“Do not rejoice when your enemies fall,
and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble.” - Proverbs 24:17 (Posted on my Aunt's facebook page)

“I’ve never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure.” - Mark Twain - heard on the radio yesterday, and on various sites and blogs.

In light of Bird's post from yesterday, it's hard to know exactly how to react to the news of Osama bin Laden's demise. I will, however, tell you how I reacted when my wife woke me up Sunday night to let me know that bin Laden had been taken out. I was half asleep, but I remember my one-word response:

"sweet."

The man perpetrated a great evil, and I believe justice was done. But if he never repented and received Christ, his eternity is a horrible thing to contemplate. Not sweet at all. And my sins, as much as his, put Jesus on the cross.

A few other observations:

1. I didn't vote for him, and I won't vote for him in 2012 (unless something really earth-shattering changes inside me or with him), but I was proud of our President following the news. Ordering this kind of take-down is never without major risks. He could have chosen an easier way, such as an air strike, but he didn't. He deserves major credit for this. While I assume that some of the intel that led to bin Laden's whereabouts was gathered under GWB's administration, and I think some credit may be shared, Obama deserves huge congratulations. It was under his watch that the long hunt was finally finished.

2. What can be said for the brave men in the strike force? Incredible skill and courage! And they will have a story to tell forever (even if only amongst themselves - I don't know if their identities will be declassified). I'm a tee-totaller, but I'd buy numerous rounds of brewskis for these guys if I could. I'm thankful none of our people were hurt or killed, and that it appears that casualties as a whole were kept to a minimum.

3. I think both Obama and GWB have been classy in the aftermath. In addition, some conservatives have shown class as well by congratulating the President, and some liberals have shown class by not getting overly political about this American achievement. Others, of course, on both sides, have been jerks, but that's to be expected.

I think it's cool that Obama invited GWB to ground zero, and that GWB declined. Well done on both parts.

Former President George W. Bush has turned down President Barack Obama’s invitation to join him at ground zero on Thursday, citing his desire to avoid the media glare.

“President Bush appreciated the invite, but has chosen in his post-presidency to remain largely out of the spotlight,” Bush spokesman David Sherzer told POLITICO in an email Tuesday night. “He continues to celebrate with all Americans this important victory in the war on terror.”