Benazir Bhutto, a foreboding feeling

Several days have passed since the assassination of Pakistani opposition party leader Benazir Bhutto, and things are still tense, see this Reuters story . I can't remember in my life a feeling of foreboding like I do right now. On September 11, 2001, it all happened so fast, and was over before anyone really realized what had happened. The subsequent attacks by US forces happened in such a manner that it seemed that swift victory was the only option, despite Cheney and Rumsfeld having prior knowledge this wasn't the case. The riots in Paris in 2005 seemed angry and violent, but only on a local scope.

Today, I feel as if there are serious problems that may arise out of this. It feels as if we are on the cusp of a momentous day, only without Hari Seldon to wheel out of the vault to gentle guide us on our way. Vladimir Putin has amassed an enormous amount of power in Russia, Pakistan's dictator's chief rival was assassinated, the President of the bastion of freedom that is America has pushed executive power to all new heights, allowing him to spy on his populace, torture at will, and suspend constitutional rights. Other countries, like China, are still tyrannical, leading the world in executions. Iran is trying to gain nuclear capabilities, and Saudi Arabia is a human rights nightmare of unimaginable proportions. And I haven't even mentioned Africa yet, or global warming.

Never before has the presidential election in America meant so much, in the backdrop of all that is going on. I think this all means a great deal more than gay marriage, or pushing your religious agenda on the country.