On May 1st 2011, President Barack Obama announced to the world that Al Queda leader, Osama Bin Laden had been killed by U.S. military forces in Pakistan after an 8 month mission to find and “bring him to justice.” While the reaction is mixed, on the whole, people seem to see the end of this man’s life as the beginning of a new conversation regarding, terror, wars, and healing from the tragedies of September 11th, 2001. So now what? Does the death of Osama Bin Laden mean anything for equality and human rights around the world?
LOOKING FORWARD
What happens in the next few weeks will be a critical indicator of how the chips will fall after this historic military action. Analysts seem to be divided on what may occur when the dust settles. Some think this will mean the end of Al Queda as we know it and the systematic oppression that comes from their radical beliefs, while others feel the death of Bin Laden will mean nothing to an organization that has evolved and fractured since the attack on U.S. soil. It’s anyone’s guess at this point, but can we dare to hope that this global shake-up will lead to a shift in equality and human rights in the Middle East and beyond?
Time will tell what shifts and changes in the world as a result of this death, but one thing is known for sure, the future will be written by those who step into the void and chart a new path in the region. Whoever stands up to take up the leadership position made vacant by Osama will undoubtedly set the tone for an entire region.
A TIME OF TRANSITION
It is in these times of transition that true and meaningful change can take place. Those few precious moments of upheaval open the door for new voices, ideas, and leaders to step in and shape the dialogue for change. For more than 20 years, Osama Bin Laden was a key voice in setting the tone and direction of an entire culture. Governments, groups, and organizations took queues from his speeches, conversation, and rhetoric to shape an entire region – and history has born witness to the results.
Encouraging a voice of reason, respect, and compassion during this time of transition may very well change everything about the course of the future for an entire region of this world. Peace-loving individuals from around the globe have an obligation to fill the void left by the passing of Bin Laden with cries for change, equality, respect, compassion, and human rights.
ENDING THE PLAGUE OF FEAR
So the weight of change falls to those of us with the vision to see an opportunity to change the dynamic of this fear-based conversation and usher in a new reality for millions of people who have ever only known oppression, fear, and war. Action groups, service organization, social networks, and charities can step into this transition and start writing a new future with compassion, love, and giving.
It is the unconditional service to mankind that will end this plague of fear that has ravaged much of the world for the past millennium. Putting the care and compassion for our fellow human beings at the forefront of our consciousness, and foreign policy will make the biggest impact in this time of change for the region. Rebuilding lives, cities, and infrastructure will do so much more to heal the divisions of humanity than wars, fear mongering, and hatred.
THE SPRINGTIME OF CHANGE
May we all see the opportunity to change the world in the death of Osama Bin Laden. His passing represents a door that has been pushed ajar for a brief moment through which new ideas, attitudes, and actions may reshape the future. It is up to all of us to be part of shaping that future.
Reach out to your leaders and urge compassion, service, and rebuilding. Connect with friends and family to take action locally that supports our global neighbors in the form of clothing, food, and medicine. Get active in shaping the conversation online in the social networks and be the voice for peace, love, and charity. We must all fill the void with our tender voices for peace. If not us, than the cries of revenge, hatred, fear, and war will take over the conversation and strife will be born anew in the region.
If change is to be, it is up to me (all of us), and my committed action.
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By JASON BECKETT – Founder of the ‘I AM EQUAL’ Project.
our error is in that we think by dissolving a person, we dissolve a message…
It’s time that women had political equality too !
I wrote a musical about the first woman president
in the year 2016. My original collaborator was Joe DiPietro, Tony winner for the Broadway hit MEMPHIS. The CD sold in Tower Records till the store closed, was played on radio across the country, including NYC on WQXR. Anyone interested in getting involved in an effort to get it on Broadway, please contact me.
Phyllis Lynd