France is making headlines around the world because President Nicolas Sarkozy is in support of legislation to ban the burka, which is the garment that many Muslim women wear.

Everything I’ve read so far seems to be in support of it for various reasons, mainly because it’s seen as oppressive to women, and that every country has customs and laws that need to be followed regardless of how things work in one’s home country.

But I am still confused.

Is it that all women are in fact forced to wear it, or is there a possibility that some women really want to because of their beliefs?

I don’t know the answer to that question but I do know that it seems funny to make this a rights issue. I get it- it’s hot, it’s uncomfortable, it’s worn for a reason that some may not agree with; but I still can’t shake the feeling of confusion as to why people think they have the right to tell someone else what to do as it pertains to their lifestyle- especially when it’s not really impacting their daily life.

I’m just one of those people who believes that as soon as you open the door to telling someone else what to do, one day that door is going to be opened on you.

That’s not just about Burka’s, it’s about every choice that we have and take for granted. Think about something you do in your life, I bet you there’s someone who disagrees with it for seemingly valid reasons. Should we make that illegal too?

- Homeschooling vs. Public School vs. Private School

- How many kids you have and how you have them

-Working outside the home or not

-The religion you practice or choose to ignore

All of these can be viewed as oppressive or empowering depending on who is asking the questions and presenting a case.

Yes, we should protect women and speak out against oppression; but sometimes it’s a very fine line; especially when the discussion involves “gaining rights” by taking away someone elses.

Just something to think about.