The Nobel Peace Prize Committee recognizes that when Barack Obama was elected president he ushered in a new climate in international politics. He ushered in a new climate of expectation. Obama’s lack of experience in international politics was nullified. World leaders sensed that Obama was a person they could trust. He is a man of integrity. It is important to note that the new climate began on November 5, 2008, not January 20, 2009. By the time his name was submitted for the prize on February 1, 2009 it had been about three months.
I expected negative rhetoric from the Republican Party but from different people. My biggest disappointment was with Michael Steele; Chairman the Republican National Committee and his response to Obama winning the prize.
Steele really disappointed me when he said, "The
real question Americans are asking is, 'What has President Obama actually accomplished?' 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." He doesn’t even realize that if Obama had not been elected President he wouldn’t have become RNC chairman. He doesn’t realize that he is just window dressing. Every time he opens his mouth he turns off other African Americans from even thinking about joining the Republican Party. The RNC is a magnate for the ignorant but they can’t sway smart people. To his credit he did criticize Rush Limbaugh.
John McCain was much more magnanimous. Here is what he had to say, “I can't divine [the Nobel Committee's] intentions, but I think part of their decision-making was expectations. And I'm sure the president understands that he now has even more to live up to. But as Americans, we're proud when our president receives an award of that prestigious category.” Thank you, John McCain, for taking the high road.
It’s sad that a prominent African American finds reason to criticize the fact that President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. And he has the audacity to presume to speak for Americans. Although Steele has the right to say what he said, a simple, “Congratulations Mister President,” would have shown that he has some class.
Indeed, all Americans should be proud that our President was selected from among 205 nominees from around the world. We must also understand that a call to action comes with the award. That means we must pray for President Barack Obama. The Nobel committee cited Obama’s vision. I believe the prize is meant to help manifest a vision that many of us feel has begun to emerge because Obama has created that new climate of international politics. When Barack Obama was elected President of the United States of America, the world … not just America, sensed there was something to look forward to. There is a real possibility of living in a better world with friendly neighbors.
The following is excerpted from an email I received via the Democratic National Committee sent to President Obama’s supporters:
“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.” – President Barack Obama.
You believe the committee made a good decision don’t you? It is your faith in God that causes you to believe that the Nobel Peace Prize Committee made a good decision.
Americans, and particularly our two major political parties, need to stop acting ugly and constantly criticizing each other. If Obama steps off the curb with his left foot first, that to Conservative Republicans, proves he’s liberal and 100 percent of Republicans would demand that he step off with his right foot. If he steps off with his right foot, he would still be criticized. Fortunately, McCain usually speaks from his heart. Steele has to filter everything he says through political ugliness. He’s trying too hard to please the ultra right who will keep him sitting in the window.
If you are guessing that I don’t vote Republican you’re partly right. I have voted Republican. But, I usually vote Democratic. My preference is to be independent. My perception is that Republicans think they own the flag and the cross. They believe they are morally and intellectually superior to everyone else. Although I generally vote for the individual and not the party, in the rhetorical comments of Republican politicians there is a paucity of civility and a general lack of compassion. That causes me to lean to the opposite direction.
I expected negative rhetoric from the Republican Party but from different people. My biggest disappointment was with Michael Steele; Chairman the Republican National Committee and his response to Obama winning the prize.
Steele really disappointed me when he said, "The
real question Americans are asking is, 'What has President Obama actually accomplished?' 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." He doesn’t even realize that if Obama had not been elected President he wouldn’t have become RNC chairman. He doesn’t realize that he is just window dressing. Every time he opens his mouth he turns off other African Americans from even thinking about joining the Republican Party. The RNC is a magnate for the ignorant but they can’t sway smart people. To his credit he did criticize Rush Limbaugh.
John McCain was much more magnanimous. Here is what he had to say, “I can't divine [the Nobel Committee's] intentions, but I think part of their decision-making was expectations. And I'm sure the president understands that he now has even more to live up to. But as Americans, we're proud when our president receives an award of that prestigious category.” Thank you, John McCain, for taking the high road.It’s sad that a prominent African American finds reason to criticize the fact that President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. And he has the audacity to presume to speak for Americans. Although Steele has the right to say what he said, a simple, “Congratulations Mister President,” would have shown that he has some class.
Indeed, all Americans should be proud that our President was selected from among 205 nominees from around the world. We must also understand that a call to action comes with the award. That means we must pray for President Barack Obama. The Nobel committee cited Obama’s vision. I believe the prize is meant to help manifest a vision that many of us feel has begun to emerge because Obama has created that new climate of international politics. When Barack Obama was elected President of the United States of America, the world … not just America, sensed there was something to look forward to. There is a real possibility of living in a better world with friendly neighbors.
The following is excerpted from an email I received via the Democratic National Committee sent to President Obama’s supporters:
“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.” – President Barack Obama.You believe the committee made a good decision don’t you? It is your faith in God that causes you to believe that the Nobel Peace Prize Committee made a good decision.
Americans, and particularly our two major political parties, need to stop acting ugly and constantly criticizing each other. If Obama steps off the curb with his left foot first, that to Conservative Republicans, proves he’s liberal and 100 percent of Republicans would demand that he step off with his right foot. If he steps off with his right foot, he would still be criticized. Fortunately, McCain usually speaks from his heart. Steele has to filter everything he says through political ugliness. He’s trying too hard to please the ultra right who will keep him sitting in the window.
If you are guessing that I don’t vote Republican you’re partly right. I have voted Republican. But, I usually vote Democratic. My preference is to be independent. My perception is that Republicans think they own the flag and the cross. They believe they are morally and intellectually superior to everyone else. Although I generally vote for the individual and not the party, in the rhetorical comments of Republican politicians there is a paucity of civility and a general lack of compassion. That causes me to lean to the opposite direction.
President Obama joins many other Americans who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize including former presidents of the United States and two African Americans, Dr. Ralph Bunche in 1950 and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1964. None of them sought the prize, campaigned for the prize or expected to receive the prize.
Congratulations Mister President. <>
