By now, we have all heard the news regarding the capture and killing of Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11th attacks on the United States. I admit that when I first heard the news, I did feel a sigh of relief. Now I am not naïve enough to think his death represents the end of terrorism. Terrorism comes from hate and ignorance and the death of one man is not going to stop that. Rather, my feeling of relief came more from feeling that our long national nightmare is over. Ever since September 11th, it has seemed like our country has been in one long downslide. From a war that seemed to not have an end in sight, to our economy collapsing, it seemed to me that it all began around the time those planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania on that clear September morning.
Once the news had been confirmed by President Obama, Americans began literally celebrating in the streets. Americans flooded Ground Zero and the area surrounding the White House waving signs, American flags and singing the national anthem. I can understand how some people feel this way. Osama bin Laden and his network are responsible for the biggest national tragedy we have ever had on American soil. However, it crossed my mind that celebrating in this way may be the very thing that fuels people like Osama bin Laden in the first place. I flashed back to the pictures of people in the Middle East cheering when the towers fell and how sick that made me feel. It made me wonder just how the rest of the world was viewing us.
So my question to you this week is, “Do you think it is appropriate for Americans to publicly celebrate the death of Osama bin Laden? Do you think it helps or hurts our fight against the war of terror?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 10th 2011. For all the mothers out there – Happy Mother’s Day! To all of you who lost loves ones in the September 11th attacks or the war on terror, may you feel a sense of peace and closure. For those of you who have served in the arms forces – thank you!
I don't think it is ever appropriate to celebrate the death of any person no matter how hated they may be. I was always taught not to judge anyone and that true punishment came in the after life. I do have a sense of relief now that bin Laden has been killed. It does seem like the end of an era and I think that is cause for celebration. I think that the public celebration of the death of the largest face of terrorism will only outrage those who still wish to do this country harm.
ReplyDeleteGabrielle Banks
ReplyDeleteThurs AM
I do think that his death has brought closure to one chapter of the war on terror, but I also believe that it is disrespectful and inappropriate to celebrate it in the manner that some people took it to, such as holding a replica of a dead Osama bin Laden head.
I think this is a major step for the US in the war on terror but by no means is it the end. And I feel that people that want to circulate the death pictures will only instigate more animosity from the Middle East.
Danielle Kraus
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning
I don't think celebrating someones death in that extreme of a measure appropriate. It brings a lot of people happiness and a sense of relief but his death hasn't fixed everything. It brings closer for some people due to the many lives he ruined and scarred. Still it is inappropriate to be celebrating a death of a human. For their to be a big celebration like that. This brings more hate and disunity and the goal is not to have more war but to live in peace.
"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" ~Martin Luther King Jr.
I disagree with the celebration of his death. It may bring closure that he is gone but creating more disunity by celebrating isn't worth it.
What a great Dr. King quote! Perfect for the occasion. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJustin Mog
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning
I don't think that death is ever a cause for celebration no matter who the deceased may be. I understand that so many Americans would want to rejoice about Osama, but it shouldn't have been done in the streets. It's not a celebration about an end to terrorism, but an end to a man. I feel many Americans think justice has been served, but is that cause for celebration? We don't celebrate when a criminal has been sentenced to death. However, I'm glad that this may bring a sense of closure to many Americans, but terrorism still exists and I worry about what is next to come...because of the fact that Osama bin Laden is dead.
Tuesday Morning
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's ever appropriate to celebrate anyone's death. I think it's welcome to accept relief and closure when it is someone who is so evil and has hurt a country as a whole. The peace, however, will take a while to set in. I believe his death will not end terrorism or the war. Many Americans think we can let our guard down now that a leader of a terrorist group is gone, but there is someone who will be willing to step up and take control. Osama's death is just one small task that is on the huge list of ending the war but I do believe it is a step in the right direction. I just think this has put the pride back into being an American for a lot of people and trust back into our government to get the job done.
LeSha Moss Tuesday Morning
ReplyDeleteI would agree with most and say that the way we did it was inappropriate. And the issue is, some were probably celebrating because it brought closure and some were just being disrespectful. And I would have to say that I think this may fuel the fight against terrorism. As much as we say we would like peace, deep down we are competitive. And we like to think at the end of the day we have the best, are the best and that's all there is to it. And anyone that challenges that we tend to want to show them. So I feel that the fact that we just celebrated publicly the death of Bin Laden, that it will definitely spark some issues later.
