Democracy In Action...in Afghanistan

An article in today's NY Times illustrates the ability of democratic institutions to change the lives of citizens. Just when our political process is once again sinking to new lows (see John McCain and William Ayers) folks new to democracy are proving it can work, that government can indeed be effective in providing opportunity for many, that when we allow all of our citizens to participate, the lives of all are made better. Step by step, region by region, person to person; that's how nations are built.

Imagine what it took for this woman to break the ceiling of religion, culture, poverty and war that kept her and her sisters oppressed for generations. This is what we send our young men and women to fight and kill and die for.

"As the government began development programs in the provinces, Najiba was elected head of a newly formed women’s development council, representing her village and the neighboring village. Its job was to plan how to spend a government development grant.

The men’s council decided the area needed a road, and flood barriers to save the farming land near the river. The women’s council wanted instead to buy livestock for each family, traditionally the women’s domain in Afghan households, to improve the food supply for families. The men won that debate. “We did not get the farming project,” Najiba said. “We are still suggesting it was valuable; we are trying to work on our projects so we don’t have to depend on the men.”

The women got their way with the next project: solar panels to provide light to groups of four houses. That project has opened up all sorts of ideas, for computers, televisions and educational and election programs, she said.

Women have participated in literacy and tailoring training programs, too. Najiba laughed as she explained: “We have changed our way of life. Now I have lots of skirts.”

She added, “It all comes down to the council.”

Then there's this, American democracy. That shining beacon. A woman running for the second highest office.