Friday, September 12, 2008

Benazir Bhutto


I have been meaning to write this for a couple of weeks.
I have to be honest. When Benazir Bhutto was assassinated last year I didn't really know who she was and why she was so important to Pakistan. I just plain didn't even know much about Pakistan period. I picked up this book at the library a few weeks ago and just couldn't put it down. It is such coincidence that I read it at a time when Musharraf was being forced from power. She is a woman who dedicated herself and gave her life for freedom and democracy in Pakistan. I just want to share one quote. "Democracy in Pakistan is not just important for Pakistanis, it is important for the entire world. In this age of the exploitation and radical interpretation of my beloved religion, we must always remember that democratic governments do not empower, protect and harbour terrorists. A democratic Pakistan, free from the yolk of military dictatirship, would cease to be the petri dish of the pandemic of international terrorism." I finally have the answers I have been looking for. For too many years the United States has looked out for it's own interests by supporting the dictatorships of Zia and Musharraf. We are the most succesful democracy in the world, and yet we supported oppression and military rule. I think its sad. We paid dearly for this mistake on 9/11. This is what I care about in the upcoming election. I haven't yet heard enough from either candidate to decide, but I am watching and waiting to know who will make this change. Now is our chance, Bhutto's widow Zardari was elected president last week in a democratic election. After so many years under a controling military dictatorship the desire for democracy still exists. We need to have a President that understands the gravity of the situation and realizes the importance of supporting Pakistan in its efforts to achieve a democratic government.

3 comments:

Michelle said...

I just wanted to thank you for your message about Benazir...
I knew her...and she was so very special. I love her dearly and always will.
I have two websites/projects in her memory:
www.HonorBenazir.org
www.SupportBenazir.org
I'm currently in the process of founding a humanitarian organization in her memory and honor... And I'm also making a documentary film in tribute to her.
I'm so glad you read her beautiful book... Her wise and visionary words will live forever...and I hope and pray they will open many hearts and minds.
Thanks again,
Michelle
michelle4681@gmail.com

BirdieMann said...

Well said, Jenn. I will have to go pick this one up now.

Tiffany said...

I'm with you on which candidate will actually make a change. I'm still undecided on who will make a better president!! Sometimes it seems like neither of them will make the changes that need to be made. I'll have to read that book.