Column By Mike Bibb
Just as many expected, President Trump has been snubbed again by the Nobel Peace Prize selection committee.
I mentioned in a previous column that this would probably be the case. Especially if Trump’s name was tossed into the hat.
Instead, the award went to Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan democratic rights activist who has been championing the peaceful transition from the current dictatorship to a more civil representation.
In accepting her recognition, Ms. Machado graciously acknowledged President Trump’s active involvement in promoting peace worldwide.
Unfortunately, when confronting a dictator, she faces a very perilous mission, and I wish her a long and prosperous life.
In its defense, the Nobel committee said all contenders’ applications had to be submitted by Feb. 1, 2025. Trump’s recent peace efforts in the Middle East occurred after the deadline.
Seems reasonable. Maybe next year will be his year. Or, maybe the next. Or, the one after that. . .
However, President Barack Obama was presented the 2009 award (for some unknown reason) shortly after taking office. Realizing a mistake had been made, it was reported that a Nobel Prize committee member asked for the award to be returned. Obama refused.
The committee has since revised some of its requirements.
Consequently, admiration for the award has declined in recent years.
An ordinary observer of the annual event may suspect “politics” has seeped into the selection process. That an individual’s valid achievements and recognized efforts in promoting peace have been tainted by extraneous influences not necessarily related to the purposes of the award.
Sort of a “Who you know” rather than “What you’ve done” acknowledgement.
Consequently, since Donald Trump probably has as many foes as friends, it’s not entirely beyond disbelief that the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize would go to someone with lesser qualifications.
Shall we say, Trump could be demoted to the back of the line in favor of a more progressive-thinking liberal?
After all, if Obama can receive the award, then, apparently, anyone with similar nonachievements is eligible.
