"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."
While credit was given to Martin Luther King Jr., it turns out that the entire quote isn't from MLK (see here and here for more info), but the sentiment of both MLK and the other author is nice and timely.
And while not nearly as important as MLK, this one came from Katy Perry in a tweet:
"I believe in justice... but don't u think that an eye for an eye will make the whole world blind?"
However, this one seems widely appropriate this week though as well:
"I’ve never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure." - Mark Twain.
I also really like what Gary Varvel had to say earlier this week, both in his words and in his political cartoons:
My boss liked both of my cartoon sketches today so he asked if I could draw them both. We did a special layout on the editorial page to make room for both and to top it off, we got color on our page (which is unusual these days). On a personal note: I praise President Obama for continuing the pursuit of bin Laden and for making the call to send in the Navy SEALS instead of bombing the compound. Instead of incinerating him and never knowing for sure we got him, this way we know for sure he’s gone. And thank God we have men like the ones who executed this mission. My only disappointment was the celebratory crowds in the streets covered by late night TV news. The prophet Ezekiel said that God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked. I don’t think I should either. The war against terrorists goes on, but I’m glad that Osama bin Laden will never kill again.
You decide where you stand. Personally, while I would normally strive to be like MLK, I have to side with Mr. Twain and Mr. Varvel this week. I would have liked to see Osama bin Laden captured alive, but I do not feel sorry for his death.
1 other pessimists:
What do you do with a captured bin Laden?
You could never have a trial. Who would be stupid enough to be on the jury? Your life would be over if you found him guilty. You would have to enter the governments witness protection program, and even then you would still not be safe.
How could the government provide any reasonable level of security?
"New York City projects it will cost more than $400 million to provide security if the pre-trial preparation and trial of the suspects in the Sept. 11 terror attacks takes two years, which insiders say is virtually certain, according to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
It will cost another $206 million annually if the trial runs beyond two years, which some fear is possible, the mayor's office estimates."
I'm glad he resisted.
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