Osama bin Laden was killed Sunday night

Now that the charismatic leader of al-Qaida is no longer alive, how do I feel, and what happens now -- in our country, in the world?

Some gathered thoughts from others while I get mine in order:

From Michael Caine: Celebrate? His killing does not bring back 1 life he had a part in taking. In life he hurt innocent people; his death may accomplish as much. Celebrating death when someone's life can not be celebrated? Can killing, even someone who caused much violence & destruction, work good? W/ so much hatred & misunderstanding already causing harm, have we thrown gasoline on fires around the world?

From Dona Schaper: In this early time after Osama bin Laden's death, the nation turns to the meaning of the word closure. Ten years ago a terrible thing happened. The anniversary itself is begging us to close this account and its accounting. If revenge could have worked to create closure, revenge would already have its revenge. In the death of the personification of the terrorist act, we have a chance for another kind of closure. Enough, we say, when there is enough blood upon blood. Bastante, in the Spanish, which often has a stronger sound.

Me? I understand the reason for wanting to go after Osama Bin Laden, as the leader who planned the 9/11 attacks and others. It was such a horrendous thing, it's natural to want to go after the leader who planned such destruction and killing. Okay, now we've done that. After 10 years, he was found and killed in a firefight. Where are we now? Does this bring closure? Is this the end of terrorism? I think not. When does violence end violence? I saw a quote yesterday which I believe:

"Yes, it is love that will save our world and our civilization, love even for enemies." MLK, Jr.

We need to get beyond violence and retribution somehow. We need to realize we are all a part of the same family - the human family. As such, we have much more in common that we have realized up to this point. We may have different religions, different cultural customs, different languages, different colors. But we are all still members of the human family and live together on one planet. We need to learn to care for each other or there will never be an end to wars. I pray we learn this.