Grandma in Kabul

imageThis is my Grandma. This photo was taken in Kabul in the late 70’s when she went to visit her son who worked in the US Embassy there, just before the Soviet invasion and subsequent embassy closure. She’s wearing authentic garb and yes, that’s a hookah in her hand.

My grandma died in December, 2005 at age 95, after living a full life during which she travelled to Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Japan and Indonesia. An incredibly intelligent and curious woman, she always made a point of learning about the customs, cultures and people of the places she visited. The people she met in her travels were always welcome in her home when they passed through the US, and when she died she had many friends all around the world.

Go ahead. I dare you to challenge her patriotism. She was the best damn Democrat and American I’ve ever known. She not only voted in every election, she gave time, effort and money to those candidates she believed in. She raised my mother and my uncle as patriots and servants, and she instilled the same values in their families.

Here she is in Afghani garb. Challenge her patriotism or give her credit for being open others’ cultures and customs. If you choose the latter, you’re right.

Think about Grandma when you consider what someone — Clinton or otherwise — tried to do to Barack Obama with the picture of him in traditional Somali garb. Just remember my Grandma telling you you’re full of crap. She would tell you just that, but with more polite words.

People need to shut up and give some respect. The press needs to shut up and think before they blow out a non-story and make it more important than it is. Whoever leaked this, Clinton or otherwise, needs to quit playing Captain Swiftboat and calm down.


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