As an individual, I couldn't possibly care less what people think of me. Yet as a proud member of a nation that is considered a "superpower," I do care. Particularly when we choose to police the rest of the world.
Bin Laden has managed to amass an army of people who would love nothing more than to see the USA wiped of the face of the earth. Of course, many of us feel the same way about the Middle East, and I'm quite certain some of that desire is based on the fact that they dance in the streets at any hint of our suffering. I would prefer to see Americans take the high road when the tables are turned.
I am more than happy to see bin Laden gone from this earth. But the fact is, his evil seed has been planted, so it really amounts to nothing. There are most likely 100's if not 1,000's more just like him waiting in the wings. We would be wise to ask ourselves why.
Retaliation (and there most certainly will be some) is a vicious cycle. Someone has to be big enough to stop it.
JMHO.