Osama Bin Laden is Dead–Let’s All Celebrate!…Wait, what?
All this coverage of these celebrations following Bin Laden’s murder is making me a little: nationalists in stars and stripe bandanas on their heads chanting “U.S.A. U.S.A”…
Should we be celebrating? I understand that justice was served on a humanistic level—I‘m not lamenting Bin Laden’s death, and I think he definitely deserved it. But to rally and celebrate his death at ground-zero and at the White House? It seems a little hypocritical. Celebrating a killing is morally questionable in itself, and in this context, is this excessive nationalism? What does Bin Laden’s death really do for USA? I understand it will bring closure to the loved-ones of the victims of the 9/11 tragedy, but does it do much for us as a nation? How much safer and stronger are we now?
Yes, Bin Laden was a bad man. However, I think it remains essential for Americans to keep in mind that Bin Laden was an effective leader in many contexts– across organizations and national borders. Even while they starkly disapproved of his rash, terroristic, morality-mocking methods, many respectable Middle-easterners followed the man.
His attack on 9/11 was political, it was not solely meant to spark a holy war. Despite American media’s tendency to pidgin-hole Bin Laden into the irrational Muslim extremist pool, he was fundamental in leading a movement against the American crusade of forced democracy in the middle-east: an issue extending far beyond clashing faiths.
That is part of the reason why he attacked–not just because we were perceived as a Christian (or at least non-Muslim) nation, but because he was against the (now proving to be grossly ineffective) Americana societal ideal of a democratic republic rooted in capitalism being constantly shoved down his people’s throats throughout the past half-century. To raise our flags and chant in jubilant celebration of his death acts is a testament to our arrogance, pretension, and naivety–its a signal to the rest of the world that our societal values prevail and that our crusades will press on.
The bottom line is this was no true victory: his death won’t bring anyone back from the dead, it won’t automatically stop the terrorists who saw him as their leader, and it won’t end all our wars in the Middle East.
Now is a time to remember those who suffered at his hands, and wash his memory from ours. But to kill a terroristic leader and celebrate his death in the name of the United States…we need to be careful.
Are Generation Y'ers really the self righteous slackers, whiners and praise-junkies we're made out to be? It's time we break the stereotypes and start marking the changing tides in popular culture, politics, technology, human attitudes and behavior, and society in general. Choose what to embrace and what to refuse.
While I agree with the over all sentiment of your message that this may not be the time for celebration and that it is a bit hypocritical to lash out against those that celebrate deaths of American soldiers only to celebrate a death as a nation; I must correct a few points.
First, it is not “rednecks in stars and stripes” it is a variety of people black, white, hispanic, christian, muslim, etc. 9/11 didn’t just effect one race of people but an entire nation. Those celebrating now are people, like you, who were effected both indirectly and directly by the actions of this man (assuming you were effected). Our entire culture changed on that day and honestly the last time I can remember our country coming together like this was on 9/11 so it is somewhat uplifting to see everyone putting their differences aside and coming together as a nation. We the people…
Second – while you say he attacked for political reasons and not to spark a holy war innocent civilian lives were lost on that day and a ripple of other effects such as injuries, post traumatic stress, and economic downfall (checkout these numbers: http://nymag.com/news/articles/wtc/1year/numbers.htm). I highly recommend you do more research before stating your opinion. Again, I am not downplaying your right to say what you have – I actually respect the fact that you did, however, I find what you wrote ineffective and unresearched.
Third – America as a country is not Christian and the reason we went to war was not because of religious beliefs but due to the overwhelming need to defend ourselves. I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t let someone punch me in the face without taking a stand. The problem with the wars this country is currently in is that many people have forgotten, or were too young to understand why we went there in the first place. While I can definitely say I think our actions in Iraq were misguided our efforts in Afghanistan and what took place last night were based solely on the fact that this man is responsible for the loss of thousands of American lives and he paid for that with his own.
In closing, I think these celebrations – although sparked by his death – are more of a celebration of pride in country and solidarity after the lasting effects of a horrible tragedy. We are supposed to stand undivided but on so many levels we tear ourselves apart. The news of Bin Laden’s death is something many Americans have been waiting 10 years to hear. We have paid a huge price and will continue to do so because of the attacks on this country by this man. For those of us closest to the situation it was hard not to smile when you read those words – Osama Bin Laden Dead – it had an impact on everyone who was alive and old enough to remember what it felt like on that day. How it felt running through the streets of New York fearing for your life as the twin towers fell, or how it felt for people like me watching the smoke rise from the pentagon.
