The death of Osama bin Laden marks a significant milestone in the fight against terror. A huge event, in and of itself, it also seems to have generated a great deal of mixed emotional reactions. As a source and instigator of great evil, yes, I am relieved and glad that he is gone. I'm not secure that the evil will not continue however. Tragically, his beliefs will last long after the man has passed, and unfortunately will continue to inflict terror via the hands of his followers.
There can be no doubt that the trauma and grief endured on 9-11 and in later tragedies needs our continued recognition, vigilance and determined efforts at healing and recovery. My heart truly goes out to the far too many people who's lives were irreprepably altered. I must admit, though, that I was really taken aback by the scenes of ecstatic celebration that I watched on tv: joy in revenge and retribution. A quiet and thankful expression of relief that justice was served seems to make sense, but the reactions looked more like a nation winning the World Cup.
Instead, could we focus more on comforting those who were hurt, diplomatically finding solutions to our differences and recognizing our common humanity? These quotes say it better than I ever could:
“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.” unknown
“Look at your own reaction this morning.
Was there even a hint of vengefulness or gladness at Osama bin Laden’s death? If so, that is a real problem. Whatever suffering he may have experienced cannot reverse even one moment of the suffering he caused. If you believe his death is a form of compensation, you are deluded.
There has been an outpouring of misdirected jubilation, as if a contest had been won. Nothing has been won. Unlike winning a sporting event, this doesn’t mean that our team has triumphed. Far from it. There is only one team and it is us.” Susan Piver
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