By Odeisel

We stand on the shoulders of those that come before us, that added base allowing us to be forward thinking if we allow ourselves to escape the rearview mirror off the past. While history allows for reference and perspective, our view of the road ahead is what allows us to successfully navigate our journey. As President, Barack Obama, despite noting historical precedent, has always chosen to be a unifier of people. His biracial nature notwithstanding, the high road is not always easy to take, specifically with much of the obvious allusions to difference that plague the American consciousness. This refusal to cater to our differences, both racially as a nation and culturally as a global village, has earned Obama the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, according to CNN.

For the past two decades, America’s legacy has been one of war, abandoning Teddy Roosevelt’s walk softly and carry a big stick mantra for a Paul Bunyon bigger-than-you approach that has diminished our esteem around the globe and led to both protests and added nuclear-proliferation from smaller countries like Iran and North Korea, who no longer want to be hemmed up in the corner getting relieved of their milk money. It has led to domestic unrest, with citizens growing increasingly leery of government, even prior to the present administration. It has resulted in Hugo Chavez being empowered to unite Latin America, traditionally an ally, under an anti-American imperialism fervor that is starting to fester. Most tragically, our focus on global belligerence has diverted both resources and attention away from our children, our infrastructure, and some serious social issues that are wearing away at the fabric of Americana.

On his rise to ascendance, Barack Obama offered change as his slogan, and at the heart of that change was an end to Western negotiation by force.  In a world growing smaller by technology and increasingly connected, Barack Obama looked forward and noted that an America solo act, rife with our traditional arrogance is not viable in the 21st century. Obama decided on a different, decidedly novel approach: diplomacy by discussion and negotiation; as free of macho posturing as possible. He notes than the field of conflict on both a human level and a state level are not that dissimilar, and that the game of oneupsmanship only works when one of the parties is not willing to take it there. In a world where no one is afraid, bullyism is simply not a viable option, specifically when parties operate in increasingly non-state sanctioned ways.

Change IS here. Not in an esoteric unicorns and lollipops way, but in a real political, socio-economic way.  Part of Obama’s job upon taking the Office of the President was to repair an image marred by eight years of cowboy antagonism. He casts America as repentant husband, still in command of the house, yet with words and flowers for a wounded partner, bringing the promise of reconciliation and a new life going forward.

Because of Barack Obama, America has the opportunity to sit at the head of the global table again, but without the sole responsibility of economic/military bulwark. Because of Obama, America can maintain a leadership position without her big mouth forcing unilateral action and utilization of mostly American resources to problems that affect the entire world. Because of Obama we have a chance to curb nuclear proliferation. In an increasingly volatile world, with countries more armed and ready to stand down an America with troops in multiple theatres, Barack Obama’s approach is not only welcome, but absolutely necessary.

Domestically, and much to the chagrin of underrepresented people, Obama avoids the polarizing lens of race when dealing with situations that smack of racism.  The amount of disrespect that has been directed towards his position and station is unprecedented, many times with nothing to attribute such behavior to but America’s albatross.  Obama handles these situations with a steely, cool resolve that doesn’t leave room for someone to inflame it any further, most recently with former President Carter’s assertion that much of the animus attributed to Obama’s policies are indeed attributable to race. While many feel Carter was correct, including former President Clinton, Obama handled the situation masterfully.

And so the peace prize comes. Obama is the third sitting America President to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The award stands as encouragement that this IS the way. It stands as a symbol that the world is watching and that despite appearances to the contrary, diplomacy does work.  Can you imagine the Bush/Chaney White House attempting to maneuver the release of those two journalists from North Korea? Could you imagine them taking center stage in these G20 summits attempting to articulate the need for cooperation while posturing with fingers on the button? Exactly.  The world notices it too, and it doesn’t make America less safe.  If makes her an active participant in global politics and not an island away from discussion.

Peace is elusive; an ephemeral concept like Santa Clause-things you hear about but never see.  But peace is not a destination; it’s a journey of aspiration. It is the desire to further, to discuss, and to cooperate. Peace is not cowardice, but the very brave insistence that we can override our basest instincts and listen rather than talk; that we can act rather than react.  That something so apparently necessary is deemed a daring approach tells you the state of the world. Barack Obama is a man of many things, with a message easily co-opted by many groups of people. But on this day, he stands for Peace. May his efforts be as truly far reaching and genuine as they appear. Congratulations Mr. President.

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