I am feeling a tremendous amount of pressure with this being my first post. Well, perhaps not tremendous considering few people are reading right now. It’s okay though, because like our President, we gonna do big things!
This brings me to my topic of concern. Irrespective of personal or political beliefs, Osama bin Laden’s death is, without a doubt, a big thing. Some disagree with the significance of his death, others disapprove of the methodology in our approach in seeking justice. However, killing Osama bin Laden is viewed to be a symbolic victory in our long fight against terrorism. It is safe to assume that his death will dominate the media for weeks to come.
But what about that awful event that occurred that previous Wednesday? You know, that day when approximately 100 tornadoes ripped through the Southern states of Alabama, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia and Kentucky? It has left thousands homeless and over 350 dead- a number likely to increase. Prior to Sunday’s news, I was concerned about the coverage of the tornado disaster, considering it scant and basic. Our collective neglect of what is a national tragedy is shameful, especially with the amount of damage it caused. Recovery efforts are expected to cost billions of dollars. Shaw University-the nation’s oldest HBCU- will not be able to continue classes for the rest of the semester. This, here, sounds like a big thing.
Americans have showcased the capacity of our emotions when in response to events that carry great emotional weight. We cannot allow for one celebratory moment to distract us from one involving human suffering just because it is convenient. The death of Osama bin Laden might offer some closure for years of pain but for the Southern states affected this is only the beginning.
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