By Eric Nickols
Round Table reporter

Shortly before midnight on May 1 eastern time, President Obama announced the death of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. As the news of this incident raced across the world, sounds of cheering erupted across the country while large crowds were drawn to the gates of the White House and the streets of New York.

This act raises an important question: is it right to celebrate the death of someone, even if this someone happens to be one of the most feared terrorist across the globe?

For many of the victims of the 9/11 tragedy, the death of bin Laden brought closure and peace. The man who took the lives of many cherished family members has finally received what he deserves.

Many U.S. citizens face internal conflicts regarding this ethical dilemma. Even though bin Laden has caused our country an immeasurable amount of distress and fear, is it morally wrong to celebrate the death of him in such a festive fashion?

In my opinion, it is wrong to celebrate the death of someone. Now I understand the pain and damage that this man has inflicted upon this country, but still I hold my point of view.

My view on this situation does not come from any religious morals, I just believe that it is not ethically right to thank god for the death of anyone. How can assassinating someone be a time of joyful celebrations and parading down the streets of New York?

I do however believe that Osama bin Laden’s death is beneficial to our country’s national security. But this is still no reason to thank God that a man has been killed.

When al Qaeda members are seen celebrating the death of a U.S. soldier, we look at them with disgust, so how is this situation any different? We cannot disagree with the actions of al Qaeda members when we just turn around and do the very same thing.