I am still processing last night’s news about Osama bin Laden’s death. I have read varying responses on the internet this morning from friends. My feelings are starting to come together on this.
I celebrated last night, watching the crowds in Lafayette Park in Washington, DC on the news. Hearing their chants of USA and their spontaneous bursts into “The Star Spangled Banner” was very moving. I was moved as our president spoke about what happened on 9/11 and how he took the action he did. But at the same time, I’m also repelled by the hateful talk I’ve seen as well. I’m proud of the soldiers and intelligence officers who made this happen and I’m relieved that this evil man won’t have the opportunity to kill more innocent people. But, I’m frightened by the thought of what will be done in his name.
May you live in interesting times is a blessing and a curse, isn’t it?
mother. wife. friend. teacher. writer. reader. photographer. birder. quilter. blogger.
Liza Lee Miller 
Niucely and thoughtfully worded. Being a Canadian (but born in the USA), my sympathies of course lie with those who were tragically affected by 9/11. In some ways, the entire world was affected by it.
But when will it all stop. This might be a good time to get out of the middle east altogether. Maybe I am too much of an altruist. But I heard a piece on Costa Rica the other day. It was stated that a number of years ago, they completely disbanded their military and now use the money that used to go to the military to help the people of their country live better lives.
I’m not suggesting the states do the same thing. But wouldn’t it be nice if we lived in a world with no militaries?
Such a world would be fantastic. I so wish we could spend the money we spend on military on education and other human services. I doubt I have the answers but I do wish we lived in a much less violent world!
I think that what countries do and what individuals do must be different things. I could not be so personally vindictive–I would try to be more “love your enemies” minded. I do understand that in some culture the U.S. saying “We’ll just love you” would be mightily scorned.
It does give me pause to hear the full-throated chants of USA and makes me think “my, but we have become a very bellicose country.”
I know, Donna. When I think through the alternative where bin Laden was captured and not killed, I am just as troubled. The possibility of a trial, of a conviction, of a sentence is pretty scary to me. I can’t imagine a peaceful outcome where bin Laden doesn’t become a flashpoint for more terrorist activity. Not that we are safe from that prospect now.
I was initially wrapped up in the excitement of the crowds but even this little bit of time has dulled that feeling. I can’t celebrate his death (to paraphrase a misquote circulating the internet) but I also can’t be sad that he’s gone. It’s a very ambiguous time.