Some reactions to Obama

People are saying: You won it, now earn it...


Reactions to Obama's speech this morning. I have to say that I found, especially the first half, to be lacking in hope and true commitment to the possibility of peace:

"We must begin by acknowledging the hard truth that we will not eradicate violent conflict in our lifetimes. There will be times when nations – acting individually or in concert – will find the use of force not only necessary but morally justified."

Fundamentally, I don't see the idea of fighting and using violence to yield peace as something new or inspiring, which is what the Nobel Peace Prize should be awarded for.

His tone was defensive:

"Yes, terrible wars have been fought, and atrocities committed. But there has been no Third World War. The Cold War ended with jubilant crowds dismantling a wall. Commerce has stitched much of the world together. Billions have been lifted from poverty. The ideals of liberty, self-determination, equality and the rule of law have haltingly advanced."


In the second half, he did highlight some of this other goals in achieving peace, including nuclear disarmament, promoting human rights, and development and climate change. These, in addition to his focus on distinguishing between civilian and military casualties, do represent his vision of peace, but he's clearly separating these from military action.

In his closing:

"So let us reach for the world that ought to be – that spark of the divine that still stirs within each of our souls. Somewhere today, in the here and now, a soldier sees he’s outgunned but stands firm to keep the peace. Somewhere today, in this world, a young protestor awaits the brutality of her government, but has the courage to march on. Somewhere today, a mother facing punishing poverty still takes the time to teach her child, who believes that a cruel world still has a place for his dreams.

Let us live by their example. We can acknowledge that oppression will always be with us, and still strive for justice. We can admit the intractability of depravation, and still strive for dignity. We can understand that there will be war, and still strive for peace. We can do that – for that is the story of human progress; that is the hope of all the world; and at this moment of challenge, that must be our work here on Earth."

The thing that's missing is that war is not necessary when striving for peace, war is an option, but not the only option and should definitely not be the only pursuit. His rhetoric is disheartening for me, as someone who prided himself on being anti-war, I would like to see that he is unafraid to be innovative and different in his approach to old problems.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/11/world/europe/11prexy.text.html