Monday, May 2, 2011

I have been feeling uneasy all day. Last night I closed down the computer early, and crawled into bed to read so I didn't know anything about the President's announcement about the killing of Osama bin Laden until early this morning. Today, I haven't been able to get the thought out of my mind, and believe me, I so want too. I suspect that it is an occupational hazard for me (and others like me) that we have to add or comment on significant happenings. yet, I am not at all sure that I have anything constructive to say. ( I have after all, read the Huffington Post today). I guess I am just writing out of the hope that it may help me get my jumbled thoughts out...

I can't figure out what it is we are celebrating today. Yes, I know that Osama bin Laden is dead. I know that he has been the face of evil personified since Sept. 11, 2001. I know that "we" are viewing this as a victory in the 'war on terror.' But really, what have we won? Is the world any safer because he is gone? If so, why the warnings about possible retaliation attacks? We tend to think that Sept. 11 marked the beginning of terror attacks, but that certainly is not the case. Let's not forget Northern Ireland, Oklahoma City, and far too many other places and occasions to list.

I think Sept. 11 was a nightmarish wake-up call to face the cruel realities of our changing world. Terror isn't going anywhere quickly. We are not one bit safer because our Navy Seals killed him. We will still endure security checkpoints, and invasive body scans. I don't see our National Security priorities changing in the near future. I suspect in the upcoming political season we are still going to hear charges and debates about soft on security, etc..., and see the whipping up of our sentiments of fear.

I heard talk today about this bringing a "sense of closure," to the nation and particularly to those who lost loved ones in the 9-11 attacks. It might end a chapter, but it will certainly not be "closure." Their grief did not end with bin Laden's death. What happened a day or so ago was revenge not justice.

I received a phone call this afternoon from a pastor who was thinking about hosting a service of thanksgiving over this event. I was incredulous (and speechless, if you can believe that). I refused incidentally. This is not a victory for Christianity, and I am grateful for a President who made a point of reminding us, that we are not at war with Muslims. A friend of mine wrote "Bin Laden didn't represent Muslims any more than Fred Phelps or Terry Jones speak for all of Christianity." (I like that). I can't figure out how Christians can celebrate this death as if it were some sort of victory... The One that I follow said "Love your enemies." I pretty sure he didn't mean love them with a machine gun.

I know, I know, that I am often accused, or labeled, as 'unpatriotic'. And I probably am. I myself say "I am a lousy patriot, but I am a damn, fine citizen." And in my view, citizenship is far more important then flag waving. But we didn't win anything here. We are reduced to living in fear, and getting even. So I don't see this as any sort of victory. Yes, an evil man has died, and he died via evil means. We reduced our ideals to his level to fight terrorism. This wasn't justice. This was revenge. Maybe it has a place. Maybe it was the only way. I don't know. But while I acknowledge the valor and bravery, the ingenuity of our intelligence officials and military in carrying out their orders, I grieve at our sell out of "justice for all." This wasn't the rule of law. This was revenge. And it makes us less then the people I hope we can always be.

People will call me naive, or idealistic perhaps. I want always to be so...