Two weeks ago, I poked a little fun at the Nobel Prize committee for awarding President Barack Obama the peace prize. And the responses came.

But what the heck, Mark McGwire is back in the Cardinal fold and I'm feeling stronger already. So let's jump right in:

Dear Life Sherpa — I wish you wouldn't cast aspersions on Obama for allegedly winning an undeserved Peace Prize. It's clear he won it more for his progressive thinking than for any specific accomplishment. Spreading hope and overcoming the Bush legacy are noble achievements.

— Dapper Dan



Dear Dapper — The aspersions have been cast, and I stick by them. Winning a Nobel Prize for "progressive thinking" seems like a weak-kneed, New Age way to award someone for not really doing anything. Did the committee think Obama's self-esteem was suffering and he just needed a big ol' hug? At some point, leaders have to lead — not just tell us about their progressive plans for leading. Some actual progress would be nice.



Dear Life Sherpa — So the Life Sherpa officially joins the right-wing propaganda machine and blasts Obama for winning the Nobel Prize. Like you are intimately acquainted with the criterion for this award. You just lost a reader.

— St. Louis Skipper



Dear Skipper — You're absolutely right, I'm not intimately acquainted with the Nobel Prize criteria. Obviously, I had been operating under the misguided notion that the winner actually had to cause peace to break out somewhere to win. Apparently, I was wrong.

Further, I don't have near enough money to join that machine of which you speak. I can't afford to buy a ticket to the Rams game, much less buy part of the team. And since when does criticizing a president automatically make one a member of the "right-wing propaganda machine"? Are you saying that dissent and criticism were noble endeavors only when George W. was president, but now it's some nefarious plot?

Finally, I'm sorry you've decided to quit this column. I'll miss you. But maybe some of your left-wing friends who are secure enough to read opposing viewpoints will let you know that I gave you a shout.


Dear Life Sherpa — First, you bravely fight those rude, nasty cyclists who think they're too good to announce they're passing you on trails. Then, you come out with the exact same thing we were thinking when we heard Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. I'm sure you'll get tons of hate mail, but remember: The people sending the hate mail are probably cyclists.

— Backing Sherpa For Prez



Dear Backing — Thanks for your support, but I fear that the left-wing propaganda machine will thwart any more attempts by me to become president. I have not, however, surrendered the notion of running for sheriff of St. Louis. If/when that time comes, I may ask you to bake something or make phone calls, or donate thousands of dollars. I'll stay in touch.

As far as bicyclists, I think they are some of the most considerate and dedicated Americans it has been my pleasure to know. And word has it, they vote.


Dear Life Sherpa — You appear to have more applied intelligence and knowledge than most of today's writers and journalists. Do you think, as I do, that this was not so much a Nobel Prize as it was an attempt to influence our president?

— Reasonable Ron



Dear Reasonable — Who am I to disagree with such a keen judge of intellect and character?