The Death of Osama Bind Laden: Revenge vs. Justice

As the new spread Sunday night that President Obama had an important national security announcement to make many began to speculate about the specifics. As the announcement was delayed news media outlets began to leak the fact that Osama Bind Laden, the worlds most wanted terrorist had been killed. In an anti-climatic statement

President Obama confirmed what was already known around the world. Nevertheless spontaneous chants of USA broke out across the nation. America was rejoicing in the death of a mad man. For some reason my elation did not match many of those on my twitter feed or on television. I could not bring myself to rejoice in the death of a man even if it were a mass murderer. It got me to thinking about the subject of revenge versus justice.

Like many Americans my anger was hot when I witnessed the destruction of the twin towers on 9/11. I grieved the lives of thousands of men, women and children. Henceforth thousands of American soldiers have given there lives in defense of our country. Over the years, (10 years to be exact) my anger has waned. The images of twin towers collapsing did not produce as strong of an emotion. 10 years ago I was ready to join the armed forces at the ripe age of 30 to exert my revenge on the bastard that dared to attack my country but now I was comforted with justice.

What is the difference between justice and revenge you ask? As someone who has treated hundreds of people in anger management classes over the years I have seen people burn with the yoke of revenge and others who found comfort in the idea of impending justice.

Revenge can be defined as “To inflict punishment in return for injury or insult” but I think for many it holds a deeper emotional meaning. Many of my anger management clients are driven and sometimes haunted by thoughts of revenge. It consumes their thoughts and dictates their every action. Revenge is also fueled by anger. Most are angry at an injustice or a perceived injury and can not seem to let it go. I understand forgiveness can be a difficult act when we have suffered a great loss and I do not ask all my clients to make a choice to forgive, sometimes they are just not ready. I do ask my clients to give up the right to inflict vengeances upon the offender themselves. I ask them to pray for justice and if need be demand justice.

Justice takes the responsibility and burden out of your hands. Justice allows you to apply point hope on the present and the future rather than the past. When your ex has cheated on you or your boss consistently berates you in front of your peers thoughts of revenge can seem sweet but overtime they turn bitter and exhausting.

Justice is sometimes quick but mostly agonizingly slow. It took 10 years for justice to prevail in the case of the United States. We demanded Justice and did not forget the horrendous crimes of Osama Bin Laden but we also insured her birth in a systematic pursuit, not allowing emotion or obsession abort her.

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