I am surprised, no shocked, how many people do not understand why a Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. Many of the comments I have read on this site and others criticize Obama's Nobel Peace Prize for silly reasons.
One blogger wrote that Obama wasn't "nobel enough" to receive this award. Another blogger stated Obama wasn't in office long enough to get the peace prize. Yet another wrote that he hadn't done anything yet. Several bloggers said he received the peace prize because he wasn't G.W. Bush. None of these are needed to receive a Nobel Prize.
For those who don't know, Alfred Nobel established the Nobel Foundation to which he left his fortune in his last will, written in 1885. He established 5 prize categories, namely the areas of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace. Nobel's will stated that the peace prize was to be given to the "person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." (from Nobelprize.org). A committee of 5 would choose the peace prize winner. Other prizes have been added since Nobel established the 5 prizes in 1885.
Having said that, it should be noted that Obama did not seek out this prize. He was chosen to receive it. He did not need to be in office any specific amount of time to receive it, nor did he have to accomplish something in particular. Apparently the committee felt Obama was the person this year who best met the criteria for the award.
Equally astounding to me is how much negativity this award has generated. In a logical world one would be proud that their president received such a prestigious award. Not so. Many Obama critics lack the common decency and courtesy to say "Congratulations, well done." I teach second graders. Even they know you don't have to agree with everyone, but that gives you no right to verbally abuse them. I would go so far as to say the the Obama bashers are un-American to diss the office of president so.
Some negative bloggers have commented that the Nobel Prize has been devalued and isn't worth anything. They noted that since Carter, Gore and now Obama have won Nobel prizes it must be worthless. They have yet to realize that just because you don't like the winner, it does not devalue the prize. Sour grapes, maybe? Lack of good sportsmanship? (Note: Most of these bloggers were on the Fox News blog, who would not post my comments. Apparently they do not allow opposing viewpoints on their site).
I must give credit to John McCain, who congratulated Obama on receiving the prize. There are a few other conservatives who are classy enough to realize what an honor it is to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. I have to agree with McCain - I am very proud that President Obama received this award.