In Praise of Benazir Bhutto


Not often do deaths famous people affect me. The death John Kennedy Jr. was one of such and so is the recent death of Benazir Bhutto, who was also twice prime minister of Pakistan and role model for a lot of people around the world. As for JFK Jr., because he was just about two year older than me and he was a role model, in spite of the fact that we had nothing in common. Well, he was a magazine publisher, a role that I had aspire to be in my younger days.
The parallel I draw from both deaths is that of a waste. JFK Jr, I wanted to see his magazine “George” become a powerful voice in the media landscape and Bhutto, I wanted to see her lead the Pakistanis out of the grips of Musharraf.

Politics aside, but one cannot discard the notions that our President Bush’s blind support for the fake presidency of Musharraf (much like that of Bush’s presidency) a murderer, contributed in large extent to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Again, Bush’s politics in Pakistan is another discussion entirely that would have tainted the praise of Benazir Bhutto here.

I am not privy to the accomplishments of Benazir Bhutto nor did I follow her life other than the fact that she was one of the most courageous person ever lived. In 1988, at the age of 35 she became a Prim Minister to her country and led the turbulent Pakistan for some years. Though one cannot rule out the fact that it was the popularity of her father, also assassinated in 1979, that sprung her to power, but she had the strength, and the will to be a leader and she did it. It is this sole accomplishment that causes me to salute her. What a legacy to leave behind.

How many of us can say we’ve done such? True, not all can be Presidents and CEO’s but I often compare myself to people in upper hierarchy accomplishments. Barack Obama is in his 40’s and a candidate for the US Presidency; and lots of musicians and actors have reached their peak by age 40. I for one don’t believe in pedigree, which helps to some extent, I believe that we have about same opportunities and I believe that I should have tried harder. As year 2007 comes to close, as I have done in the previous years, I solemnly make promise to myself to again try harder and do things right. At the same time I know my lack of focus plagues my progress even as I write this piece.

So, here’s to the life of Benazir Bhutto, though I don’t believe there is an afterlife, whatever happens to the “soul” after death I hope it is beneficial to hers and for hers and JFK's I wish there is an afterlife.

~ Tokesan ~

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