Michigan Politicians React To bin Laden's Death
(WWJ) - Among those speaking out following the death of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden's death are Michigan's political leaders.
WWJ spoke with Michigan U.S. Senator Carl Levin says the killing of Osama Bin Laden is a victory, but it should not be seen as the final victory in the War on Terror.
"This morning's statement of Hamas condeming the killing of bin Laden, calling him a marder, reinforces our reslove that this war has go to continue to be fought," Levin said.
Levin said the demise of America's Number One Enemy also punctures some myths about the mastermind behind 9/11.
"People were thinking about this mythological character in caves... He was in comfort for many, many years while the minions that he sends out to kill people are doing their devilish deeds in much more difficult circumstances than he, himself," Levin said.
Levin says it also punctures the myth that Bin Laden was above the law and would remain a fugitive.
Senator Debbie Stabenow issued the following statement regarding bin Laden's death:
"Osama bin Laden murdered thousands of Americans, yet evaded justice for years. Our country is united in gratitude to the brave men and women of our intelligence and counter terrorism community and our troops for their sacrifices in keeping us safe from terror."
Several callers to the WWJ Listener Line said they want proof that the man killed actually was Osama bin Laden. Speaking live on WWJ, Stabenow had this to say:
"I'm very confident given the careful nature of this ... given the extraordinary impact of all this and the world, that in fact this is bin Laden; there have been a number of different ways in which this has been verified," she said.
Macomb County Congresswoman Candice Miller made the following statement regarding the death of Osama bin Laden:
"For the last ten years the United States of America has been on the trail of Osama bin Laden after he masterminded the attacks of September 11, 2001. Last night, we received confirmation that he has met a fitting end at the hands of the brave men and women of the United States military and intelligence services. Our terrorist enemies must understand that our great nation will never relent in our effort to bring to justice those who would perpetrate acts of murder against the innocent. Let the death of this terrorist mass murderer stand as a symbol of our collective resolve. This is tremendous news for our nation and the world."
U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., released this statement:
"The fact that his death came at the hand of U.S. forces is very fitting, and I hope that the families of the victims of 9/11 and other terrorist attacks can find some closure and comfort in knowing he is gone. ... As a nation, we must remain vigilant and steadfast as we continue to battle radicalism at home and abroad. But today we can all feel a little better knowing that the evil man behind the deaths of thousands of Americans is dead.''
Michigan Congressman Rep. Mike Rogers, who is Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released this statement:
"This is a day we have all been waiting for, for far too long. The brave men and women of our military and intelligence agencies have shown the world once again the reach and determination of American Power.
"We have brought to justice a terrorist with the blood of thousands of Americans on his hands, and brought justice to the families of his victims.
"This closes a key chapter in the war on terror - it's hard to imagine an end to Al Qaida without the death of Bin Laden. While we can all certainly celebrate this important victory, the fight will go on. We will not stop until Al Qaida has been eliminated."
U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee, D-Mich., said this, in a statement:
"Nearly 10 years after the worst terrorist attack against America, the successful raid on Osama bin Laden's compound is a great victory for the victims of 9/11, their families, our country and the entire peace loving world. ... While this is the most significant development in our fight against al-Qaida to date and we salute those who made it possible, we must remember that the fight against al-Qaida and extremist elements continues. We must remain constantly vigilant against those who threaten the security of our country.''
WWJ Newsradio 950 has been taking your calls, as Southeast Michigan reacts to bin Laden's death. Share your comments below or leave a message at 248-455-7230.
