http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/03/23/obama_i_will_be_keeping_my_nobel_peace_prize.html
This is one of my favorite things that the President has ever said. Everyone knows that President Barack Obama was given the Nobel Peace Prize and there was much publicity on the award. That award has come under criticism because of the US becoming involved in Libya and using our military significantly in three places at the moment. I do not believe that this movement warrants him having to return an award that he never asked for, but instead was given.
As President Obama pointed out, the Nobel committee was aware that he was the leader of the world's strongest military, but at the same was hoping for peace. "I am accustomed to this contradiction of being both a commander-in-chief but also someone who aspires to peace," said our President. I think that this is something worth noting in his argument about returning the award. The President, as the leader of an entire nation, is unable to take a universal pacifist front because that opens our country up to attack. Other candidates for the award were people who did not really have responsibility or a role to fill, but were instead just activists in their countries. They are one dimensional, but Obama is unable to be similar. It was important that Obama point that out while making his case to keep his award.
Also, as he stated, going into Libya hopes to serve the purpose of allowing the people to live their life freely and without an oppressive government. Freedom is a major part of peace since oppression fosters violence. You wouldn't cry out that rebels trying to overthrow an oppressive leader are acting out of line. So there should not be any criticism placed on a person who decides to subtly support them and their right to hope to be more than a means of one person acquiring more power and wealth.
I agree with your all of the comments of ur blog. To be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize is an outstanding honor. The fact that people have even suggested he return the award is ludicrous. Barack Obama received the award because of his accomplishments and because he is a leader to look up to. There will always be foreign threats and issues to deal with. He must deal with them because this is his job as the President of the United States.
ReplyDeleteIf you are given an award, you should never be expected to give it back unless you feel that you should. The people who think that Obama should return the Nobel Prize are ridiculous. Just because he is the leader of a country with a large army and nuclear program doesn't mean that he wants to use them. Obama was awarded the prize for good reason, and he should not have pressure to return it.
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