M.I.A. tweets political

The world let out a collective "Really?" when President Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize last week.  It seems that many people, regardless of political affiliation, were surprised and confused by the Nobel committee's choice.

There has even been some backlash against President Obama since the announcement of his award.  Well known for her strong-willed attitude and controversial politics (in particular regarding the government of her home country Sri Lanka), M.I.A. posted this on her Twitter:

"Obama winning the nobel peace PRIZE? he should give it back like john Lennon sent back his MBE"



She makes her point, but M.I.A.'s example is a little, well, off.  Lennon and his fellow Beatles were made MBEs (Members of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by the Queen in 1965, but  it wasn't until 1969 that Lennon decided to return this prestigious honor to Buckingham Palace as part of a peace protest.  Though he claimed that he was originally only persuaded to keep the award by the Beatles' manager, Lennon did in fact hold on to it for four years.

It's doubtful that Pres. Obama will be throwing his Peace Prize back now or anytime in the future. He said that the prize is "a call to action;" hopefully that's true, and he'll continue diplomatic and peace-making efforts and live up to this honor.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Another Travelin' Song" by Bright Eyes


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