THE WORLD, MOONSTRUCK - GIVES NOBEL PEACE PRICE - BUT GREAT    EXPECTATIONS REMAIN 

                                                     By

                                              Joseph Chez 

Today, October 9, 2009, the world woke up surprised to hear that President Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, had been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.  In a day of historical markers, scientist struck the moon in hopes of finding a substance that would give hopes for human exploration of the heavens, but their findings are yet to be examined for desirable findings.  Likewise, the world is yet not all convinced that President Obama merits the coveted international Nobel Peace Prize Award. 

In response to his Nobel Peace Prize selection, President Obama stated his appreciation but said, "I am both surprised and deeply humbled ... I do not view it as recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather, as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people of all nations." And he went on to say that he honestly did not believe he deserved to be in the company of predecessors receiving such award.  He thus accepted the award as a call to action to change the status quo, but regrettably, he also stated that the United States needed to confront a ruthless adversary who threatened the United States and our allies.  

World reaction was quick and skeptical.  The Moslem world has reacted with criticism of the continued US confrontation in their part of the world.  Europeans, who also joined us in celebration of his inauguration as President, have also shown displeasure at President Obama's seemingly about face in not immediately bringing peace.  In the US, his critics across the political isle laughed and ridiculed this event.  But that is to be expected, as lately, his political adversaries have mocked all his efforts to help the economy, provide health care for all Americans, or bring the two wars in the Middle East to a desirable conclusion.   

I, a staunch supporter and activist of the once presidential candidate, also feel uneasy about this award.  I concur with the President's assertion that he does not deserve to be in the same category of Nobel Peace Prize recipients - at least not yet.  For although I truly believe that citizen Barack Obama is a peaceful person and one who has great aspirations for peace, as President now, he has caved in to politics and not followed principle. 

It is true that the state of affairs in our country and US foreign policy abroad is a daunting task.  Changing minds and entrenched US Government policy can not be changed over night.  However, it appears to me, as well as to millions in this country and around the world, that our President is compromising his core principles for the sake of pragmatic politics.  In fact, President Obama was overwhelmingly elected with a mandate to end the war, in both Iraq and in Afghanistan.  And yet, there is continued talk of continuing the war until an eventual victory.  In his meeting today with his national security advisors and with pentagon commanders, plans are being drawn for troop increases. 

So just like the skeptical world, I would like for President Obama to assert his leadership as Commander in Chief and decide for himself, that what is best for the country and for the world, is for an immediate cessation of the war.  Trying to appease the political opposition is simply counter productive and a betrayal of one's convictions. 

Yes Mr. President, we can close Guantanamo with a simple presidential edict; we can call an end to our retribution against our 9-11 enemies; yes, we can force Israel to accept an independent Palestinian State; and through diplomatic means, we can even persuade Iran and North Korea to give up pursuit of nuclear weapons.  So Mr. President, peace has to be earned - but not through compromising efforts for peace or continuing your predecessor ways.  Quoting an unlikely character, Richard M. Nixon, at his inaugural address, he stated: "The greatest honor history can bestow is the title of peacemaker."

"This honor now beckons America..."   Thus, the nation and the world wait for your affirmation and deeds for peace. We congratulate you nonetheless, but we reserve our great expectations.

Oct. 8,2009 

By

Joseph Chez 

Eight years at war in Afghanistan and the nation questions;' how many more? 

Yes, this week marks the 8TH year anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan - the forgotten war that a great majority of Americans has placed in the back or their minds.   However, American forces have suffered significant casualties as well as countless severe and disabling war related injuries.  Moreover, the ballooning deficit facing the nation is partly the result of the no-ceiling expense for the war. 

Today, our economy is moribund and many question if whether the nation is capable of further economic drain.  This is one reason national polls are showing wavering support for the war.  In contrast, the White House is feeling pressured from the GOP and the Pentagon for continued involvement and even troop level increases.  But soon, the President will be deciding on what will be the course for the war - whether to embrace Gen. McChrystal's request for more troops or perhaps come to the realization that it is not in the best interest of the country to continue a military presence in Afghanistan. 

But something is needed as the status quo appears not to have an ending.  However, the President must also conclude that remaining in that part of the world will not keep us safe here at home, for if that were to be true, we would have to be in every part of the world - forever. 

The final caveat : a war with no viable exit strategy may only cause a protracted war that will further strain our economy, weaken our military readiness and not provide the country with meaningful safety.  The answer is therefore not difficult; let's get out before the sandpit turns to quicksand.