While I doubt you will read all of this with an open mind I hope you will respond respectfully if at all.
Stephanie – gotcha. Please be understanding of my rash statements; this post was no less than a heat-of-the-moment rant and I have gone through it to clean up some language:
I must disclaim that I by no means meant that all celebrators are rednecks, but I do not believe that statement warrents an edit because I did see exactly what I described among the crowds.
Of course, I do not believe we are a Christian nation, but we may be percieved to be by Muslim-extremists–I cleaned that part up.
As I noted in my second paragraph, I whole-heartedly agree with your point about closure and the personal satisfaction and realization of justice concerning Bin Laden’s death. Bin Laden’s death was warrented and overdue. Yesterday, justice was finally realized, and my heart goes out to the family’s directly affected by 9/11. Believe me, even as a teenager, I was shook during the tragic events of 9/11; it took me a week to be focused back on my studies, and the events forever changed my entire perception of justice, society, and humanity in general.
My point is that the issue is deeper than nationalism, and to reduce it to such may even be undermining those who were affected by it. Let’s celebrate for the families of the terrorized; let’s celebrate justice prevailing; and let’s celebrate removing the face of a terrorist organization. But must we do it in the name of the United States? It is a matter of justice and human dignity—Bin Laden lossed his human dignity when he murdered and thus had taken the dignity of 3,000+ other human beings—his death was significant at that level and we should leave it at that.
Remember the events following 9/11? When we saw images of Al-Qaeda and Taliban members waving their guns around and celebrating the attacks? I am just concerned that the images these people are seeing today, albeit while much less execrable, might paralell these acts of excessive pride in the eyes of others.
Reducing those celebrating this as “rednecks” is comparable to someone reducing you to an “uneducated Hawaiian”.
The fact is there is a bigger reason why people are celebrating this other than the simple fact he is dead. His death brings closure for those effected by everything involved with 9/11, whether impacted directly or indirectly. In addition, it brings hope that the decline of al Qaeda will continue as it as in recent years. While his death does not necessarily mean peace on Earth, it is definitely a substantial loss of power for al Qaeda in terms of leadership. Dismissing the celebrations as part of the redneck agenda dismisses everything that our soldiers have died fighting for.
As Stephanie noted, if you are going to post such opinionated an article, do some research first.
From my reply to Stephanie:
“I must disclaim that I by no means meant that all celebrators are rednecks, but I do not believe that statement warrents an edit because I did see exactly what I described among the crowds.”
“As I noted in my second paragraph, I whole-heartedly agree with your point about closure and the personal satisfaction and realization of justice concerning Bin Laden’s death. Bin Laden’s death was warrented and overdue. Yesterday, justice was finally realized, and my heart goes out to the family’s directly affected by 9/11. Believe me, even as a teenager, I was shook during the tragic events of 9/11; it took me a week to be focused back on my studies, and the events forever changed my entire perception of justice, society, and humanity in general.”
You have a point. I guess growing up as an islander, I didn’t realize the racist conotations around the word “redneck.” If it is really as severe as the word you mentioned, then I was indeed wrong to write it.
I’ll clean it up.
My thoughts exactly!
”Joyfully celebrating the killing of a killer who joyfully celebrated killing carries an irony that I hope will not be lost on us. Are we learning anything, or simply spinning harder in the cycle of violence?” -Brian McLaren
This opinion blog or whatever it is is of yours is just disgusting. You were begging for attention and now have it. But at what cost. To be so racist and naive in this day and age is really shameful. You need to take a step back from your ego and racist unamerican comments. You need to get off the rock and get some life experience. This along with your other posts are really pointing out that you are just an ignorant, racist islander. Not the image we need in as far as Hawaii your kind is rare. Thank God!!
I just had to comment again as I find your blog so disturbing. “Murder” Really? Murder? Murder is unlawful.. what happened to Bin Laden was lawful and quite humane considering the evil of that P.O.S.
I hope the true story is that he is alive and in custody and being tortured and will be for years to come.
“Rednecks” are you really that stupid and racist?
It is obvious you are not or do not consider yourself an American. You would understand that in America when we are attacked we stand up together as a family and as a whole. There is nothing wrong with that in fact it is a GREAT thing.
Nationality is not a bad thing as you seem to want to so ignorantly perceive it. Showing solidarity to an attack on innocent people on American soil and giving support and being happy that we prevailed over this evil person is not a bad thing either.
