Before You Jump all over Obama...

I think that you should watch this video.

Now, personally, I do not think that Barack Obama should have won the Nobel Peace Prize. Yet, I still find it worrisome to see and hear masses of American citizens attack the integrity of the President. I hope that this video can help to put things into perspective, even if it affects just a few of you.

President Obama is not the first recipient of the award whose tentative "plan of action" has not yet been initiated (or even successful), as Ms. Maddow dutifully points out. And, contrary to the views of the angered citizenry of the United States (and abroad), I do not think that President Obama's acceptance of the Peace Prize takes away from the integrity of the award (I have heard allegations that the award/nomination process has become a popularity contest with international recognition and a $1.4 million purse as compensation). I also disagree with Rush Limbaugh's view that the United States -- and its president -- have become an international laughing stock.

Professor Bachrach, a Media Law and Ethics professor here at BU, offered some interesting insight into the situation, suggesting that perhaps Obama should have respectfully declined the award and suggested another, more qualified, leader. Not only would the President become the first recipient in the history of the award to decline, but would also appear as a selfless leader in the eyes of the international community. It appears to be a win-win scenario for all parties involved.

But Obama did not decline, and the debate rages on. While I personally do not find there to be substance to the argument that Obama won the famed award simply because "he's not George W. Bush," I do not think that his actions -- or even his plan -- have warranted the honor of being nominated. At least not in his first term in office. And, apparently he doesn't think so either.

Let's put things into perspective people: the President of the United States won a prestigious award -- he did not nominate himself and is not purporting himself to be a qualified candidate. Maybe we can try to be a little less resentful and a little more prideful.

Until next time.

-Brian

(Photo courtesy of Google Images)