I think it is alright for people to be excited about a terrorist mastermind meeting his end. However I think dancing in the street is a little much, we are still a long way away from being safe from terrorism. The day the world is at peace I will dance down main street with the rest of the world but for now let's contain ourselves. The rest of the world should be just as excited as we are. If you find yourself upset that America is celebrating that makes you a terrorist.
ReplyDeleteJanelle Birkey
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning
When I heard that Osama bin Laden was killed, I definitely felt relieved. He was the face of terrorism for us in America and now that face is gone. Even though I was relieved to hear he was dead, I was disappointed to hear people were dancing in the streets. Our country is judgmental on others, but we do not judge ourselves enough. I would hate to know what people are thinking about us in the Middle East right now! They already have a dim view on us and now they see us dancing when someone is killed. I do not approve of exaggerated happiness when someone has died. He did hurt our country and our people and we can feel relief, but do not show more evil.
I personally do not think that celebrating the death of anyone person is good even if it is the biggest terrorist. this was is not over. because of his death it has only just begun. people in the middle east are not just going to allow their leader die in vain. he was almost like a god to them. they will stop at nothing to get revenge. this is when we as Americans need to be ready to fight.
ReplyDeleteTaylor Fleeman
ReplyDeleteThursday Morning
I would have to agree with you, Stephanie, when I first saw people celebrating in the streets I felt proud of our country that we defeated the man, like you said was the face of terrorism... but, then it set in, and I remembered the way that I felt watching the people of the Middle East celebrate after 9/11. I do not think it was right for the American people to be out cheering loudly in the streets. I don't think that any death, whether Osama Bin Laden's death or not should be celebrated and up roared like it was.
I found this video the other day of kids reacting to the death of Osama Bin Laden, and I found it very interesting and something I'd like to share with you guys. So, here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pkKNPEU8oc&feature=player_detailpage
(hopefully it works)
Nicole Gurnick
ReplyDeleteThursday Morning
I don't believe that it is right for Americans to publicly celebrate Bin Ladens death. I say this because I thought we were supposed to be the bigger country. Yes I know what happened with 9-11 is painful. However, I was always told an eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind. Also just because Bin Laden is dead it doesn't mean the world is any safer.
First of all, Taylor, thank you for sharing that video. It was interesting to hear the reaction from kids who weren't old enough when Osama attacked us to know what the impact on our country was.
ReplyDeleteThis whole topic is one that I have been very hesitant to talk about with anyone. To answer the topic questions, then I'll get my ranting on, I do not think it was appropriate to react to the extremes that some people reacted. It was hypocritical. Our reaction is an example of why other countries don't like us to begin with. I think it's going to fuel the anger and hatred for the U.S.A. from Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden's twenty-some children who were probably in the family business of terrorism.
On the day that everyone was celebrating on Facebook about Osama's death I posted: "I think I'm going to avoid facebook while the Osama craze is going on. I mean...right on U.S.A. but what kind of repercussions are we going to have now? I love conspiracy theories but I'm just going to avoid them on this one..."
To which someone responded: "I see where your coming from. I thought about the same thing BUT you need to look at it from other peoples point of view. Think of ALL the people who lost a friend or family member on 9-11 from this crazy ass man! Now people can sleep alittle better knowing that the man who was behind 9-11 is gone and will never have to deal with him again. Ok so other things might happen to us, but this is a big step. It's been almost 10yrs. This is what America needed to get our hopes up again. Don't be a downer!"
I sighed and replied: "I'm not trying to be a downer. I have a brother in Afghanistan right now and hope all this leads to him coming home soon.
I'm just being realistic. As Americans we get cocky as hell when we do something as good and I just think that while we celebrate (and rejoice for sure, this was a huge step for the whole world!!!) we should remember that there's as much good in the world as there is evil. For every action there is a reaction. And that reaction, in itself, is yet another action.
America should use this as a fresh start. The rest of the world looks at us with anger because we are selfish and cocky.
I'm just saying, have a beer, stay realistic and lets try to do nothing but our best for a better country and world."
So, anyone who thinks that only the people who lost loved ones in 9/11 can celebrate and that they have every right to party in the streets....you are ignorant. Two wrongs don't make a right. Osama was head of this organization of hate, he wasn't the only one in it!
"So long as there is God, the Devil shall exist too."
It's asinine to say "we are going to end terrorism." No you aren't. That's like saying you're going to end prostitution. It's part of society. It's not good, but that's the only way some people know how to survive. All of Osama's followers and his twenty-some children are going to be seeing red at this and now we need to watch our backs for the repercussions. Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. At some point, the action/reaction/action needs to end if we are ever going to get out of this war. North Korea hates everyone but you don't see anyone peeing on their doorstop to see how they react. Why? Because North Korea is just looking for a reason to attack someone. I don't think we are looking for a fight, I just think we need to pick our battles more wisely.
