Bhutto-matically

This is one of those assassinations where we're constantly told that we're supposed to feel bad. Now why should we feel bad for Benazir Bhutto?

Seems to me the primary reason is that she's dead and she died violently which isn't much fun. But then poor people have been dying violently in Pakistan and across the border in Afghanistan since the British first arrived and the Americans followed (and earlier when Aryans from Central Asia arrived and then Muslims). Perhaps it's only just that a member of the elite, usually insulated from violence, has died on her own sword.

The truth is that elites have a monopoly on violence and that that violence flows only one way, down. So perhaps I'll withhold my tears for now.

The other argument I've heard for why we need to mourn her is that she's a woman. Yes it's true (and perhaps unbelievable) that there could be a woman head of state in Pakistan. I bet the Saudis would sweat if she ever visited on official business. For that reason it's a tragedy. Women should of course be able to participate in public life without threat. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that Bhutto was interested in supporting other women or building systems to have them elected etc. She was an exception and unless some other man's daughter aspires to greatness I don't think we'll ever see another woman head of state in Pakistan.

So perhaps some tears here but then again how much do we really need leaders to take our power away?

But I think it's important to remember that she's a super elite. Did you ever hear her speak? I guarantee that she (like all South Asian super elites) was educated in Britain. She has more in common with the Oxbridge elite than almost anyone in Pakistan. Another example of an out of touch leader (the Bush family are stinking rich, Paul Martin runs Canada Steamship Lines, South Korea's new leader used to run Hyundai, for instance). Bhutto never went without her whole life while millions in Pakistan barely survive because of the system that elites like her have created. Also it's important to remember that she's been booted out of power twice for being corrupt (a common ailment in Pakistan--ask Nawaz Sharif).

So I feel that Madame Bhutto is not necessarily someone to mourn. Just another elite leader blown to bits. When you live (and profit) by the sword, you die by the sword. Yet I somehow doubt that this latest "martyr" will convince her fellow elites to change direction.