Nobel Peace Prize

The I's, Me's, and We's are out in force today as the Nobel Peace prize is awarded to President Barack Obama. We're hearing a lot of opinions about why this was a poor choice. "I think......" "WE want...." And major among them is the claim that "Americans expect to see results, not talk".

Well, here's a shocker: This is NOT an American award and we should stop talking about what AMERICANS expect.

Here is what NOBEL expected:

"...and one part to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses..."   (excerpt from his will--emphasis is mine)

 

Clearly the Nobel committee (unanimously) thought the fraternity among nations had been so damaged--and that symbolic leadership of the United States is so critical--that Obama's approach to policy has been the most notable effort in this past year to improve the fraternity of nations.

 

I certainly am an American first, but I have no problem acknowleding we are also a member of the world of nations.

 

And I am reminded firmly today that much of that world has felt threatened by the cowboy diplomacy, torture-approving, war mongering, administration of GWB. And today's award reminds us that the REST of the civilized world feels that a reasoned and reasonable, calm and deliberate, diplomatic approach to resolving world tensions makes the world a better--more "peace"ful place.

 

Congratulations, Mr. President.

Comments

[stcjohn]

Would it be fair to say, given past statements from the committee, that it is also possible, if not likely, that the committee gave the Nobel to Obama to stick their thumbs in the eye of Bush, much as they admitted to doing to his father?