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(photo-AFP Oslo)
As Physicians for Social Responsibility did in 1985, President Barack Obama sensationally won the Nobel Prize for Peace today for his disarmament achievements. A bit of a shock to hear that he had received such recognition so early on, but when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense.
As dual-use nuclear fuel cycle technology and terrorism spread, President Obama recognizes the qualitatively different threat nuclear weapons represent today and the increasing chance of their use. This new and increasing threat impelled him to commit the United States to steps towards a world free of nuclear weapons. “I state clearly and with conviction America's commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons,” said Obama April 5, 2009 in Prague.
At the time of Prague this was just words, but Obama has already turned them into action. We are in the midst of arms reduction negotiations with Russia that will establish verification provisions for deep nuclear weapons reductions in the future. Obama has instructed his negotiating team to get this done by signing a new Treaty with Russia by December 5th (when an old agreement, START I, expires).
Two weeks ago he was the first U.S. President to ever chair a United Nations Security Council meeting on nuclear disarmament, and even found agreement for a UN Security Council Resolution that committed UN member states to strengthen nuclear nonproliferation policy globally. Furthermore, he has big plans for a summit next spring that will lay the ground work for securing loose nuclear weapon material globally.
President Obama deserves this prize for calling on world leaders to bridge their differences and work together for a safer more peaceful world without nuclear weapons.
In Prague he said:
“There are those who hear talk of a world without nuclear weapons and doubt whether it's worth setting a goal that seems impossible to achieve. But make no mistake: We know where that road leads... Let us bridge our divisions, build upon our hopes, and accept our responsibility to leave this world more prosperous and more peaceful than we found it.”
Tell Congress to approve a budget that pushes the Administration to make a bold reduction in our nuclear arsenal.
50 years ago this week, the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of a cataclysmic nuclear war. Today, you can help ensure that the lessons of this crisis are not forgotten by writing a letter to the editor.
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His common sense, down to earth perceptions and graceful way of getting his ideas heard by dissenting groups make this man a beacon of hope. Let us all follow this pied piper for he will lead us to a promised land.
October 9, 2009