Nelson Mandela R I P December 5 2013

[HankQuinlan]

It is worth pointing out the influence that (disgraced) former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney had in instigating the Commonwealth sanctions that helped end apartheid and free Mandela. Canada once had influence on the international stage, and it is undoubtedly his greatest accomplishment.

And, of course, in contrast to the Reform party MP Rob Anders in Calgary, who still insists Mandela was a terrorist and communist, and on the wrong side of history. Mulroney may have been corrupt, but at least he wasn't an idiot, and has some reason to be proud of his legacy. Anders? Not so much. Shame on Calgary for keeping on re-electing this asshole.

 

[NataliaBijoux]

It was weird news broke on the TV right when you walked in and we were like what?! He was a great humanitarian, he filled his life's purpose!

And now, Ms Natalia, I will always remember that I first met you on the day that Nelson Mandela died.

 

[amigo67]

Apparently this poem gave Nelson Mandela strength while he was imprisoned. It is quite powerful. RIP Nelson Mandela.

."Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul."

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing that

 

[PlayfulAlex]

His Day is Done...

 

[Tugela]

Rest in Peace
I take my hat off to him.......27 yrs locked up
The aparthied government sent a delegation over to Canada many many years ago , they copied our Indian Act and created Aparthied system.
They changed from this fukked up system and we still have it.
Hmmmm?

Apartheid was nothing like the Indian act, any resemblance is purely superficial. They might have sent people to look at how other countries dealt with indigenous populations to make it seem more acceptable when they implemented it (by using similar language), but they came up with apartheid all by themselves. They did not need or want guidance from the outside world.

 

[HankQuinlan]

I was surprised to learn not all thought highly of Mandela plenty see him as a communist and a terrorist the comments in this link are quite astounding. Blacks in SA still have it as bad as ever living in dangerous slums their lot over all hasn't really improved much since the end of apartheid.

http://allenbwest.com/2013/12/mandela-vs-thatcher-deserves-flags-half-mast/

That blog is by and for right-wing fanatics. The same people labeling Mandela a "terrorist" would undoubtedly excuse Menachem Begin for similar actions. What Mandela and the ANC did not do -- overturn the economic system -- is one of the reasons the international elite still control the economy, and why those on the bottom are still on the bottom. Just like the rest of the world.

Mandela is honoured mainly because of his success in overturning a despicable political system without reprisals -- carrying on without revenge against the previous overlords. That in itself is an overwhelming accomplishment in this world.