Stephanie, this class is dangerous for me, I could rant for hours.
Honestly, I felt a little scared when I saw all those festive reactions to Bin Laden's death. I think that, despite all feelings of relief (or even revenge), I would not be able to celebrate anyone's death, whoever he/she was or whatever he/she has done. To make it worse, I truly think those manifestations of happiness will seriously arise even more anger and vindictive reactions from terrorists.
ReplyDeleteEvidences prove that our war against terror seems really far from its end. No doubt, Osama Bin Laden represented the major facet of terrorism so far; however, we was nothing but a single piece in this complex puzzle. Unfortunately, evil also has leaders and followers, and they will always look for opportunities to demonstrate their wrath and power against potential "enemies".
Jake Kawaguchi
ReplyDeleteTuesday AM
Is it appropriate for people to celebrate his death? I'm gonna have to lean more towards the yes side of this question. Hunting Osama was never worth anything more than revenge. In ten years there has yet to have been a very successful attack on American soil. When you are actively hunting down someone who hasn't wronged you a decade you are doing it for revenge, and sometimes you just have to embrace that.
Americans could have drug his body through the streets Somalia style and it would still be a drop in the bucket of hatred the middle east has for us. There comes a point when you have to embrace "in for a penny, in for a pound" and enjoy your basic instincts. Was it the right thing to do? Pretty much no, but all work and no play make jack a dull boy.
Will it help the war on terror? Does arresting a drug dealer help the war on drugs? Does making a fat kid jog help the war on obesity? A resounding no. You can't do anything to help a war on an idea, that's just the fact. The war on terror can only end if humans stop feeling the emotion terror. FDR said we have nothing to fear but fear itself, and spiders, and there are a lot of spiders out there.
Saying you can have a war on terror is like saying you can have a war on love, or jealousy. It's an emotion, not a tangible thing. Now will this help or foreign relations in the middle east? Yes. Will it piss off a bunch of people clinging to religious ideals? Yes. Does it give countless Americans a reason to feel like justice has been done, that our exceedingly failing country has finally done something right? Yes.
And most importantly, does it allegedly make Baby Bush all jealous that he didn't do it first? I sure hope so.
Rachael Stone
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning
I don't think that the death of anyone should be a cause for celebration no matter who it is. In this situation i think it is very inappropriate considering the situation in the middle east.
Unfortunately i don't think this will have a dramatic influence on the war on terror because it seems like we are far from reaching a peaceful verdict
Sarah Green Tuesday morning class..
ReplyDeleteI believe that everyone that sew out good or bad is going to reap what he/she sew out..by that being said I believe bin laden reap what he put out and that was death at his door step, because what goes around comes around. Even though it been years of pain and grief from 9/11; justice has serve its part.
I also believe we as Americans was acting inapporiate about a tragic death of someone dieing,i thought that was inmature and wrong. I don't think that killing bin laden will solve our problem on terroism in the United States because there are still millions of people and the other countries that hate the U.S. I think we will always have threats and terroism in our country because we will always have haters trying to bring us down.
Cristiano Mattos
ReplyDeleteThursday morning class
I don't think it's appropriate for Americans to publicly celebrate on the streets the death of Osama bin Laden or anybody else. It may sound kind of hippie, but we should celebrate life, not death. Maybe we don't feel like celebrating Osama's life because he was an evil character, but being able to show compassion and dignity to the enemy demonstrate wisdom, maturity and superiority.
To the eyes of the world, public celebrations like that do not make the American people different from their enemies. I feel sometimes that some people lost the sense or focus about the war against terrorism and it became a fight of Pride. It's an endless retaliation actions of both sides because they hurt each others pride. This kind of attitude or action do not help at all the end of the war against the terror.
When the twin towers went down, I remember being in gy, class in middle. I wasn't sure of what was going on and I didnt have family in new york so it didnt really effected me. At that time nothing really intersted me. But as a bystander, I can see how looking one msn would bring so much joy to people. Not only that but many was given closure. I mean it's not gonna bring their loved ones back but it gives you the feeling that justice has been served. I dont think its right that people are celebrating his death but, if it makes people happy I'll see what the problem is. as long as their celebrating the deaf respectfully.
