Yesterday, I saw a video that led me to think that there just may be greater acceptance of other cultures and, especially, of the Middle East.

The video showed President Obama speaking with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan.  I saw two men who were speaking calmly and with civility.  Could this be the work of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton?  Perhaps, but there just may be more.

Many soldiers died in Afghanistan during the last few years, some of whom were Canadian soldiers.  There are unhappy memories and I feel genuine sorrow for those who have lost a loved one.

Moreover, as a woman, I rather enjoy being able to show my face.  But it could be that women whose faces are hidden and whose husbands have many wives are nevertheless happy.  “Que sais-je ?” (What do I know?)  These are the words of Michel de Montaigne  (1533-1592).

Unfortunately, one cannot roll back history, but one can make today the first day of the rest of one’s life.  We have that option.

In other words, I felt a sense of relief viewing these two Presidents speaking humbly with one another and then shake hands.

Let us hope for greater brotherhood among human beings.  Cultures may differ, but we are all human beings.  There is therefore a profound level of commonality between all of us.

It is my most sincere wish that humans will now work with one another and avoid conflicts.

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September 21, 2011