The question is or should be… what is your problem with America that you would even defend any ideology from an evil madman and oput it back on America?
Shame on you that you take this moment and spit in the faces of all and piss on America to spout your racist anti-american vile!!
Of course this blog is opinionated–it’s a blog.
I obviously offended you personally (I’m guessing you were celebrating, or if not, you wanted to), but there is no need to lash out personal attacks. If you knew me at all, you wouldnt have made the “get off the rock…life experience” comment, because you would understand what I have been through in the short time that has been my life so far. There is no need for those sorts of comments.
“Racist” and “Unamerican” are strong words. If to be American really is to celebrate death in the name of your country, then maybe I’m not the biggest patriot. But if being American is about voicing your thoughts and being critical of the Military, government, and having a general moral respect for human life, then count me in. I interpret our Constitution as leaning towards the latter.
I advise you to read the comments on this page before you rant frenziedly. The beauty of blogs: if you dont like what you are reading, do not read. If you feel like making an opposing point, do so; but be civil. Civility and tolerance in diversity are what makes America great.
And really, “ignorant racist islander” “anti-american”?
Antagonistic attitudes like the one you are portraying are among the flaws of American society. You really don’t find it just a little morally questionable to celebrate someone’s (even a terrorist) death IN THE NAME OF THE USA? If the typical American answer is “no,” then that is a gaping puka in our value system.
I get the point this person’s trying to make even if they did lose focus and trail off into copyright issues. A key part of your blog that will incite many readers is your bigoted labeling of the celebrators as “rednecks”. Even your justification for not editing it is offensive.
For instance, everyone can agree that the use of the word “nigger” is offensive and would warrant harsh criticism. A person with your exact mindset would respond to that criticism with “I must disclaim that I by no means meant that all celebrators are niggers, but I do not believe that statement warrents an edit because I did see exactly what I described among the crowds.” All your response serves is to further highlight your own ignorance and bigotry. I’d expect better from someone who aspires to ascend so highly in the world. You want to go into law or politics? Good f*cking luck with poor word choice as this.
*Note: I use the N word satirically here to prove a point, not express racist views.
So having speaking the truth about the true motives behind 9/11 and giving your opinion on current issues involving Bin Laden is anti-American and racist? lol
Also, don’t insult and troll others. There’s an obvious difference in the maturity level here. You need to grow up.
I wont even respond to your rhetoric of a response. But I will give you some free advice.
While you are up there on your fake moral high horse you might want to consider how your blog is stealing from hard-working folks. Yes stealing. The images and pics you use are copyrighted and you use them as if you did the work yourself. You are stealing from those that make a living making art, cartoons, and do photography and sell it to legitimate sources to sustain themselves. What you are doing boils down to theft. See while you think you are above those and know better and can read the minds and assign racism and anti-american words… your opinion is your right as an AMERICAN. Stealing is not!
I am advising you to remove all images from your blog site ASAP or face legal repercussions.
Get it?? I hope so.
1) All language in this blog is my own, unless quoted and cited.
2) Right click any picture and “copy image url” They all link to the original source, thus are not “stolen”
3) I am in no way profiting from the use of any of the images that I link to, or from my blog in general.
WHOA! You mean BUSINESS!! In the future I suggest you look into the law regarding copyright infringement before accusing someone of theft (which by the way is different)
But don’t worry, you’ve succeeded in changing the subject to a completely irrelevant issue so that you don’t have to respond to Mark’s comment.
Mark: Thanks for the passionate and uncensored commentary on this issue! It’s great!
Geuss again pal you are stealing and I will inform each and everyone of your stolen images owners and at least one is a friends of mine, probably more if I keep looking.. You might want to try doing the work yourself pal. You are a stealing unmoralistic thief and are sick to boot.
Do the “right” thing and remove images in question and quit stealing. If you want to be taken seriously as a blogger then it is only a logical steo for you to use your own images/work or do not use any.
Just do the right thing as you seem to be the self appointed judge on what is right and wrong you should understand that.
I’ll assume “stealing” refers to copyright infringement.
How I understand the legality of using copyrighted photographs for blogging:
This blog serves no commercial purpose, and the photo usage in my blog does not constitute a “harm to the market of the original work.” Thus, the photo usage in my blog does not infringe copyright.
“and the photo usage in my blog does not constitute a “harm to the market of the original work.” Thus, the photo usage in my blog does not infringe copyright.”
