Topic: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela RIP

I have seen nothing better to articulate what this man meant to the world than today's post from The Onion.

JOHANNESBURG—Following the death of former South African president and civil rights leader Nelson Mandela today at the age of 95, sources confirmed that the revered humanitarian has become the first politician in recorded history to actually be missed. “Today we lost not only an international hero and a symbol of the resilient human spirit, but also the very first political figure ever who people actively wish was still alive and affecting world affairs,” said political historian Wallace M. Delaney of Columbia University, adding that Mandela will long be remembered for enduring 27 years in prison in the fight against apartheid, championing equality across the globe, and standing alone as the only world leader whose passing left the international community grief-stricken and feeling a palpable void in their lives. “Certainly people have felt a sense of sorrow at the deaths of politicians in the past, but Nelson Mandela’s death is the only one on record that people everywhere unanimously agree has left the world notably worse off. I miss him, we all miss him—and that’s entirely unprecedented in the world of politics.” Delaney added that he could not predict who might be the second politician to be missed by humanity, but confirmed there were no viable candidates anywhere out there right now

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith

Re: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela RIP

Totally free now, and surely at well-earned peace, as he would wish upon all those still here.

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”

Re: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela RIP

The Onion is satire at its best, but they nailed this one...truth and humor wrapped into one neat package. RIP NM

"Rock ON & Keep the Faith"

Re: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela RIP

Bill S wrote:

The Onion is satire at its best, but they nailed this one...truth and humor wrapped into one neat package. RIP NM

Indeed.

Although, as written, "...people everywhere unanimously agree has left the world notably worse off," is of course to mean worse off to not be able to continue having his personal insights available in his ever advancing years of wisdom, advancing poor health permitting, but it has a dual meaning if the next to last word in the quote I posted changed from worse to "better," as surely as fitting, perhaps moreso, with no disrespect for the written truth, exactly as it was written.

And never forget, the situation that was is only one example of man's seemingly eternal inhumanities toward itself, any single one of which point out our most sordid and grieviously unneccesary evil(s) impeding the peace and joys all of humanity share, but enjoy in vastly differing ways and degrees of repose.

I smilingly like big_smile believing Ghandi and Mandela, space to space, for the first time and yet once again, watching over the trails each blazed, being trod safely by others, together smile

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”

Re: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela RIP

Good post George, and Rocket for bringing Ghandi into the equation. Both suffered mightily for their beliefs, during their lives, and yet unfailingly provided a beacon of hope to others despite their personal travails.

Does it have to be so? Must we suffer appalling injustice and privations to fully appreciate the value of freedom and equality, and then to fight for it for the benefit of others?

I hope not, but as the Onion points out there are no other political candidates currently likely to be mourned as Mandela will be.

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela RIP

The world lost one of its greatest heroes this week.  I've always thought his humility was his greatest characteristic.  I recently heard this cover of a song about the absurdity of prejudice and thought it be nice to share in his honor.

http://youtu.be/5YIl_TZJfRc

Re: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela RIP

Too bad JB's GF Sandi had a MAJOR blond moment and mouthed off before thinking about what she Tweeted. Duh!