From Denny: There is rejoicing and a huge sigh of relief sweeping across Libya today as news reached the world that former leader Gaddafi had been killed as he attempted to flee Sirte.
Long time dictator Moammar Gaddafi was killed by revolutionary rebel forces that now control the country with a transitional government.
The grandiose Gaddafi had declared himself "King of Kings" of Africa. Instead, he found his legacy as a bloody lifeless body passed around on cell phone pictures around the world. Libyans are giddy with relief the hard slog of an unlikely winnable uprising is finally over.
The man once considered untouchable is no more. He was confirmed dead today by the chairman of the executive board of the National Transitional Council, Mahmoud Jibril.
Another member of the Gaddafi family was confirmed dead by spokesman Abdullah al-Senussi, the military arm of the new government. Gaddafi's son Mutassim - and the chief of intelligence - were declared dead today.
Sec. of State Hillary Clinton stated upon hearing confirmation of Gaddafi's death, "Wow.... the end of Gaddafi would add legitimacy and relief to the formation of a new government."
A long time former aide to Gaddafi, Abubaker Saad, commented how it was important to get Gaddafi. As long as he was in hiding he posed a serious threat "and ominous danger to the democracy of Libya."
Gaddafi was known to never sleep in the same place two nights in a row and did so for decades. According to Saad, "This man has been doing it for 42 years. He has experience in hiding. So, I am thrilled to see the Libyan fighters in Sirte were able to kill him or capture him."
The rebels evolved into a respectable ragtag army with the help of American and NATO air strikes to help even the odds while students and cab drivers learned how to be soldiers fighting to free their country. They were also fortunate a growing number of trained military left Gaddafi and joined them.
In the early months of the struggle tensions were high in the rebel army as trained disciplined soldiers tried to grab a hold of undisciplined passionate youths to train them how to be best effective. Resources were limited yet they pushed on, learning to better organize the military arm while growing a transitional government other world governments came to recognize replacing Gaddafi.
Word from NATO is it will convene a meeting to end the operation in Libya within the next day or two. First NATO will confirm that the rebel fighters do in fact now control Sirte and whether Gaddafi loyalists are able to mount any counterstrike.
From the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon: "In the coming days, we will witness scenes of celebration, as well as grief for those who lost so much. Yet, let us recognize, immediately, that this is only the end of the beginning. The road ahead for Libya and its people will be difficult and full of challenges."
For months now the world has watched with rapt fascination as the Arab Spring erupted all over the Middle East. "Didn't I tell ya?" that the rebels would eventually capture and kill Gaddafi months ago? Few believed they could achieve what appeared to be an unrealistic goal. Yeah, well, they don't Google search me as "The Social Prophet" for nothing.
Congrats go out to the average person in Libya who chose to reach out and risk their lives for more than themselves. We all win when we join together for the common good, building better societies where we are free to pursue happiness and peace in our daily lives.
*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!
*** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:
*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes
Dennys Global Politics
The Social Poets - news, politics, political cartoon humor
The Soul Calendar - science, astronomy, psychology
Visual Insights - photos, art, music
Dennys Art Sanctuary
Beautiful Illustrated Quotations - spiritual quotes, philosophy
Best Spiritual Posts - my own best as well as links to other spiritual posts from all viewpoints
Poems From A Spiritual Heart - poetry
The Healing Waters - health news
Dennys People Watching - people in the news
Dennys Food and Recipes
Romancing The Chocolate - chocolate recipes and more food
Unusual 2 Tasty - different twists on favorite foods and international
Comfort Food From Louisiana - Cajun, seafood and more comfort food goodies
Dennys Funny Quotes - humor
Ouch Outrageous Obnoxious And Odd - more crazy humor
Dennys World Of Quotes
Dennys Blog Feeds - see what's posting at all Denny's blogs at a glance
Dennys: News Politics Comedy Science Arts Food - an online newspaper
