While the killing of Osama bin Laden is being enthusiastically celebrated throughout America and parts of the world, to say that such merriment is out of order will surely be considered heresy. Nonetheless, I'm saying it -- because it needs to be said. What I am tempted to say is this: Get a grip, celebrators. Have you so little decency?
I do understand how those who have suffered from the events of 9/11 may feel relieved, even happy, to have "closure" after 10 years of waiting for "justice to be done" -- and I don't quarrel with such feelings. Closure is a natural yearning and can certainly help people move on from serious trauma. And feelings are feelings. If you feel joyful, you feel joyful.
But celebration is not in order, no matter what your feelings of elation. Here's why...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pamela-gerloff/the-psychology-of-revenge_b_856184.html
And here's the writer's next line:
" "Celebrating" the killing of any member of our species -- for example, by chanting "USA! USA!" and singing "The Star Spangled Banner" outside the White House or jubilantly demonstrating in the streets -- is a violation of human dignity."
As far as I'm concerned, simply another ivory tower ideologue wagging her finger at me, telling me how I should feel, how I should respond, blah, blah and blah, to the death of one of the most evil individuals of modern times.
Instead of viewing the spontaneous gatherings as a group of individuals, many-our next generation of leaders, who did not know each other, who hold different ideologies, most-who demonstrated restraint and civility, most-who feel a mixture of many emotions to the killing of the evil, murderous, terrorist Osama bin Laden, I am now told that to chant, "USA! USA!" and to sing my country's national anthem "is a violation of human dignity?"
Outrageous.
So instead of seizing an opportunity to praise the spirit of bipartisanship, the author gently reprimands and admonishes me into behaving "appropriately" and how to celebrate my feelings "appropriately."
Hell, you would think throngs of Americans were burning effigies of the murderous leader in Times Square and at Ground Zero, or demanded his lifeless body be released to the public and dragged through the streets of my city to be ripped apart limb by limb.
I do respect everyone's right to their own opinion. Hell, I don't even believe in the death penalty. Hell, I believe in peace, love and non-violence, too. I am dignified. I mourn the deaths of thousands. And I mourn the loss of my children's feelings of security to move freely around their hometown, their city, without fear for their lives and safety. I mourn the loss of their innocence.
I am glad. I am sorrowful. I am happy. I am terrified. I feel many things. And I am very pleased by the way the mission was carried out. The good psychologist should know by now that life is more gray than black and white. Human beings are deeper and more complex.
If a few are celebrating, leave them alone. Stop contributing to the drama and to the further hatred of the US abroad and self-loathing at home. (Not directed at Glow.) He needed to go. OBL was not a common murderer. OBL was not even in the category of wicked evil serial killer. And I support life for them. I do not believe in revenge.
Once every so often, an individual comes along who is not worthy of life and must be removed.
OBL was that rare individual. I celebrate and continue to mourn.
All, of course, my opinion and feelings only.