Reacting to the News On Bin Laden

The Washington Post did a story this morning on the level of agreement in Congress on the killing of Osama Bin Laden.  The illustration at the right is from that story and give you an idea about the compound where Bin Laden spent his last days.  But there are two side stories that bother me about this news.


The Hypocrisy of Nancy Pelosi and other politicians - In September 2006 she commented at a press conference - "[E]ven if [Osama bin Laden] is caught tomorrow, it is five years too late. He has done more damage the longer he has been out there. But, in fact, the damage that he has done ... is done. And even to capture him now I don't think makes us any safer."    But yesterday she yammered "The death of Osama bin Laden marks the most significant development in our fight against al-Qaida. ... I salute President Obama, his national security team, Director Panetta, our men and women in the intelligence community and military, and other nations who supported this effort for their leadership in achieving this major accomplishment. ... [T]he death of Osama bin Laden is historic...."   In this case it is the democrats who just a few years ago were criticizing the "Cheney Assassination Squads" and our "horrible" record in Guantanamo - yesterday it became clear that the initial intel on this came from a source at Guantanamo.   The sad thing is that Pelosi is not unique and as importantly, on other issues the GOP is just as bad.   The issues of how to deal with terrorists are serious, I just with politicians would recognize that.


How should Americans react to the news? - My sister in law posted a Facebook post from Ed Bacon who is the Rector of All Saints Pasadena which said "The book of Proverbs teaches, 'Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when your enemy stumbles.' (Proverbs 24:17) We must see the dangers and distractions of triumphalism in celebrations of another’s death. ..."   Contrary to his post, I think Rev. Bacon is at least partially wrong.   Bin Laden was an evil man responsible for the deaths of more than 3000 people.   There are plenty of Biblical references to confronting evil in the world.   While some in the Christian community believe it was wrong to even do the assault, I believe they are on shaky ground.  And yet Glen Beck's response (where he had a marching band, confetti and cookies) was inappropriate.   The WSJ (Subscription Required) has a series of editorial comments this morning which get the story about right.  Bin Laden had become less of a leader in recent days as unrest spread in the Middle East against the autocrats.   And yet, we had a duty to hunt him and his murderous crowd down.  Our response to our environment in the rest of the world will need to be complex.   I am bothered that a lot of the immediate jubilation and flagellation offered immediately is probably unproductive for the long term issues we face.