Reaction to Osama Bin Laden’s death has met with mixed reactions here in Wichita KS. Of course many people, including members of the Patriot Guard, Legion bikers held a parade to support U.S. military. Some Kansas politicians also made positive statements. Mike Pompeo, District 4 of the US House of Representatives issued this statement;
"I am thrilled to learn that America has defeated one of our greatest enemies, the former head of Al Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden.
"As a former member of the armed services, I am deeply proud of the courageous work performed by my brethren who worked so doggedly to take down Bin Laden. For years, our intelligence officers, soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors have committed themselves to combating the scourge of terrorism. They deserve our most sincere appreciation for a job well done and I am grateful that those Americans who are responsible for this success are able to return home, unharmed.
"America is now more secure as a result of the strength of our armed services and those who brought this long-running pursuit to a decisive and successful end. We need also to remember those who gave their lives in this effort -- they will never be forgotten,"
Yet there were a few people, many from the Peace and Social Justice Center of South Central Kansas, who were not comfortable with the idea of celebrating a persons death, even if that person was bad. According to Janet Perrell;
Since the "war on terror" began, it has created thousands of Bin Ladens. He's a martyr now and this announcement and the way the US is playing it will most likely create even more. To respond to the 9/11 attack with 2 endless wars and occupations, torture, secret prisons and the deaths of around a million soldiers and civilians has not made us more safe and celebrating his death is jingoistic and barbaric.
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