The world was shocked by the news of President Barack Obama winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. Even the President seemed stunned. But think about it: He has made major strides in keeping peace throughout this nation and others while helping to advocate for and advance systems that will increase the quality of life for all Americans, specifically women, children and people of color.
Here are our top 15 reasons why we believe President Obama won this major award. Let us know if you agree.
REASON 1: While in New York City at the United Nations, President Obama chaired a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on September 24, 2009. The Council’s job is to maintain international peace and security through peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action.
REASON 2: President Obama looked on as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (right) greeted each other during a trilateral meeting at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on September 22 in New York City.
The President met with the two leaders in an attempt to restart peace talks.
REASON 3: President Obama hosted Shaykh Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, Amir (that’s a mouth full) of the State of Kuwait in the Oval Office at the White House on August 3. A translator sat behind the two leaders, who talked about achieving peace in the Middle East.
REASON 4: The President took time to have a constructive 20-minute conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on June 8, talking about his commitment to Israel’s security and Middle East peace.
REASON 5: The President announced federal appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee for the Supreme Court on May 26 in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Sotomayor has since been approved by Congress and has made history as the first ever Latina Supreme Court Justice.
REASON 6: President Barack Obama signed the “Civil Rights History Project Act” bill into law on May 12. This act will now require the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution to establish an oral history project related to the Civil Rights Movement.
REASON 7: Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari (right) and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai (left) spent time at the White House with Vice-President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama in the Grand Foyer after a meeting on May 6.
REASON 8: President Obama and Iraq President Jalal Talabani discussed the transition of power to Iraqi leaders on April 7.
REASON 9: President Obama announced the country’s new strategy to increase troops in Afghanistan and aid in Pakistan to weaken the deadly forces of Al-Qaeda on March 27.
REASON 10: “I sign this order not just as a President, but as a son, a grandson, a husband, and a father, because growing up, I saw my mother put herself through school and follow her passion for helping others. But I also saw how she struggled to raise me and my sister on her own, worrying about how she’d pay the bills and educate herself and provide for us,” said President Obama as he signed the executive order creating the Women and Girls Council on March 11.
The Council provides a federal response to the challenges confronted by women and girls.
REASON 11: President Obama signed an executive order on stem cell research on March 9, reversing a decision former President George W. Bush had in place for the last eight years.
“Scientists believe these tiny cells may have the potential to help us understand, and possibly cure, some of our most devastating diseases and conditions,” said President Obama.
REASON 12: The President had a lot to say at the White House Forum on Health Reform in Washington, D.C., on March 5. He’s been adamantly advocating for health care that is accessible and affordable for all Americans ever since.
REASON 13: President Obama answered questions during his first prime-time press conference in the East Room of the White House on February 9, 2009.
It was the first time he addressed why Congress needed to pass his economic stimulus plan and do “whatever it takes” to get Americans back to work.
REASON 14: The President has worked with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to sign a series of executive orders on car emissions and fuel efficiency standards on January 26.
The president wants the EPA to allow 14 states to set their own tailpipe emission standards and construct new regulations requiring improved fuel efficiency in cars and trucks.
REASON 15: Vice-President Joseph Biden, left, and retired military officers looked on as President Obama signed executive orders to close down the detention center/prison camp at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba on January 22, 2009.
By Wendy L. Wilson
