One less monster

This year we lost Steve Jobs a man who most will agree had a major impact on the lives of Americans.  Just recently we have lost another man whose life also had a major influence on our lives.  That man was Muammar Gadhafi.  

Libya’s besieged dictator Muammar Gadhafi’s death was confirmed on Oct 20, 2011 by Libya’s Prime Minister.  He was killed near his Mediterranean coastal hometown of Sirt by opposition forces.

The Libyan civil war began in Feb 2011 as a series of peaceful protests similar to others in the region as part of the Arab Spring movement. These demonstrations turned violent after 38 protestors were killed by forces loyal to Gadhafi.  This proved to be the fateful undue of the Libyan strong man. 

Violence was not a new tool for Gadhafi.  On the contrary it was one that he has used over and over again in the 41 years that he ruled Libya.

Unlike Jobs whose life enriched and benefited others, Gadhafi’s life was one of hatred, terror, and murder.

His reign of terror began in 1969, after seizing power he destroyed the Libyan Constitution and replaced it with his own political ideas and thoughts that he called the Third International Theory which was published as The Green Book.

With the help of his family and rising oil prices he consolidated his power over the Libyan people.  At first it appeared that he was helping his people, however the world began to perceive his true nature. He systematic removed all of those who opposed him, took control of major industries and nationalized oil fields.     

As his new found wealth increased so did his ambitions. With his revolutionary committees and international hit squads, he projected his ideology upon the world.   He supported many militant organizations that held anti-Western and especially anti-American ideals.  Many of the militant Islamic groups in Africa, the Philippines, Somalia and other area of the world will mourn the loss of their most prolific benefactor.

Gadhafi either directly or indirectly has influenced our everyday lives.  The specter of Terrorism became a reality, his philosophies and support helped other men like Osama bin Laden to flourish. Countless thousands have died because of him. Billions of dollars have been wasted to counter his influence. 

The world will mourn the loss of Steve Jobs who gave us an Apple to enjoy and benefit our lives.

The world will not mourn the death of Gadhafi but will realize that our lives just became a little safer with one less monster in it.

Just my 2 bits

Chuck