Andy Rooney on Osama bin Laden's death

There have only been a few times in my life when someone's death has been the occasion for rejoicing. The demise of Adolf Hitler was a good day for the world and a good day for me. I had been drafted out of college into the 17th Field Artillery and while I didn't think so at the time, it was one of the best days of my life.

Hitler changed the good life I was having as a student by taking me out of college and immersing me in the real world of World War II. I hated it, but during four years at war I got an education college could not have given me.

The death of Osama bin Laden this week was that kind of day for the world. For someone my age, there are marked similarities between the deaths of Hitler and bin Laden. They were both power hungry men who would stop at nothing to get the power they lived for. It's hard to believe such men existed. They didn't do it for their countrymen either. They did it for themselves.

Maybe we should celebrate, because as President Obama said last Sunday, "The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al Qaeda."

And in this month which ends with our recognition of Memorial Day, the president said it best, "We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country."

Written by Andy Rooney