Author’s Note: This piece was originally published here ten years ago, following the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden. (Our own Andrew Malcolm has a great VIP article today on that raid, which I encourage you to read.) A lot has changed — in my own life and in the world, at large — in the past ten years. I do recognize my voice and sentiment from a time that, in many ways, seems far more removed than a mere decade. I still share the sentiment.

“Hello. My name is America. You killed my people. Prepare to die.” It came to me about two hours into the coverage of Osama Bin Laden’s death. Those familiar with one of my all-time favorite movies, “The Princess Bride,” will recognize its inspiration.

I actually typed it into TweetDeck, and then erased it.  Something made me question…. Too flip? Too…something?  I remarked earlier that it feels a little weird — I’ve never celebrated someone’s death before. I’m not quite sure I much like this feeling.  I am glad we got him. Though the circumstances were somewhat extraordinary, I do believe that justice has been served.

Ultimately, I decided to go ahead and put it out there into the Twitterverse.  Not surprisingly, it provoked a (mostly positive) reaction. I’m not laughing, though, as some have assumed.

This is a sobering event.  Again, I believe it to be a positive one for our country. But I can’t help but reflect on the genesis of this quest:  The many lives lost and forever altered by horrific events that happened nearly 10 years ago. I hope that, in some small measure at least, today’s events help bring some closure and peace to those who lost loved ones on 9/11 and in the battles waged since.

God bless the lost souls.  God bless our military men and women for serving and protecting us all.  And God bless America.