Nelson Mandela

[grapevine]

I remember him getting released from Prison. Really fought apartheid. I don't know how enough Whites pretty much overthrew South Africa and ruled the country when they were outnumbered by Indians from India, Blacks and Colored I think mixed race people. Probably had more weapons and better literacy. Thankfully that chapter is passed.

As for Mandela though he did some good things I do not think he was a Saint. Not faithful to first wife and I read one reason he was in jail for his communist sympathies. One Presidential race after Apartheid, I wonder if he won the race do to color of skin. Did some good things however I do not think he was an angel. Unjustly in prison too long. May meet his maker soon. Some things he did not that great. I think there were better leaders in South Africa than him.

[frank ryan]

I remember him getting released from Prison. Really fought apartheid. I don't know how enough Whites pretty much overthrew South Africa and ruled the country when they were outnumbered by Indians from India, Blacks and Colored I think mixed race people. Probably had more weapons and better literacy. Thankfully that chapter is passed.

As for Mandela though he did some good things I do not think he was a Saint. Not faithful to first wife and I read one reason he was in jail for his communist sympathies. One Presidential race after Apartheid, I wonder if he won the race do to color of skin. Did some good things however I do not think he was an angel. Unjustly in prison too long. May meet his maker soon. Some things he did not that great. I think there were better leaders in South Africa than him.

Mandela was an awesome leader. He lived in a country that brutalized and oppressed the majority population. He was arrested because he was very politically involved with the ANC who were in armed struggle against RSA.
Being put in prison for communist sympathies is a bunch of bullshit. The West was not all that helpful in encouraging social justice occur in that country.

[Armenag]

Interesting article about his family:

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/07/the-mandela-family-feud-what-will-it-mean-for-his-legacy/277659/

[Shaka]

Well the truth about Mandela falls somewhere in between grape and FR.

[venkman]

He was certainly marxist in orientation and his wife Winnie was a murderous monster. But I respect the man. He was the best thing for post apartheid South Africa. He didn't retaliate against or punish the white minority like I'm sure many wanted. South Africa, for all it's problems isn't Zimbabwe...thanks to Mandela.

[frank ryan]

Well the truth about Mandela falls somewhere in between grape and FR.

Probably, but way way closer to my perspective than grape's John Birchesqe take

He was certainly marxist in orientation and his wife Winnie was a murderous monster. But I respect the man. He was the best thing for post apartheid South Africa. He didn't retaliate against or punish the white minority like I'm sure many wanted. South Africa, for all it's problems isn't Zimbabwe...thanks to Mandela.

Venkman, I agree for sure. He certainly was Marxist, maybe in almost defacto way. Castro was the first world leader he called when he got out of prison. Cuba was also one of the ANC's biggest allies. I like how Mandela was the anti-Mugabe. When massive change happens in a country it often results in knee jerk dictatorship.