Complicated: In Your Words

The following are excerpts from some of your comments yesterday (every one of them was amazing, thank you) which I wanted to post, here, for those who didn't get a chance to read them. Thank you all for participating in such a respectful discussion in the comments, yesterday. As usual, you made me feel like I'm part of a tribe of like-minded humans. You also challenged my thinking and made me appreciative that we live in a world where we can openly express our fears and doubts. And hope. I'm beyond lucky to share this space with such compassionate people. Thank you for being.

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Part of me rejoices for the troops who are fighting (my stepson-in-law included), part of me is sad because this was some mother's son, part of me cannot bring myself to rejoice over any death, and the rest of me is just muddled. I think it is okay to be stuck in this gray area. As long as we agree to keep thinking, pondering, wondering, and learning. Oh...and questioning. That is the most important. - Jen

Under no circumstances is death a reason for celebration; relief, yes. But celebrating seems so wrong in so many ways. - NodtoStyle

Thomas Beller put it best on his twitter, I think. "No cheering mobs, or anyone, on Manhattan's Upper West. Went to Strawberry Fields for some reason, stood on 'Imagine.' Peered at tulips." -Hayley

We can celebrate the lives that were lost or the intelligence and military efforts put into the project...but seeing people draping big American flags on their cars and screaming elatedly about death? That makes me uneasy. - Anonymous

My brother is a Navy SEAL and I love him and I'm so proud of him but it's always been difficult for me to know how to feel about what his job entails. It helps to remember that it's OK to feel conflicted... that every story has it's many sides. My brother is warrior as well as a very caring person. Now when I get the chance to talk to him, I'll have some perspective on what I've been mulling over and maybe I'll find the words to fuel a meaningful conversation -- which is what it's all about. - MB

I don't feel like violence can bring peace. And in this case it doesn't even bring peace of mind. - sara no h

For my children I want a world in which things are ideal, where I can say killing is always 110% wrong, because it is. He was a twisted, awful man whose heart had hardened long ago.... I hate how he and his ilk have loosened more hate and destruction in our world... But I refuse to let situations make me hate other people...Though I can certainly empathize with the rejoicers I could never feel joy in killing. I feel sadness, a seriousness, a terribly painful door closing but not jubilation. And yet when I try to explain to my pure hearted daughter... words fail. -Loodles

If anything his death assured the American people that we are doing the right thing. That our plan is working. That war is the way to go. And I am not sure that I can stand behind that... As far as explaining this to my child? I haven't event began. -Cassie Boorn

I believe more than anything that now is a time to pray for peace. - Heather

On NPR this morning, there was a college student from New York city, brought to tears, because he felt like this meant we never gave up on those who lost their lives. And this was a time to celebrate them. And to celebrate the end of a period where a horrible, mean, ill-informed spec of a human had any control over anything. - Dinner Party Central

In today's world I am adamantly anti-grave dancing. There are people all over the world who will see our act of vengeance as an act of war and hatred will continue to be perpetuated. It does bring relief, but it was not an act of peace by any means. - Katiedidtoo.

"A true warrior never rejoices in the killing of his enemy..." (TAO saying) - Cynthia

I want the next ten years to be filled with hope instead of fear. That's the only thing I hope comes out of it. - Kate

I can't shake the feeling that hate begets hate, but similarly can't stop thinking that there was a collective sigh heard round the world. I hope that we are healing. I hope that we are moving forward. - Amelia Walton

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that" -Martin Luther King, Jr - (many of you posted this quote from MLK. Thank you. Exactly.)

EDITED TO ADD: The above MLK quote isn't an accurate MLK quote. (Thanks for the heads up, Melody & Nannette) More on that, here.