The debate that started with the Nobel Peace Prize announcement; did he deserve it, and should he accept it, remains unresolved. Obama’s supporters and critics alike agree that the award was premature at best. It is both a silly addition to the Obama-as-messiah worship that has swept segments of the U.S. and much of Europe, and an additional challenge to the struggling President. To many that already believe that the Nobel Prize, like the United Nations, has become meaningless, the entire event is a source of entertainment. I stand among the entertained.
So what to do? New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman wrote a beautiful speech that he would like to see the President give as his acceptance speech, thanking the U.S. armed forces for their work over the past 60+ years securing freedom for U.S. and much of the world. I think that is a wonderful idea.
I have another suggestion for the President that could restore some of the dignity and value of the Prize. I would like to see the President accept the Prize on behalf of three to five human rights activists. He should name them, describe their work, and encourage the international press to focus on them as though each one was the Nobel Prize winner. The attention a move like this would bring to these activists could protect them, perhaps save their lives, even bring funds and support to their causes.
How about Chinese dissidents Gao Zhisheng, Hu Jia, and Eastern Congo Pastor Bulambo Lembelembe Josue? Or Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez? How about the three Iranian election protestors given death sentences last week? Iranian authorities only released their initials, MZ, AP, and NA. The Nobel Prize won’t save them names but will give world wide attention and meaning to their deaths.
Mr. President, return the Nobel Peace Prize to the glory it once held. Accept this prize for people that deserve, and need this prize.
