Benazir Bhutto and State Senate President Pro-Tem Ben Altamirano

A Woman of Destiny

There are times in every nation's history when a person comes into the public eye that will change forever the course of that nation's destiny. Benazir Bhutto became that woman to change the direction for Pakistan at this point in history. History has many examples of men who have played that roll for their country. Few women have gone down in history as leaders who gave their lives in the pursuit of freedom. Among Bhutto's last words to her people was a statement that they did not need foreign fighters to free themselves for terrorist because they were capable of doing it for themselves. Bhutto was a charismatic leader with a spark of life that few others are ever gifted to be born with but other women leaders will follow because of the example she gave her people. The leaders that follow Bhutto will most likely not have the charismas that Bhutto had but they will play an important roll in allowing Pakistan to become a free and open democracy. Once people view the example, the spark, of what can be done there is no turning back to the old ways of the past.

Women in the United States and around the world can also gain from the example Bhutto set for her people. She made it clear to all women of the world that for a nation to be free it must show respect to the mother's of it country. Woman can play an important roll in how our country deals with the current and future problems that face our nation. We must encourage ourselves and our daughters to stand up for what we believe in and never fear to express our views in the public eye no matter what the cost. Women in this country and around the world should be encouraged to seek roles of power in their own governments. Women can bring a different point of view to politics that can change the world for the better. Benazir Bhutto gave her life proving that point to the whole world yesterday.

Local news of the death of State Senator Ben Altamirano

Yesterday, State Senate President Pro-Tem Ben Altamirano pasted away at the age of 77. He had represented New Mexico State Senate District 28 since 1971. His influence in the state senate will be greatly missed. There are few words that can be said to a family after the death of a loved one around the holidays. I wish his family peace and comfort at this time.