The Erin Hart Show - Listener Forum

Erin
Host

Member Level

Posts: 94
Joined: Jan 1, 1970
168.156.122.57

Blood, murder, assassination. All are words far too familiar, far too painful.

Benazir Bhutto had to know she risked paying the ultimate price paid by her father, paid by her brothers, paid by her countrymen longing for democracy.

As the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, she returned to her country two years ago to stand in elections set for January 8th. Latest reports indicate she was shot before the gunmen, who allegedly got very close to her vehicle on motorcycle, blew himself up. Meaning that it is likely at least part of her so-called security detail may have been complicit in her murder.

It is important to note that more than 140 died in the explosion that marked her return and at least 17 of her citizens were slaughtered in this one.

As a fiesty voice for freedom and the first woman to be the leader of a Muslim country, Bhutto was a captivating and inspiring figure. Charges of corruption and ineptitude disappointed, yet she remained a passionate advocate for democracy for her people and the establishment of true democracy.

To someone raised in the assassination generation, it sickens the heart to know that leaders who strive to make the world a better place are still so much at risk.

One of her associates told CNN this morning, that she felt compelled to bond with her people, who may or may not have re-elected her. He noted she was prohibited from using television by the government of Pervez Musharraf, the despotic ruler of Pakistan who has been given so many free passes by our own corrupt leader, George W. Bush.

As we watch our primary elections unfold, let us remember to choose well--and to choose--for people who live for democracy and die for its absence.

We cannot allow the ravages of fear, ennui or despair to paralyze us. We must participate in what is left of representative democracy in the country and the world.


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 7:01 pm