Assassination in Pakistan

I never write about politics or religion here at Oberon's Grove even though they are topics of great interest to me. But from a purely human perspective, I find myself feeling perplexed and saddened by the news of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. We have become so inured to violence, especially in that part of the world, that I cannot honestly say it is surprising or shocking. Bhutto has been a controversial figure and certainly she had ample warning that she was in a dangerous position upon returning to Pakistan. What upsets me is the low value placed on human life in the world today.

A Benazir Bhutto quote: "I find that whenever I am in power, or my father was in power, somehow good things happen. The economy picks up, we have good rains, water comes, people have crops. I think the reason this happens was that we want to give love and we receive love."

If we are ever to have peace in the world, religions and ideologies will have to be set aside and our common humanity stressed as a key to understanding. I do not expect to see this happen in my lifetime, but it is something to hope for.   

Comments

[perky]

It's very easy these days to feel like there is no hope for humanity. So much violence, intolerance, and hatred can grind down a persons spirit. What gives me hope is the little acts of kindness I see people doing for others every day. They don't make the headlines like the bad things do, but they do give me hope. Just the simple act of smiling at a stranger or standing up for what you believe in with dignity and grace can make all the difference in the world. And the fact that humans have produced ballet, opera and art to feed our souls proves we have the potential to be great. My greatest wish is an end to suffering, violence and intolerance in the world. I won't give that up!! Thanks for bringing the topic up Phillip. Happy and Peaceful New Year to you and Wei.

Susan

[Philip]

No, I don't want to give up either although it is discouraging. You are right that art, music, and dance compensate us for the bleakness of the world and show us what we are capable of.

One of my favorite moments in film comes in HOWARD'S END when Vanessa Redgrave, seated at a dinner party, says: "I have always thought that if we could bring the mothers of the world together, we would have an end to war."

You are right, Perky, about the small acts of kindness which can make a difference in our daily lives. It could be something as insignificant as giving someone stranded at the turnstile a free swipe of your Metrocard or of taking the time to greet your neighbors who don't speak the same language as you.

Have a wonderful New Year, Perky!