If You Can't Say Anything Nice, Please Don't Say Anything At All

It was not a very big surprise to me that President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. He has totally transformed the way the world looks at America. It makes me very happy and relieved that the Nobel Committee wants the world and Americans to fully celebrate a wonderful new, young President who has achieved a lot in his first months in office.


President Barack Obama

Americans need to get behind the new President and show a loyal, united front. Just as it sometimes takes a stranger to discipline a family dog, I'm going to come right out and say that I think Americans are getting a dose of correction from international sources and they're not taking it very well. It shocks me that some Americans are displaying jealous spite publicly against such an undeniably great man. Private jealousy is at the heart of this ill-mannered backlash.

These critics should remember the life of President Kennedy, and his tragically-ended short term of office. They should realize that President Obama would not have received the prize had he made mistakes in judgment after he was nominated. They should appreciate and understand the importance of America's improved world status since his inauguration. His conciliatory, consensus-building approach, his awesome memory and public speaking skills are to his credit. He gives his voice and energy and compassion to those less fortunate. Unnecessarily, he is giving away the prize money, a very impressive achievement by itself.

When it comes to the Nobel Peace Prize, as with any prize or honor, I have long believed that if one can't say anything nice, it's best not to say anything at all. The President has already taken the high road many, many times.

Congratulations, Mr. President!