Like the rest of America, Schoharie County is celebrating the death of Osama bin Laden.
And if the celebration here lacks fireworks and sign-waving crowds, it is no less sincere.
The killing of the terrorist leader gave many quiet satisfaction that the decade-long hunt for bin Laden was over. Some, however, questioned celebrating anyone’s death, even the man behind the 9/11 attacks.
Here’s the local reaction:
•Nate Corlew: “It’s a good thing, but I wonder about the repercussions. I’m really glad, but I just can’t believe they dropped him in the water instead of bringing him back.”
•Mike Dewey: “It’s good. . .it was going to happen sooner or later.” There’s some remorse rejoicing in someone’s death, “but then I remember 10 years ago, watching on TV.”
•Gordon Delpit: “It was something that was going to happen. But I kind of have a lack of passion about it. I’m not celebrating someone’s death.”
•Bruce Loveys: “I’m not jumping with joy. I’m not taking pleasure in someone’s death. I’m glad that that part’s over, and I’m glad it happened under Obama’s presidency. A chapter’s over, but it’s just a chapter, not the whole story.”
•Dick Frank: “He’s been number-one on the list. He knew the day he did the Trade Center that he was a dead man. It was part of his lifestyle, I guess. It’s a mindset we don’t understand.”
•Sheriff Tony Desmond: “I think it was a good thing. Too bad it didn’t happen a few years ago. I’m proud the President was right in his decision to go in and no Americans were killed. It shows what the military can do to protect us from terrorism. I’m 100 percent behind them.
• Elliott Adams: I can’t celebrate the killing of someone, no matter who he is or who I think he is. If we, as Americans believe in international humanitarian law, then we should have arrested Bin Laden, established his guilt, and punished him.”
Bin Laden’s death also prompted a lot of discussion on the Times-Journal’s Facebook page where we asked readers. “Tell us what you think. Is it about time? Does it mean the War on Terror is over? Will there be consequences for the US? Does it provide closure? Are you uncomfortable celebrating anyone’s death—even Bin Laden’s?”
Here are some of the responses:
•Dawn Schaefer Davis: “I hate to see any death, but in this case, it had to happen. He was given the chance to stop and give himself up and he refused.”
•Natalie Kimball: “I’m a little worried about retaliation. He got what was coming to him but I think his followers will want to avenge his death.”
•Karen Brecker: “Yes, it’s about time. No, the War or Terror isn’t over as long as his followers and others like him are walking and talking…There are always consequences against the US, no matter what we do or don’t do. I’m not celebrating anything about him—not even his death—but am glad he’s dead.”
•Tammy Vyskocil-Koeberle: “It restores faith in our armed forces and government, that they are on top of things…they had been tracking him for months and were waiting for the opportunity to get him.
•Laurie Wilson Smida: “No one’s death should be celebrated…I don’t think the US should be assassinating anyone, no matter who they are. Should have taken him prisoner and tried him before a world court….he will now be martyred, which will only fuel the radical Islamists and terrorists. I am more fearful now than ever…”
•Theresa Olsen: “A reflection: I will not celebrate violence. Not personally, not globally. And…’Those who live by the sword shall die by the sword.” Bin Laden chose to live by the sword. I am not surprised that his choices brought about his violent death and those who were with him.”
•Dan Pillsbury: “Perhaps I have a different perspective, being prior military…I have no issues with the assassination concept, but why…didn’t we use this Black Ops approach vs. the invasion of Afghanistan resulting in the number of troops lost?”
• Sharon Aernecke Aitchison: “I am uncomfortable celebrating anyone’s death, but I am not unhappy Osama Bin Laden is no longer here to terrorize the world…[but] we need to remain vigilant in the efforts against terrorism. I do wish our troops could be back in the US looking after the dire needs here” Alabama etc…”
•Ron Trask: “I think it proves through persistence and preparation, even the most difficult task can be completed. It also proves the strength of our resolve to protect our citizens…there’s no remorse from me for Bin Laden’s death.”
•Nancy Brumaghim: “I am thankful for the men and women in our military for giving me the life I lead…I, too, am not saddened at all by his death…however, this is not the end. But what makes people celebrating in the streets here any different from them celebrating after 9/11?...”
•Pamela Baxter-Tichy: “I do not celebrate the death of a man, but rather the death or evil…I believe in a just God and I believe in the heart and soul of America…”
•Mike Lavigne (serving in Afghanistan): “My troops and I saw the announcement live from Kabul. There was about 10 minutes of high-five time and then it was back to the mission. I feel like his death brings some closure to the people affected by 9/11 and the wars fought in its aftermath, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s a footnote. There’s still a great deal of work to do here…”