Pensamientos

Yesterday, Oprah Winfrey featured 30 yr. old women from around the world on her show. Awestruck by many of their stories and lives, one in particular riveted my attention, and brought home the perils of the devastating Iraq conflict. This young woman, Sabah, a writer, detailed the perils and fear of living in Iraq today. She put a face on what all women face in iraq today. Surviving each day is the main goal of these women. Anarchy reigns. daily they are subject to murder, rape, and kidnapping. Many are terrified of leaving the house, fearful that they won't return.They have no safety, no protection, no freedom. The hope of a post-Saddam liberty and democracy no longer exists for them. They are at the mercy and the whim of lawless, senseless, random violence. Their children are murdered and their lives are shattered. Like you and I, they are simply people, struggling to survive. American media under-reports and fails to mention the horror of their lives. They are faceless statistics, lumped together under the umbrella of terrorism and radicalism. From the comfort of our easy-chairs, we judge their culture, and dismiss them. They're humans, not numbers. we must humanize them, understand them, and help them. When America deposed Saddam Hussein, she accepted the responsility for the safety and well-being of these victims of this war. It's time to step up to the plate and demonstrate what my America stands for. To do less, will scar us in the eyes of the Iraqis for all time.