NO-bel?

SURPRISE NOBEL FOR OBAMA STIRS PRAISE AND DOUBT
(The New York Times)

 Around the globe, people both cheered and scratched their head in puzzlement at the choice of Barack Obama to receive a 2009 Nobel Peace Prize that was announced this Friday. Considering his short term thus far in the presidency, it has left many people wondering how deserving young Obama is of this particular honor. The committee, which has chosen to award him on the grounds of “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples,” seemed to be almost a proclamation of hope for a better and brighter tomorrow. While Republicans (and even a few skeptical Democrats) view this as simply Europe's infatuation with his rhetorical prowess, the committee has assured that its decision was based on based on "...Mr. Obama’s actual efforts toward nuclear disarmament as well as American engagement with the world relying more on diplomacy and dialogue."

Obama himself expressed his own surprise in which he was humbled by being in the company of other such accomplished figures. From my perspective, whether or not it was deserved based upon the actions he has accomplished, it is a metaphorical fire under Mr. President's behind to live up to such glory. It is awkward enough as is to accept an award that has come under such scrutiny from both sides of the political spectrum -- it would be even worse to simply coast at this point. Let us hope this will serve as inspiration for President Obama to live up to the standards that the Nobel committee and the world have set in place for him.

Link to story at nytimes.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/10/world/10nobel.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=obama%20nobel%20peace%20prize&st=cse