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 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 admitted President Trump's active involvement in encouraging peace in the world.
Unfortunately, when confronting a dictator, she faces a very perilous mission and I wish her a long and successful life.
In defense of itself, the Nobel committee said all contender's 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 Barak Obama was presented the 2009 award (for some unknown reason) shortly after taking office. Realizing a mistake had been made, the Nobel Prize secretary asked for the award to be returned. Obama refused.
Consequently, admiration of the award has suffered a decline 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 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 of similar nonachievements is eligible.
