Is Osama Bin Laden Dead?

Tensions have been escalating in America for about the past 10 years. After the events of 9/11, the American morale seemed to fall at the same pace as the economy. Americans sought to quell their fears of more terrorist attacks and yet they longed for retribution as well. They watched as loved ones gave their lives in the War on Terrorism even as those inside the country lost their homes and jobs at an alarming rate. Though many factors have contributed to the state of unrest in America, perhaps no one man was held more responsible than Osama bin Laden.

As much as people criticize Americans, those born and raised here have been taught the details of the birth of America and understand that no matter what Americans have done, the original idea was to create a place where tyranny did not exist. The collective personality of America was built on the idea that change was possible and that people had a social obligation to accept the beliefs of their fellow man, as well as their right to practice them- providing they did no harm to others.

Osama bin Laden and everything he did was an affront to the American belief system. He called us infidels. We call ourselves free men and women. He gave the lives of his men in an effort to destroy America from the inside out. His corrupt twist on the belief of Muslims fed his delusions of grandeur. In a country where all men are created equal, this was simply unacceptable. Yet, we could have let him sit in our minds as another victim of mental illness had he not sought to do us harm.

Not since Hitler has there been a man more in need of removal from the world. If Americans argue about everything else, they would surely come together on this one point: bin Laden's terror had to end.

Every American who wasn't glued to some form of visual technology on Sunday night woke up Monday morning to a nation that celebrated the death of its most vile enemy. Or, did they?

The American legal system is based on concepts and ideals backed by hard evidence. Today, some Americans are still waiting for evidence that Osama bin Laden was killed or at the very least, that he was killed early this week. Though the majority of Americans who were questioned about their belief that bin Laden was killed responded with an overwhelming "yes", some voiced concerns that the details may be inaccurate or that they would like to believe he is dead, but long for firm evidence. Here's what some Americans had to say about when Osama bin Laden was killed and their need for more proof.

"Within the last five days. I am just thinking it took a few days to get his body to the US and perform the necessary testing to confirm identity." - Rose Kitchen, Cleveland

" I do think it's been in the last two days." - Kenzy England, Bonham, Texas

" Yes. While I know people will question it because we basically haven't seen a body (outside of that disturbing photo) and he was quickly buried at sea, I think he was. He wouldn't have been taken alive and would have had one of his men kill him if we didn't." - Lisa Stephenson, Deltona, Florida

Americans need a glimmer of hope right now. While they aren't excited as they wonder what Osama's followers may be planning in retaliation, they want to believe that this terrorist leader is dead. They want to look at their president and feel proud of the call he made. A lot of things are in question right now, but in general, Americans want to have faith in their leaders. And though they may have doubts about what actually happened, there is one unanimous thought wave going through this country and that wave is about pride in our troops.

This all may be a hoax to boost a feel good campaign for our president who would like a second term in office. It may just be a boost to give Americans some hope. Whether you believe what the president and the media say, you have to acknowledge where the true thanks should go.

If you're an American, your thanks shouldn't just be to the Navy SEALS who have been said to have ended Osama's life. Your thanks should be going to every military man and woman who has put their life on the line to protect a country from devastation. Thank them and their loved ones who wait at home for a safe return. Even if you think this is all a media ploy, you have to recognize that our troops don't follow orders because they seek front page glory. They do it because they feel a need to devote at least a part of their life to preserving the freedoms of their fellow country men and those that are oppressed throughout the world. Now, those fact are something that Americans can believe without question.

References: Personal experience and interviews, Facebook Poll