By Beauty Damned

yes I know.

All the marriages I see are arranged and seem loveless. I try to remain broad minded about things but it's tough cuz I see the fear in these women's eyes.

You're right too. Atrocities all over the globe of this kind. That business about female castration is not to be believed. But here's the U.S. government focusing its energy on Iraq. I don't think there's anything very noble about that in fact I if our government was really interested in the freeing of people in this world it would have concentrated efforts in places that truly needed education and goodwill input. I have always been suspicious of the governments motives with the war in Iraq too.

I'm beyond suspicious about it. It's so obvious. It amazes me that people can defend our actions over there when the whole thing was so contrived and obviously perpetrated to fulfill a personal and political agenda.

Things are such a mess in the world. But more than anything I wish that women's rights would manifest in all of these places where they are so sorely lacking. Women have been trampled for ages because men feel threatened by them. Even here in the U.S. men are still so threatened by women. It's only different here because women fought like mad to achieve the rights that we now enjoy. I personally feel that I owe a lot to all of the ladies who crusaded for my freedoms. It would be wonderful to see that happen in other countries. Not so that they could become like Americans, but so women in other countries could have some recourse against being victimized and treated as lesser animals. That's something to fight for. Not just the freedom of one country who conveniently has oil and a dictator who we hate. But the freedom of women everywhere.

I don't know if it's fair to compare the War in Iraq with a war on Women's suffering. The Indian Women need to rise up like ours did. A war can't change a culture - but it can chnage a regime.

Just have a look at the UN's Human Rights Commison and you'll find the answer to the problem. Or at least an explanation.

I realize that they are two very different battles.

The war in Iraq was wrong for many other reasons. You should turn on ABC tonight "Rumsfeld's Rules of War." Good piece.

Thanks I will.

Oh my..I dated a guy years ago..his name was Rahji and I called him Ratt.anyway he was Hindu but raised in Virginia...he loved the Beach Boys..anyway at one time we wanted to marry but his mother put a stop to that. Apparently Ratt had a bride waiting for him in India. I never got to know his mother very well but she didn't like me....

Insterestingly enough, I have made friends with a local market owner here, and he and his whole family are from India. He is so generous (often giving me things or cutting me a deal for "whaever change is in your pocket".

It's his wife that is the mean one.

I agree Connie. Neil (the other half) works for Indians. He manages one of their many stores on Cape Cod. Once you are accepted by them it appears you actually become part of the family. Neil's often referred to at work by their surname(a huge honor implying total acceptance according to what I hear)

In fact, the most influential of the group (Neil's immediate boss) has just gone back to New Delhi to attempt to arrange an indefinite passage for his parents back here to the States. I guess it's a rather daunting task and requires endless red tape and paper work.

I have been welcomed to by these folks and we're often guests at their house. I'm sure they're aware of the 'nature' of my relationship with Neil but it's simply a non-issue. It amazes me how graciously accepting they are.

(and YES! His wife too is impossible!!! She's an American born Indian gal from Long Island and the marriage was arranged when they were infants. They're none too pleased with one another and barely speak)

I have met very many nice Indian people. Used to live in NJ next door to a man who was from India and he was so sweet. We rode the bus together a lot and had great conversations and he was never anything but gracious and respectful.

By this posting I definitely never meant to insinuate that I have a problem with Indian people. Only that the things I read regarding the culture there with respect to women are very disturbing.

Ditto M.