Late last night, my boyfriend emailed me with the news that Osama Bin Laden is dead.
The reactions were immediate, and covered the full spectrum of emotions. On Twitter, someone remarked: “The prince got married. The bad guy is dead. It’s a real Disney weekend here on Earth.” People poured into the streets across the country, some singing the national anthem and others chanting U-S-A.
For me, the death of Bin Laden is bittersweet. On one hand, it does feel like justice has been served. On the other, I feel like this story hasn’t yet come to an end – and that the “us” vs. “them” narrative is stronger than ever. Though Bin Laden is dead, the hate is not. A symptom has been treated, but the illness is still alive – and perhaps stronger than ever.
As someone who advocates for peace, I find it hard to celebrate the killing of another human being. Period. Osama may have had it coming, but violence begets more violence, and this cycle will continue.
Today, I pause to honor the nearly 3,000 lives cut short nearly ten years ago on September 11. In their memory, my heart fills with love – and I hope their families and friends are able to find some closure.
What is your taken on the death of Osama Bin Laden? Let me know in the comments below.
May 3, 2011 at 2:37 am
“I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
May 3, 2011 at 7:15 am
In my opinion we should stop being “politically correct” at all costs, the death of specific persons can often be a time of happiness for someone, for example: If your attacker dies you’re not happy? If the killer of your mother dies you’re not happy? I honestly I would be. Osama was a hell on earth and it is good that now there is no more, although I know that this unfortunately will not stop terrorism. : (
I’m sorry for my English but I’m Italian and not speak it very well. I write it also in italian to avoid misunderstandings
(Secondo me si deve smettere di essere “politically correct” a tutti i costi, la morte di determinate persone spesso può essere occasione di felicità per qualcuno ad esempio: se muore il tuo aggressore non sei felice? Se muore l’assassino di tua madre non sei contento? Io sinceramente lo sarei. Osama era un diavolo in terra ed è bene che adesso non ci sia più, anche se sono consapevole che questo purtroppo non fermerà il terrorismo.)
May 3, 2011 at 9:25 am
Life is far too easy for all of you. If Davey had to struggle and suffer more he would not so eo easily decry others who feel a snse of relief and rejoicing. The real world is tough. Only when you are secure and do not live in feaqr are cosy liberal sentiments easy. If Davey lost a brother or sone or had to travel on a London Underground when it was bombed, then …. what?
May 3, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Yeah, i agree with the birthers- i won’t believe he’s dead till i see the long-form death certificate.
May 3, 2011 at 12:28 pm
This is absolutely untrue. “Liberal sentiments” have nothing to do with the “easy” circumstances of a person’s life. I’d be willing to bet that people with unspeakably difficult lives are more likely to have such “sentiments” than those living in the lap of luxury.
May 3, 2011 at 2:42 pm
You are too well defended. If you had to stand up to such bullies yourself you would not be so smug. Be glad that brave people act to defend you. Be glad you do not live in a country where such bullies rule. Our oppression is small by comparison to whet Bin Laden ar Saddam would impose
May 3, 2011 at 2:48 pm
He lived by the sword (or rather by using poor emotional fragile people as suicide bombers)- he has died, as he lived – by the sword. Kindness is only seen as weakness by people like him and those he controls,tricks and manipulates. Forgiveness has its place, it is vital, but is not appropriate here.
May 3, 2011 at 3:49 pm
I think its good that this bastard is dead. Hopefully the world will be a safer place. I think it will be safer, but theres no guarantee. We still need to be vigilant.
May 3, 2011 at 6:58 pm
Hey i think you should look into the “illuminati”, long story but there’s something fishy going on with them..
May 3, 2011 at 9:11 pm
No offense Davey, because I usually agree with you, but I am happy about his death. He was America’s number one terrorist, and I do not really feel any sorrow about his death.
May 4, 2011 at 11:10 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeqPcyIr3o4
May 7, 2011 at 2:34 pm
justice HASN`T been made !!you kill him instead of takim him to court, that was what should have been done….i’m not saying he hadn`t what he deserved but EVERYONE has the right to a fair judicial process. At least in the civilised world
May 14, 2011 at 3:44 pm
I was saddened by the news. Saddened to know that Obama watched a man being killed too. A new low in the spirituality of mankind. Everything is not all as it seems in this world and a greater theatre is being played out that you or I could understand. Witness what is happening in the middle east as people place their lives on the line for freedom. Hey are you on twitter only I can’t find you. I watched u in the early days and thought your love and your care were palpable. Love and light. Go in peace Jack
June 4, 2011 at 3:46 pm
I’ve actually never told anyone my true thoughts about this. But, I felt sad and relieved at the same time. Relieved because he could no longer plot anything else against the USA, but sad because of my own beliefs in God. (Yes, I believe in God, but no I don’t really talk about it. I’m not a Bible thumper by any means. My favorite thing to study is Angelology.) I prayed for him. Not out of liking him, but out of forgiveness. “Forgiveness is as much for you as it is for the other person.”
My Dad is an atheist and is always trying to wear me down on why I shouldn’t believe. He’ll ask me do I think a child molester (knowing what I’ve been through) should get into Heaven because he’s “saved” right before he gets the needle? Well, it’s really not my place to judge, so I won’t. I’m not God, so I will not so arrogant as to assume that I would know what He would do. This is my same feeling regarding Osama. While I do not like him, he was still a fellow man on this earth.
Heather
April 4, 2012 at 2:57 pm
He is still alive. If you believe in 911 then you will believe Osama is dead
April 4, 2012 at 3:14 pm
I only started researching the net about 911 in February of 2012. To my surprise I found a lot of information on that topic which led me to believe a different veiw of which the Media depiction was of the whole event. What I would like to know is when the whole 911 acting team are going to make the next Movie? Unfortunately now that Bush has had 2 terms in office they will need a new character to replace him . Oh I Know>>>> Use a fictitious identity . Also It would be great in 3D. The bush gang could make huge profits again on such a great illusion of Acting. I must admit that some of the people were fooled for awhile. Pretty Clever. Not Clever enough. Got away with the Money though. Pay and pay and pay and pay to the Actors for a long time. After all don’t actors get paid extremely well?