Dispense justice by trials, not bullets

The greatness of America rests not on our wealth or power, but solely on our adherence to our own principles of goodness, justice and freedom. While these principles have never been strictly followed (just ask native peoples or anyone of color), we still try to learn from our own national sins to make a better America.

But the War on Terror has led to a moral backslide of tremendous proportions, from the Patriot Act, to two unjustified wars, and culminating in the murder of Osama bin Laden. That's right, murder. A gang of our best storm troopers broke into his house and killed him, without any intention of capturing him alive.

Whether he deserved his death is not a question. He deserved to die. But many people deserve to die, and no one has the right to kill in revenge.

Here in Iowa, we ended the death penalty. Forgiveness, love and mercy are things to celebrate, not revenge killing. These are not only Christian values, but also American values. Even the worst war criminals are given trials by America. This is how justice should be dispensed; by trial, not by bullets.

Osama won, not by his actions, but by ours. Nationalism has replaced morality as the ideal which we follow.

Some will say that I am disrespecting the people who died in 9/11 and the brave soldiers who died thereafter. Nothing could be further from the truth. I honor those people by defending that which makes America great: Our values, uncompromised.

Fareyd Bonnett

North Liberty