Before any other words are written, let us remember the sons and daughters of America who have sacrificed their lives for our security. Let us pray that we will not be faced with more of our troops' lives being taken away in the future.
"Osama bin Laden is dead."
Facebook helped me conceptualize this "breaking news."
People's index fingers seemed to be on fire as I witnessed record "like" hits on various cheers like "Justice done!" and "KILLLLL." Osama bin Laden stands for the al Qaida, 9/11, and the constant fear of terrorists. Borrowing President Obama's words, bin Laden's death "marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al-Qiada." At the end of this chase and in the middle of this "war," America stands rejoicing.
We have many emotional and personal ties to this event — some may have lost their families and friends in 9/11 and have loved ones in our troops. Many of us waited for this time of celebration.
However, I am even more afraid than before.
I feel that we are forgetting that we have a future to live. Seeds of hatred have been sown, both by al-Qaida and us.
Because this event only "marks … achievement," we cannot say that we promote a world with justice and peace. Justice may have been done to bin Laden. But let us not forget the innocent lives, especially of women and children, who perished away during our "operations." Where was justice then? No wonder our international community hesitantly claps along.
In this time of hyper-excitement, we must reevaluate ourselves: Is my reaction actually contributing to building a future in this world? How can we "create a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good" as our beloved mission states?
Edithstein Cho
freshman
Pasquerilla East Hall
May 3
