Oh, what a humble man. And god yes, he deserves this prize for beginning to change the world's perception of the US and its foreign policy.
Don't you just love our president?
I do agree with him that the prize is a call to action to pursue peace and justice around the world.
This
morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At
6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
for 2009.
To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so
many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize —
men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through
their courageous pursuit of peace.
But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not
just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a
means to give momentum to a set of causes.
That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to
action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common
challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met
during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges
can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one
person or one nation alone.
This award — and the call to action that comes with it — does not
belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people
around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of
all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to
hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.
So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun
together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm
honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
While many people feel this premature, and surely President Obama humbly and immediately is included in that group…the reason why this makes sense is that our President Obama’s election has had worldwide reaction. People recognize him and respond to him everywhere — remember the throngs in Germany? Inner-American politics aside, and debates aside for what he’s done or what’s yet undone in 9-10 months is irrelevant. The Nobel people can give anyone the award they want, and clearly have, with controversy across our lifetimes. But Pres. Obama won an election within the past year, remember, and that did have a resounding impact with Black America, to nations across the globe from Indonesia through the Mideast and Africa, sweeping across Europe and back. THAT ALONE and his posture and bearing as a man of peace, was enough for this award. I say congratulations, whether the money goes to charity or not.
I’ve gotten the email too from Michael Moore criticizing the issues that are not attended to by Pres. Obama from ending our war in Afghanistan, etc. But, it isn’t that Obama had engineered the candidacy for this award — although I guess maybe the presenters were influenced by his travel there, to petition with Oprah, etc. for the Chicago Olympics? So, the news was a surprise to anyone. But think about, his predecessor lowered the bar — and Pres. Obama’s win last November raised expectations and hope and popularity of ‘the leader of the free world’ to a level where he’d win such an award. We’re looking forward as a nation, and clearly citizens of the world in far reaches share that optimism. That means something. That’s an accomplishment, in itself, honestly.
I can see it. Again, congratulations.
Louise, thanks for posting this note for us. I agree with you. I think it’s great he got it, especially after what he said about it. I know why people think he hasn’t done enough yet to deserve it, but if you visit other parts of the world, especially Africa, you find out how much hope he has generated, and hope is so critical for peace.