Obama & The Nobel Peace Prize - Truth or Dare?

Occasionally, an author writes an opinion piece – and this is one of those. Being of the "tell it like it is" persuasion I readily admit I don’t like Barack Obama or his wife. As I’m entitled to an opinion in this country (so far) that’s as much as I need to say about liking or not liking our president.

I’m in the minority, obviously, as over 50% of us wanted him to be president of these United States and consequently – he is. I’m tremendously proud that we still get to vote and have the option of choosing even if it doesn’t agree with what all of us want! If more of us wanted him to be president than those that didn’t then those of us that didn’t have to grin and bear it. That’s the American way and I’ll adhere to it until I’m on the other side of the dirt!

Among Christians, be it a pompous attitude or not, there exists the belief that if someone isn’t what they profess to be -- a Christian spirit will bear witness to that fact. Mine bore witness and I didn’t vote for Obama and that’s the bottom line. To date I’ve found nothing that changes that fact and the crap that’s going on in Washington bears more witness than I ever could.

That said – I couldn’t believe Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He’s an inexperienced, mouthy, Chicago, racist, product of "great education/no common sense" (in my opinion) socialism. He also made one of the most important, right-on-target, acceptance speeches ever made when accepting the Nobel Peace Prize honor in Oslo and no matter how I personally feel about him, in that instance, he actually told it like it is.

Credit where credit is due no matter personal feelings: "There will be times," Obama said in his acceptance speech, "when nations – acting individually or in concert – will find the use of force not only necessary but morally justified." That’s an absolutely great statement to my way of thinking.

"Whatever mistakes we have made, the plain fact is this: the United States of America has helped underwrite global security for more than six decades with the blood of our citizens and the strength of our arms," the president said. "The service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform has promoted peace and prosperity from Germany to Korea, and enabled democracy to take hold in places like the Balkans." Good going, Obama – I like that a lot!

To continue: "As someone who stands here as a direct consequence of Dr. King’s life’s work, I am living testimony to the moral force of non-violence. I know there is nothing weak – nothing passive – nothing naïve – in the creed and lives of Gandhi and King. But as a head of state sworn to protect and defend my nation, I cannot be guided by their examples alone."

As he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, the president didn’t leave any doubts about what was necessary in confronting evil. "For make no mistake; evil does exist in the world. A non-violent movement could not have halted Hitler’s armies. Negotiations cannot convince al Qaeda’s leaders to lay down their arms. To say that force is sometimes necessary is not a call to cynicism – it is a recognition of history; the imperfections of man and the limits of reason."

Mr. President, you were neither qualified nor had credentials to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize -- but as to your acceptance speech, I say amen and amen. I hope you meant it. It’s the first time I’ve heard you speak up for America in a manner that portrays the great heritage and undauntable spirit of this nation rather than apologizing for it.

The United States of America has nothing to be ashamed of but of much to be proud. When others fell and quit we stood and prevailed. Thank you, on the occasion of your great, personal honor, for speaking up for the proud, and at this point, hopelessly discouraged people of this country.

America could use a few kudos about now as we’re terribly divided on many fronts. Thank you for stating our firm stance on unity, ideals and freedom to other nations of this world as perhaps they sometime forget – as do we.

That one acceptance speech Mr. President, at least to this person, indicated you may have – for the first time – exhibited a bit of insight into the nation you’ve been elected to lead.

From one old and jaded citizen -- if that’s the case – let’s roll!