Yesterday was one of those days where you'll remember where you were when you heard the news. I was on the playground playing kick, back in 1986, when teachers started crying and explained to us that the space shuttle Challenger had just exploded. I woke up to my clock radio on Sept 11th, 2001 and remember the DJ saying that America was under attack and the second tower was about to collapse. Yesterday, we had family and friends over for a Sunday "kick back" and was out throwing the football in the front yard when a bunch of my neighbors came out celebrating. They gathered around us with wine in hand and everyone toasted. It was a surreal scene.
So a secret mission was launched last week to kill Osama bin Laden. They tracked one of his trusted couriers to the mansion where he was staying. A firefight ensued and Osama was shot through the eye and killed. His body was taken into custody by US forces and secretly buried at sea, out of respect for Islamic tradition. The body is conveniently made to disappear out of respect for Islamic customs and traditions? Huh?
What?? I think the people deserve to see his body and everyone who lost someone either in the attacks of 911 or through the long War on Terrorism should get that closure. Sure this doesn't mean that we are still not at war but this is a major victory for us. It's like when families watch someone put to death on death row, they get the closure they need to move on with their lives.
Why did they put Saddam Hussein's sons on public display for a week to prove to the world they were really dead. This murderer has taken responsibility for many attacks on the United States and has gone on TV to threaten more attacks. I say Good Riddance!! I have many loved ones over seas fighting this War on Terrorism and I hope soon, they can come home be with family.
Osama got the Korean animation treatment and I loved it!!
*Warning* graphic and NSFW (not safe for work)
What an amazing day! Though I never thought I would be happy that someone was dead. I was unloading groceries from my car, when I got a text from my son, who was at his dorm studying for finals. "Are you watching T.V.?", was what the text said. My heart sank, I thought something else has happened with Libya. I figured a recent airstrike, that killed Gadhafi's son, had sent him over the edge. As soon as I walked in, milk and ice cream still on on the counter, I was glued to the television. It was surreal, though I had always known this day would come. I just wanted to cheer! The news was very solemn, but as soon as President Obama made the official announcement, they people came to the streets! I was watching the people, mostly college aged Americans chanting and dancing in front of the White House, and then I didn't feel so guilty. It was a sight to see, and something that I'll never forget.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is a day I'll never forget. I was at home watching the Mets/Phillies game when the announcers announced what happened. When it started circulating through the crowd, it was an amazing display of patriotism. I do not, however, believe that the War on Terror is over. This is just a small victory. Yes, he was behind many attacks on the U.S. or our allies, but now that he's gone, that does not mean we can rest on our laurels. While America is celebrating, al-Qaeda is planning their next attack.
ReplyDeleteAs far as his burial, I think we did the right thing. I don't think we need to put his body on public display. We are better than that. I am in the Navy and have friends downrange. We as a military are professionals. Do our job, no need for praise. My hat is of to the team who took out Bin Laden. The fact that he will no longer do us harm is enough closure for me.