Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Mixed Reviews


What do you think about New York City? Just take a second and think about the first thing that comes to mind...whatever that is...did you think about the tall buildings, the varied masses of people, the fantastic food options, the history, the landmarks, the NYPD, the FDNY, Ground Zero...the World Trade? Perhaps you thought about the New York City you've seen in the movies, or perhaps like me, you live right outside The City and you get to pop in and out on a regular basis. Maybe you're reading this from an apartment building in Brooklyn, or an office overlooking Times Square.

As a Native New Yorker, I think I have the authority to say that New York is the quintessential melting pot: its people and its attitude touching both sides of the spectrum. In terms of politics, we tend to be a "blue state," but you'll find as you talk to people that their views are as varied as their backgrounds.

So I have to tell the truth here: although most New Yorkers seemed happy that Osama Bin Laden is dead, I actually met someone yesterday who was weeping real tears over his demise. For those of you reading in different parts of this country and the world, it might be hard to fathom, but I swear on all that's Good and Holy that this woman was genuinely upset that the United States had taken this action. She went on to tell me that she does not believe in Good and Evil; nor does she believe in Heaven or Hell.

As a jaded New Yorker, I found myself not surprised. Of course, this was one woman, and I don't know her very well. I was in Midtown yesterday; I didn't reach downtown, so I didn't get to see firsthand the makeshift memorials that were springing up once again all over Ground Zero. I'm quite sure the sentiment was different in each little corner of The City; as varied as we are...and I know that there are many people who were able to breathe a collective sigh of relief because of this latest turn of events.

What say you?

5 comments:

  1. I'm from Canada, so I might be a little out of line to be speaking about this...and, to be honest, I don't have all that much to say. I do believe in Heaven and Hell, Good and Evil. I believe that, one day, we will all answer for our actions. My first thought, upon hearing the news, was what sort of retaliation will now be served by his followers, and then what will the US do to that...so on and so forth. This quote stuck out to me and made me think a little deeper than just rejoicing that Bin Laden is gone.

    "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.

    Just some thoughts...

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  2. I will rejoice in the death of Osama Bin Ladin, and I will shout my joy from the rooftops. I, too, believe in good and evil. And I believe that this man's evil was spreading and continues to spread like a wild fire. No light can change the mindset of these individuals. They are void of rational thought and reasoning. They must be taken out one by one by one. If you cross the US we will hunt you down, even if it takes 10 years......My God is a just God. Justice was served. May He bless the 9/11 families and our Military.

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  3. If we had stayed in Afghanistan instead of invading Iraq, this would have happened years ago, and it would have seriously damaged Al Q. It's a victory, but only a symbolic one. It's justice for 911, but far too late to prevent Al Q from becoming strong enough to go on without OSB.

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  4. Love the commentary. All voices welcome.
    Here's my opinion: I have no say compared to those who lost loved ones on 9/11...the shattered families, those left behind...their opinions matter right now, their experience I defer to...if they wish to rejoice, I say let them, because I have a sneaking suspicion that in the past ten years, there has not been a whole lot of rejoicing.
    My instant impression of this woman I met was that she obviously didn't lose anyone on 9/11. Because she was speaking in theories---out of emotion---and my honest hope was that she did not have the opportunity to share her rant with anyone who lost someone that day; right now...they deserve the floor.
    SCW Stella

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  5. The terrorist who led us to Osama Bin Ladin was actually captured in Iraq. Just sayin.

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