President Obama Wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize...Another Proud Moment

The poet Robert Burns wrote that "the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray." That astute observation is never more evident than today when despite his many naysayers, President Obama has been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The President must be feeling an energy infusion. When President Obama "failed" to deliver the 2016 Olympics to Chicago, his detractors celebrated even though when I last checked, Chicago was still a part of the United States. "Obama was losing his influence in the world", they scoffed. I assume these flag waving critics wanted an exemption for their "uncharacteristic" un-American behavior. When the President showed that he was really serious about tackling the numerous problems that stressed this country like the economy, health care, climate control, and the Iraq War, his critics recoiled even more.  “Wait” they said. To their surprise and apparent disappointment, he was trying to do too much too soon. President Obama was not trying to protect his "rock star" image and it really must have been agonizing for them to watch their "empty suit" myth be so easily dispelled.

Now by awarding him the Nobel Peace prize, members of the global community have given the President a huge pat on the back and encouragement for his attempts to restore a sense of civility and cooperation in the world. So in an encore to the exhilaration I felt on November 4, 2008 with the election of Barack Obama as U. S. President, this is a proud moment for me and no doubt many others who believe that the time for change has come. The President continues to remind us that change will not come easy. Yet even when blowhards like Rush Limbaugh attack him 24/7 on talk radio and television, or during fake demonstrations, or by displaying bad manners during national presidential addresses, I hope that President Obama knows he is not alone and that many more of us have his back. 

Mr. President, we really are proud of you and celebrate this very special moment with you. So press on in your efforts! Keep pressing on! Your labor has not been in vain.