomato on March 11, 2010 at 11:54 PM
Gratz, O. Well done.
Midas on March 12, 2010 at 12:45 AM
LOL. You obviously don’t know too many of either.
atheling on March 12, 2010 at 1:01 AM
Good for the President!! Now when can I wear the medal?
yoda on March 12, 2010 at 2:40 AM
No complaints here, Allahpundit. At least the money is going to help other people. And thanks for the name Fisher House and the links in the thread. We’re a retired military family here who, thankfully, never had to use services like Fisher House. During the month of March, Outback Steakhouses have a red, white, and blue menu with profits going to Operation Homefront–another military support charity. Wouldn’t it have been nice if he’d made these donations to charity then spent a little bit of his own money taking the wife and the kids out for a meal to the benefit of military members in need? Would have been a capstone to a perfectly good idea. Aw but then I’m being nit picky. Good work, BO. Everybody else: GO TO OUTBACK THIS MONTH!
Driefromseattle on March 12, 2010 at 3:05 AM
It’s kind of nice for a change to look at something Obama has done and think, “Good job!”
There Goes The Neighborhood on March 12, 2010 at 3:56 AM
Any tax people out there ? Does he have it paid directly from the Nobel trust to the charities so it does not have income or deduction consequences ?
borntoraisehogs on March 12, 2010 at 4:24 AM
No Christian organizations. No Jewish organizations. Yes to Hispanics, Yes to African Americans, Yes to Africa, Yes to Asia, kinda. Yes to Carribean.
I was once told you cannot give anything away for free without pissing somebody off. It is true
georgealbert on March 12, 2010 at 5:40 AM
It does not suprise me that Obama is giving away money that he has not earned. It is the core principle of his belief system.
percysunshine on March 12, 2010 at 6:47 AM
That was nice of the turd.
justltl on March 12, 2010 at 7:14 AM
Then it is clear you don’t care much about veteran’s issues. Not knowing Fisher House when it comes to vets is like not knowing Acorn when talking about community activism.
I’m glad the filthy lying coward in the White House finally spent some money on a valid cause.
highhopes on March 12, 2010 at 7:20 AM
I’ll give him credit for “spreading the wealth”…this time.
His choices seem to be fine, and I’m glad he gave something to our veterans and their families.
ladyingray on March 12, 2010 at 7:54 AM
I hope He consulted with Joe Biden. That guy is an expert in the area of giving to charity. / sarc
IlikedAUH2O on March 12, 2010 at 8:04 AM
“Well, I say to them tonight, there is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America.” Obama 2004
Hmmm…really?
$125,000 to the United Negro College Fund
$125,000 to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund
$125,000 to the Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation
$125,000 to the American Indian College Fund
sarainitaly on March 12, 2010 at 8:32 AM
No biggie.
When you’re the president of a (future) communist state, you own the whole country.
It took his cohort of advisers several good months to figure out this PR stunt.
Rookie on March 12, 2010 at 8:40 AM
While I understand your point, you can hardly include a region with ethnicity and/or race as a select group. No one that I know in Appalachia (and I live here, so I know quite a few) would ever refer to themselves as an “Appalachian-American”. And guess what? We have Black, Asian, Native American, as well as White people who are born here.
Curb your generalizations. Thanks.
ladyingray on March 12, 2010 at 9:02 AM
I agree. He didn’t ask or campaign for this prize, it was dumped in his lap. So despite the fact that IMHO he didn’t do much, well, anything, to qualify for it, at least several organizations got help as a result.
scalleywag on March 12, 2010 at 9:03 AM
Just more proof that ObaMao has no regards for the Constitution. He had no right accepting the Nobel or the prize money under the Constitution unless the Congress & Senate voted to allow him to accept. So therefore he has committed yet another crime.
Sporty1946 on March 12, 2010 at 9:47 AM
Remember the old song ” Money for nothing”
bluegrass on March 12, 2010 at 9:53 AM
He missed a chance to burnish his deficit-hawk credentials. He could have donated it to the US Treasury, citing his concern about the deficit and his desire to bring it down. Of course, afterwards, he would have had to sign an executive order giving a trillion dollars to SEIU.
mwdiver on March 12, 2010 at 9:57 AM
Did self centered Obama ever send his bro in Kenya a 50 dollar bill?
seven on March 12, 2010 at 10:09 AM
Naw….5-ACORN, 5-CAIR.
CynicalOptimist on March 12, 2010 at 10:41 AM
He should of denied the prize and let the other selectees that actually earned it,get it.
Electrongod on March 11, 2010 at 11:46 PM
When was the last time that prize was “earned”? Mother Teresa??? (she did win it, right?)
runawayyyy on March 12, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Naw….5-ACORN, 5-CAIR.
CynicalOptimist on March 12, 2010 at 10:41 AM
ladyingray on March 12, 2010 at 9:02 AM
what are you talking about?
My point is that Obama, who claims we are ONE America, doled out the money to a variety of different groups of people, instead of just a college fund for all American kids.
I didn’t create the group, nor did I call them one race of people.
sarainitaly on March 12, 2010 at 11:09 AM
Actually, it looked like tokenism. Money for group A, B, C, and can’t forget X, Y, Z, and must not forget H and M.
Spitfire9 on March 12, 2010 at 2:11 PM
So if the President receives a gift, like an expensive hand made saddle with silver inlay, and there’s a big stink about how that saddle is the property of the United States and the President cannot receive a personal gift, that’s okay.
This precedent wins a prize and everyone says, that’s okay it’s his money to do with as he sees fit.
F*&^%$G DHIMMICRAP HYPOCRITES!
Blacksmith8 on March 12, 2010 at 3:59 PM