How to justify Nobel prize

Upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, President Barack Obama quite accurately asserted he didn’t deserve it but would work to earn it.

If Obama is determined to earn his prize, he could: End the killing of innocent Afghans and Pakistanis that creates more hatred and terrorism.

Inform Israeli leaders that the U.S. will withhold military and economic aid, as well as support in the U.N., if Israel continues its brutal treatment of Palestinians.

According to Lester Brown’s calculations, “Plan B 4.0,” diverting less than one-third of the U.S. $670 billion military budget (leaving three times that of Russia and China combined) to improve social and ecological conditions around the world would dramatically increase prospects for peace.

Universal primary education, reproductive health and family planning and universal health care would be provided.

Global tree planting to sequester carbon and prevent flooding, protecting top soil and range lands, restoring fisheries, protecting biodiversity and improving water quantity and quality could be achieved. By redirecting budget allocations from wasteful militarism to these compelling needs, President Obama could greatly reduce the danger of terrorism, and gain admiration at home and around the world as a genuine man of peace.

Buell Hollister

Spokane