Clogs and Tulips: An American in Holland: U.S. President Barack Obama wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

In early October 2009, after less than a year in office, United States President Barack Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. Nobel officials explained their shocking choice as a move to back the President's initiatives. Some say perhaps the point of this award was to act as a slap in the face to the Bush administration.

Regardless, many worldwide, including Mr. Obama himself, feel that he does not deserve this honor. At least not yet. The President stated in his acceptance speech that he saw the award as a "call to action" to solve the problems we now face in the 21st century. Mr. Obama will be donating the $1.4 million prize money to charity (organizations yet to be determined).

A video of his acceptance speech can be viewed below (there is an ad at the beginning of the video).

From 13 October to 19 November 2009, you were given the opportunity to voice your opinion on this topic. The results of the poll entitled "Do you feel that Obama deserved the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize?" are in. A total of 46 people participated and the vote distribution is as follows:

Yes - 8%

No - 47%

Not yet - 43%

Be sure to participate in the current poll chosen especially for the holiday season. To read the question and make your vote, go to the right side bar at the top of the blog page. Voting ends December 19, 2009 at 7:26 am Central Europe time.

Also, take some time to make your voice heard! I am currently working on an article on health care in the Netherlands for ACCESS Magazine and would love to hear what you have to say. For more information and submission instructions, click here.

Update: To read the article on healthcare in the Netherlands, click here.