It was close to midnight last night when we heard the news: Osama bin Laden. Dead. Killed by US military forces. It's difficult to be exuberant about another human beings death, but I imagine this is the closest I'll come.
I still remember September 11, 2011. I was in college and preparing to head out the door of Flippo 1 (Marshal, Matson, Wes, and my on-campus apartment). I left for class before either tower collapsed - not fully comprehending the gravity of the situation. Later that day, I can remember the F-15s that flew over Ashland as they patrolled the DC sky. I remember wanting to contact my family. I remember all of the phone networks being overloaded to the point that no one could complete a call. I remember classes being canceled. I remember the ensuing vigils. I remember the additional security precautions on campus. I remember the American flags hanging from dorm rooms, homes, and academic buildings.
There's no doubt that this event had a tremendous impact on me, my life, my generation, and my views of the world. I am fortunate that no one within 'one degree of separation' from me was harmed that day. To a certain degree, it feels like cheating the most unfortunate outcome.
Upon hearing the news of OBL, I too feel a sense of vindication. However, I'm disappointed at the reaction that I've seen repeated on Facebook, in Boston, and on TV. For some reason, watching the college students of today (who ranged from age 8-12 on 9/11/01) react by cheering, dancing, and otherwise partying in the streets doesn't feel like a fitting reaction. To me, the hoards in the streets resemble propaganda; to be used to our detriment in the future. Not to say that we shouldn't rejoice for claiming enemy #1, but I prefer a repeat of the days following 9/11 when the houses with American flags greatly outnumber those without.