For someone who thinks he is so smart you sure are dumb….the above is your “opinion” while it “does do harm” to the “work” even if this is not a monetized site. My friend has won more then one lawsuit from scumbags like you who think that they can use others work without his permission. See that copyright mark? mark? You do not have permision to use the work in any way at all without express written permission from the owner. While he may not have won a bundle he has shutdown blogs legally for what you are doing and has cost enough to the offender in legal and awarded fees to make it a headache. That is the bottom line. While you may “think” you are legal…you are wrong. Besides the legality of it all if you seriously think that what you are doing by stealing others work is right you are even more screwed up then this blog hints at.
These people you are stealing from have worked in creating and you come along and take it to use as an image in your disgusting opinions. That is not the orginal intent of the copyrighted work that others have PAID for to use. Bottom line what you are doing is wrong and quite lazy of you. You really should check yourself or others will and you may not like what they find!!
“You do not have permision to use the work in any way at all without express written permission from the owner”
What case is this from? If this were true, it would make no practical sense. Are you saying the Fair Use Doctrine does not exist?
Here: http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#107
If this remains a big deal to readers (even to those who don’t own or have any stake in the reproduction of the image), I will link each image to their hosting website (I do not host them on my site, and the original source can easily be found), in order to further drive traffic to the author’s sites. If authors then has a problem with my use of their images, then I take their requests to remove the images to heart.
Is that not reasonable?
He is a thief and that is a FACT!!!
just do the right thing..
http://malor.wordpress.com/2008/03/04/what-bloggers-should-know-about-copyright-and-fair-use/
If a complaint came from the owner of the material, I would take it very seriously.
Coming from a non-stakeholder, that has already expressed vindictive intent in his commentary, I am likely to dismiss the complaint and its accompanied label as “thief” as a personal attack.
–unless, of course, this individual is on a world-wide quest to rid all small-time bloggers of their use of web images. But if that indeed is his quest, he has a long way to go, as he would be affecting millions of bloggers and breaking new ground in IP law.
“You do not have permision to use the work in any way at all without express written permission from the owner.”
Just to clarify, this is NOT A TRUE STATEMENT. A simple search of this might simplify the issue and make it easier for you to understand. I’m sure Mark had no intention to deprive the original owner of his work, and from the looks of it the blog as a whole it seems to be merely a series of commentary, absent of any negative intent to harm anyone or anyone’s precious photos.
You seem to be a patriotic American so you should fully be able to understand the idea of free speech, which makes America so special. We are all entitled to voice our opinions as we see fit. If you feel so strongly about the comments made on this blog, I encourage you to open a dialogue with the writer instead of changing the subject to something so trivial such as this. By the comments on this page it looks like Mark would be willing to discuss the original issue further.
Frivolous attacks such as the one you are making really do more harm than good. We should be encouraging young adults to engage in political rhetoric. Instead, you are hampering this commentary (whether it be criticism or praise) and critical thinking by engaging in scare tactics to have him remove a post just because he does not see eye to eye with you.
I know, you’ll probably say that this is stealing, and that he’s a thief, because that’s ALL you have been saying the whole time. And you may have a friend that has taken an issue such as this to court, but that really doesn’t make your claims legitimate and I would hope that Mark doesn’t believe it is.
Woah. So many keyboard warriors in here, its crazy!
Hoist the printahhs! Raise the LCDeeees! Process their motherboard ship into the deep blue screen! CPU later…sucka.
-21st Century Barbosa.
I see you removed that part you wrote “racist rednecks” were celebrating. I hope it was a realization that such words were quite “silly” to put it nicely.
As many many people of different backgrounds, race etc were celebrating to lump them all into racist rednecks was telling.
Did you get humble and put away those evil ways? Or was it something else that caused you to remove it?
Just for clarification, I didn’t write “racist.” and there was no over-generalization intended. To address your questions, please take a look at the above comments.
What does a redneck look like to you? “I did see exactly what I described among the crowds.” So instead of just saying “crowds of different ethnicities and backgrounds gathered across this great nation and world were celbrating” you decided to lump them into one group “rednecks”.
As far as the rest of the blog goes it pretty much is as trashy as the beginning that you edited out. You shouldn’t have stopped there you have just have edited out the entire thing. IMHO
Heard; take a look at the above comments.
So a nation does not have the right to celebrate victory over an evil enemy in your opinion? Gotchya!
P.S. Send me a post card from Politically Correct Land along with your favorite Kool Aid recipe