Greg Thrasher at April 13 Lansing rally against PA 4
In our nation because of America’s greatness, dissent and alternative opinions are not only protected but in some venues even welcomed. In a republic where democracy exists due process and the rule of law are part of the foundation of a civil society. When politics define if a person is a terrorist or criminal the summary execution of Osama bin Laden, rather than his capture alive by our military forces brings pause.
For a nation that suffered and still reeks with pain of 9/11 does a war on terror bring justice or vengeance? I prefer justice from the scene of a courtroom rather than the barrel of a gun. The death of Osama bin Laden must be viewed not only in the context of the war on terror. We must also evaluate his death from the perspective of retribution and vengeance. Yet these insights have to be reviewed in the context of our values and principles. Even the purpose of people like Osama bin Laden requires examination.
Osama bin Laden
After we return from the celebrations, political bravado and the media’s agenda in the portrayal of this event at some point we must have the courage to understand why people would wage war against another nation. Why would people wrap themselves in bombs and kill innocents. Why do nations invade the sovereignty of another’s borders? Is there ever a reason for the killing of innocents even when the reasons are inhumanity and oppression?
Is it appropriate for a nation in its quest to defend its borders and citizens to execute a terrorist rather than capture that person and bring them to justice? Can a military force make justice? Should a nation allow its principles and rules of law to be articulated by a barrel of a gun or the rules of engagement in a war on terror? Does justice just belong to those who define it? Are the rules of law just for those who have power? It is JUSTUS or JUSTICE depending on what side you are on?
Bombing in Libya escalates
Can one wage war in a humanitarian fashion? Is a nation correct in ignoring those who call themselves freedom fighters but instead indicting them as terrorists? Is a patriot a cheerleader for a nation’s ego and nationalism? We must have the courage and integrity to ask the questions and challenge the dogma, rhetoric and propaganda.
I choose not to run outside and wave my flag after the death of Osama bin Laden. Instead I prefer to understand why people do what they do. Is it the conditions one lives in or is it a personal decision? I want to wage a movement of humanity. I want to serve in the community of peace and be an advocate for civility and justice that revolves around the respect and dignity of all people everywhere on our planet.
In a nation where evil and good exists I want to always have the ability to decipher the code of justice or vengeance and not allow my government, media, political interest groups and others to decipher this code of justice or vengeance for me. I will always reject the politics of an execution whether it involves a terrorist or the execution of a criminal by the state.
By Greg Thrasher, VOD Contributing Editor
