Community Corner

Residents React to News of Bin Laden's Death

From excitement to skepticism, residents voice a wide range of opinion about the death of Osama bin Laden.

For Christopher Jones of Riverview, the news of Osama bin Laden's death late last night produced mixed feelings.

"Our lives totally changed on Sept. 11, and nothing will change that," said Jones who worked in the financial district of New York City at J.P. Morgan financial services, just three blocks from the World Trade Center, when the terrorist attacks occurred.

"I used to call on offices at the Twin Towers to confirm trades," said Jones. "On that day, a lot of people I knew died. I lost a lot of friends."

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Jones said he, therefore, greeted the news of bin Laden's death Sunday with relief.

"I got some sense of satisfaction with the death of the man who orchestrated the attacks on the World Trade Center. But I don't really feel a sense of closure. Those people are still gone and my prayers are with their families," he said.

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Other residents expressed jubilation that the mastermind of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks would terrorize the world no more.

Sandi Meadows of Valrico said she was home working on the computer when her husband walked in with the news of bin Laden's death.

"I think it's great," said Meadows. "The world is safer now."

Bin Laden's death was the talk of businesses throughout Bloomingdale Patch, including the restaurant on Bell Shoals Road where Kathryn Belcher works as a server.

"I'm pretty damn happy," she said. "I was at Applebee's in Brandon when the announcement came over the television. Everybody started clapping. It was pretty cool. His death makes me feel more optimistic."

Two doors down, Bill Braddy was delivering soft drinks to the . He reacted to the news with suspicion.

"I don't believe it," said Braddy. "The way he was buried at sea was very mysterious. I want proof that he's really dead."

Rainbow Food Store owner Sam Abraham said bin Laden's death was the talk of his convenience store throughout the morning.

"Frankly, I thought bin Laden had died nine years ago," said Abraham. "I don't think it's going to make a difference when all of his followers are still out there. I'm happy that bin Laden's dead but I don't think Al-Qaeda will stop."

Employee James Pez agreed.

"Honestly, I don't think it will make any difference," he said. "Bin Laden didn't kill all those people by himself. There are still terrorists out there. Our real problem isn't terrorism. It's the price of gas. The government needs to step up and help its own people and quit worrying about what goes on in other countries."

At the FishHawk/Bloomingdale Rotary Club luncheon meeting at Beef O'Brady's, a number of members dedicated their "happy dollars" to the president and the Navy Seals who pulled off yesterday's covert operation.

"I want to say 'Thank you' to those Navy Seals," said Todd Blunt, president of the Riverview Rotary Club. "Now there are 3,000 souls that can rest in peace."

Rotary guest speaker, Plant City Mayor Dan Raulerson, called it a "great day for the United States."

He said he was home watching television when the announcement came on that President Obama was planning to address the nation.

"Geraldo (Rivera) came on and speculated that it has something to do with bin Laden," said Raulerson. "When I heard the president speak, I thought, 'Thank God. It's about time.'"

But Lithia resident Jill Andress worried how his death would impact bin Laden's followers.

"I'm glad he's physically gone," said Andress. "But I'm worried about repercussions."

Dave Braun, past president of the Hillsborough County Veterans Council and chairman of the Veterans Museum & Park Project, had similar concerns.

"From my personal point of view, this Al Qaeda thing is like a snake. We've cut the head off symbolically but the place is infested with his kind," said Braun. "I'm very proud of Obama, that he took him out and has kept us safe, and I'm proud of our military. The mission was to kill, not capture, and I'm all for that. This was really a good thing. Now we need to duck for cover."

However, the Rev. Bill Swengros, pastor of in Valrico, cautioned residents against rejoicing over bin Laden's death.

"As Christians living in a broken world, we realize that war is unavoidable at times," said Swengros. "That being said, we never celebrate death. It is a tragedy that we ever have to send our brave men and women out to war. We pray for peace and justice for all God's children. We pray for the souls of all who have lost their lives due to war and other acts of violence. We also remember in prayer all those who continue to grieve their loss. May our loving God have mercy on us all."


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