Edd’s MANtra: Bittersweet Revenge

Last night, while I was kicking back and enjoying new episodes of Ninja Warrior, the wifey posed an intriguing question: “Did Osama bin Laden die?” At the time, her question went in one ear and out of the other: I was too mesmerized by a 60-year-old man dressed as an octopus stumbling through an obstacle course.


If you don’t watch Ninja Warrior, you’re missing a treat.


Anyway, Javacia’s news was confirmed late last night. From cnn.com:

Osama bin Laden is dead, sources told CNN Sunday night.


A senior U.S. official tells CNN that Osama bin Laden was killed by the U.S. forces in a mansion outside the Pakistani capital of Islamabad along with other family members.

*Mortal Kombat voice* U.S. wins. Flawless victory.


This morning our TV and computer screens were flooded with images of hundreds of people cheering the slayings of a man who orchestrated the deaths of nearly 3,000 innocents. And while I also rejoice with my nation as our mission was finally truly accomplished (word to Dubya), I don’t really share the elation that many others feel.


Now before you stop reading this and hit up Twitter to call me a Commie terrorist or something, hear me out. I don’t plan to show up at Bin Laden’s grandma’s house with a sympathy card and fried chicken for the repass service. There is no way any human being can defend Bin Laden’s actions. He’s responsible for the loss of thousands of lives, ripping apart families and forcing our country in a seemingly perpetual state of war.

Still, I find no joy in the slaying of another human – not even a human as wretched as bin Laden. In fact, I pity him. I pity him for his blind hatred – a hatred that ultimately cost him his life.


I only pray that he got his life right with God before he received that fatal shot. If not, he won’t see 72 virgins where he’s going.