From The Onion: Violent Death of Human Being Terrific News for Once
Last night’s big media event – the death of Osama Bin Laden – held significance for many reasons. For me, it was an ex-pat/resident of the USA (living in NYC) who tries to navigate the political topography as respectfully as possible. I cannot vote, nor was I here for that horrific event that spurred the death of one man, consequently sending people chanting into the streets.
The truth? There’s nothing like being on the streets here in NYC when something of this magnitude occurs. The last time something like this happened was the election of President Barack Obama, a night which I remember ended with people congratulating each other as they passed by on the streets. Everyone was truly happy. The other event of less political significance was the Yankees winning the 2009 world series.
I was tired last night, so I watched Brian Williams stretch the news commentary about the situation until they crossed live to the president’s address. My partner, a native New Yorker, was happy – until he realized this death might spur repercussions that have already seen us have our bags checked before subway rides, near-misses with police blockades over gas canisters outside music venues and more.
Was hunting and discriminately shooting this country’s #1 wanted man the best thing that could have happened in this situation?
My short answer: I’m really glad he’s dead. I hope it offers some solace to the families of those who died in terrorist attacks caused by his organization and those who have given their lives to fight terrorism. But doesn’t his death really just signify another martyr for an imbalanced cause that has already resulted in so much fighting and death?
They hung Saddam. They shot Bin Laden. I can’t help but wonder how evolved we really are when it comes to war, fighting and terrorism, and whether future generations will squirm when they try to understand our generation’s concept of targeted assassination.
