Upon learning he'd won the Nobel Peace Prize, U. S. President Barack Obama said Friday that he does not feel he deserves "to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who have been honoured by this prize . . . " He is right about that. He may, one day when his term in office is over and his achievements are tallied up, deserve to be among them, but he is not yet there.
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Resource: The Calgary Herald
A Nobel Gesture:
Obama's Nobel Prize brings praise and controversy
U.S. President Barack Obama was awarded the 009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for his "extraordinary efforts" to revive international diplomacy, an honour that sparked immediate controversy and one the recipient himself appeared shocked to receive.
Crediting Obama for creating a "new climate in international politics," the five-member Norwegian Nobel committee said the first-year president had restored America's global leadership role in advancing issues ranging from climate change to nuclear disarmament.
. . . .
"To be honest, I do not feel I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who have been honoured by the prize."
The White House said Obama would travel to Oslo for the Dec. 10 award ceremony and planned to donate the $1.4-million US in prize money to charity.
He becomes the fourth U.S. president to win the peace prize, following Jimmy Carter, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.
. . . .Past winner, Polish labour leader Lech Walesa, was taken aback of word of Obama's award.
"Who, Obama? So fast? Too fast. He hasn't had the time to do anything yet," Walesa said.
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he was "very happy" for Obama and believes "such a prize augments his capacity and reputation around the world, and that will help us accomplish things for all humanity."
The award was a reminder of Obama's standing on the world stage, particularly in Europe. But critics in the U.S. expressed astonishment that the Nobel committee has bestowed the honour on the job nine months, and whose foreign policy record — on the Middle East peace, Iran, North Korea and two foreign wars — is still being written.
. . . .
"The real question is, 'What has President Obama actually accomplished?' " said Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele. "It is unfortunate that the president's star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights."
Resource: The Lethbridge Herald
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