Monday, May 2, 2011

Have we become what we have condemned?

Flashback with me to September 11, 2001. Do you remember where you were when the World Trade Center was attacked? Do you remember the images you saw? Do remember the images that invoked the various emotions you experienced.? Which image spawned the most rage? Which images made you want to drag the bowels of those responsible down the streets of NYC in protest??

For me, the image that angered me the most were those of the people around the world that were celebrating our misery. I remember seeing children dancing in the streets in celebration of the thousands of American lives taken. I remember the lack of remorse and wondering how anybody could be so thoughtless. I remember wishing I could run over those little dancing bastards in my pick-up truck. I was mad. I had some very unhealthy anger. I didn't have a relationship with Christ at the time.

Now, almost 10 years later we have breaking news during the night that Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind behind those attacks on our nation has been killed and justice has been served. For that I am grateful. I am not proud of how Americans have responded.  All over television news I see American dancing and celebrating in the streets chanting "USA....USA....". We don't even look like Americans. We are acting like.......THEM! Where are the American patriots? Where is our class? Where is our Christianity?

My friend Jake "the Bear" McGill put it best today in a Facebook post. He said " As much as it is in our hearts to celebrate, a soul was lost that didn't know Jesus". This is a time for quite reserved celebration of justice. Not a pour into the streets celebration like we just won World Cup Soccer. Much of the southeast US is currently pulling together to assist storm ravaged areas in one of the biggest natural disasters I have ever been witness to. The response is overwhelming as big hearted Americans put life aside to aid those in need. This is the America I am proud of.  I am not proud of the disrespectful blood lust I am seeing in response to Bin Laden's death. Am I glad he's dead? Yep. Was Justice served? Partly, yes but there's more to go in what is now and endless struggle for us in the war against terrorism.


I am ashamed of some of our nation today. When did we lose compassion, respect, honor, dignity and the overall appreciation for human life, even the lives of our enemy? Indeed we have become what we have condemned. It makes me a bit sick. There's something to pray about.

4 comments:

Valerie said...

I have to say that this is one of the best ones so far...well done.

Vixcave said...

Thanks Val!

Vixcave said...

http://dawg-extra.blogspot.com/2011/05/quick-thought-on-news-of-day.html


For a different perspective.

Vixcave said...

My dear friend and family member Danya posted this in response which perfectly sums up this blog post at it's very core:

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." --Martin Luther King, Jr.

It doesn't get any better than that folks!