In analyzing the evidence, it seems that Obama was given the award for some type of disingenuous reason. At best, I see it as an attempt on the part of the Nobel committee to push Obama toward more peacemaking and to once again comment on the Bush years.Both intentions may seem fine. But I believe that one possible negative consequence of this award is that people will say, Oh, see,Obama is perfect and we (the people) don't have to push him... he'll take care of it all on his own.That type of thinking just doesn't work given the fact that every special interest group pushes every president in a million different ways, and the real wants and needs of everyday people are left out of the discussion. We need to stop patting Obama on the back for something he has not yet accomplished and start directly pressuring his entire administration toward more peaceful ways. That's the whole point of democracy.
Author Bio: Jason Del Gandio is a writer, thinker, activist, and teacher dedicated to local and global justice. His first book, Rhetoric for Radicals: a Handbook for 21st Century Activists, was released in November, 2008 (New Society Publishers). Jason is currently an Assistant Professor of Public Communication at Temple University (Philadelphia, USA). Visit his website for more information: www.jasondelgandio.com
[1] The Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation: www.armscontrolcenter.org/policy/securityspending/articles/fy09_dod_request_global.
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