As a person with albinism living in the United States, this story really put things into perspective. There has been some discussion on albinism-related online boards about whether there's anything we can do here to help. Is there any charity doing work with people with albinism in Africa?

On a different note (and it isn't my intention to make any comparisons with the situation in Africa) there is another problem for people with albinism not only in the US but all over the world. The vast majority of people with albinism have poor eyesight or lighter skin and hair. For some of us, however, the type of albinism we have causes a bleeding disorder, and can cause a Crohn's-like digestive problem and pulmonary fibrosis. There is research underway to prolong our lives and make them better, but because this condition, Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome, is so rare the medical community doesn't often diagnose it. Without awareness, people can find themselves in life threatening situations or unable to take advantage of current research. Many of us are working very hard to get the word out about HPS.

Sent by Heather Kirkwood | 2:42 PM ET | 06-13-2008

The ruling in France is puzzling to me. The French seem to go to lengths to prohibit religious displays in political and social life but here they permitted a marriage to be dissolved on quasi religious grounds. From honor killings to female genital mutilation women and girls are not receiving the legal protections that they need. As one of your guest said, these acts are not Islamic, whether they are or not they MUST be challenged. In the west we must meet with religious and community leaders to begin a conversation into the value of every women and girls life and the lengths to which we will go to protect and enforce those rights. Part of blending cultures is understanding and appreciation of the differences and the fundamental supremacy of individual autonomy and self determination.

Sent by Raul | 7:18 PM ET | 06-13-2008