1. Invitation Letters Sent – September 2008
2. Submission Deadline – February 2009
3. Short List Picked – February / March 2009
4. Advisory Review – March 2009

Questions…
1. Why was Candidate Obama sent an invitation?
2. If President Obama was on the short list, what did he do by March to even be considered a viable option.

Answers…
Once again we see that this is the “Not Bush” award, and has nothing to do with peace.

Even our own lawmakers nominated Greg Mortenson, who has worked his entire towards the education of girls in remote Muslim lands, building 80 schools, and even escaping brutality and death to continue his life’s work. This nomination was led by his close personal friend Rep. Mary Bono, R-Calif., and was also signed by Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and Reps. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., Connie Mack, R-Fla., and Jean Schmidt, R-Ohio.

Following Quoted from KARIN RONNOW – Chronicle Staff Writer

In her letter, Bono, a longtime friend and supporter of Mortenson’s, emphasized Mortenson’s work with a diverse array of political, religious and community leaders in Pakistan and Afghanistan “during a time of adversity.”

His commitment to educating girls remains controversial, too, she wrote.

“Mr. Mortenson understands the tremendous positive, peaceful impacts that educated girls and women have on societies around the world,” she wrote. “He advocates girl’s education as the key to economic development and peace, and he continues to fight to make this possible where it otherwise may not be achieved.”

Thank you Karin, Mr. Mortenson is well deserving of this award. I am truly sorry that the $$$ that come with the award will not go to his worthy and difficult cause.