They wouldn't be happy if Jesus Christ himself came down and

[texpatriot2004]

handed them money. Ok, so the actual Southern quote is "she wouldn't be happy if Jesus Christ himself came down and handed her a $5 bill." Oh Geez-o-Pete! Oh for Pete's sake.

I think it is awful that "we", in the broad sense of the term, as Americans, are never satisfied, nothing is ever enough, nothing is good enough for us that we cannot find fault, criticize and thereby sacrifice any gratitude we may have regarding the topic at hand; how sad. I think it is dreadful that we cannot be pleased even for a short time period, a few hours, or perhaps one entire day at least.

For instance, the news of Bin Laden's death had barely surfaced when immediately people are saying, asking, demanding that we leave Iraq and Afghanistan. It is not my intention to debate that issue, nor do I disagree necessarily, I am merely illustrating a point. Can we take a moment, can we take a breath and savor the "now" - what good can we find and appreciate right now? Another example that comes to mind is the request for "proof" of Bin Laden's death. All in good time I say. I can't imagine that President Obama and the people involved in this mission have not already anticipated the demands of Americans like Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, Sarah Palin, etc. and their followers not to mention the legitimate, sincere requests made by other Americans who are inclined to support the President and the Government for such "proof." I am certain that this was anticipated and planned for by President Obama and his team. After all, President Obama is a great chess player so to speak.

In my opinion, part of this issue, is the demand for "proof" in general these days, but specifically regarding the death of Bin Laden. I suppose we have grown up in the age of "proof". I am all for questioning authority. I am in favor of doubting until you believe. I think it is important for us to use the brain we were given; privately, as individuals and collectively too. I know that this involves a process of coming to believe, of gaining experience and wisdom. I believe as Thomas Jefferson said that "dissent is the highest form of patriotism." Still, I wonder is our demand for "proof" of Bin Laden's death because we are so jaded, so cynical, or is it because we repeat talking points and don't think for ourselves, because we follow instead of leading, or maybe it is because we have "lost our innocence" as Americans or our lack of humility, or because we have no faith in our fellows - especially those who belong to a different political party and do not share our same beliefs? Who knows? I'm sure it is a combination of many factors. Nonetheless, a more important questions is what has become of us that we are so macabre, so desensitized to death and to gruesome images. Not to mention we have lost our, what is it, respect for the dead? There was a time in our history when even the bodies of the enemy were treated with a human dignity. What is that? Is it compassion, empathy, respectfulness? I'm not sure how to articulate this concept? I, for one, don't want "proof" and don't need it. I find the idea of circulating photos of the dead disturbing, disrespectful, and despicable. The raid was witnessed by some of our officials, the body was buried at sea which was witnessed by people as well. Personally, I am grateful that our Government demonstrated spiritual depth, strength of character, and moral fiber by respecting the dead - I don't care who the dead is - in this case, Bin Laden, yes, a monster, an enemy, but being respectful is not about him, it's about us. What kind of people are we? What are our values? How will we behave? Will we do the right thing?

A last point, what if it were Bush in charge and he did this same thing? Would I want proof? Would I demand photos? I wonder. I had many reasons to distrust George W. Bush and his Administration. My first thought is it wouldn't be an issue because the Bush Administration never pursued Bin Laden. In my opinion, they didn't want to catch him due to his Saudi connections. I could be right? I could be wrong? This is only my opinion. Perhaps, I too would want "proof" if the shoe were on the other foot? Why is that I wonder? What happened along the way?

I am grateful that Bin Laden was killed. That sounds terrible to me as a human being to say. But I am glad they "got him." I don't care if he was armed when they killed him. I don't want the details. I am grateful to those in the United States military, to those who serve America in ways that facilitate this mission and others like it. I wish we lived in a world where such a service was not necessary but that is not the case.

Again, for me, I don't want "proof" I don't want to see the photos. I am satisfied that adults are in charge at the White House and that their judgment is sound two things that I could never say about the Bush Administration.