We all know which road good intentions pave. I’ve found the Peace Prize offensive since Arafat received it, but the history of its absurd recipients stretches all the way to Kissinger and Teddy Roosevelt. The extra absurdity of BHO receiving the award is over the fact that he has done nothing beyond voicing his good intentions.

Earlier this morning when I found heard the news, I called it an “A For Effort” award. It’s one that turns the very meaning of an award on its head. Awards celebrate achievements. A study of the list of recipients have shown a degradation in standards, not so much from a political perspective, but from one of achievement versus potential. It’s as if those who decide these things gave up on seeking actual results, and started handing out token awards for trying.

That former laureates do not feel denigrated by this does not mean that their legacy is not.