Obama Snubs Dalai Lama, Wins Nobel Peace Prize

Last night I mentioned to My roommate that I needed to find some time to sit down and write about Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize.  He looked over at Me very seriously and said, “Really?  I thought that was a joke…”

His statement reflects an international attitude about Obama’s recent accolade.  Less than a week after refusing to meet with the Dalai Lama who was in the United States to talk about world peace, Obama is announced winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and the world is buzzing with questions of His legitimacy to receive the award.  One U.N. official even suggested that Obama refuse the award declaring that accepting it now is premature.  One has to wonder what it is Obama has done to deserve the coveted award?  What kind of message does this send to the international community?  Is Obama worthy of such a great honour?

However, there is much to be savoured by the international community in this historical moment.  Whether the opinion is outrage, indifference or support, the world will now be judging Obama’s national and international interests with deeper criticism.  Perhaps by having one of Our international leaders represent a symbol of peace, We will be more inspired to ensure that the example and policies adopted reflect a notion for peace among the people.  Certainly no harm can come from critical evaluation of U.S.policies.

Maybe this award was a joke.  Obama certainly made many inspirational promises of peace in his inauguration speech.  Perhaps this award was to remind Obama why it was that the world loved him so much.  Obama stood as a symbol for peace, a new hope for the world, though he has done little to bring the vision to life.  Unfortunately for Obama, action speaks louder than words and his popularity has subsequently been on a steady decline since he took office.  Maybe this was the Nobel committee’s way of reminding Obama of the promises he has already made.

Obama’s spotlight on the world’s center stage just got brighter, as he ‘humbly’ accepted the award saying it is “…  a call to action..”.  A comedian on Saturday Night live last weekend sarcastically reminded Obama that the election was also a call to action…  We are still waiting and hopefully now the world will be watching more closely.