For Malala

She was outspoken.  She was brave.  She was fourteen.  Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani girl attacked recently by the Taliban while coming home from school, was shot because she was willing to speak out about the need for girls to be educated.

The outcry has been widespread.  From outraged Pakistanis to politicians in this country, folks have let it be known that this is just plain wrong.  Yet, as several folks have noted, the reality is that education is the greatest threat that the Taliban and other terrorists face.  For when people have knowledge, when they understand the truth, they are less likely to be taken in by the promises of those who would rule the world by violence.

Apparently Malala is going to recover from her attack.  The bullets just missed killing her.  And for that we can be grateful.  But what is to come of the whole incident?  Will the story simply fade away, as so many do--or will we recommit ourselves to working for universal access to education?  All children deserve the chance to learn.  All children deserve the chance to be educated.  Boy children and girl children.  All children.  Here in the United States and around the world.

The future is scary enough--let's not compound the threats that seem to loom ahead with ignorance.  Let us work together to help secure that the next generation be an informed and educated generation.  Volunteer at your local school.  Support the efforts of UNICEF.  Read to your children, your grandchildren.  Write letters to your representatives in government urging that education be a priority here and abroad. 

Malala wasn't willing to keep silent--neither should we.