She was a prisoner herself, as was her husband. Her father was executed on the order of a kangaroo court. And yet she stood fast through her life for the way of the peacemaker, strong but unarmed against a world seemingly ruled by violence which succeeded in taking her life yesterday morning.

Benazir Bhutto was not a saint--few saints are, during their earthly lives. But those who deify her and those who damn her do her equal disservice. During her 54 years on earth she was a proud, living example of the power of ideas and of hope. Threatened again and again, the target of repeated assassination attempts, nonetheless she stood smiling through the sunroof of her armored car to acknowledge the cheers of a crowd which, alas, included a man with a gun and a bomb. I hope there was little pain; I hope she died with that smile still on her face. I think of Gandhi, whose last words were a prayer of forgiveness for the man who shot him.

A life ends.....a legacy begins. We will remember the name, the teachings, and the life of Benazir Bhutto long, long after those who took her life are utterly forgotten.

May she rest in peace, surrounded by love.

Those who wish may light a candle for Benazir Bhutto at http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=Bhutt . Each candle burns for 48 hours and you may leave a few words as well.

Lovely thought, Dave. She was, regardless of her flaws, a perceptive, intelligent and very extraordinary woman.