Re: Mandela RIP
 

400,000 people have been murdered in South Africa since Mandela was released. Good job there wasn't a bloodbath.

Re: Mandela RIP
 

Yeah. Things were supposed to get better - or so the rest of the world told us

Re: Mandela RIP
 

:goodpost: A very sad day.

Re: Mandela RIP
 

+1

Re: Mandela RIP
 

I remember asking my dad who was he ? Rip Mandela and me ole dad xx as far as I am concerned he was practically a Scottish Mandela, some times I forget !

It's a personal thing!! I don't do my dad justice!

Re: Mandela RIP
 

And you hold him personally responsible? And not the apartheid government that set up a system that entrenched inequality, ignorance, deprivation and brutality on a massive scale for decades and decades before Mandela was released?

Perhaps, then, you would like to compare Mandela to Mugabe - just to help you understand the difference.

Re: Mandela RIP
 

He was the right man to breathe in reconcilliatory tones during the South African transition to full democracy, but he could have played a leading role for a bit longer than he did. He failed to speak out against Mugabe and sat quietly by while his successors went from bad to worse. But on balance I'd say he was a good, well-intentioned man. Hopefully he's left South Africa with a lasting legacy.

RIP Nelson

Re: Mandela RIP
 

From the BBC, a quote from Mandela.

"We watch with sadness the continuing tragedy in Darfur. Nearer to home we have seen the outbreak of violence against fellow Africans in our own country and the tragic failure of leadership in our neighbouring Zimbabwe."

Re: Mandela RIP
 

Yes he spoke out once but said and did nothing more after that. But admittedly he was a very old man even then.

Re: Mandela RIP
 

You said he had "prevented a bloodbath". I'm just pointing out that the "bloodbath" continues year after year in SA and that attacks on white's have reached the point, that SA made it onto the genocide watch list.

I'll let you apportion blame for that. You're pretty good at it.

Re: Mandela RIP
 

There were a number of posts that were becoming a little hostile, and whilst I don't personally like 'speaking' the way some of the discussion has gone, I accept that feelings run high and people have the right to express that. But the Barbie is not really the place for some of the language used or sentiments expressed so I've moved the more objectionable comments (trying to keep the gist of the conversation) to a new thread in TIO, where more colourful language is more acceptable. If your post is missing it is likely here - http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=817107

Re: Mandela RIP
 

I can't see how any of these 'missing' posts are hostile IMO. Are we not allowed to debate anymore?

Re: Mandela RIP
 

+1

BE is being over moderated yet again

Re: Mandela RIP
 

Uh huh.

Well, let's see.

Those who hail him as an example of the best of humanity, a man with a goal of peace and reconciliation, a vast capacity for forgiveness, an example of courage, and express their respect for his life and sadness at his passing include The Dalai Lama, the Queen of England, Prince Charles, Nadine Gordimer, FW de Klerk, Archbishop Tutu, a host of world leaders, sportsmen, artists and masses of just ordinary people including white South Aricans, and a lot, lot more. And then there's you and a handful of other armchair critics on BE who are loud and brave from behind their keyboards.

Now, let me see which list I feel carries more weight.......

Re: Mandela RIP
 

Well some of them were certainly rude and objectionable - but I agree, no need to make them go away. We aren't children.

Well most of us aren't anyway.:D