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Living History - Sunanda Vashisht Sunanda Vashisht was born in the beautiful valley of Kashmir, India when Kashmir was known for its unparalleled natural beauty and not as a cauldron of fear and terror. She did most of her schooling in Delhi and dabbled with several professions before moving to U.S last year. she is currently pursuing higher studies here. she likes to introduce herself as an explorer because she wants to spend all her time in this world exploring unknown. Writing for her is a cathartic experience. She can't remember when she began writing first but she does know that writing has always helped her to be at peace with herself and with the world around her.

It is an easy way to make a fast buck nowadays. If you have held any position of influence at some time in your life or if you have been close to someone wielding position of influence or if circumstances have put you in a controversial position, all you do is write a book and make enough money to live life comfortably ever after. Jessica Lynch is being hounded to write a book. Countless number of books were written on Princess Diana, of course, after she met with her tragic death. Each one claimed to be the original and correct account of her life. It was hard to tell since she wasn’t around to verify.

The latest case in point is a new book written by Senator Hillary Clinton. I haven’t had a chance to read the book titled ‘ Living History" yet. I am told it is an account of how much Hillary has ‘suffered’ playing wife to Prez Clinton. Of course she chooses to say it all now when the luxuries and perks that come with being the First Lady no longer exist. Bill Clinton is now an ordinary citizen and Senator Clinton is touted as a contender for President in near future. I don’t know what prompted Hillary to write her tale of suffering now when everything is over and most magazines (if one can trust them) are saying that Clintons are no longer together. Money [whopping Eight million dollars] by some accounts is sure a tempting offer. I am confident that she was made the same offer even when major scandals were at their peak. Why did she choose not to write then? Out of love for the President. I don’t think so. Hillary, sure is a woman of ambition which is no vice as some of you might say. She happens to be an opportunist too. It is my gut feeling that Clintons must have struck a deal during the height of scandals. ‘ I will stay quiet and let you complete your term while I enjoy the perks, and then you stay quiet and let me work on my political career’ is what I believe Senator Clinton must have told President. Of course, Billy Boy had no choice but to agree.

She said in an Interview that she did not write this book earlier because of her daughter, not knowing what effect it will have on her. The book right now is not going to have any positive effect on Chelsea. It doesn’t mater when Hillary would have chosen to write the book, Chelsea is not going to take it positively. No child would like her parents being exposed like that in front of the world, especially when the poor girl has suffered so much during her stay in White House.

Please don’t take me wrong. I am not defending Bill Clinton. I am not even going to comment on ‘suffering Hillary’. I have a problem against this whole system where written word is being abused and such books have become instant tickets to fame and fortune. Hillary Clinton has a right to live her life the way she chooses to. It is hard to guess what Hillary should have done with an errant husband like hers. I think if she had simply and quietly walked out of her husband’s ‘White House’ with dignity without washing the dirty linen in the public she would have gained a lot more support from women. "Dignity" is a word that is often used to describe Hillary in Press. I think if she would have chosen not to write ‘Living History", the word would suit her more. I admire Hillary for the grit and determination with which she is climbing the ladder of success. If she had kept her personal life away from public glare, she would have earned a lot more respect. Right now Bill and Hillary appear same to me. And that makes me sad for Hillary as a woman.

Till we connect again...

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