Osama Bin Laden Killed
Last night we were all shocked by the news that the world’s most infamous terrorist Osama Bin Laden was killed by the U.S. government. I’m sure it was the last thing any of us thought we’d be watching on T.V. on a Sunday night.
Here’s an except of Obama’s speech to the nation addressing the killing of Bin Laden:
“Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.
For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.
Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must — and we will — remain vigilant at home and abroad.”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH796kfIQk8]
Vote and be heard
Moving on to other important news especially for us Canadians, today is election day. If you live in Vancouver, today is probably a rainy dreary day and the last thing you probably want to do is line up and vote. But you should do it anyway, and here’s why.
Governments thrive when the voices of their countries are stifled. If you want to change what you see around you, then vote. If you are worried that the country might fall into the wrong hands, then vote. And if what you want is to see the same party remain in power, then vote.
Whatever your reasons, it’s important to vote. If the numbers in the polls reflect that young people got out there this time, maybe come next election leaders will have to focus on things that matter to us. Things like climate change, social justice, tuition fees, investing in innovation, jobs for recent graduates or whatever it is that is important to you.
In the words of Canadian funny-man Rick Mercer:
“There are more than three million young eligible voters in this country and as far as any of the political parties are concerned, you might as well all be dead. In fact in some elections, in Quebec for example, the dead have a higher voter turnout.”
