History Lessons Via TV - There is Much We Can Learn on Television

TV sometimes gets a bit of negative press forObama is not the first president to garner this
its relaxing effects on viewers. Sometimes welofty recognition, but that he shares the
hear people talking about "zoning out" in front ofsomewhat unique distinction with three previous
the television and parents are warned about theU.S. leaders. The first to win the Nobel Peace
mind-numbing effects that too much TV-viewingPrize, just over one hundred years ago, was
could have on their children. But let's give TV theTeddy Roosevelt. In 1906, Roosevelt was
recognition it deserves and heed the very positiverecognized by the Nobel committee for his
impact it can have on our minds!successful negotiation to end the Russo-Japanese
First of all, there are plenty of worthwhilewar. Woodrow Wilson's creation of the League of
programs on television at all times. There is farNations, which also shaped the Treaty of
more to watch than the shopping network, soapVersailles, earned him a Nobel Prize in 1919.
operas or dance contests. Have you turn on anyThough several decades passed before an
of the news today? October 9, 2009 marks theAmerican President earned another Nobel prize, it
date that our President, Barack Obama, haseventually occurred for a third time when former
achieved a most noteworthy accomplishment; ourPresident Jimmy Carter earned his Peace Prize in
sitting President has been awarded the Nobel2002. Carter's ongoing efforts, through his Carter
Peace Prize. There's no doubt that all the TVCenter, to create peaceful solutions amidst
networks and news and political programs willinternational conflict while advancing democracy,
take advantage of the opportunity to educaterespecting human rights and promoting both
every viewer about this historic event.economic and social development gained him the
No doubt we'll also hear plenty about the fact thatmuch-deserved award.