Of Tragedy and Triumph

Last Wednesday, tornadoes devastated  the South, leaving almost two hundred dead in its path of destruction in Alabama. It was considered the worst tornadic activity since 1925 and might break the record when data analysis has been completed.  More tornadoes occurred the 28th moving up the Atlantic Seacoast causing more havoc and widening the scope of tragedy with additional deaths.

The next day, Will and Kate made their triumphal march in Westminster Abbey, where they vowed to love, honor, and care for one another.  Viewed by more that 2 billion people with some estimates stretching to 3 billion, wedding and recelption stories dominated the news on all channels. Thus came a day of respite for people weary of the previous days of viewing crushed homes, downed trees, and chaos.  We could all rejoice and celebrate the marriage vicariously at watch parties or viewing the event from a comfortable seat in the living room.

Saturday was filled with reporters and commentators discussing the best and worst dressed wedding guests, as well as whether Kates'dress lived up to expectations.  They gushed over Kate's sister Pippa, saying she had revivied the late night party when energy flagged and excitement wanted.  Speculation about a possible flirtation between Harry and Pippa dominated many discussions.  The truth-they've known each other for eight years and behaved like good friends will at a party.

With all of this tragedy and triumph intertwining, the announcement made just before midnight Sunday was both unexpected and long-awaited.  A Special Ops team of navy seals had killed Osama bin Laden and others in the same compound.  President Obama, with his usual articulate flair, provided background and a brief explanation of what had occurred earlier that evening.  At long last, Osama bin Laden experienced the same fate of the thousands his plan killed on 9/11.  I was relieved that the President had succeeded in locating his hideout (albeit rather lush) and planning an attack on the compound.  The architect of the 9/11 massacres will plan no more.  I wish I could tell you that the story ends there, but we all know it doesn't.  At best, Al Qaeda will need long months to regroup.  At worst, retaliatory plans might already be underway.  In one event, we have a triumph of enormous magnitude.  Will tragedy follow?  I leave it to the reader to debate that.