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As the cleansing ocean closes over bin Laden's carcass, may the earth lie lightly on the countless graves of those he sentenced without compunction to be burned alive or dismembered in the street.
Christopher Hitchens
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the death of a notorious figure and the suffering he caused, expressing a desire for justice in the wake of his demise.

Christopher Hitchens' quote provides a stark commentary on the nature of justice and retribution following the death of Osama bin Laden. It emphasizes the heavy toll of violence inflicted by bin Laden, contrasting the weightlessness of the earth on his grave with the grave suffering of his victims. The imagery of the 'cleansing ocean' suggests a form of purification, yet it also provokes thought about the moral implications of his actions and the loss of innocent lives.

Themes

JusticeViolenceSufferingRetributionMorality

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate on morality in international relations.

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