Osama bin Laden

After hearing the news from my brother that Osama had been killed I felt a few emotions. One was obviously excitement (with neither a positive nor negative connotation to it). Had we really found the man responsible not only for 9/11 but for other terrorist attacks as well? What was the next step? What would Barack say in his address?

These original thoughts soon faded once I jumped on Facebook and Twitter, though. All over my screen were images of USA flags and 'Murrica! screams. Unoriginal, but expected. What really got me was how happy people were - and not just happy, elated. I was expecting a collective sigh of relief, but instead America had fireworks, parties, and gatherings in front of the White House - though most of the attendees seemed to be teenagers and younger adults.

Throughout the next few hours this scene kept repeating itself, and I couldn't help but think someone would scold us eventually. For acting like the death of one man was the victory we were waiting for all this time. You can't undo what happened, and revenge rarely provides the comfort it promises. So why were all of these people so excited? I figured most were just playing along, not thinking anything of it. But some people had to legitimately believe this was the day America had been fighting for for years. In fact, many political leaders from Lebanon to France said this was a great milestone in the fight against terrorism. In that respect, I would have to agree. Cut off the head and the snake will die. But I guess what I'm really more upset and confused about is the general feelings post-incident. The whole situation really begs the question, why beat the dead horse?

I found a great article that I really enjoyed reading and I was glad someone else had a more somber opinion of the events that had taken place. In fact, many articles like this one soon flourished from the sporadic confines of the internet.

Regardless of my opinions on the aftermath, this is still a great victory for these United States and all who have been harmed by the life of Osama Bin Laden. I just wish we could have handled it a little better.

USA. USA.

Tree bombs.