I’m torn on this. Doesn’t it seem a little premature to be giving the Nobel Peace Prize to Obama when America is fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has troops stationed all over the world?
On the other hand I guess you could argue that he is just clearing up the mess that Bush made, and it is one hell of a mess to have to clear up. His approach is the complete opposite of Bush’s: conciliatory rather than confrontational. The world couldn’t handle another American president like Bush, it would be the end of the world as we know it. Will Obama go far enough? No, but at least he is working towards peace, and I believe his intetions are sincere. But the bottom line is I don’t think he should have won the peace prize. Not that I begrudge him getting it, but it just seems way too soon – he has been in office for less than a year. Maybe in a few years after we have seen some more tangible results.
From what I’ve heard and read, they did not award him the prize for his achievements, but rather for the promise of his accomplishments and his efforts. And I think Obama accepted the prize in that light. I don’t know if you’re on his email list, but he sent a response email saying that this prize is a call to action, a call to everyone to continue the fight for greater peace and diplomacy.
You might be interested to see Rachel Maddow’s response on this (if you haven’t already): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=271d_lVwfrw.
Cheers! Jade
Comment by Jade @ Tasting Grace — October 12, 2009 @ 4:01 pm