Behind The Mic With Joe Mathieu: Edward Snowden Nominated For Peace Prize
BOSTON (CBS) - It's not uncommon for the Nobel Peace Prize to come with some controversy. Just think back to when President Obama won in what was almost framed as a pre-emptive award.
Enter the man Obama would like to see in jail - Edward Snowden - nominated for the prize by a pair of Norwegian politicians from that country's Socialist Left party.
The two say they do not condone or support all of Snowden's leaks but they are convinced the disclosures have "contributed to a more stable and peaceful world order."
They point to the public debate and changes in policy that Snowden prompted. Not than any real changes have been implemented.
People will surely have their own opinions on this. They have ever since Snowden became a household name.
But if I could offer the least bit of perspective here, it would be this - almost anyone can be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
The criteria are almost non-existent. The Norwegian Nobel Committee says candidates are simply those who are nominated by qualified individuals. And who are they? Members of national assemblies and governments of states, members of international courts and university professors of social sciences, history, philosophy, law and theology.
So basically most of your college profs could nominate you.
The deadline is Saturday. The winner will be announced in October.
Follow Joe on Twitter @joemathieuwbz