I know it seems like I am a bit obsessed with the recent assassination of Benazir Bhutto. (I hear the whispers.)
Maybe I am. But, these events have made me think about the adversity that greets those who want to affect change. Just take a moment to think of those in history that have been assassinated. Lincoln, Kennedy, King, Kennedy...it just makes me sad that another voice has been silenced, and worried for those who are still brave enough to speak for what is right.

I know that Bhutto's administration wasn't perfect. No politician, no matter where in the world, is perfect and clean. I think what matters is the intention. What are the intentions of our current leaders vs. the intentions of those willing to bring about change?

Winner of the most disrespectful use of a foreign leader's assassination for political gain:

Mike Huckabee

"Huckabee Warns of "Unusual Activity of Pakistanis" Coming Into the U.S."

crass. tasteless. rude. disrespectful. un-Christian.

The news from Pakistan the last couple of days has been grim. It is so hard to watch a country torn in two, and clearly experiencing a vast amount of pain.
Most look at the footage of the streets of Karachi and Rawalpindi and think that "those people are savages" and "uncivilized". I hear it uttered. You know you have too.
I submit another vision of the passionate demonstrations in Pakistan:
These people actually care about what is going on in their country. They want their voices to be heard. They realize the injustice that has been thrust upon them, and they need to let everyone know that they care.
They may be destroying millions of dollars in property, some lives are being lost, and ultimately nothing will bring their martyred leader back, but when the dust settles the people of Pakistan can feel proud of the fact that they spoke out and voiced their grief, outrage and concern.

It's more than I can say for those of us here in the Good Ole' US of A. If something like that were to happen here, we'd be in crisis over whether to tear ourselves away from Fox News or possibly miss American Idol or America's Next Fattest Fatty.

I find it interesting that one of the prevailing headlines today regarding Benazir Bhutto's death and our presidential hopefuls include how Hillary and Barack are benefiting from this tragic event. Much was made of statements from both candidates regarding the happenings although I expected as much. Each needs to show strength in regards to situations like these. I personally didn't find anything offensive at the onset. *more on that later*
I also found it comforting to know that John Edwards immediately made a phone call to Musharraf himself to urge the dictator to go ahead with the elections planned for January 8th. Nice touch. Also seen coming from a mile away was Rudy's brisk comments regarding the events. Surprise, surprise, he wasted no time linking extremism, terrorism, and 9/11 to this event thereby making him the best candidate with the biggest penis, er... I mean toughest stance on terror.

"Vote for me!"

In the meantime, not many are reporting on Republican frontrunner Mike Huckabee's reaction to Bhutto's death. This guy is a buffoon on foreign policy. Maybe that is why he is the GOP frontrunner...hmmm. Watch his reaction to Benazir's death.

Benazir Bhutto 1953-2007

This headline hit me like a ton of bricks.

I am so saddened by the cowardice of ignorant people.

I am so saddened by the fact that my second emotions over this event were fear and uncertainty.

Fear that this could occur anywhere.

Uncertainty that this could never happen here.