…and Why we shouldn’t, either.

I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy.

Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.

~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Update: the above quote has been declared a fake. The sentiment, however, has inspired millions. We’ll call it a draw. ~ ed.

Update: the quote above, minus the first line, is real. I’ve enlarged the real quote. The two sections were conflated courtesy a million facebook wall posts.

Why we may not want to celebrate killing of Osama.

We Americans must all remember: when we pray for revenge, or war, or victory, we inadvertently pray for other things, too.

While our celebrations in America, last night, have been joyous, and bipartisan, and have not vilified Muslims (thank God), there is still the shadow of an uncomfortable visual parallel to those images that fill us with so much fear and hate: young men in Iran, etc., celebrating by burning our flag, chanting Death to America.

Death is not sport.

And so while I’m grateful Osama is gone—his absence gives me hope for peace, for safety of innocents civilians—I do not know that we should indulge in the satisfaction of sated hatred.

That said…

“I’ve never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure.” – Mark Twain