Tim Ajmani
The Corsair
The very first thing that I talked about when I joined the Corsair was about how political parties are separating and tearing the United States apart. I said Americans weren’t concerned about Americans; they are concerned about Democrats and Republicans. While this likely won’t change any time soon, at least we saw a glimpse of a united America once again on May 1, 2011. Almost 10 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks that sparked a manhunt unlike anything we’ve seen since perhaps the events that took place in World War II with Adolf Hitler, America was united again as “one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”
Whether President Obama will be reelected or not, the mission that he authorized to kill Osama Bin Laden will be the finest moment of his term as president. The jubilation that was felt by all Americans on May 1 could easily be seen at the White House where thousands gathered, despite it being almost midnight, chanting “USA, USA, USA.” College campuses across the country could be seen with students in the streets celebrating the triumph of the US special forces, despite likely having exams to study for. It was a surreal moment for all Americans, but most particularly those who suffered losses of family and friends during the 9/11 attacks.
Osama Bin Laden’s death doesn’t close the door on the threat of terrorism to the United States and other countries around the world. But it provides a sense of closure for some, sending the message that “justice has been served.” May 1, 2011 showed me that it didn’t matter if you were Republican, Democrat, or a third party supporter; Americans rejoiced as Americans, full of pride for their country and their president. The sacrifice that many United States military servicemen made over the past 10 years was for this moment. Sometimes we forget as a nation how lucky we are to be free. Our thanks as a nation should be for that small group of Navy Seals, who managed to accomplish the biggest feat our country has seen in quite some time.
The political analysts of America will eventually go back to discussing and bickering over which political party has more power, or why Republicans will have the advantage come time for the 2012 election. But May 1, 2011 will be a day that all Americans can point to and say “This is what it felt like to be American.” Yeah, it felt pretty darn good from where I’m sitting.