The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama.
And, of course, the Republican Party is furious.
"The real question Americans are asking is, 'What has President Obama actually accomplished?'" reads a statement from the Republican National Committee. "It is unfortunate that the president's star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights. One thing is certain -- President Obama won't be receiving any awards from Americans for job creation, fiscal responsibility, or backing up rhetoric with concrete action."
Their conclusion: the Nobel Prize is more burden than benefit for the White House and he should turn the prize down. Our President wins motivation to seek world peace and Republicans jeer. Why am I not surprised? It's bad for the President of the United States of America to speak to our children and encourage them to stay in school and to set goals. It's good for America to lose an Olympic bid, so good in fact, that Republicans applaud and celebrate America's loss. It's bad for the world community to respect our President (Obama), but good for world community to despise our President (Bush). It's bad for everyone when the President of the United States is honored with the most historically prestigious award recognized by both America and our global neighbors.
The prize was awarded "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples;" a progressive holding of the meaning of "peace" if ever there ever was one. Even the Nobel Committee knew there would be criticism for their unanimous selection and stated “... this was primarily an award on his work on and commitment to nuclear disarmament – and his dialogue. Of course there will be criticism, because he hasn’t achieved his goals yet. It will take time, but this is a support.”
The Nobel Peace Prize is a tribute to the President but even more to our country, to all Americans. He was elected to office at a time when respect for this country was at an all-time low and went to work right away to restore our standing in the world. Any American who is not proud today is a Republican!
