NOBEL TOO SOON FOR OBAMA?
Far be if from me to decide who should merit the prestige of the Nobel Prize for Peace, but it seems a little premature to award this unique recognition to Barack Obama nine months into his presidency. I understand the fresh voice and hope he brings. I understand what it means to his being the first African American elected to the White House. But these hopes must translate into more direct and specific peace outcomes, though not every Nobel Laureate saw accomplishments evolve from their promise.
Just as I think it is too soon to criticize President Obama in his first nine months in office because he has not solved the avalanche of problems that were years in the making, I think we should temper our showering of praise of this magnitude on him this early.
Working for peace is hard. There are always people everywhere who want to "solve" all problems with violence and military bullying. It should be noted that the groundwork that was laid which enabled a black man to be elected to the presidency was put down by a man of non-violence, Martin Luther King. Jr. King was a disciple of a leader of non-violence, Mohandas Gandhi.
Early or not, the President of the United States has been recognized and awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. Let us support our president's work for peace, and celebrate this remarkable achievement. Congratulations, President Obama. Continue to help bring peace to a violent world.
