Nelson Mandela passed away today. He was 95. Even though it was sort of expected because of his poor health, it's still very sad news. May he RIP.
such a shame considering what he did, it wasnt entirely surprising after his run of poor health, but, now, at least he can finally Rest In Peace. i have heard news that the UK's PM David Cameron, has requested to get the flag at No 10 flown at half mast, which, i think, is the least we can do as a country to respect a man that has influenced a lot of people in his life
R.I.P. to one of the world's finest... The world is a better place because of his work (and that of others, of course). His efforts, his persona, his being will be missed. He was certainly a gem the world needed.
R.I.P. Nelson Mandela. It's rare for a single individual to affect the history of a nation so much, or to leave such a huge mark on a century.
They are both famous and well known. They don't have to all three be in the same category, ie. a political figure, actor, etc.
Even though I don't know much about his life, I can still appreciate what he did for the world and for South Africa in particular. Rest in peace Mr. Mandela.
I'm curious how this passing is being treated in countries besides those with a direct connection. The UK (and maybe the other Commonwealth Countries like Oz and Canada) had close ties to So Africa. The US had close ties to the racial divide. Anyone from less involved countries care to comment? I think our 24 hour news coverage has been surprisingly good. There are so many historical events to cover and emphasize it's been so much more interesting than the typical 24 hour coverage of events and their anniversaries where the same tired stuff is repeated over and over. We're hearing about Mandela's support of Cuba and the reaction here at the time, especially from the Commie hater, Reagan. They are covering the importance of Mandela's stand against stopping the revenge cycle that has been so damaging elsewhere in the world. They've covered how DeKlerk cooperated with Mandella's Presidency compared to the attacks on Obama in this country by the GOP leadership now. There's a lot of history coming out, educating a lot of people who know so little about Apartheid.
You do know that Mandela reversed his stand on that violence early on right? Judging from the date he was removed from the list, one can guess who wanted him on it and who took his name off the list even though it was Bush that signed the official order to remove the name. It's ridiculous that he was on the list past his incarceration. And while Conde Rice was opposed to the designation, one has to wonder if Bush didn't remove the name lest it embarrass him when predictably Obama would. Nelson Mandela Was On The U.S. Terrorist Watch List Until 2008 This country's leadership has always been on the side of self interest (Dare I add rich white male? Too soon? ), with human rights being much more of a faux issue.
If RIP is all someone says, it sounds a bit like that. What irks me a lot more is when people try to turn this into a political thread. It's an obituary thread - have some respect! If you want to debate Mandela's politics or tactics he used at certain points of his life, take it somewhere else.
RIP is a common term and I believe very polite in this context. I started a separate thread: Mandela political discussion, in the debate room. Not sure anyone cares to post there, which is fine.
It is, and it is. What I was saying (and I think @We Are Cartographers was, too) is that it's a bit cheap if that's ALL you say. When someone important (globally or personally) dies, they deserve a little more than a rubber stamp obit. We should take the four seconds (or more) WAC recommends and say something of our own.
Wow. Famous, AND well known? Of course, that's how the "threes" myth works. People MAKE it work by grouping together unrelated events to meet the quota. But I am saddened, and somewhat disgusted, at how this has turned into a "Let's crap on his coffin" thread.
