Benazir Bhutto Dies; Deepest Condolences

The country of Pakistan has lost an amazing leader in tragic circumstances. When I heard of Benazir Bhutto's death--assassination in Pakistan--I felt a pain in my chest and a sorrow spread through out my body. Both Pakistan, as it is woven in the worlds fabric, and the world, has lost an important and critical leader.

To Pakistan and Bhutto's family, I extend my sorrow and pay my respects.

For those of you who have not read the news lately, Benazir Bhutto, a previously exiled prime minister from Pakistan, was assassinated by a gun man who then blew himself up. She was shot, and then rushed to the emergency room, where she died. Others were injured and killed in the blast. She was a wonderful leader who advanced progressive diplomatic democratic principles, but much more importantly, humanitarian principles. She was Mushariff's opposition.

Mushariff, who is the current leader of Pakistan, has me deeply worried. He is one of those dictator like leaders who we prop up as we need, and then dispose of when we're done, only to have rear up and bite us deeply and viciously in the back end years later. Earlier in the year,he suspended the people's rights and rounded up all aspects of Pakistan's society in a move that seemed shaped to protect his place in power.

He even placed Bhutto, his political opposition, under house arrest. Bhutto persevered and was later released. She continued to talk to the people of Pakistan, enriching and energizing the people with hope for change.

I believe Bhutto showed great promise in shifting the balance in Pakistan, and contributing to peace in the world.

To Benazir Bhutto: You are missed.

To the young women and men of the region: With Bhutto, humanitarian ideas and actions do not have to die. Rise up and fill her void. Not with violence, but with the same activism and urgings. Fill the one slot with a thousand voices and great leaders.

To Pakistan: The world has faced a major loss this week, and I grieve with you.