October 10, 2009

<mailto:postmaster [at] nobel.no>

The Norwegian Nobel Committee

Henrik Ibsens gate 51

NO-0255 Oslo

Norway

Dear Committee Members:

I respectfully request that you recommend the abolition of the Nobel Peace Prize. It has become a significant obstacle to the attainment of peace and to those who work against war and militarism. More than once, activists who have worked for peace all their lives (for example, the nominee Thich Nhat Hanh) have been passed over, while those who actively promote war and militarism have been rewarded for their destructive efforts. It seems almost incredible that those who expand huge military machines can be given an award whose founder envisaged it as a recognition of work "for the abolition or reduction of standing armies." Abolition of the Nobel Peace Prize would go a long way toward undoing the harm that has been done its name. It would make a statement that those who have given mere lip-service to peace in the past have been in error, and that much more serious, authentic, and creative efforts must be made in an increasingly dangerous future that contains unprecedented powers of destruction and domination.

Sincerely,

John P. Clark

Gregory Curtin Distinguished Professor of Humane Studies and the Professions
Professor of Philosophy
Loyola Department of Philosophy
Loyola Environmental Studies Program

Box 79, Loyola University
6363 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70118