Prize Haters

Well it didn’t take long. Just mere hours after President Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize his critics were on the attack. Before he had a chance to even acknowledge the award the HNIC for the RNC, Michael Steele had already released a statement. Steele said, “What has President Obama actually accomplished? It is unfortunate that the president’s star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights." I hope he’s not including himself and his fellow Republicans in that list of “tireless advocates”. Seriously Mr. Steele what’s wrong with congratulating a brother and you might want to watch your back anyway. Your fellow Republicans are not too happy with you and some of your statements. Obama’s critics charge that he has done nothing to deserve this award or that he has received it prematurely but let me offer this tidbit from Alfred Nobel creator of the Nobel Peace Prize. He said the prize was awarded “to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations…and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.” Members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee stated that the choice of Obama could be seen as an early vote of confidence intended to build global support for his policies.

The bottom line is this in a little less than 9 months Barack Obama has changed the world view of the United States of America. Under George Bush’s administration and policies we had gone from a respected world power viewed as leaders of the free world to a despised nation known more for torturing suspected terrorists and invading countries using false allegations of terrorism and claims of hoarding weapons of mass destruction. Leaders of the free world were all too happy to see George W. Bush go and are encouraged by Obama’s efforts. In part the Nobel Peace citation reads "Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics," and "Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position”. So it seems the prize was awarded not so much for what he has done but for his intentions and for what he hopes to accomplish.

Of course critics of President Obama view the awarding of the prize much differently. However, they remain as hypocritical as ever. Just last week Rush Limbaugh lauded the IOC decision to name Rio de Janeiro over Chicago as the site for the 2016 Olympics. He stated “the world has rejected Obama”. He also stated He was “gleeful” and “happy” to see America lose the bid and that it was an indication the world has had enough of Obama’s star power. On Friday referring to the Nobel Prize Limbaugh stated the committee’s decision was “a bigger embarrassment than losing the Olympic bid”. Make up your mind Rush. Political commenter Alan Dershowitz told ABCNews.com that he doesn't believe the Noble Peace Prize holds much clout anymore. "I think this is a prize that is overvalued, I don't think it's such a great honor these days to get the prize," he said. Glenn Beck suggested there was some conspiracy involving President Obama and the Nobel Committee in awarding the prize. He said, “the Nobel Peace Prize should be turned down by Obama and given to the tea baggers and the 9/12 project.” Right. Obama is the first sitting President to receive this award since Woodrow Wilson in 1919. So what happened to America first?

Finally, this from Wikipedia which I know isn’t always a reliable source of information but in this case I think they got it right. It says in part “Unlike the other Nobel Prizes, which recognize completed scientific or literary accomplishment, the Nobel Peace Prize may be awarded to persons or organizations that are in the process of resolving a conflict or creating peace."So again, Obama was awarded the prize not for what he has accomplished but for the tone he has set for the international community. This award is not something President Obama campaigned for in fact he was as surprised as anyone upon hearing the news. He said, “I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations”. As the Nobel Committee said a vote of confidence for what he may be able to accomplish. As for the Conservative haters they might want to take a cue from their fellow Republican and former Obama Presidential rival Senator John McCain who upon hearing of the award said, “I can't divine all their intentions, but I think part of their decision-making was expectations."