Community Corner
Community Reacts to Bin Laden's Death with Elation, Anxiety
Former servicemen rejoice. Some locals doubt official reports of his death.
Mokena-area residents are greeting the news of Osama bin Laden's death with elation but speak of America's future war on terror with pessimism and fear.
"This is a mixed bag," Robert Ukso said outside AT&T, explaining that he's "glad we got him" and worried about retaliation.
"Unfortunately, we're going to pay a price for it," he said. "(al-Qaida is) going to take on Pakistan first and then they're coming for us...
Find out what's happening in Mokenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"I think this is a never-ending war. It's not going to end. They hold grudges for generations. Our grandkids will be paying for this puppy. With blood, and literally."
Angela Gonzalez expressed the same anxiety, while Caryn Bath offered congratulated to the troops for their "perseverance."
Find out what's happening in Mokenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Jim Hogan, commander of the VFW Post 725 in Mokena, served in the Navy during the Vietnam war. He said former servicemen across America are rejoicing, and he applauded President Barack Obama for making the "right decision" without sacrificing Americans.
"It would have been very difficult to take (bin Laden) alive," he said. "It would have jeopardized our troops."
But Kevin Burns said he wished our country put the same energy into helping the victims of Sept. 11 and other terrorist attacks, which includes Muslims at home and afar.
"I just feel like there's a whole (extremist) culture against us because of that man," he said, "and I think his reign of terror is going to continue."
A man entering Green Cleaners who declined to give his name said the president put it best last night when he announced, "justice served."
Brenda Loer was among several individuals who doubt the official reports of bin Laden's death. That he was buried at see to avoid creating a shrine might only add to this view.
Outside the Hickory Creek Metra station Loer said, "I want to see a body before we say, 'Yay! It happened!' You never know, it could be a look-alike."
Send us your thoughts on the death of Osama bin Laden, who was responsible for orchestrating the deaths of nearly 3,000 people in 2001 and countless others throughout the world. You can e-mail this week's guest editor at jessemichaelmarx@gmail.com, call him at 708-925-7064 or comment below.
