This is not a continuation of this past weekend’s Saturday Night Live skit nor a report from the Onion. The New York Times and CNN report that President Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Times calls this, “A stunning surprise.” Obama’s name had not been mentioned among the front runners, according to CNN. The most likely candidates were considered human rights activists in China and Afghanistan and political figures in Africa. The list included men and women who risk their lives for human rights and peace.
The Nobel committee chose Obama “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” The committee said it wanted to “enhance Mr. Obama’s diplomatic efforts so far, rather than reward him for events in the future.”
Basically, the award is intended as positive reinforcement for what the Nobel committee perceives as worthwhile efforts. “We would hope this will enhance what he is trying to do,” said Thorbjorn Jagland, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. “I see this as an important encouragement,” said Former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, last year’s Peace Prize laureate.
In fact, this award will place additional pressures on President Obama. He is already struggling to meet his campaign promises and to meet the expectations of an adoring public that has bestowed him with messianic status. This award will only enhance that messianic status, increase the expectations, and bring about further ridicule.
The Nobel Prize can be used to award real achievements, draw the world’s attention and therefore protection to the work of men and women who place their lives at risk everyday for peace. My nomination is Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez. She brings attention to the challenges of life under a communist dictatorship. Her blogs are lessons for the entire world on the danger of placing too much faith in government, too little in the individual. The Nobel Prize would have brought her protection and support. Instead, I can only ask you to follow the link to her blog.
{ 1 comment }
I knew when I heard this story on the radio that Robert would be all over it. Now we know, if we didn’t know when Gore won it, that it has no real meaning. Just another political tool given TO a political tool.
Comments on this entry are closed.