As much as I despise assassinations...

It feels really weird to be happy about the death of a human being, even one so obviously evil. I must admit I feel a little safer, knowing that Osama bin Laden is no longer out there, even though logically the odds of being harmed by terrorism are extremely slim. There's a relief one feels, that is disproportionate to actual degree of change in the world this one violent act brings. That sense of catharsis must no doubt be far more pronounced in those that were closer to the tragedies of 9/11, and those more patriotic (or fearful) than myself.

Morally and intellectually, I despise and repudiate our nation's policy of assassination. It undermines the ideals by which a right and just nation should operate, and specifically stands in bitter contrast against against the principles of the Constitution of our nation in particular. I believe in due process, the right to a fair trial, the right to face one's accusers, and I am even opposed to the death penalty.

The case in favor of the death of Bin Laden is about as strong as such a case can be made, in the absence of a proper trial. He publicly took credit for the September 11th attacks, which is probably the only evidence that matters. He has been "public enemy no. 1" for a decade, the living justification for unjust wars. His continued survival over the years has no doubt emboldened those who seek to inflict harm and terror upon the world (regardless of which organizations or nations they belong to). Any trial that might have come from his capture was unlikely to bring any heightened level of justice, but would only serve as spectacle or even provocation for further extremism. As much as a man can be said to deserve to die, he did. As much as justice can be done in such a case, it has been.

I remain steadfast in my opposition to assassination, violence, war, murder, terrorism, totalitarianism, and tyranny; At the same time I take comfort and security in knowing that Bin Laden was captured, killed, and buried at sea in rapid succession. I am hopeful that this dark accomplishment might help restore sanity to a nation (and a world) that has been far too eager to sacrifice it's principles and freedom in the often unbalanced pursuit of safety. It's time to move on.