American Values Tattered by bin Laden’s Death

By Storm Kelley –

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
and to the republic for which it stands
one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for…. all?”

This is defined as the Pledge of allegiance. The Pledge is recited before school starts and at the beginning of a sporting event. In simple terms, the Pledge states that the person reciting the Pledge is in allegiance with the republic’s rules, stands undivided under the United States, is independent and that everyone will receive equal punishment for crimes done.

Maybe the definition of “justice” has changed sine June 14, 1954 (flag day) when the final changes to the Pledge were made.

On September 11 2001, America was untied under hatred and pursued vengeance to the wrongs done to them. After 10 years, on May 1st, 2011, Osama bin Laden was murdered by an elite group of U.S. Navy SEALs. Bin Laden, who plotted terroristic threats against the United States and was a known conspirator behind the September 11 attacks, was hidden inside a compound thought to be in accords with the Pakistani government.

A teacher at Penn Manor high school, who requested to stay anonymous said, “Justice was served.”

American citizens pledge to equality and freedom.

Recent actions say otherwise. Equality and freedom must not extend to the humanity outside the borders of  our territory. Osama bin Laden was charged and executed on the same day.  The code with which all Americans live upon, referred to as the Constitution has no indication of a statement such as “your right to life does not exceed the right of the American government to end it.

However, the constitution does quote, under the 6th amendment, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial.”

The proper argument would be that Osama was a direct threat to the United States and was not an American.

The justice system is the foundation of “the land of the free and home of the brave,” yet to the convenience of the American Government, all rules and regulations are thrown out.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Rashard Mendenhall quoted on his twitter account, “What kind of person celebrates death? It’s amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We’ve only heard one side…”

The United states began an “eye for an eye” campaign after the assassination of Osama Bin Laden.  Just because our country is doing it, doesn’t make it right.