TERRIFIC – AT 9:30 A.M. ET:  Speaking of symbolism – see our post on the Pledge of Allegiance just below – some Arab women are now asking help for a symbolic right...the right to drive a car.  I think this is terrific, using a small issue to illustrate a larger purpose, the drive for human rights in the very freedom-starved Arab and Muslim worlds.   And these women are, very appropriately, putting the heat on Western women, who should be doing much more:

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A coalition of Saudi activists is urging the West's top women diplomats to publicly support a campaign by women in Saudi Arabia to win the right to drive.

The group, Saudi Women for Driving, says it sent letters Monday to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton appealing for statements backing the effort to end the male-only driving rules in the Western-allied kingdom.

Right on, ladies.  It's about time some Western feminists stood up for you.

About 40 Saudi women got behind the wheel Friday, saying they were beginning a campaign to lift the restrictions in the ultraconservative Muslim country. No arrests were reported.

The Saudi activists say the Saudi campaign is inspired by the Arab uprisings and deserves high-level Western backing.

Not only should Western women get involved, but how about this:  A campaign in the West to raise money to help buy cars for Arab women who are breaking this barrier.  This small campaign can lead to larger miracles.  I want to see a Saudi woman get out on the side of the road and change a flat tire.  I want to see those old imams faint. 

Come on, Hillary.  Let's roll.  Literally.

June 20, 2011