It’s nice to see a quote on the death of Nelson Mandela from someone who actually has some credibility.
“Mandela was one of the great leaders and teachers of the twentieth century. He conceived a model for mortal enemies to overcome their hatred and find a way through compassion to rebuild a nation based on truth, justice and the power of forgiveness. His passing should reignite a worldwide effort for peace.” — Paul Simon on Nelson Mandela’s passing, December 5, 2013
That’s a nice sentiment.
It’s almost jarring to open up a British newspaper and see all the praise being lavished on Mandela. I seem to recall Margaret Thatcher calling the African National Congress a “typical terrorist organization” and refusing to join civilized nations in slapping a sanctions regime on the Apartheid government in South Africa. I remember when Dick Cheney voted against a House Resolution supporting the recognition of the African National Congress and the release from prison of Mandela. When asked about that vote in 2000, Cheney said he didn’t regret it because the ANC was a terrorist organization.
But now we have a president who says that the very first political thing that he ever did was join in a protest against Apartheid. That might be the first truly political thing I ever did, too. Michelle LaVaughn Robinson might have been there. She probably was.
Yes, Nelson Mandela was a giant of a man whose stature in history will be similar to George Washington’s. He lived a long and fruitful life, and for that I am glad.
But let’s not forget all those who died prematurely or never truly lived because of the despotism of white supremacy in South Africa.
