Tuesday, May 3, 2011

I can't cheer

My niece, Aimee, posted this on her Facebook wall:


”I will 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

When I heard that Bin Laden had been killed, my initial reaction was shocked, then relived, but I just couldn't cheer.  I didn't really know how to describe my feelings.  The guy did some horrific, evil things--and I loath what he did.  I am sickened by what he was responsible for.... 

However, I did not suffer directly from any of his actions, so I I decided that I best not say much.  If I had lost a loved one in 911, maybe I would have cheered also.  (I kind of doubt it, but I'm not sure, and I can't say what I'd do if I had).

Then, when Aimee posted Martin Luther King, Jr's quote, that rang true for me.  I'm definitely not sad about what happened, but I'm not glad either.  I simply can't cheer.

1 comment:

cindy said...

amen. thank you for that.