Reflections of “E”: President Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize as an example

President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace prize. Wow! I was reading an article about it that said that this was the last thing he needed (not in a good way). One line stood out to me. “At this moment many Americans are longing for a president who is more bully, less pulpit.” This was interesting especially because I don’t find President Obama to be preaching. If President Obama was acting like a bully, then I am confident he would be perceived as an angry black man. Honestly, I am sure plenty of people would find some complaint about him regardless of his actions or policy.

I am saddened that so many are clouded by partisanship, racism, and classism that they cannot objectively view the situation. They don’t judge the president, or many others either, on the facts. They just have pointed emotional commentary or bullying/aggressive behavior. Being ignorant and/or acting like a bully is not what I thought this country stood for. I am clueless why so many people are embracing and supporting this unproductive behavior.

I believe there is a lesson in this Nobel Peace prize. I am sure President Obama didn’t put together his action plan with the goal of getting the Nobel Peace prize. I truly believe bases his decisions on what he believes is right. I was taught that you do things because they are right. You don’t help an elderly person across the street for applause. You do it because it is right. You don’t hit folks because they disrespected you because you can get an assault charge. You don’t counter with violence because that is not right. You take care of your children because it is right. Not because you’ll get a parent of the year certificate. Doctors take care of patients because it is right. Lord knows we don’t always get paid for it.

A strong moral compass needs to get reintegrated to the fabric of humanity, not just this country. We need to challenge each other to be the best we can be and to be a positive part of the world. We need to challenge each other to live lives of service. We need to hold ourselves and others accountable for cruelty, greed, cheating, and harming others. We need to open our eyes and hearts to the possibility of a better world. “If we believe it, then we can achieve it.”

The world can be a better place. In the words of Michael Jackson, “It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me.”

Much nub, (grooving and humming “We Are the World”)

Dr. G