I was as devastated as any American on 9/11/01, except for maybe those who lost loved ones or the first responders who had to go in, in an attempt to rescue. But for most of us watching the planes over the t.v. boom-boom-boom is an image forever blazed in our brains.
Anyway, I'm certain I am not a realist when it comes to war. I find no joy in the death of others. I find no joy in Laden's or Gaddafi's son & grandchildren being killed. I wish there was peace. I wish the Ladens and the Gaddafis of the world felt as I do. To me there is always sadness in death.
So as others cheer bin Laden -- I am happy he is gone, of course, but al-Qaeda is still alive and well, I fear. Some other hardened criminal will take Laden's place, probably as I click this keyboard.
Anyway, it is difficult to celebrate a death, for me. However, I'm sure it is better for the world. I remember when I was a little girl and watched in horror as the house fell and killed the witch -- yes, the witch with the flying monkeys, the aggressive forest, the witch who seeked to harm Toto -- I wanted to be happy when all I saw were her shiny shoes sticking from beneath the house. I wanted to award, in my heart, a medal to Dorothy for hurling such a house. Instead, I secretly wished the witch could have just had a change of heart, used her monkeys and trees for the good of man and handed over the slippers with love. -- some fantasies you just can't hold on to.