ReplyDeleteTiffany Needler
ReplyDeleteThursday Morning
Let me start by saying that I full support the Was on Terror, and if I was in New York City when the news of OBL's Death my entire family would have been amounst those people in the street celebrating. For as long as I can remember my Mother has always tought myself and my siblings that "you stand up for each other, for this family, and for this Country." For the longest I never really understood what she meant. Until Sept. 11, 2001. I didnt really understand what was going on at the time, but my family would have talks every night about what was going on and how we all felt as a family. That is when I got the true understanding of what my mother for all those years trying to teach us. So it was only natural that any one who things that they can attack us, should know that they are going to have it come back at them 10 fold. So my brother and I tryed to join the Army, however we both have medical problems that prevented us from joining. So to the question do you think that it is appropriate for Americans to be publicly celebrating the death of OBL? The answer to that is YES...I also feel that if we stayed in our homes, and has small little celebration that it would send a wrong message to those who are still fighting this fight, to those who lost their lifes protecting us, It says good job, but who cares.That is not the message that I will be sending to our troops. Do I think that if helps or hurts out fight against the war on terror. It helps, because it show to the rest of the world that you can not mess with us, without having us ROCK YOUR WORLD no matter how long it takes. So let me end this by saying I will stand up for my siblings, I will stand up for family and I will stand up for my Country.I AM SO HAPPY THAT OSOMA BIN LADEN IS DEAD, AND I WANT TO THANK THOSE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE TO PROTECT THIS GREAT COUNTRY, GOOD JOB.
This is a act of "Revenge" that's all ,we or now on edge for now.President Obama, had to do this to get the (Hillbilly) votes for next year Election I was in Tennessee this past weekend and all of the hillbillys love Obama now I was like Wow! They even said Obama was better then Bush So this is just for his next Election 2012 Good move but a bad move for or United States of America. Two wrong don't make it right. Think about it.
ReplyDeleteThursday AM
ReplyDeleteI am glad that this chapter has ended. Those that have fallen deserve peace. I don't believe that parading in the streets is what any that have fallen would have wanted. We should have been glad that he died a coward and before his god that is the worst death he could face. We pride ourselves on rising above, but the display we showed was far beneath us. Can we not remember the anger we felt as we saw the parades in the Middle East? All death perpetuates is more death.
Saddam, Osama, who's next? Terrorism will always have a face. It is our job to stay aware of those wearing the mask.
i agree with most posts on here. there is no reason for wild celebration of the death of bin laden. Afterall, this is not the end to terror. there really is no end since it is the ideas and ignornce that we are fighting. there is no possible win for us. All we can hope for is that we will wait out the ideas and that people of the middle east will grow as tired of this war as we have and do something about.
ReplyDeletehowever as i read other blogs on here, i can see how they feel about his death and why to celebrate it and i admit openly that when i heard the news i was jumping inside with joy and excitment. not because he was dead, but because america had finally acheived the goal that we sought at the begining; defending our country and bringing peace to those who have fallen.
Natasha Hill
ReplyDeleteThursday moring class
I don't think people need to celebrate it because you never know what they have plan for us next. I think this is a very scary thing for people to celebrate this especially in public like on the news.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRachel Leigh
ReplyDeleteThurs AM
I haven't been able to relate to those who feel hatred toward Osama or relief at his death. Honestly, I had all but forgotten about him until that Sunday. My first reflex upon seeing the news was the sick feeling I get when I hear about someone killed or dying, no matter who it is. I am now back to not caring so much. I know mine is a pretty insulated perspective, and if I had indirectly suffered loss at his hands, I would care a lot more.
In some ways I question whether terrorism is really America's big problem. The war on terror feels like a crusade that conveniently distracts from our nation really soul searching and asking with humility how we can serve the world. As it is, we seem to be mighty, complacent, and starting to cave in to modern pressures with not much at our core.
Ryan Pluckebaum
ReplyDeleteThursday Morning
I think that celebrating the death of a public figure is a no-go, especially in public. True it may be good that Osama is dead but we, America, don't have to go around celebrating the death of him. The only thing that does is get others upset and that is not good. So in conclusion - Celebrating death = bad, celebrating death in public = worse, outcome = may be a bad one, celebrating the death of Osama = makes America look a little immature.
to me I really didn't celebrate his death.I'm very happy and proud that we finally killed him but it's not gonna stop the war. We've been in war with someone since the beginning of time. I also feel that we all have the right to celebrate his death if they want too but for me I didn't feel like it was right to dance around and scream.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Harrison
ReplyDeleteThursday Morning...
I understand the excitement in the death of Osama. I do think that they took it a little far in celebrating in the streets. A death of anyone is still a death. Someone has lost a loved one and that is never good.
