Like a president: Obama goes to Oslo, and says the right thing ...

There is no question, really, that the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to a U.S. president who had not even served a full year in office was nothing but politics and spin.

The idea was, of course, to influence the direction of the future course of international relations by playing to the ego of the new American leader and welcoming him into the fold.

And such a heady honor and such an incredible achievement, well, that might go to anyone's head.

So what a surprise when President Barack Obama stood before the European community that had tried to "bribe" him and reminded them that he is first and foremost, the president of the United States.

After months of waffling, it was nice to see the president stand up for American interests and to remind those who take us for granted that the United States -- through the efforts of the men and women who serve in the U.S. military along with the help of several key allies -- has always been to whom the world turns when there is trouble.

The jury is still out on President Obama and whether or not he really understands just what role America does and should play in international security -- and how that decision will affect the safety of the American people he is charged with protecting.

But as we try to unravel that answer, we should take heart that Thursday, President Obama stood up and reminded the world that the United States will fight when necessary, even if others think we shouldn't.

Now, we will see where we go from here.

Published in Editorials on December 11, 2009 10:45 AM