Obama's 'Nobel' Victory Stunning And Deserved

CLEVELAND - President Barack Obama has been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, much to his surprise as well as the astonishment of politicians, media and observers all over the world.

Even still, he deserves it.

Obama's victory, announced early this morning, was so unexpected by everyone (including the White House) largely because he hadn't been mentioned as a front-runner for the prestigious award. He also assumed office only nine months ago, a mere 12 days before the Nobel nominees were postmarked. He is just the third U.S. president in history to win the award, and the first sitting president to earn it in 90 years.

To clarify his selection, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said essentially that Obama deserves the accolade "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."

In a terse press conference in the White House Rose Garden this morning, Obama said he was "surprised and deeply humbled" to win the incredible honor and will "accept this award as a call to action."

Many people feel as though Obama hasn't done anything to merit his victory. He's been consistently criticized for not living up to his lofty campaign promises on issues such as the war in Afghanistan, health care and the floundering economy. Even his staunch supporters in the gay community have recently expressed disdain and frustration with him over his slow-to-develop enacting of legislation that would grant [gays] more civil rights than they currently have.

I feel as though Obama deserves the award strictly on his values and ethos of bringing peace and harmony, both racial and otherwise to all countries. He may not be the perfect choice, but then again his very status as the first ever African-American U.S. president speaks to how transformative a figure he is. He's a unifying force and regardless of his accomplishments thus far in the office of the presidency, he's a seminal figure already in race and peace relations worldwide.

Congratulations, Mr. President and may we continue to benefit from your influence of civility and equality.