Too often, in this world, there is so much hatred towards people who step up to the plate and attempt to do the right thing. From ordinary citizens, to public and political officials. Politics (the concept) and politics (the word) are misused on a daily basis. 

"Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions. Although the term is generally applied to behavior within civil governments, politics is observed in all human group interactions, including corporate, academic, and religious institutions."- Wikipedia 2008.

It is within these processes whereby the mud-slinging and misdirection occurs.

The murder of Benazir Bhutto should be a wake-up call to all Americans for the types of freedoms we enjoy in this country. Her courage to emerge from exile, return to her country and attempt to improve the lives of ALL people of Pakistan, is heroic in its own right.

In the United States, hatred and fear, and those who attempt to spearhead it (judge others), legislate it (peering into peoples bedrooms) and preach it (claiming it's God's will) seems to be the basis for electing our leaders. More rhetoric and air time seems to be spent defending or launching personal attacks amongst the runners and parties.

As United States citizens, we should be asking ourselves and demanding of one another and our leaders what we are ALL going to do to improve and protect the lives of ALL Americans.

Just like Bhutto was attempting to do in her own country. 

Benazir Bhutto's death was not in vain. It was yet another person who was attempting to step up and do the right thing, and who was murdered in cold blood. Other names come to mind: MLK, JFK. Why is it acceptable, in this world, to tolerate such hatred and disrespect for human life?

The people of Pakistan will overcome this tragedy. They have no choice. The only choice is freedom and the commitment to work towards that freedom. Democracy and the protection of that democracy will be hard fought and when it is achieved, well won in Bhutto's honor.