Holy crap, have I missed you. Posting a quick status update on Facebook so often makes it feel unneccessary to log in here and get back on the Ride, but there's really nothing like a good blog post to get you going, is there?
It was announced today that President Obama will receive the Nobel Peace Prize this year and reviews of the selection are mixed. I support The President and I'm proud of the recognition, but I think it's probably a little early. He is in a position to do great things for the world's peace-making efforts, but hasn't had much chance to make an impact yet. The fact that he's being given the award now and the reaction the announcement is receiving say a few things to me:
1) Things were not good. Just the hope of a different kind of leadership for the world's most powerful country is worthy of the Nobel Prize. It is a nice reminder of the extent to which our nation is seen as a beacon of hope for those who dream of peace.
2) It occurs to me that they should maybe have given the prize to American voters who elected Obama. If his presence in the Oval Office moves peace forward so significantly, then those who put him there should get the prize. Hmmm. I might feel slighted.
3) People are really not able to put party politics aside. Republicans are mad that he won.* Actually angry. Can we not all agree that it's a good thing for the American president to be seen a leader in the world's efforts toward peace? I understand that it may seem like the guy you didn't want to win is now being celebrated before he accomplishes anything, but if you want to be partisan about it, then take some credit for just how bad your guy must have been before him!
4) If President Obama is a weak choice for such a momentous honor, assume it's because it has been a slow year in peace-making, get off your ass, and get to work. At best, you'll win it next year, at worst, you'll move us all a little closer to the peaceful world of which we all dream.**
* Probably not all Republicans. But a few of my friends were quick to jump on it and I've seen a lot of other chatter on line. Don't mean to generalize too greatly.
** "we all" being non-psychotic people who aren't terrorists
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