We've waited almost 10 years, since September 11, 2001, to hear that.
A few nights ago I watched President Obama give a somber speech in the White House to let us all know that the terrorist responsible for the death of over 3,000 U.S. citizens in the worst terrorist attack since Pearl Harbor, "December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy," as President Roosevelt said.
I also watched young men and woman, mostly college age and probably from George Washington University, celebrate the death of the number one criminal on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and Most Wanted Terrorists. Flags were draped over shoulders, flown from poles, and waved from the hands of the crowd. They chanted USA, sang patriotic songs, prayed and shouted their delight. If I"m guessing their ages correctly, they would have been anywhere from eight to 11 years old on September 11, 2001. They've lived with the threat of bin Laden and al-Qaeda all of their young lives.
The killing of bin Laden was the news event of the last 10 years. It seemed as if the newscasters could hardly wait for the President's speech to be over so they could analyze, pull apart, and ruminate on the death of the number one terrorist. They wanted to more, down to the most infinitesimal detail of how it all played out. Journalists are still talking about the death of Osama bin Laden 24 hours later. They will be talking about it for quite some time. Now they are focusing on, "What's going to happen next? Will the U.S. suffer more terrorist attacks because we caused bin Laden's death?
I know these are valid questions, scary, but valid.
In all the discussions one phrase bothered me.
"Justice has been served."
I don't really believe justice can ever be served. Don't get me wrong, I am very glad that bin Laden is no longer on this earth to wreak more havoc and terror on unsuspecting and innocent men, women and children. However, has justice really been served? Those first-responders, firefighters, police officers, employees of the various offices in the Twin Towers, those children on a field trip, military personnel in the pentagon, and travelers on the planes used as weapons are all still dead. NOTHING will bring them back. Parents, spouses and children still live without their loved ones. The deceased still live on in memories and memorials, but family members and friends still have to live without them. Their is still an empty place in their lives and always will be.
The death of bin Laden didn't make me want to jump up and celebrate. Instead I am filled with a deep sadness because it brought back all those awful memories of a day that I will never forget. I feel a grief because from that day forward my life and those of everyone who lives in the United States changed. We live a life that has us looking over our shoulders, literally and figuratively, waiting for the next attack. Freedoms we took for granted were taken away in the name of national security. The country and its leaders adopted a "Big Brother is Watching YOU," attitude so it would not be surprised in such a horrific way again.
bin Laden's death did not give me a sense of peace. There's always another terrorist in the wings waiting to take his place. bin Laden's death did not give me a sense of a wrong righted. bin Laden's death did not give hope that this is the last time something this tragically monumental will ever happen.
bin Laden is dead. The destruction he wrought will never be.
