The Fairytale is complete - the girl got her prince and the witch, in effect, is dead. In the wise words of the Munchkins of Oz, ding dong.
Throughout this afternoon, Monday May 2nd 2011, the news of Osama Bin Laden's death has spread with infectious relief across the world. Goosebump inducing footage of American patriotism at its most heightened graces my television screen as I write. And it is graceful. Cheers and chants of 'USA! USA!' fill the air surrounding The White House; people gather, somewhat more somberly, at Ground Zero, the site of the unspeakable and utterly surreal horror that took place almost a decade ago.
Hastily prepared posters are thrust into the air, people feel compelled to stand on their seats at baseball stadiums and the sheer jubilation is palpable as President Obama confirms the news, happily and with unwavering confidence: Bin Laden is dead. So Mr Trump, turns out the President and Commander in Chief did in fact have bigger things to worry about than supplying you with a copy his birth certificate.
As I watch these images tonight and share my relief and satisfaction with the world, the subject of patriotism springs to mind - do we have any? It is obvious our Yankee partners have it in spades, but I have to wonder, what would it take for Australians to gather, sing the anthem and wave our flags in the air? Al Qaeda orchestrated some of the most horrendous crimes against humanity in modern history, including of course, September 11 and the Bali Bombings, during which hundreds of innocent Australians were killed. We lost our people too. So we have full rights to be damn happy about this news. Flag waving, anthem singing, fist pumping levels of happy. But I don't have to head to Fed Square or Parliament House to know there won't be flags or anthems. We just don't do it.
Americans could write the book on patriotism. In fact I'd put money on the fact that there is one such book in existence. After spending a year living in the States, I can personally vouch for the strength and loyalty of Team America (good movie).
Be it 4th of July (that's Independence Day - the real one, minus Will Smith and aliens), or Thanksgiving, or Remembrance Day, or just the general attitude towards the armed forces (unequivocal respect). So where do I sign up? I want in. I work well in a team, my CV says so. I have country envy. While we're on the topic, I also have President envy. Seriously, the man just steps in front of a microphone and I'm convinced of whatever it is he might be about to tell me. Yes we can Barack! Yes we can!
Just to clarify, I love Australia and I love being Australian. I feel so lucky to be a citizen of this country (mostly because it means I never have to do the citizenship test - I would fail for sure). But I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that on a day like this, a large part of me wants to do the flag waving, anthem singing and stranger hugging thing with my fellow country folk. You know, go team.
I think America's patriotic nature has a lot to do with its history and the fact that the country has been around for a while. They've been through a fair bit of action. Patriots breed little patriots. It's not something you can create, it's just there or it's not. And despite my focus on the flags and the singing, it runs a whole lot deeper than that. It's in your blood. It's a feeling of genuine and unconditional pride for your country and honestly, I think it's just one of those things America's got down pat. Much like pizza and well priced clothes. Snaps to us for doing coffee and beaches better. As my Dad always said, we're all good at something.
So it's clearly not over, this whole terrorism business. Backlash, revenge, travel warnings and all that. Al Qaeda isn't one person. We get it.
But let's just have today for us. Let's enjoy, revel, gloat and fist pump. Because as far as news goes, it's good. Today, we win. Go team.
Oh and Osama - don't even think about resting in peace.
What are your thoughts?
P&P xx
