A Nobel peace prize awarded on the evidence of dreams, promises and intent. On top of a couple of inherited wars, a bad economy and multiple national issues comes this awkward moment under a global limelight that could leave even his most ardent fans feeling a bit uneasy. Many recipients, when they receive that big call from the committee will go on record about experiencing various human emotions including surprise, happiness and thrill. But I'm sure that awkwardness won't be one among them. To this man must go yet another first - feeling squirmy upon receiving the Nobel.
This whole peace prize is a dicey one with the metrics significantly influenced by the prevailing politics and hence is often prone to polarize the world. Agreed that even the decision to pick the winners in science, economy and literature is subjective. But at least, they have to pick one from among various actual accomplishments and tangible results and not mere potential. And I think the Nobel is a tad too big a recognition for, well, being not-Bush. Reminds me of a Will and Grace quote, reproduced to the best of my ability here:
Karen: Remember how I once saved Rosario's life?
Will: Not dropping the toaster into her bathtub does not amount to saving her life!
The living up to this tag of a peace dove part is going to be tough with all future decisions and actions to be viewed against this backdrop. And what else is going to be tough? All those "promising" Ph.D students with a lot of "potential" working on their Nobel acceptance speeches instead of on their thesis and projects.
