Why was Joe Biden Given the Medal of Freedom?
The recent awarding of the Medal of Freedom to Joe Biden by President Biden presents an interesting scenario. As Time Magazine reported, Obama's speech provided context to Biden's recipients, naming "a lifetime of service that will ensure for generations" as the criterion. However, this raises questions about the specific achievements and contributions that warrant such an honor.
Given that the award is typically given to individuals who have made significant contributions to arts, science, or other fields, one might question why a current sitting Vice President, who is yet to demonstrate such lasting impact, would receive this accolade. The fact that someone like Rush Limbaugh, known for spreading anti-American and pro-Russian propaganda, has received the same honor further emphasizes the confusion surrounding the criteria for receiving the award.
Joe Biden: His Achievements and Controversies
Joe Biden's Long Career:
Joe Biden, as mentioned on Joe Biden - Wikipedia, has had a 36-year career in the Senate. He served as the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and held several other significant positions. As Vice President, Biden negotiated the Iran Nuclear deal and the Paris Climate Accord, demonstrating a commitment to diplomacy and environmental policy.
However, the question remains: what specific achievements have led to Biden receiving the award, given his current role and the uncertainty surrounding his future contributions?
Medal of Freedom: The History and Purpose
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is a prestigious award given by the president of the United States to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. It can be awarded to both civilians and military personnel and can be worn on a uniform. The award was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, superseding an earlier version established by President Harry S. Truman in 1945 to honor civilian service during World War II.
The medal is often seen as a recognition for individuals who have made a substantial impact through service or achievements in various fields. However, recent recipients have raised questions about the criteria and the nature of the contributions that warrant such an honor.
The Case of Rush Limbaugh
It is worth noting that someone like Rush Limbaugh, despite receiving the same award, has not demonstrated the same level of merit or contributions to justify the honor. Limbaugh is known for spreading anti-American and pro-Russian propaganda, in addition to propagating lies and misinformation, often aligning with the views of former President Donald Trump. This suggests that the criteria for awarding the medal may be broader than traditionally understood.
In a statement, the Wikipedia page on the Medal of Freedom notes that the award typically recognizes contributions to the nation, sometimes even symbolic values keeping citizens in line. This can include roles such as spreading ideological viewpoints, which raises further questions about the essence of the award and its intended purpose.
Therefore, the awarding of the Medal of Freedom to Joe Biden, combined with the controversial inclusion of Rush Limbaugh, highlights the need for a clear and transparent process to ensure that the honor is bestowed upon individuals who have genuinely made significant contributions to the nation.