by Harriet Hairston
The olympic gold medal of diplomacy was awarded to the United States last Friday when President Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize. He exemplifies a “person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”
One would think that the announcement of this award would galvanize our nation to celebrate the original premises behind such a prestigious honor. Yet true to form, our President has inadvertently caused the kind of drama and controversy by virtue of him being…HIM. Instead of congratulations, he was met with some of the following commentary:
- “President Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize: Part of a Liberal Trend?” ~ Fox News
- “Obama Nobel Peace Prize reveals American ignorance of Elite Politics” ~ San Francisco Chronicle
- “Underqualified for the Overrated” ~ Newsweek
Even political cartoonists have joined the fray with the following images:
Wow.
Personally, I could care less if the award was given for his vision or for his actions. I don’t care if the award was received on behalf of those who voted for him or not. It doesn’t matter to me that he’s only been in office 10 months, or that he’s a novice at political leadership. In my humble estimation, all those things are irrelevant.
This is a cause for celebration because President Obama has succeeded in awakening a sense that the dreams of men, women and children around the world do not have to remain deferred. I’m ecstatic about the fact that my son can look to his current President as proof that someone who shares his skin tone can be the most powerful person in the nation and–arguably–the world.
Beyond the subject of race and ethnicity, I celebrate the President’s resolve to actually make a change in the policies that were tearing America apart, from medical care to his management of two wars that he didn’t even start. This man is the epitome of grace under fire.
It’s audacious that political pundits and media outlets would vilify this man who didn’t even know he was nominated for the award.
His response is even more audacious. Will he continue to press towards the change he promised our country in hopes that his service will bring about peace and the pursuit of happiness? Yes he will.
BMWK, what was your response to the President’s receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize?
God bless!
~ Harriet
Harriet Hairston, a freelance writer, human resources administrator at an HBCU and creator of the motivational blog, “Can She SAY That?!?” has a unique style that brings readers into her life through her transparent demeanor. She lives in Louisiana with her husband and two sons. You can reach her at harriet_hairston@yahoo.com.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
What was Obama’s response? I missed it
Hm… I think it a good thing. I do agree that the hope he has brought to many is indeed worthy and substantial. Honestly, I don’t know who else was nominated nor do I care to do much research on this…
I’m happy for him.
BMWK, what was your response to the President’s receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize?
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I am the only employee at my office(I had two assistants this year and they can’t handel the man’s name on the door) any whoooooo, it was nice when my customers came in and told me about this. I was so excited, they were so excited. Each customer had this new raw excitement as they told me about it and I listened and felt like I was hearing it for the first time. I get home and turn on the news I don’t like this word but find it necessary) I can’t believe all the haters”. I was not watching foreign tv, I was watching American tv. We have a current President who wins “The Noble Peace Prize”, what’s up with the haters? President Obama did not bid on it or ask for it. It was awarded to him and he accepted. I know what “The Noble Peace Prize” is awarded for and our President was honored and was “Noble” enough to say that he did not deserve it and will give the over 1.4 million that comes with the award to charity. Not many wanted to report that part. Congrats to our President and I want ppl to remember what it was like dating or married in you first 10 months. How many of us had to keep the peace outside of your own homes.(in-laws) Our President is trying to keep the peace with Foreign Countries and I say good for him. You/We/No One will ever please them all. Our President is not to please everyone, but I do think that we have to give him his due RESPECT.