Ellicott City's Main Street Reacts to bin Laden Death

There were mixed reactions Monday on historic Main Street to the U.S. killing of Osama bin Laden.  

Most people said they were glad it had finally happened, but some expressed concerned about worldwide reactions and unease about Americans openly celebrating in the streets.  

“I had mixed reactions. I felt vindicated and fear that there would be retaliations,” said Sheila Morrison, 62, co-owner of Original Souls, a shop that sells handcrafted items by local and emerging artisans. “It brought tears to my eyes for families that now had resolve.”  

“It’s not a time for celebrating. It may be a time for reflecting,” said Frank DiPietro, 50, co-owner of Mumbles and Squeaks Toy Shoppe. “It’s closure, a somber closure.”  

DiPietro said he wished it had happened years ago, but was glad it happened. “I’m glad for Obama because no matter what they do they can’t make him look bad for this,” DiPietro said, commenting on the possible political fallout from the incident.

“I couldn’t guess how the future will unfold. It’s what we had in common with the world and it has happened,” he mused.

Carol Jo Roeder of Columbia was wandering through shops along Main Street with her French friend Mireille Tabur, and said her reactions were mixed.

“Celebrating somebody who dies goes against what I believe. I don’t think I would have been at the White House cheering,” Roeder said. “My French friends were not thrilled about the killing or American reaction, and they’re not bin Laden supporters,” she added.

“I think it’s a good thing but there’s a lot of war in the world and it’s not going to end the war. It’s the poor who suffer most from the wars. It’s not going to make a difference for them,” said Tabur, as Roeder interpreted. “I think it will make the Muslim extremists more angry at the U.S.,” Tabur added.

“We were thrilled,” said Cee Cee Paizs, who was taking a midday walk along Main Street with her daughter Samantha. “My husband is retired military so we know there’s nothing more patriotic than serving your country overseas,” she said. “The celebrations afterwards were fabulous to see.”  

“It is good to see the tide turn,” said Samantha Paizs. “I’ve got a lot of friends over there, and a lot of people were getting discouraged about when they would be able to come home. Now we’re one step closer for everyone to come home.”