*If the title of this blog offends you, you may not want to read it. Just sayin'.
Thus far, I've not talked much about about politics or religion on this blog. I've kept it all fairly light-hearted, the way I like it.
But last night, the United States received the surprising news that Osama Bin Laden, the leader of the group Al Queda, is dead. Our country has been on the prowl for this individual since September 11th, 2001--ten years ago. I remember exactly where I was the morning we were attacked --getting out of bed for a college class, listening to my early-bird roommate fill me in on what had happened.
Now, a decade later, the man who supposedly devised our attack is finally dead. And my Facebook news feed is literally CLOGGED with the overjoyed crowing of my fellow Americans.
"Praise God!" they write. "Osama Bin Laden is dead! Justice is ours!"
It strikes me as a bit weird. I'm not saying I wanted this guy to go on terrorizing the lives of others, but the bloodthirsty remarks that I'm hearing via social media are a bit much. Do we REALLY think God had anything to do with this? Do we really think God would cheer us on, whisper in our ears that, yes, we ought to kill off another life? Hardly.
No matter what religious ideology we hold to be true, as Americans we pride ourselves on being more evolved than certain other countries in this world. Doesn't this heightened sense of ration include the knowledge that killing someone is always wrong? Sure, I might feel differently if I had a loved one who died in New York that morning. But should we always go on our emotions? I thought the idea of justice in the United States is built on reason, not emotion.
And let's say you're a Christian. Does that make any of this right? Love mankind no matter what--isn't that what Jesus said?
As my mama used to tell me, "Two wrongs don't make a right."
the whole thing is just disappointing. there's so much hate. it's awful.
ReplyDeletewhen i was working psych, we received many soldiers from veteran's affairs. the things that these people lived through, that they would have to cope with for the rest of their lives, were horrific.
there's nothing brave or brilliant about war in the end. there's no glory in a broken human being. that cuts both ways...so many lives were damaged. so many people lost.
when it comes to war, so much is sacrificed for a "greater good." but exactly what is this greater good...? is there ever any justifying hatred? i don't think so. but i know few agree with me there.
thanks for having the bravery to post this.
I enjoyed this post.
ReplyDeleteAmen, sister, AMEN!!!!
ReplyDelete