Mr. President, I am proud of you

Today the Advocate published in its print edition yet another Obama put-down regarding his Nobel Peace Prize.

The editor who decided to display it on Page One apparently had not read yesterday’s Advocate editorial denouncing “vapid partisan claptrap.”

Also yesterday the New York Times published an editorial describing President Obama’s many challenges for world peace (challenges he inherited from former presidents and Congress, by the way).

That editorial summarized the significance of the Nobel honor like this: “Americans elected Mr. Obama because they wanted him to restore American values and leadership — and because they believed he could. The Nobel Prize, and the broad endorsement that followed, shows how many people around the world want the same thing.”

But President Obama said it best in an e-mail to his supporters: “... Throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

“That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

“This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.”

Congratulations, Mr. President. I am proud of you.