Dead or Alive, Bin Laden Is Not The Big Story Anymore - WE ARE!
Reports are buzzing all weekend that Osama Bin Laden may be dead or seriously ill. So far we have no word to confirm these reports, but at this point in time, the man is just a symbol, and whether he is alive or not, our terror crisis is a bigger issue than the symbolism of one very psychotic and evil man.
A KYW Newsradio survey shows that a majority of respondents believe that Bin Laden’s possible death will haved little effect on the war on terror. Just as Zarqawi’s death barely impacted on the Iran insurgency, an actual confirmed death of Bin Laden will only send him into terror martyrdom.
Of course, a capture and trial would be different. There, we would be able to expose he weak underbelly of a man who dedicated his life to the brute cold-blooded killing of thousands of people, all in the name of his own twisted view of a religion that millions of others live with in peace and tranquility every day.
The plain truth: Al Qaeda lives whether Bin Laden lives or dies. It is an organization that will thrive as long as sympathetic governments look the other way, and as long as followers believe that a pointed gun can change history.
In a way, the true test of the impact of Bin Laden and his murderous allies rests with us. How we react to terror, and how firm our resolve to kill it before it spreads is the real story of how long the terrorist age will last.
American elections, free and outspoken, can sometimes give terrorists and warmongers the wrong idea. If the Republicans lose some seats this year, it would be very unwise for the terrorists chiefs to misinterpret our goals. The fact is that one factor unites Americans: the determined will to fight terror tactics on a united front.
No one party, Democrat or Republican, has the right to declare that it has the only talent and willingness to beat back violence.
Recently I’ve read some writings of the extreme left and right. The lefties see no connection to terrorism and the Iraqi war. The righties say if you don’t support the war in Iraq then you are soft on terrorism.
Both sides are wrong. Iraq is a quagmire. Pulling out now would be a nightmare. Equating our continued presence as vital to the battle against Al Qaeda is a stretch.
Somewhere in the middle is the truth: a careful consideration of our Iraqi mess, without compromising the security of the greater Middle East.
I am tired of this “going to extremes” mentality, which threatens to tear the people of this country apart more than Bin Laden could ever do.
As far as I’m concerned, Bin Laden is already dead as a leader.
His only legacy: causing Americans to unify behind a common goal, defeating terrorism.
It would be a shame if our own politicians, in their quest for votes, divide us in our time of need as they struggle for votes in this nasty campaign of 2006.
A friend told me how excited he was when he heard Osama Bin Laudin may have died. I said, “So what?” I said the same thing that you said, Larry. Terrorism and Al-Quaeda will continue after he’s long gone. When it comes to the War in Iraq, I admit to being a “leftie”. But you make a very good point, it would be a disaster if we bowed out now. I think that’s one thing that everyone on both sides of the argument can agree on.
I must agree with you that pulling out of Iraq now would be a costly error. I consider myself a Reagan Republican and I support the President of the United States. I am employed as an Instructor for soldiers in our Army, however, there has never been a clear exit strategy developed/identified so that we can gracefully depart. There are way too many Americans that share the naive notion that just because we say something is or should be so… it is. Having stated that, however, we (the United States) has chosen to come to the aid of Iraq, at THEIR behest, to help straighten out their situation. This task, however, is gargantuan - this paert of the world has been in turmoil and strife since long before the United States of America was even conceived! These people have fighting down to an art! Many are not happy unless they’re at odds. I only wish that we would share the same zeal (nationally) for the protection and preservation of the state of Israel. Why we mollycoddle to the Syrias, Saudi Arabias, et al while they (or groups that they sponsor) wreak havoc on this God-chosen nation and people! I just widh the we (The U.S.) would just stop trying to be so ‘politically correct’ about so many things and make a strong stand for our true friends, and stop nursing those that would just as soon stab us in the back! No, Al-Qaeda will not go away with the death of OBL; terrorism will not suddenly cease; the world will not be instantly safer. We have societies on this Earth that are just plain evil, and their ultimate end rests with God!
Barry, thanks.
Joe– Whether OBL is DOA or MIA , as you say, is not the issue. The issue is the desire to fight terrorism and fight it hard.
Your point about “allies” is well taken. We coddle allies that are unfaithful, and we fail to stand up to allies that have no conviction.
Example –with friends like France, who needs enemies.