I woke up this morning to the news that President Obama has been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. It seems I am not the only one who was absolutely stunned by the news. But I must say I am very pleased. The committee recognized Obama " for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. "The announcement goes on to state:
Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.
Obama beat out Colombian peace broker Piedad Cordoba, Afghan rights activist Sima Samar French-Colombian activist and ex-hostage Ingrid Betancourt for the prestigious $1.4 million award. I may be a bit biased, but I think he richly deserves the recognition, especially considering that he has only been in office for nine months. He has truly changed the world and given us all back a bit of hope.
I know that there will be those at home who will point out that he is short on actual accomplishments and those abroad, like the Taliban and mad Islamists who will have a little hissy fit over this. I bet there will be some teeth gnashing on Crawford, Texas too..... But as far as I am concerned, they can all go party with Rush Limbaugh. I'm pleased as punch.
The Nobel Committee has taken the measure of the man and and is placing a bet on his future. While Obama is the third sitting president to receive the peace prize, he is the only one to get it so early in his presidency. This award is the wind beneath his wings-- an encouragement to the President to follow through on his promises of world peace and nuclear disarmament. Morally, it matters and politically, it will help.
Hail the new American prince of peace. Who needs the Olympics when you can have the Nobel Peace Prize?
