President Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize: A World Class recognition or a premature selection?

Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting relations with Arab nations and construction of a better understanding between worlds.

Recently on the news, it was broadcast the the Nobel selection panel has award President Barack Obama, of the United States, the Nobel Peace Prize. Nobel prizes are given in many areas that lead to world class excellence. Obama was nominated, along with 208 other nominees, just two weeks after his inauguration into office for the Peace Prize. There seems to be arising oppositions to his recognition because President Obama barely entered office and was up against 208 other nominees that worked extremely hard for years in promoting peace and equality among nations.

The juxtaposition that President Obama meets with his advisers about the current war in Afghanistan and receiving this compelling honor the same day questions many active citizens of the United States, and citizens of the world. Does Obama truly deserve this award for his caliber, or is this decision too premature because there hasn't been and success yet thus far.

From my point of view, President Obama is a wonderful man, and he is a symbol of America's "Change" in perspectives all around the world. People all around the world focussed on the 2009 presidential election as a sign of hope. When former Senator Obama took on the win to become the next President of the U.S., it introduce a new era of expectations for new constructive institutions and actions to better the world in economic areas, war, and relations with other countries.

However, I feel that the decision for President Obama to accept the award should have been dealt otherwise. I understand that the panel has selected the President for his efforts to promote peace and relations in Arab nations, but it was too soon to tell because he hasn't even been in office for a year. He wasn't even elected as President a year ago. Also, how could they consider him for this award when he was just nominated after being in office for two weeks. The man was still getting oriented with his executive duties at the moment.I'm not saying that he's not a great guy, I actually believe that he does deserve a Nobel Prize, just not this time because it's too soon to tell.

I've seen other people who've been trying to promote peace for years that qualify just as much as President Obama. For example, every time I take a trip to Washington, D.C., I find myself in the presence of an old lady, a refugee from Russia, who protests by herself in a little corner, in front of the white house, on the mall, or anywhere she can speak to people. She barely speaks English, but she protests about the construction of nuclear weapons and she delivers the message to end it. She brings with her pictures, signs, and various items that showcases the dangers of nuclear weapons in the east and with the little English that she speaks, she is able to connect with the people on the streets and tell her story, causing people to shed tears. After her story, she asks that we do as much as we can to promote peace and end the construction of nuclear weapons. With her, she carries a peace sign that followers are allowed to take pictures with and deliver her message.

This is a women with a caring and courageous heart who does as much as she can to make a difference in the world and promote peace. In my opinion, she has placed as much effort her tiny little old body allows her to, and have touched the lives that she has came in contact with. She as well had the same qualifications as President Obama for the Nobel Peace Prize and could have received the honor just like him. In fact, it seems to me that because she has been doing this for a number of years and has devoted her life to it, she might deserve it more.

I'm not saying that the prize should have been given to her; I just believe that there must have been someone who was more qualified and has made a greater impact and difference than President Obama currently.

The proper thing that President Obama should have done was sincerely decline the Award. He accepted the Award on behalf of America, showcasing that we are on the road for a change. Yes, America is grateful for such recognition, but if the President would have declined the award, it would show to the world that America is on a road to recovery and promoting peace, but we aren't satisfied until we achieve such goal. When that day arrives, then can we be more happy and prideful in President Obama receiving the award.

This is the peace sign that I encountered when listening to the old lady protest. Behind me is her display used to support her protest.