Now that the US Military finally cornered and killed Osama bin Laden a national debate has emerged about the appropriateness of celebrating the death of an evil man.
It was surreal to hear newscasters and politicians proudly beam about the death of anyone, even someone who deserved worse. It's clear that there's an element of vengeance here, but as Bryan Caplan has written, what's wrong with revenge?
I can't speak for anyone else, but I was happy because we finally found him and stopped him. I think if we had captured him unscathed it would still be a cause for celebration and you'd still hear joyous cries of "we got him." After nearly 10 years, I'd given up hope we'd ever catch up to him, and I wasn't even sure he was alive anymore.
And just because he's dead doesn't mean we should hold back our joy of ending a long, long manhunt for a mass murderer. Following the death of Jerry Falwell, Christopher Hitchens wasn't shy about reminding the public of the awful things the reverend did in life.
I respect peoples who are opposed to celebrating the death of an enemy, but I hope they don't lose sight of the tremendous good that just happened - and remember there is a victory behind the bloodshed. I hope they can find some comfort in knowing a very guilty man will no longer be enjoying a life on the run and a terrorist network is missing a spiritual leader.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Celebrating justice or vengence
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Great post, Michael.
ReplyDeleteThank you for respecting those of us who don't approve of capital punishment and reminding us that we can still celebrate.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
"I was happy because we finally found him and stopped him. I think if we had captured him unscathed it would still be a cause for celebration and you'd still hear joyous cries of 'we got him.'"
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you said this. It is easy to conflate the underlying celebration of him being stopped and found with the celebration of his death. If he was captured alive, then it would be clear who wanted blood and who did not.
To be honest, I am quite surprised that the question of whether or not we should celebrate his death has gained such volume in our country. It's a good question to reflect on. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I too am pleased that people are having this conversation. I think it speaks volumes about where we've come in terms of violence.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind that they shot him. I can't really say I would have been any more accommodating had it been my unit.
ReplyDeleteRevustice!
ReplyDelete