Dickinson ROTC urges for productive dialogue

My friend, a member of Dickinson ROTC posted this video in response to both a YouTube video posted against ROTC and the Osama death rallies as well as in response to having his house (the ROTC house) broken into and scattered with hurtful and accusatory signs. I think he states the problem and the need for dialogue very well. I wish it was more videos like this that represented Dickinson, rather than the unfortunate footage of the celebrations.

I would sincerely urge anyone who has been angered or upset by the reactions to Osama bin Laden's death to talk to him and other members of ROTC. I think open dialogue (truly open, not just pretending to be open) is important on both sides of this issue. I think this video reaches out in a very respectful way.

Those in the opposition who posted the original video have removed it. I kind of wish it were still up so I could see that statement as well, but perhaps in retrospect, the makers of the video were not proud of its content.

I myself feel fairly middle of the road on this event. I was not out there screaming or celebrating, though I understood it, and I also was not one to angrily voice my disgust, though I felt some of that as well. I have friends on both side.

I have been more impressed by the conversations I've had in all my classes about the event on Sunday May 1st than by the event itself. I have heard people with dissenting opinions speak so eloquently about their position rather than spewing hateful rhetoric (which I mentioned in my last post). I wish these conversations could be the videos and images that represent us. People have become more reflective since the event and I am proud to see a true dialogue taking place. I hope it continues and I am able to take part in it further. It is a great chance for our campus to grow and I am seeing people take advantage of that. Please be one of the helpers, not an agitator, it does not mean you have to give up any of your beliefs, just to listen.

I could do well in following my own advice as well.

Spoke too soon

I seem to have spoken too quickly. At Dickinson college alone, people have fractured into the celebrators and those disgusted, hurt and embarrassed by the celebrating. I do not fall clearly into either category. While I find fault with the drunken, shirtless boys running around using this as an excuse to party and celebrate, I also find fault with people throwing the words "riot" and "fascist" around. First of all, fascism as defined by Merriam Webster Dictionary online as:  


"a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition". 


Anyone who calls this act against Bin Laden a result of fascism in the US is simply wrong. I do not come down hard on many reasonable opinions, but calling celebrators fascist is utterly incorrect. Bin Laden declared war on the U.S. By doing that and by killing thousands, he became an enemy and a target for the U.S. His killing in a military operation is, by the law, legitimate. That being said, there is still a reason I am unable to celebrate death, but lets not get issues confused here.


Ironically, I found most of the people yelling "go home fascists" to the celebrators were people who (let's face it) probably voted for Obama. Obama gave the order to take Bin Laden down, and now republicans, who may not have supported him in the past, respect him for those orders. If you love Obama so much and would never call him a fascist, how are those who celebrate an action he ordered be?


I hate to come off harsh, but I kinda have the feeling no one reads this anyway. Anyway, clearly its a whirlwind of emotion for everyone involved, but the two extreme groups I am finding coming out scare me more than anyone who is simply happy that Bin Laden is dead...

Osama Bin Laden... Dead

So by now, I'm sure everyone has heard, but as was just confirmed by our president a couple minutes ago, Osama Bin Laden is dead.

He had been hiding in a mansion in Pakistan and today an operation was undertaken to storm this residence and Osama Bin Laden was killed after enduring a fire fight and his body was seized by U.S. military operatives. His death is confirmed and the country has heaved more than just a sigh of relief and now raises their voice in celebration. It is a day many have been waiting for.

I struggle a bit, perhaps it's the religious side of me, in celebrating. I must first disclaim and say that I am whole-heartedly glad, relieved and feel as though justice has been done with Bin Laden's most deserved death. That being said the concept of celebrating a death, even of the most evil, and horrific man ever is difficult for me. I also completely understand the instinct to celebrate, people need something concrete, some real justice or hope to hold on to in this world that we live in, and that I support. Perhaps the best way to describe it is that I am saddened by his life, and gladdened by his death. He caused so much death and destructive in his life and it is better for all that it is over, but the life he lived was truly sad and pathetic.

Now the concern is that his supporters will strike back, naming him a martyr and retaliating against the U.S. It is a legitimate concern, but what does comfort me is the fact that the Pakistani government offered the U.S. support in this operation. In the next few days, more information will begin to emerge I'm sure, and the best part of Obama's speech was in calling for America to unite again as it did after 9/11. Perhaps that kind of unity can stick beyond events such as great tragedies and great successes in our country. On this night, Conservatives and Liberals and all those in between and beyond have come together in relief and in the celebration of justice.


I am curious to see how the rest of the world, especially the Middle Eastern and Arab world responds and reacts to this. Not the extremists, but the true people.

We will learn a lot in the coming days I'm sure. Keeping my eyes and ears open.