I think this is a time where we need to be somewhat forgiving of our fellow Americans for emotional comments made in the first few days. I personally went the full gamut of reactions: shock, disbelief, denial, lost hope, deep sorrow, and rage. If you took a snapshot of what I was thinking during these times, it ranged from complete hopelessness towards the entire human race, to total rage and a desire to strike back blindly with neutron bombs.
The internet is both cathartic and a damning record. Let's not linger on specific comments made during the first few days, but unite behind the common themes of America: compassion, sense of justice, resolve, freedom.
I am willing to forgive those like Falwell that have made outrageous comments if they come on and ask for forgiveness, as I ask for forgiveness for the thoughts I have had in the immediate aftermath.
bin Laden is obviously a very smart individual. He knows how to organize, he knows how to motivate, he knows how to bring down structures and kill people. But, he doesn't understand America AT ALL, and that will be his downfall. |
