A little over a year ago, my son was nominated to the International Scholar Laureate Program. In May 2008 he was one of about 60 college students who spent 14 days in Vienna, Budapest, Prague, and Venice working directly with diplomats learning the role of diplomacy in international relations. These young folks represented our best and brightest minds. Sadly, they were on the receiving end of intense anti-American sentiment. The citizens of these cities made it clear that the group was not wanted or welcome. The ISLP advisors told the group not to take it personally, Bush was so intensely despised that it was taken out on all Americans.

At a reception with the students and diplomats, my son had a chance to talk one-on-one with a diplomat about the challenges facing the president we would elect the following November. The diplomat told him that it's going to take years to undo the damage done by Bush regarding international relations. The students had the unique opportunity to see world events and problems from the other point of view. Even though the world community had nothing positive to give Bush or his administration our students, while agreeing for the most part, came home with a renewed appreciation for our way of life.

Im not an Obama fan. My vote in November wasn't for Obama, it was against McCain and the unacceptable Republican mindset. Enough lies, indifference, and utter incompetence of the previous 8 years.

I agree there were others more deserving of the prize but ultimately the committee chose Obama for reasons we most likely will never know. Nine months isn't long enough to make any solid determinations about the Obama presidency, but he has made some inroads to improving international relations whether you agree with his methods or not. I'm very proud of the fact that the award came to the USA. This is something that will go to his credibility around the world. I hope we can accept that here at home.