As essentially everyone already knows, Osama bin Laden was killed last night.
It's a significant time in history, not only for the United States, but for other nations and citizens of those nations who have suffered at any cost because of bin Laden and Al Qaeda. The fact that bin Laden is dead is definitely a huge step forward.
However, I've been disappointed in the reactions from friends, family and acquaintances alike. Most of the reactions fall somewhere amongst chants of "USA!", vulgarities, and statements of hatred.
While I am elated that the United States, with the help of Pakistan, was able to finally find and kill bin Laden, I don't feel that it calls for such horrible, hate filled reactions. I am more of the thought that this is a time for solemn remembrance of all of those who lost their lives in the attacks of 9/11, and for the 8,000 men and women who have lost their lives in the wars. This is a time to thank our government for all that it has done for us in order to protect us. This is a time to come together, once again, as the United States--a time to celebrate our unity and freedom as a country that stands tall and proud. It is also important to remember that, while this is a huge moment for our country, we still have a long way to go until we can bring our troops home again.
I dedicate this post to all the people who serve our country in any way, shape, or form.
What were your reactions to the news of bin Laden's death? What do you think of the riots and mobs that gathered after news was released? Do you think these were justified reactions, and if so, why?
It's a significant time in history, not only for the United States, but for other nations and citizens of those nations who have suffered at any cost because of bin Laden and Al Qaeda. The fact that bin Laden is dead is definitely a huge step forward.
However, I've been disappointed in the reactions from friends, family and acquaintances alike. Most of the reactions fall somewhere amongst chants of "USA!", vulgarities, and statements of hatred.
While I am elated that the United States, with the help of Pakistan, was able to finally find and kill bin Laden, I don't feel that it calls for such horrible, hate filled reactions. I am more of the thought that this is a time for solemn remembrance of all of those who lost their lives in the attacks of 9/11, and for the 8,000 men and women who have lost their lives in the wars. This is a time to thank our government for all that it has done for us in order to protect us. This is a time to come together, once again, as the United States--a time to celebrate our unity and freedom as a country that stands tall and proud. It is also important to remember that, while this is a huge moment for our country, we still have a long way to go until we can bring our troops home again.I dedicate this post to all the people who serve our country in any way, shape, or form.
What were your reactions to the news of bin Laden's death? What do you think of the riots and mobs that gathered after news was released? Do you think these were justified reactions, and if so, why?
I was watching the broadcast of the Mets vs. Phillies when the news broke out and chants of USA began spreading throughout the stadium.
ReplyDeleteIt was super creepy. Joy and jubilation should never occur at the death of someone - even if that someone can be accounted among the worst in history. What should have been a somber close to an unhappy chapter was darkened considerably by those who chose to treat the moment as a celebration.
As for my own reaction? I think the people of the Middle East did a far better job defeating him than what the USA did and he was removed from importance as it was.
I completely agree with you, Pete. I, too, believe that the news should have been greeted with a somber silence in remembrance of all of those 8,000 men and women who lost their lives in the war and all of the 2,973 people who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. I feel that people were too quick to celebrate the death of the man who killed our loved ones instead of taking a moment of silence solemnity for our loved ones.
ReplyDeleteIn a way, I feel like the reactions almost solidify an unseen victory that bin Laden has had over our country.
Perhaps going forward, people will start to realize this and change their attitudes about his death.
Haley, I so totally agree. Here are some statements that sum it up pretty well.
ReplyDeleteVerses to consider when considering Bin Laden's death - "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls..." Proverbs 24:17 and "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live." Ezekiel 33:11. Timely words!
and
"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.
(hey, found you on BlogFrog)
Hey PatriciaD! Welcome to Learning the World.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such beautiful and moving quotes with me. The Martin Luther King Jr. one was a quote that a friend posted on Facebook earlier, and it warmed my heart to know that others are out there with compassion, even for those who have done terrible things.
I hope to see you around in the future!