[Here’s an email I received yesterday from Kelly Wright who lived in Pakistan in 2005.]
I wanted to send you a picture of this painting.
In 2005, I lived in Pakistan and managed the National Democratic Institute’s Political Party assistance program.
This painting is displayed in the Capitol Rotunda, and is considered one of our nation’s greatest treasures. This painting conveys the true meaning of American democracy and is the most powerful message I can think of to send to the Pakistani people at this difficult time.
(Click on image to enlarge)
ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf on Sunday announced to hold the general elections in the first week of January 2008.
General Ashfaq Kiyani, who until last week was the Director General of the Inter Services Intelligence, the powerful counter-intelligence agency, will assume the post of vice chief of army staff on October 8 and will become the military chief when Gen Musharraf steps down, a military statement said.
The population has tripled which means the number of people living below the poverty level has increased. Religious tolerance has decreased by leaps and bounds while social inequalities have grown to enormous proportions. While the wealthy have increased in number, the gap between the rich and the poor has increased. The vast majority of our population still has no access to potable water, health care or schooling, and at least one province has become so alienated that it commemorated the 60th birthday as a ‘black day’. But there’s more.
“Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.” Stanley Wolpert