Should President Obama receive the Nobel Peace Prize?

I find myself sitting in a cafe in downtown Oslo only a stone's throw
distance where President Obama will receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
I'm waiting on a friend to move on to grab a bit to eat and then we
will plunge into the pulsating night.

It will be in mid December when Obama graces the Viking city of the
Norsemen. I have a problem with that. If it was October 23rd 2010,
there would be no problem. The fact is that it is 2009.
Let me elaborate. The Nobel Peace Prize is given to those who
accomplish three requirements set out my Alfred Nobel.

Unfortunately, Obama does not meet these requirements. The guy has
accomplished much in 10 months, more than most presidents do in their
entire term. Regardless, he has not met the requirements to receive
the honour of the Nobel. It clearly states that the prize should go to whoever "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".

No fault lies with Obama. None at all. It lies completely on the
shoulders of the Nobel Institute in Oslo. What real choice did Obama
actually have? It must be very difficult, if not close to impossible,
to turn down such a prize. It's not like finding the prize at the
bottom of a Cracker Jack box.

Obama was put into a very awkward position and he made the best of that
situation. As I understand it, the Nobel is given in recognition of having done something. The operative word is 'done' and in the past tense. It is based on having established a brilliant track record of pushing humanity in a positive, forward direction.

There is so many other people who deserved the recognition this year.
So many other organizations or causes who could have done so much
with the publicity and the financial rewards that come with the prize.

Ok....I'll get off my soap box.  I just had the need to vent.

Cordially
Jason W Birkevold Liem
phone: (+47) 957 66 460
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