This is not a political blog by any means but I am personally saddened today by the assassination of former Pakistani PM, Benazir Bhutto. While some of her political choices may have been ill-conceived, I had a great deal of admiration for Ms Bhutto. Imagine, just imagine, being the female leader of an Islamic nation. How can any of us living in the West really know what that meant?
Benazir Bhutto was fearless, strong, forthright, forward thinking. She knew what she was up against yet she pressed ahead. My first thought when I heard she had been shot in the neck and chest was for her children. Were they aware of what was happening? Had they seen the news footage? How would they come to terms with losing their mother by such violent means?
I will leave the discussion of her political worth and the impact her death will have on Pakistan and the rest of the world to those better qualified to discuss it than I. My thoughts are with her children who knew her not as a politician, just as their mother. I hope that as the years pass and they begin to come to terms with her death that they will be able to believe, as she did, that one person can make a difference. May she rest in peace.
Selma In The City 
I may not have knew her personally, but deep down, i feel like i lost a mother, the world has lost a great person!. She gave her life to try to better her country, better the world. She had some past problems, but growing up, she became a great part of my life. I will miss her, may she rest in peace..
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I just felt sick when I heard the news. I was half-asleep and not even listening to the radio, but somehow that news penetrated the morning fog and I was very much awake.
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Bless her for her courage to try to lead an Islamic nation – she flies with the angels now.
WC
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She had a very difficult job and achieved a lot. Very sad news. Yet even more sad is the fact that part of me isn’t surprised.
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wazzy – she touched so many people. I feel desperately sad about her death.
daoine – me too. I had bad asthma and was up really early in the morning when the story broke. It’s a tragedy.
writerchick – beautifully put. Such courage doesn’t come along all that often.
craftygreen – you know what? I wasn’t surprised, either. It seems to be the way things turn out these days. It scares me.
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Touching post. We often forget about the lives of children impacted by these violent acts.
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wonderful tribute. so sad.
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I was also saddened to hear of her death. May it have the opposite effect on the world than her killer wanted.
Her children will know their mother was loved, and hopefully find some comfort there.
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I’m not politically inclined either, but I thought I was going to get sick, anyway, when I heard the news. I get the feeling she knew it could happen at any time. I don’t think she’s surprised by this at all, which says a lot about her courage, I think.
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I think, whether you agree, or disagree with, or are indifferent to her political stand, you cannot but regret the passing of a beautiful, brave and determined lady in such brutal circumstances.
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It was a very sad event. I find I keep thinking about her and almost “missing” her. I also keep wondering at the violence embraced by some factions of Isl@m. So many people died in the first attempt on her life! And, of course, a few more paid the price the second time. It’s nutsy and sensless, that’s what it is!
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Johnny – thanks for stopping by. I can imagine the impact on her children will be enormous. I really feel for them.
Meleah – I feel really sad about it. What a waste.
Ms Karen – I hope it has the opposite effect too. If only….
Chris – she was unbelievably courageous. It’s such a loss for the world.
Travelrat – I agree. It’s such a shame.
Groovy – I miss her too. And the violence! I just don’t get it.
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Hi Selma,
I came here via MotMot. I’m so glad you posted on this horrific event. I was at the gym when the news broke. The stupid TV news just kept running the same bloddy clips over and over. No analysis. I felt something deep in my the pit of my stomach. Your words helped me shape a more coherent reaction. She was so brave and such a good leader. It makes me laugh when people say that America isn’t ready for a female leader.
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Amen, I felt exactly the same way upon hearing this sad news. She lived her life with a level of courage that most of us only hope for.
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Caroline – thank you so much for visiting. It was horrific. I feel a pang every time I think about her.
josie – I know. I can’t imagine being that courageous. How did she do it?
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Finally I have found someone who can put into words what I couldn’t muster. Thank you! Perfectly said and I imagine mirrors the way many of us feel who have watched her these years and cheered her on during her successes and wished her safe harbor during times of exile. I do think she knew she was coming home to die, but it doesn’t make it any less sad and tragic.
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TR said: “I do think she knew she was coming home to die, but it doesn’t make it any less sad and tragic.”
Oh! That thought just hit me straight in the guts. Can you imagine doing that – going somewhere with the thought or belief that you are probably going to die for your decision?! I travelled to a moderately dangerous place last year with some anxiety, but I was sure I would be safe. I just cannot comprehend actually putting yourself in the line of fire.
I wonder if our men and women on the front line think of this sort of thing (that they might not come back home), or if they put it out of their minds.
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TR – I feel like crying after reading your comment. You have summed it up so well. It’s a tragedy for all of us.
DAOINE – I often wonder that about the men and women on the front line too. How brave they are.
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