I’m going to deviate a little from my normal type content today to comment on this morning’s news out of Pakistan regarding the assassination of Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. In my opinion it’s always a sad day when a fighter and supporter of Democracy is assassinated. It does not matter on what side of the political fence you live. In watching the video it amazes me that people live in such turmoil every day of their lives. The video out of that country all day has shown people who are desperate and fearful and who have lost a visionary who would have lead them to a free and democratic society. The images remind me of New York City on September 11, 2001.
If there is one thing that comes out of today’s historic events it’s this: Democracy is not free and we need to be thankful that we live in a country that enjoys the fruits of democracy. We, too, have gone through our growing pains through the Civil War, Pearl Harbor, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, and most recently the tragic events of September 11, 2001, to name a few. Anything that other countries who are trying to establish Democracy have gone through, we have gone through. It has not been easy, but it’s been worth it.
What does all this have to do with success in sales or any endeavor? It’s got everything to do with it. Had it not been for our struggles we would not be able to live, work and thrive in the economy that we now do. That’s very important. If you’re one of those people who always complain about our country and it’s leadership (regardless of who’s in power), remember that the process you’re complaining about is the exact process that has allowed the freedoms you are able to enjoy today. Freedom comes with a price and while I supported Bhutto’s vision and while I would never advocate death as a means to dis-empower an individual or political party, I also know that her assassination is part of the process that Pakistan or any country that’s trying to set up a democratic society must go through to get to their goal. Harsh? Maybe. But nevertheless, necessary.
On this somber day I ask you to remember all the lives that have been lost worldwide in pursuit of democracy. These are lives that were given so that we could enjoy the life we have today. Just because we’re used to it doesn’t mean we should take it for granted. If you feel like you have forgotten how free we really are, just turn on your TV tonight to one of the major news stations and you’ll quickly be reminded of all that we have.
During this Holiday Season and the forthcoming New Year’s celebrations, remember how free we are and be thankful that we’ve already gone through the process many of our sister country’s must go through now to join us. God Bless You and I believe in you!