Taliban retribution to Osama’s death

After hearing of the death of Osama bin Laden, many Americans’ first thoughts, after pride, were of fear. They believed that the death of bin Laden would turn him into a martyr for the extremist cause and create a rash of retribution. It would appear that people’s fears are founded. On Friday, May 13, a pair of Taliban bombers attacked Pakistani police recruits killing 80 and wounding 120 people. This was the first act of retaliation following bin Laden’s death. The Taliban took credit for this act, claiming it was to express anger at the Pakistani government for allowing American military action within their own country. Islamic extremists have promised more attacks to avenge bin Laden’s death. Anti-American sentiment is high in the Middle East and indeed throughout the world.
I cannot imagine what kind of mentality it takes to be able to commit suicide while murdering scores of others. I cannot imagine the harsh doctrine and intense devotion to that doctrine that pervades that society. I don’t understand how extremists gain a following in any country because their policy is so personally damaging. I cannot comprehend terrorists or their motivations. I fully support the raid that brought about Osama’s death. And I believe that military actions are necessary to keep this country and its citizens safe.
The fear of retribution cannot keep Americans from protecting their country and, more importantly, their ideals. Because America is so strong, it is her duty to stand up for justice throughout the world. No other country has the power and influence of America. We should use that influence to uphold the ideas of our founding fathers as written in the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. ”
That’s right, ALL men. Every person, in every corner of the world, has a right to basic equality. These Islamic extremists want to restrict those rights. They have taken thousands of lives, would restrict freedom of religion and speech if they had the chance, and have taken away the happiness of others as many live in fear. These ideas, these basic tenets, on which our country is based must be upheld. To create a better world for all people, Americans cannot live in fear. We must fight for the rights that our forefathers fought for; we must fight against repression and terrorism; we must fight for the world because we are strong enough to do so. We must fight so that no one would need to live in fear. We must fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.