Osama Bin Laden: Dead

Bye bye, bin Laden

Osama bin Laden, head of the al Qaeda terrorist network, is dead.  GOOD! We should be happy that the man responsible for the death of thousands of innocent people through directing cowardly acts of terrorism has been killed.  We should be thankful for the dedication of the hundreds of people in our military and intelligence organizations...for the skill of our Navy SEAL warriors who took him down. 

Last night in President Obama's speech, he said, "Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we've made great strides in that effort. We've disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot."

But, then, he would have you think that nothing really happened until HE got there: 

"And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda.. I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden...I met repeatedly with my national security team...And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice."  And on it went. "I've made clear, just as President Bush did...Over the years, I've repeatedly made clear that we would take action...These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief..."

He did spend two short paragraphs thanking and recognizing the "countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who've worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome."  And also "the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country" who he said have "borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day."

Truth be told, Obama had little or nothing to do with this victory.  It has been a long 10 year slog by the intelligence, counterterroism, and military personnel.  Obama just happened to be in office at the time.  So while he is quick to blame all of his problems on his predecessor, George W. Bush, he seems more than willing to assign himself credit for something that was in the works through most of the Bush administration.  But, I guess this is not much different than what many politicians do...and that's the problem.  We need Leaders, not politicians.

I do agree with parts of his speech, especially when he said. "The cause of securing our country is not complete."  Bin Laden is dead!  Good.  But he is just one man...an important man to the cause of radical Islam, no doubt...but, one man only.  So while I'm happy that this murderer is gone, I worry that, to his followers it will be a martyr's death with a martyr's cause.