Love and War

Yes, I have been travelling, I went on Spring Break that has yet to be blogged about, but the world has happened, and there are more important things to talk about. So this is another break from my Spanish blog to speak about world events.

I woke up this morning way too early (8 am) and decided, since I was awake, to see if my boy was online to talk. He was not, but I did find about a million Facebook posts, photos, and videos of Osama Bin Laden's death, and the celebration that ensued afterwards at ISU and campuses nationwide. My first and overwhelming emotion was fear. What does this mean for the war my boy's fighting? What does this mean for his, and every other person in Afghanistan and Iraq's safety? Their leader is dead. They won't sit by silently. They will not fold and quit. I fear that this means a hunt for retaliation. I fear it deeply and passionately. I fear for my baby's safety, and the safety of every other service member abroad.

After fear subsided slightly, at least enough to let in some other emotions, I felt sad. Not persay that Bin Laden is dead. I know the horrors he has caused this country. It was his leadership and his plans that sent friends, families, and loved ones to war. It was his leadership and plans that killed thousands on September 11. It is his leadership that has killed thousands in the wars that followed. I know the horrors this man has caused. I live in the horrors of the aftermath of his leadership, as my fiance fights this war. I know, and appreciate, the terrors of the reign of Osama Bin Laden. But the celebrations that ensued, the unity and joy that I witnessed through videos and photos from home brought deep sadness to my heart. Watching the world united by the death of another human being tears at my soul. Is death something we should ever celebrate? Is it ever okay to hear news of a fellow human's death and hoop and holler and rally and celebrate? Do we really want to be united under death?

I truly believe that there is no such thing as a bad person in this world. I truly believe that every human being has worth and value. We do not always recognize it, as we come from different cultures, different backgrounds, different experiences, and different beliefs. Also, I know that every human makes mistakes. I am not saying we are perfect, but we are good. I do not understand the actions of Bin Laden. I do not condone or honor the things he has done. I cry for those who have died, and those who go to war in the aftermath of his actions. It breaks my soul to see hatred spread in this world. But, I do think that every human has worth. Every human has value. And it makes me unbearably sad to watch my nation and my world come together and unite under the death of another human being.

America, reevaluate this celebration. Make sure it is for the right reasons. Do we celebrate because we feel we are a step closer to peace? Or do we celebrate for death and war? Honor those who serve, respect the troops and the work they do every day. But do not celebrate death and destruction. Do not celebrate war. Celebrate love. Celebrate peace. And pray that this truly does bring us closer to it, and not further away. I love this country and this world, and I patiently await the day we are united as a world, in peace and love, and not in war and hate. Wait for that day, as I know it will come. I truly believe in the power of love.