We mourn this weekend the untimely passing of our sister, Mrs. Bhutto.
She bravely and valiantly was the voice of the disenfranchised people of her country. She fought for freedom and equality. She took on the nastiest people, both in the government and those acting outside of it.
She was taken from us prematurely and for no good reason.
I had seen earlier in the day that an explosion had been heard near a rally she attended. I didn't find out until later just how close it had been.
And now no one can agree on what killed her. Bullet? Shrapnel? Hitting her head on either the sun roof or a lever inside the car?
Doesn't really matter: the ending is the same, regardless.
She's dead because someone shot her and then exploded himself.
I'm not sure the details are that important.
Her life and values, her dedication to freedom and democracy, her absolute refusal to be intimidated, her love of her country and its people: those are the important things.
The questions about cause of death are largely an attempt to deny her the status of martyr. A twisted concept that has almost been turned into a middle-eastern industry.
There are no martyrs. There are brave people who risk their lives by standing up to intolerant bullies. And there are others who have no respect for human life, not even their own.
Life is a precious gift that comes from somewhere we don't know. Nevertheless, it's more valuable than any price that could be put on it.
And whether you take your own or someone else's or both, you squander your fortune like the Prodigal Son.
So Mrs. Bhutto, I hope you don't become a martyr so much as a symbol of heroism. That is your proper legacy.
I had seen earlier in the day that an explosion had been heard near a rally she attended. I didn't find out until later just how close it had been.
And now no one can agree on what killed her. Bullet? Shrapnel? Hitting her head on either the sun roof or a lever inside the car?
Doesn't really matter: the ending is the same, regardless.
She's dead because someone shot her and then exploded himself.
I'm not sure the details are that important.
Her life and values, her dedication to freedom and democracy, her absolute refusal to be intimidated, her love of her country and its people: those are the important things.
The questions about cause of death are largely an attempt to deny her the status of martyr. A twisted concept that has almost been turned into a middle-eastern industry.
There are no martyrs. There are brave people who risk their lives by standing up to intolerant bullies. And there are others who have no respect for human life, not even their own.
Life is a precious gift that comes from somewhere we don't know. Nevertheless, it's more valuable than any price that could be put on it.
And whether you take your own or someone else's or both, you squander your fortune like the Prodigal Son.
So Mrs. Bhutto, I hope you don't become a martyr so much as a symbol of heroism. That is your proper legacy.
Someone who risked her life and lost it trying to do the right thing.
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