I am appalled by the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya.
Apparently, she was shot near her apartment because of her reporting on torture in Chechnya by Russians.
I didn't know anything about her before the news reports these past few days, but I respect so much a person who is willing to speak out against human rights violations.
We all must speak our minds freely if our human race is to evolve and grow, if we are to thrive.
Freedom of expression and freedom of speeech--the freedom to have our own thoughts--these are our basic human rights.
No one has the right to label us or our views.
We have the right to define ourselves--and not to let others do that for us.
Anna had the courage to stand up for herself, her profession, and her beliefs. It is appalling that she could be killed for this.
* * *
Sitting here tonight, thinking about Anna, I am reminded of the basic tenet of my life philosophy.
Violence is always--ever--wrong.
If my kids remember one thing that I have taught them, I hope it is that.
* * *
Otherwise today--in addition to my reading news reports--it was somewhat uneventful here. We heard the news that Mark Warner may pull out of the Presidential race, and I attended a heated faculty meeting. Aidan slammed into another student at gym, and Kellen had a play date with Maria. I worked in a flurry writing press releases for candidates (I'm volunteering) and then rushed around doing errands before my meeting.
It was one of those days where the time just gets sucked all up inside itself.
Kellen is such a cutie...loves to nurse and snuggle and be with his loved ones...
He is a joy as ever, just a light.