Nelson Mandela concert

[txteach]

I just saw on TV that there was going to be a big tribute concert to Nelson Mandela tonight with everyone honoring him. As a history teacher, I always wondered why no one ever mentions the S.A. president who ended apartide(sp?)
and got Mandela out of jail. I'm sure he took a lot of flack for going against the system and working for the good of the country. I forget his name but he is also a true hero but is never honored. Why do you think that is?

[AUSSIE-Rebooted-AMM]

Robert de Clerk or something. . .I think by that time. . .he had little choice.

[txteach]

Ahh, that was his name, some different spelling though. If I remember right he had a lot of choice. He actually stepped down and endorsed Mandela for president. How old is Nelson now, like 99? I think they both did a lot for their country.

[AUSSIE-Rebooted-AMM]

Hey John. . . I am a phonetic kinda huy !

Might have been an F in there too I think. . . Robert F deClerk or something.

Anyway. . .whilst standing amongst the giant statues in the Square just opposite UK Parliament House and in the shadow of Big Ben. . . amongst the Stats of Lord this, Earl that and Winston Churchill. . . there was a newie. . . Nelson Mandella. I was really impressed by that. Especially when many historically considered him a Terrorist. In fact just yesterday the History Channel here had a thing on Ronald Reagan. . .and they mentioned he considered and spoke of Mandella as a terrorist.

Isn't it amazing what happens, when our perceptions and beliefs as a society change.

[txteach]

Gandhi is another guy I have the utmost respect for but he is not that appreciated outside of India. Non-violent protest was copied by many great civil rights leaders but he was the first to do it.

[Mikey]

I think his wife tainted his name ........

I forgot what kind of scandal she was involved in, but after that was reported, it seems like he totally went down hill as a public figure.

[Hector]

Gandhi is another guy I have the utmost respect for but he is not that appreciated outside of India. Non-violent protest was copied by many great civil rights leaders but he was the first to do it.

Gandhi was not a saint, especially during his early years in South Africa. Many of his articles in the Indian Opinion newspaper were not too kind towards the black man.