By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – It has been a little more than a year since U.S. forces tracked down and killed terrorist mastermind Osama Bin Laden in his Pakistani hideout. That late April evening last year was a night that will likely be remembered by many in the U.S. for its relevance in the fight against worldwide terrorism, but there are some who would like it to be forgotten or ignored by the candidates running for president in the fall.

Last week, L’Observateur asked visitors to its website if the events surrounding the capture of Bin Laden should be a part of presidential debates. Three quarters of those who responded said that the issue should not be made into a political talking point. Others said that there are issues far more important that need discussion.

Less than 20 percent of those who responded said the issue should be included in debate discussions because any president has every right to discuss accomplishments within their administration.

A complete breakdown of results is as follows:

• 10 percent of respondents said, “Yes – any President has every right to discuss accomplishments within the administration.”

• 75 percent of respondents said, “No – the issue should not be made into a political talking point.”

• 5 percent of respondents said, “Yes – but only as part of a discussion on homeland security.”

• 9 percent of respondents said, “No – there are other issues far more important.”

• 2 percent of respondents said, “Yes – but it should not be used to attack another candidate.”