At the moment, I am at a real loss for words, something that does not happen often. I am not in the comfort of my home in the States, watching the American news casts on the potential death of mass assassinator Osama bin Laden. I am in Palermo, watching uncensored news casts that don't exist in our media bubble of bullshit back home. Here the people are questioning this death, the motives, the war, the reactions, the possible counter attacks. I am watching the US celebrate like madmen on TV. On a patriotic, grief stricken note... I too understand this need to relish in the extinguishing of that disgusting person....but on another note, I am saddened by the joy in this murder. I am confused by my own feelings and will probably remain this way on this matter. I am not proud to see the celebration but I understand the need to get even, it is ugly but very real and very human. I know it is easy for me to say that this moment is bittersweet because I did not lose a loved one in this horrendous battle. It took billions of dollars and lives and yet, the satisfaction is not really there.
"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."
~Martin Luther King, Jr.
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