Richard Rodriguez wrote in New America Media; when the president made the announcement that Osama Bin-Laden was killed, there was an out pouring of college age students, rushing to the White House chanting USA, USA, USA.
I never was one to wave the flag, wrap myself in the flag, or do the USA chant, which I believe started back in 1980, when the US beat the Soviets in hockey. Since then it has gotten very jingoistic, and at times out of hand.
With sincere respect for Mr. Rodriguez’ position, he is not the boss of how people express their relief. Human beings, whether American or not, have never been particularly stellar with emotional discipline. What feelings come come. Osama bin Laden was a mass murderer with the victims numbering in the tens of thousands in Pakistan alone.
Questioning the morality of expressions of bravado over bin Laden’s death is a fine exercise in ethical nuances, but the moral import of terrorism with genocidal numbers makes Mr. Rodriguez’ concern seem a bit ridiculous. And it’s been America leading the way, bearing the greatest costs, sacrificing the lives of our people (yes, along with allies) to end bin Laden’s global reign of terrorism. I don’t blame anyone being giddy about his demise.
I’m one who was a bit puzzled and wondered about Sunday’s spontaneous demonstrations —- even those I reacted differently to what happened during the Phillies game. Nonetheless, Melissa – you delivered a classic statement for me (thanks) …. “Human beings, whether American or not, have never been particularly stellar with emotional discipline.”
Don – all those college students celebrating – they were children when 9/11 happened. Not sure what htat means!
There was one place where I wasn’t feeling judgemental about the behavior – or I should say AS judgemental – and that was at the ground zero site. It was very very personal for those people.