On Friday 09 October 2009 06:50 PM, Manar Hussain wrote: > Which seems most unusual, but presumably the purpose of recognising > past deeds is to encourage the future deeds of others. I think there's > some merit - though I'm far from convinced - in saying that Obama has > an exceptional opportunity, which the prize makes more likely, that if > achieved would be very significant furthering of the prize's raison > d'etre.
I agree with the first bit, but shouldn't the prize should be awarded to recognize contribution, rather than mere aspiration. How else would one distinguish between a beauty queen promising to work towards world peace and the president of the USA doing the same? "Opportunity" (even if exceptional) is not sufficient, as diplomacy and anti-nuke messages are not something new to the rhetoric of U.S. presidents -- they're just a welcome changes from GWB tenure. And presumably all U.S. presidents have exceptional opportunities by virtue of their position.
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