I’m sure it doesn’t help, when other places see us jumping up and down when we kill a man. It kind of proves them right in the negative stereotype that they see us as.
Brett A. Williams - - - Tuesday Morning
ReplyDeleteI don't believe death for the sake of death should be celebrated at all much less when it might move others to anger. There have been many people in my past who I have not seen eye to eye with but I would never wish death upon them. Even for someone as cruel as Bin Laden I don't believe death was what we should have done he should have been caught and tried for his movement against our nation. I believe people get what is coming to them and his fate was no different than I imagined it. I simply feel that as American's we should set the standard, be the bigger man, due what is right when no one else will. He deserved death but we should not in sound mind glorify it. With that being said us cheering for the death of a known terrorists leader and then publicizing it cannot be taken lightly by terrorist cell the world over. Maybe instead of gloating we should just bring our troops home and put this luke warm war behind us.
I do believe that there is a great feeling of relief and peace knowing that we don't have to worry about Osama Bin Laden anymore...But was killing him something that we had to do or was it just revenge?
ReplyDeleteAs Stephanie pointed out, when our people were dying in the Twin Towers they celebrated and we thought, "How sickening could you be, to celebrate such a tragic moment?" Yet our country did the same thing when we brutally murdered Bin Laden.
As much as he had it coming, morally it was not right...God would have punished Bin Laden, we just needed to stop him from hurting our country again.
I don't think that killing their leader is going to end terrorism, it is only going to make it worse. Now that they don't have a leader, things are going to become unorganized and gruesome.
America & the Middle East will both be on their toes now...
Natalie Farrell
Tuesday Morning Class...
James Thomas
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning
I think it was appropriate for Americans to celebrate in the streets. We did it at the end of WWII, why not now. I know the war is not over but its most importanat leader was killed. I know that American citizens are glad that we got him but I think they would like to have seen him captured alive, tried, then executed by us. I don't think it helps or hurts our fight because it is going to be just the same no matter how you see it. There may be some retaliation on there part on us but if it is not as successful as bin Laden's in structions then eventually that terrorist organization will fall like the Nazis did when Hitler died. If Osama organized his group like Hitler, it will fall apart because he is gone and no one can replace him and do the things that he can do. They will not be strong anymore. Death should not be celebrated but in a time of war, if the head of our enemy is killed it is do for a celebration because it triggers the begining of the end of this long stupid war. With his death that means that my friend SGT Harris did not die in vain nor the thousands of other troops. God Bless America!
I think it is inappropriate to be excessively celebrating as those in the streets did. I understand a lot of people lost loved ones because of Osama bin Laden however I feel the celebrations are ok, but should have been handled more maturely. Within your home, with family and friends to dinner maybe, not yelling screaming and making a public scene out of it. I do believe that many of his followers will be angered at that footage, and could possibly cause another plan of attack.
ReplyDeleteYajaira Hermosillo
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning
I don't think that it's appropriate to celebrate the death of someone because no one should be glad on the death of a person. I know a lot of people hated him but at the same time now that he's die him family can do something to use, the same why Osama did years ago. I really don't think the death of him really helps in no way just because his family is a life and they can take revange of that. I do feel happy because the family of the people that died on Sept. 11th are happy that their loved ones murder is finally died but other than that the war has not ended there.
Brandon Weifenbach
ReplyDeleteThurs a.m.
It is not inappropriate for Americans to celebrate in the streets over the death of anyone. This is, after all, America. This really won't effect the war on terror, I would think al qaeda would be more upset over the actual killing. There will be retaliation, but generally, with each attack there are less terrorists left, so...
My brother is currently deployed in Afghanistan and sees awful things everyday. Knowing this I am glad that, that part of this war is over. I do think its odd that we are celebrating a death..but I guess I just think of it as celebrating progress. I have to support this war and the cause, for my brother. Because he's putting his life at risk everyday for us. Some may say that it took too long for us to find Bin Laden and although I agree..we don't really hear about the other progress we have made. Instead we hear about the soldiers that die in that attempt. When in reality whether we hear about it or not, we are making progress over there. So with that said I don't think it's so much the death that we are celebrating but the sign of hope..and progress.
ReplyDeleteShannon Simpson
ReplyDeleteI say it once and i say it again. He is not dead untill I see his body. That all there is to it sure they say we got him but i still don't be live that. They just may say that to make people happy.
Im not sure where I stand on this. One side of me thinks that it is wrong to publicly celebrate the killing of another human being, but then there is another part of me that thinks that we as Americans deserve the right to... It is almost as if this could be a little bit of 'closure' for some people
ReplyDelete