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(CNN) -- Nelson Mandela, the revered statesman who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead South Africa out of decades of apartheid, has died, South African President Jacob Zuma announced late Thursday. He was 95.
The former president battled health issues in recent months, including a recurring lung infection that led to numerous hospitalizations.
With advancing age and bouts of illness, Mandela retreated to a quiet life at his boyhood home in the nation's Eastern Cape Province, where he said he was most at peace.
Despite rare public appearances, he held a special place in the nation's consciousness.
(more at link)
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/12/05 21:55:12
-"Wait a minute.....who is that Frazz is talking to in the gallery? Hmmm something is going on here.....Oh.... it seems there is some dispute over video taping of some sort......Frazz is really upset now..........wait a minute......whats he go there.......is it? Can it be?....Frazz has just unleashed his hidden weiner dog from his mini bag, while quoting shakespeares "Let slip the dogs the war!!" GG
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-TBone the Magnificent 1999-2014, Long Live the King!
Soladrin wrote: I'll be honest, I was more upset with the suffering he's been having to live through the last year, glad he can finally get his well deserved rest.
Likewise.
Rest in Peace Mr. Mandela. You fought the good fight long and hard, and left the world a better place than when you entered it.
The anchor reporting the matter on the BBC right now seems to be quite choked up about it, which is odd, because he's British and who shows emotion on the BBC.
Though yes, CNN aught to moderate its comments better. Being racist's fine apparently, just as long as you don't use certain terms. Also calling him and anyone who supports him a communist seem to be fine too. Considering the man himself did his best to promote integration between races once he left prison I guess its just those who are opposed to liberal ideas that are making such spiteful statements.
All the hatred that other thread displayed-- regardless of "what happened in his earlier life" is simply atrocious. Have some respect for the deceased, especially one who-- more recently than said controversies-- made an effort to bring about equality through relatively peaceful measures.
This is just saddening. I don't care others say-- I will continue to hold the name of Mandela as esteemed and a great example of leadership.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/12/06 00:19:02
Marine_With_Heart wrote: At 95? He had a good innings I think, kind of relieved that he doesn't have to suffer any longer and can finally enjoy his rest.
No no, the 1995 Rugby world cup... the one that the Boks ended up winning
Marine_With_Heart wrote: At 95? He had a good innings I think, kind of relieved that he doesn't have to suffer any longer and can finally enjoy his rest.
No no, the 1995 Rugby world cup... the one that the Boks ended up winning
he also died at 95 >_>
DR:80+S++G+M+B+I+Pwmhd11#++D++A++++/sWD-R++++T(S)DM+ Ask me about Brushfire or Endless: Fantasy Tactics
One of the great men of history, Truth and Reconciliation will go down in history as one of the great nation building projects. Apparently he was also lovely in person. The world is a poorer place for his leaving.
Da Boss wrote: Interesting to think he was once one of the most wanted men in the world and a despised terrorist in the eyes of many.
Even more interesting to consider that the charge of terrorism isn't entirely baseless, he was in charge of a group that went around blowing up public buildings. It's ridiculous for people to try and condemn Mandela's legacy because of that, as sadly seems to be happening in some parts of the internet. Instead, Mandela's early efforts to end apartheid should be seen as a contrast to the relatively peaceful end that was finally achieved, and used to praise Mandela and everyone else in South Africa that worked to end apartheid without a violent uprising.
“We may observe that the government in a civilized country is much more expensive than in a barbarous one; and when we say that one government is more expensive than another, it is the same as if we said that that one country is farther advanced in improvement than another. To say that the government is expensive and the people not oppressed is to say that the people are rich.”
Adam Smith, who must have been some kind of leftie or something.
My eyes are tearing up when I saw the article on MSN, now that's a man who should be remembered. His actions are so transcendental, it's difference was felt by people who wasn't even born when the actions occurred or have met him. He will be missed!
I can't bring myself to be sad that a 95 year old died.
Even with a solid chunk of prison time that is a really good run. Don't be sad that he died, be glad that he lived.
Even more interesting to consider that the charge of terrorism isn't entirely baseless, he was in charge of a group that went around blowing up public buildings. It's ridiculous for people to try and condemn Mandela's legacy because of that, as sadly seems to be happening in some parts of the internet. Instead, Mandela's early efforts to end apartheid should be seen as a contrast to the relatively peaceful end that was finally achieved, and used to praise Mandela and everyone else in South Africa that worked to end apartheid without a violent uprising.
As someone who lived in the southern end of Africa for quite a long period of time, it is interesting to note that a lot of people there (black and white alike) do not hold him in anywhere near the same esteem as the West does. But then again, he's come to symbolise the end of apartheid over here and is venerated on that basis, as opposed to his actual life actions so much.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/12/06 06:43:17
As someone who lived in the southern end of Africa for quite a long period of time, it is interesting to note that a lot of people there (black and white alike) do not hold him in anywhere near the same esteem as the West does.
Lol. People 1000's of kilometers over the ocean care more for the guy as opposed to the millions of people here who got their fething freedom after hundreds of years of being treated like gak, with this man the figurehead and leader of the organisation who played a big role in bringing the rotten mess down? It's also interesting to note that the news over here today is all about him, and less of the multiple government/presidential corruption scandals exploding across the country the last few months. Because we don't care. Or something.
Lol. People 1000's of kilometers over the ocean care more for the guy as opposed to the millions of people here who got their fething freedom after hundreds of years of being treated like gak, with this man the figurehead and leader of the organisation who played a big role in bringing the rotten mess down? It's also interesting to note that the news over here today is all about him, and less of the multiple government/presidential corruption scandals exploding across the country the last few months. Because we don't care. Or something.
Ultimately, that falls down to anecdotal evidence on both sides. I lived in Zimbabwe for five years, and have a lot of relatives and old acquaintances strung out across South Africa.
And yes, I would still say that people on this side of the ocean venerate him that little bit more, simply because they don't tend to see the tarnish in the ANC's past or current affairs. African politics is rarely front page news here, and whilst most people haven't got an absolute clue over who the ANC are, they've still heard the name of Mandela. He's evolved into a kind of figurehead for anti-apartheid and anti-colonialism. Which is fine and all, but the man wasn't quite Gandhi, and was something of a hypocrite.
This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 2013/12/06 08:06:39
I'm more upset about the fact that it is literally all I will hear for the next few weeks on BBC news. Twenty minutes out of a half hour news segment; they have a reporter in Soweto telling us how people feel there, a reporter in America telling us how Obama feels, every talking head going wheeled out to pass comment and etc etc. I don't mind reporting the news, but they don't have to keep going on about it.
Show me someone who was alive as long as he was involved on sweeping cultural changes who isn't. Life isn't polite enough to allow you perfect consistency and black and white views.
"-Nonsense, the Inquisitor and his retinue are our hounoured guests, of course we should invite them to celebrate Four-armed Emperor-day with us..." Thought for the Day - Never use the powerfist hand to wipe.
4000+ points with elements from the 1st, 2nd and 10th company. 
