The controversial death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, has come at a time when many Americans, including college students, aren’t sure what to think. Bin Laden was killed in his compound by United States special operations on May 2, in Pakistan. On Wednesday, The Connector asked students what they thought. Some take a deep sense of pride in knowing that he is dead, while others feel that his death was unjust, and perhaps capturing him rather than killing him would have been a better alternative.
“Overall, I think that it’s a great thing, but as far as everything that has happened, I’ll always feel as though there will be someone else to take his place,” said first-year advertising student Justin Sightler. “So, I feel like it will be a temporary solution. There’s not too much that we can do to solve the problem except wait to see what happens next and then try to solve that. It’s like a waiting game.”
Sightler emphasized a fear several expressed of another tyrant rising to take bin Laden’s place, but first-year fashion management student Monique Holt said that his death has given the American public time to catch their breath and feel relieved, if only temporarily.
“I think that it’s a huge problem that has been solved,” said Holt. “It was long over due. He’s been in hiding for a long time, but it does bring closure to those that passed in 9/11. I think that the country is slowly starting to come back together, but I think that security should remain beefed up.”
Holt also said that Americans should remain aware of the possible ramifications stemming from bin Laden’s downfall. “As a country, we should become more aware of our surroundings,” she said. However, first-year sculpture student Jose de Gallo took a different view. “I actually don’t think anything about [bin Laden’s death]; I try to ignore it,” de Gallo said.
De Gallo also said that bin Laden’s death seems to have brought some closure, but the way that his demise came about has left him feeling uncomfortable. “It’s so controversial. It bothers me a little bit. I think that no one should take anyone else’s life. It would have been better if they’d caught him and put him on trial like Saddam Hussein,” said de Gallo. He said that removing troops from Iraq and disproving America’s title as the world police should be the main focus.
First-year video game design student Dionte Walker said that the death of bin Laden didn’t solve any problems, and that the U.S. had a “cold-blooded” style of handling conflicts. “That’s how the U.S. handles stuff,” Walker said. “Run and gun, ask no questions, all that good stuff. Personally, I feel that [bin Laden] was minding his own business, and it was disrespectful to run up in his spot — without ringing the doorbell. It is what it is. America does what they do, and that’s our country. I live here; I love it here. We should just continue in our lives the best that we can.”
While Walker said that America may have approached the situation a bit hastily, first-year photography student Callye Holmes has another perspective. “I’m a military wife, so I have the tendency to side with our chief and commanding officer. War is not pretty, but sometimes necessary. It costs a lot to rebuild, not only financially, but economically, socially and spiritually. War is war.”
Holmes said that above anything else her heart goes out to the families that have been affected by all the tragedies that have come about as a result of the war in Iraq and the terrorist actions of al-Qaeda. She also commented that she has mix feelings about the death of bin Laden.
“I think burying him according to his custom was a very honorable gesture in light of the loss of life. It’s not a happy memory, it’s a bittersweet thought when I think about it. Death is never something to be celebrated,” said Holmes. “Although I feel very patriotic, in spite of everything, to bury someone according to their custom and culture is very respectful of that tradition.”
Holmes also related that war is never something to be taken lightly. “One thing about war, no matter what country, soldiers are soldiers. They are all dedicated and will all die for the cause,” said Holmes. “That’s why they’re soldiers — they took a vow to protect their country and their families, but is [war] beautiful — no.”
In contrast with Holmes, first-year fashion design student Jordan White took a moment to look at the situation more humorously, not to make light of the situation, but to look at it from a different perspective.
“[Bin Laden] was a funny man — hiding around, ducking and dodging, kind of cowardly. I really don’t know what to think of Osama. When they showed the pictures, he looked like he was smiling,” said White. “So, I don’t know, if he was happy, or even if it was really him. He was buried at sea; I hope he doesn’t wash up like the oil spills or anything like that.”
Most students didn’t have an answer about what should happen next. The difficult question is compounded by the fact that bin Laden was not given a trial by judge and jury for his crimes. The consequence is a plethora of unanswered questions.