American Emotions

With the recent killing of Osama bin Laden by U.S. Navy Seals, there have been very mixed emotions towards the death of the terrorist leader. Right after the annoucement, hundreds of Washington D.C.-area students flooded the area in front of the White House in jubiliation of his death. On the other hand, many people have reacted at a near opposite; many have condemned the U.S. government for authorizing the mission.

Personally, I find myself in middle ground on my emotion towards it. Initally, like many other Americans, I felt relieved that this was successfully completed and a bit of excitement. However, as I really got to grasp the magnitude of this event, I began to take a more moderate position. I feel confident that our country's military was able to do their job. I feel a greater sense of trust with the people on Capital Hill now more than before the incident. This moment has reassured that whatever goal America sets its mind to, it will accomplished the feat. This goes back to the creation of the atomic bomb, the first moon landing, and all other things in between. However, I do not support critics of the mission. Many people have still yet to grasp the enormity of his planning to kill thousands of innocent Americans, not just on 9/11 but in other terrorist attacks against our contry. No matter how you look at in, bin Laden deserved to be killed and I believe that no opinion could sway me on this; he was a terrible man. Despite this, I do not believe that the killing of a human being should be celebrated at any time. It should be a time of reflection; something I continue to try to do.