Robert Sachs

A friend of mine who was once very high up in the journalistic food chain told me recently how cynicism is the dominant characteristic sought after to make the big bucks. cynicism is sexy and sells.

That is why it came as no surprise to me that both right and left wing pundits are rolling their eyes and mocking the Nobel committee for awarding the Nobel Prize for Peace to the "untested" President Barack Obama.

But, consider the fact in him just being elected president, the entire mood of this country changed. Consider the fact that the entire world drew a sigh of relief in not having the elected president of the most lethally powerful country in the world say that he was sent by God to deal with Saddam Hussein.

The first step of peace is to be more inclusive and to have the moral conviction to want to see more people around the globe living in peace and away from harm. This has been the message and persona that is inseparable from Barack Obama. Is there more to do? Of course. But, we must remember what hand he was dealt with and how slowly the juggernaut of change turns around.

So, let's not get all sexy and smug with cynicism. One man well placed has made a difference. But, his presence has got to be matched by our willingness to show the backbone and provide the force and resourcefulness to see the changes we all wish to see in the world.

Let's congratulate President Obama. And then, let's all get back to work.

Yours,
Robert