Feel free to circulate widely. A link back would be appreciated. Another way to use this letter would be to cut-and-paste it into the comments section of The Nobel Foundation's Home page.

"Open Letter to the Members of the Nobel Prize Committee:

While we respect that this award is yours alone to give, we request you to reconsider this year's recipient -- President Barack Obama.

The awardee is pursuing and, in fact, has increased the efforts in two acknowledged wars; he has also engaged in acts of war against the civilians of at least one other nation. While it is true that he did not initiate the two wars, neither has he used his power to withdraw from them, reduce their scope or cease the killing of individuals who do not threaten him or America. .

We have been told the reason for Obama's Nobel Prize is his frequent references to peace in speeches and his appeals to the hearts and consciences of people. Yet, historically, some of the most famous leaders who have been responsible for the deaths of millions made similar orations. Speeches are not a sufficient indication of a peaceful intent; they are not demonstrations of successful peaceful efforts. On this basis, we ask you to reconsider your decision.

Thank you in advance for considering a new candidate -- one who has truly embraced peace, not merely in words but through the demonstrated preference of his or her actions.

Sincerely,
The innocent people of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan