Barack Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” The announcement was greeted with mixed reactions. Some argued that the President has done nothing to earn this prestigious honor. But others felt that he was the most deserving candidate.
The selection of Obama has stirred a lot of conversation. Many people have suggested that he hasn’t done anything to promote peace. And some have claimed that his actions have actually extended the length of one war and helped start another. People who feel he was the right choice think that he has opened the door to bring about international peace. Plus, he has generated a new feeling of hope that has been absent from the world for far too long.
One thing many debaters do agree on is that the prize may have been intended to encourage future behavior from Obama instead of rewarding his actions since taking office. The President himself admitted that to being surprised and deeply humbled at being chosen. And he said he thought of the award as an affirmation of American leadership and a call to action.
Thorbjorn Jagland, chairman of the Nobel committee, told the world that the decision to offer the prize to Obama was unanimous. He said that Obama was chosen because “He has been able to change the international climate”. Jagland seemed to understand that many people felt that it was too early to give Obama the peace prize. But he believes that it will help strengthen the President’s resolve to work diligently towards peaceful international policies, nuclear disarmament and an end to ongoing wars.
Obama is the first President to win the Nobel Peace Prize during his first term. He is only the fourth President to be awarded this honor, and the third to win while still in office. The President will join the ranks of Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Jimmy Carter when he picks up his award this December in Oslo, Norway.
Despite what critics say, the Nobel committee stands behind their decision. They do seem to agree that the award is more for what can be done in the future than what has already been accomplished. But they believe Barack Obama can and will follow through on the message of hope he has given the world.
At PeopleFinders, we admire any effort to encourage peace and communication. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping people find each other. That way, they can reconnect and share their lives together. We believe in the power of the human spirit and support actions that encourage peace, whether they are from the past, present or future.
What do you think? Is Obama worthy of the prize being bestowed upon him? Leave us a comment to share your thoughts. And thank you for reading the PeopleFinders Blog.
