Several people who have won the Nobel Prize won it for their efforts, not because they actually fully achieved what they attempted.
Obama has done just that. Made exceptional effort. One cannot blame the man because he won the prize. Its not like he used his Presidential influence to fix it. He won it because they felt he deserved it, because he has made more of a substantial effort than other leaders have done recently. Awarding him the prize will keep his momentum going and encourage him to follow through with the things he has promised. It seems that his efforts are what causes some people hate him so much, because they are blinded against what he trying to do by their fear of change...
Just take a look at some of the other world's leaders and feel thankful that you have one who appears to be honest and well meaning in his intentions to make things better, a leader who the whole world seems to respect except his fellow citizens... I personally feel he doesn't deserve anyone's contempt. HappyMtn, I hope your sister makes it back OK.