Obama's speech on/and Osama's Death

I  was surprised to learn of Osama Bin Laden's death earlier today, but I have conflicting feelings about it. Obviously, he deserves severe punishment, but my belief in the due process of law makes it hard for me to celebrate his death. I have no doubt that any jury would have delivered the same sentence as did the soldiers who attacked his compound, but something irks me about celebrating death in this way. He was horrible - I am aware - but I can't make myself feel as joyous about his death as perhaps I should. Another big part of that is that Al Qaeda is like an ant colony - if one member dies, even the queen, another individual will fill its place. Certainly, psychologically, this is a huge victory for peace, but technically, it could not have been an insurmountable blow for the terrorist organization.

Ah, well. We shall see what comes of this in time, I guess. On to Obama's speech. I thought he spoke well, considering it was 11:30 at night. But he looked so tired, so worn down. I feel bad saying this, it reminds me of the six words that brought down Harriet Jones in Doctor Who (why yes, I am a sci-fi nerd), but I was struck by it. Certainly it must be hell to send soldiers to their deaths and to order the death of another human being - even if they are a monster such as Osama. Sometimes I think I would like to be the president or a surgeon or something, but then I realize that I could never be in a position of such responsibility. Sometimes the responsibility I do have makes me ill. I can only imagine what it must do to Obama - although he is, I'm sure, better equipped for the job. I want to give him a hug. He's done good, despite the world.

College Bound

I'm headed for Smith in the fall, barring serious illness or death.

This is a subject on which I have incredibly mixed emotions. I found out on December 15th and proceeded to jump around happily and call my friends/lovers/boss/relatives.

Now, though, I'm thinking of all the colleges that might have been. My parents were completely apathetic about the whole college process, so to cut down my work I just applied to Smith College Early Decision I (which means if I get accepted and can pay, I must go) and then got in.

Alternatives: Wesleyan University, New York University, Sarah Lawrence College, Maryland Institute College of Art, Reed College, Pomona College...


What if I were going there? Would I be any happier, any more content? Or would my feelings be exactly the same? Is this just my nature? I'm never going to find out, and that terrifies me.

But, if worst comes to worst, there's always the option to transfer. Nothing is concrete.