Yesterday I spoke about forgiveness.
Today we learnt that Osama Bin Laden was killed by US forces.
Despite terrorist attacks across the world - I cannot celebrate the killing of this man. Not much has been said about who died with him.. other than a couple of woman and men - possibly including his son.
Uneasily I drifted off to sleep after Obamas address. When I woke I witnessed what I thought was a scene from Kabul. It wasn't until I noticed that the flags being waved were American did I realise it was actually Washington. The crowds swelled as hundreds appeared to celebrate.
America - has not forgiven.
I guess it's impossible whilst you're still at war. Yet no one seems to have a solution that will enable peace to reign - and the sand seems to shift regularly underfoot.
A part of me wished the news was received with more quiet dignity - so as not to further cause offence - antagonise - and create further animosity.
If foreign policy is the root cause of the problem..and if foreign policy remains the same.. what will change?
In interviews with the BBC this morning those who have lost loved ones in both 9/11 & 7/7 stated that although they may have felt a sense of closure - they did not feel celebratory. They understand it's much bigger than that. They have lost their loved ones. They will live with that pain regardless.
This world needs to heal. Violence only begets more violence.
The disease of hatred and wickedness consumes without partiality.
The innocent often unwitting victims
Everyday we hope our youths will refrain from gang attacks - reprisals and 'gun play' on our streets.
To witness these celebrations on the news of further murder makes uneasy viewing.
Today is a sad day.
For more reasons than one...
(Yet there's a line in the bbc's adaptation of the film Pride & Prejudice that always stays with me - and oddly enough I'm able to use it here
'Dont despair - it will pass - and no doubt...more quickly than it should...'
I guess for many Americans they view it as ' job done'
Quite rightly do we celebrate or view this as a death worth mourning afterall he was a human being. It's such a shame that the murder of one man has been recieved with such elation scary stuff. I suppose for the American public it's almost the final thank you for all the suvice men and women that lost their lives due to this one man.
ReplyDeleteOk so question do we now relax hmmmm I wouldn't say so for we know not of who the next successor to Bin Laden's thrown is... if he is the mastermind thy claim him to be then his death won't be in vain infact we ought to brace ourselves for a roller coaster of a ride what comes next should have us all on tenter hooks!!!!!!
Imagine - all sides laid down their arms. Peace was sought through diologue - understanding respect - fairness - and a love of humanity.
ReplyDeleteThat would be cause for celebration indeed. What greater gift to the world - and service personnel than to be able to go back to their families - and to live without fear.
Allegedly - the 'war on terror' has increased 'anti american' sentiment..way beyond what it was before..
Hmmmm
Is anybody really talking/listening anymore?
It is funny that quite by coincidence this morning on daybreak i listened to a relative of one the victims of the 2005 7/7 London bombing explaining that she felt no anger towards the muslim culture as a whole. She attended an open day at a local mosque where she went and explained that she was there out of friendship and not anamosity. The muslims at this local mosque welcomed her with open arms, and is presently still contact with them.
ReplyDeleteSo there can be peace amongst the madness.
I agree Ness - I think there can..
ReplyDelete