“Wasn’t there someone better to get this prize.” This was my first thought in response to hearing the news. It’s not at all that I don’t like Barack Obama. I think he’s the best choice for the job he has. That job also has an attached detail of being the commander in chief for the most powerful armed forces in the world. Peace prize and ‘one who authorizes missile launches’ didn’t seem to go together. That’s what bugged me.

I then though of the implications of award, and how it added pressure on him to rise to it. It’s not easy being a world-class leader in such a troubled world. Powerful countries are motivated by conquering divisions of resources, products and labor for economic survival. But in the spirit of hope, I was encouraged that he, Barack Obama, could actually start turning the tide toward a better common reality.

It’s a lofty goal, but it’s important to start down the path to a better existence for all life here on lovely Earth. I’m impressed by those bold enough to risk their reputation to give Barack Obama the Nobel Peace Prize. Let’s all hope it was a risk worth taking.

-Keitan