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A man died Sunday. A bad man. A very bad man.
But, what did his death bring?
Yesterday brought nothing but horror and pain of almost 10 years. All of the hurt and ache we thought we had been able to get past came crashing down all over again. The raw, unfettererd anguish washed over us like it was just a week after the tragedy. You would never know by the reaction of the masses. Then again the masses voted W. twice and spend their idle time watching other people do things they should try doing (like dancing, playing sports, cooking, singing or starting their own business) on television. No, the masses are no sure measure for what is right, proper or true.
As is often the case, the more I heard people praising the killing of the evil doer, the more I took comfort and confidence in my uneasiness. The masses are often easily misled.
Predictably, crowds gathered to celebrate the killing of the man who helped orchestrate the worst attack on American soil. He got what he had deserved. Fair enough (or as I like to say “fear enough”). But, what has really changed? Did his death bring anyone back or truly make us safer? Sure, the world is better without him. But, no, that is not people’s motivation for celebration. They high fived, jumped for joy and partied blocks away from Ground Zero. - the very same sacred ground that remains a painful landmark for many. That seems hardly appropriate or patriotic to me.
Revenge shrouded in the name of “justice” was people’s main motivation for celebration. Old style West “dead or alive” mentality was the cause. This is fine so long as it is owned up to. Sadly, people will not fess up to this small measure of reality. No, I am sure “justice” is what they sought.
I envy them, though. They know not the pain and emptiness of those who suffer daily. They don’t know the pain of seeing an empty chair at the dinner table. They will never know the solitary feeling of not being able to hug their mother or father. Fear not, people will go back to their reality television and sports programming.
Today did not bring joy, happiness, rainbows or even small comfort. It brought tears, pain and emptiness for many.
No, yesterday wasn’t a good day.
