Osama Bin Laden: dead

[ridebikeme]

Like all of you, I am glad that Bin Laden can no longer do some of the horrible things he has done in the past... but reality is that it doesn't end simply because he is gone.

I also would like to think that there might be a tiny sliver of closure for many people in our country, but somehow partying and celebrating seems as though we are exhibiting the same types of behavior. I am glad that he is gone, but somehow my heart tells me that it's simply wrong to celebrate. Our countrys face in the world is changing, and it's sad that we are now looking like such a revengeful country! Are our actions being looked upon as being any different than some of the more violent countries?

I agree with Crazy Canuck, if this is such a wonderful thing for people to celebrate... where is the body?

It's time that we acted with class...

[Biciclista]

ridebikeme, well said.
On the other hand, do you all really believe that Bin Ladin was the only person complicit in the 9-11 tragedy? We will never know the rest of the story. Remember who he was buddies with? I'm glad this assassination happened on Obama's watch, and I do hope this means we can bring some of our guys home as fast as we can.

[roadie gal]

I have such mixed feelings.

I'm glad he's gone. But it shouldn't have taken this long.

On one level I want to celebrate but on another level I find it appalling to be celebrating a death this way. Don't get me wrong, most of my family is in the New York City area. I was so pissed off at 9/11 that I joined the army in hopes that I'd get sent to Afganistan (I wasn't). I wanted him dead. But I just don't know about the celebrations. To me it's a sober moment.

[bmccasland]

Heard on the news this morning that it took years of recon, months of planning. And they told the Pakistanis afterwards.

How did the Pakistanis NOT know where he was?

He's gone, but it isn't over.

[Biciclista]

the feds still have him on their most wanted page

"Osama Bin Laden is wanted in connection with the August 7, 1998, bombings of the United States Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya. These attacks killed over 200 people. In addition, Bin Laden is a suspect in other terrorist attacks throughout the world."

they don't have enough evidence to connect him to the 9/11 bombings. Maybe that's why they wanted him dead?

[smilingcat]

I hope this will bring closure to all those whose lives were forever changed and affected. And I hope this will close a chapter on our history.

And if you can get a complete closure by celebrating his death, I can not pass judgement as whether it is the right thing or the wrong thing. But to celebrate just for the sake of celebrating over a death of an individual, is disturbing.

Others have eloquently said what I feel.

peace to all,
smilingcat

[Grog]

I also would like to think that there might be a tiny sliver of closure for many people in our country, but somehow partying and celebrating seems as though we are exhibiting the same types of behavior. I am glad that he is gone, but somehow my heart tells me that it's simply wrong to celebrate. Our countrys face in the world is changing, and it's sad that we are now looking like such a revengeful country! Are our actions being looked upon as being any different than some of the more violent countries?

Thank you for writing this. I am concerned that such celebrations can only fuel more hate. I can certainly understand that many will feel a sense of relief, but for me this spells uncertainty and factions competing for leadership, not an happily-ever-after ending.

May we all live in peace.

[ny biker]

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/...3-custom11.jpg

[Bike Writer]

Great article and perspective, written in a local publication by a local writer Stan Latrielle. Stan is a retired Judge.

http://livingstontalk.com/editor-pic...e-of-violence/

[Crankin]

I really like that article, Bike Writer. While I am shaking my head at those who think dancing in the streets today means there is no work left to be done (how is this different than people in other countries who shoot guns in the air when Americans are killed), I also shake my head at those who don't believe there are times we need to use force to fight real evil. I think it's hard for us to accept that this exists in the world. I know I am more aware of some of these things because I have a child in counter intelligence, who has no qualms about giving up his life for this, but also, the older I get, the more I think you can't have a "reflexive" attitude toward things. History often just doesn't go the way we want it to.
I have a friend who wrote "Thank G-D for the USA, go USA" on her Facebook page today. To me, that is just the attitude we don't need. We are becoming ugly Americans. But, we also don't need the opposite, such as in proclaining the US is "bad" because we killed a violent terrorist. -

[Aggie_Ama]

I am actually a bit disgusted with the dancing in the street and celebrating wildly. After 9/11 I remember some people being photographed world wide celebrating, are we any better than that? For me, I will leave him to be judged by the God he believed in. I am relieved that a man with so much hatred towards innoncent people is no longer able to help with terror acts.

Having a friend murdered I learned nothing was gained by his murderer killing himself as well. I still miss my friend terribly but am thankful the person responsible cannot harm others. Closure didn't come from the murderer's death, it came from letting go of my anger and loving my friend's memory.

[Mr. Bloom]

Aggie Ama +1.

Glad he's gone...public jubillation seems inappropriate. I'm frankly embarrassed that it took us 10 yrs to get him...he's had ample tIme to be build infrastructure, transfer his substantial wealth to perpetuate funding the cause, and minimize the impact of his death.

On the other hand, I wonder what the faithful now think...he wasn't living in a cave, but rather an affluent suburb in the city.

[salsabike]

Thank you for writing this. I am concerned that such celebrations can only fuel more hate. I can certainly understand that many will feel a sense of relief, but for me this spells uncertainty and factions competing for leadership, not an happily-ever-after ending.

May we all live in peace.

I need a "like" button for these statements.

[PamNY]

If anyone is interested in local WTC reaction, our neighborhood newspaper did a good job. There is nothing profound or surprising.

You will notice mention of people who are still suffering and dying from exposure to dust/toxins while working at the site; I don't know how well that story is getting out, but we are very aware of it locally.

[Irulan]

It turns out that quote I posted was misattributed, but for me the sentiment is the same.

http://www.salon.com/entertainment/t...te_osama_death