Nelson Mandela, revered statesman and anti-apartheid leader, dies at 95

[Jamie D]

Nelson Mandela, revered statesman and anti-apartheid leader, dies at 95

By Yahoo News

Former South African President Nelson Mandela has died at age 95 of complications from a recurring lung infection.

The anti-apartheid leader and Nobel laureate was a beloved figure around the world, a symbol of reconciliation from a country with a brutal history of racism.

Mandela was released from prison in 1990 after nearly 30 years for plotting to overthrow South Africa's apartheid government. In 1994, in a historic election, he became the nation's first black leader. Mandela stepped down in 1999 after a single term and retired from political and public life....

His statement from the dock at the opening of the defense trial became extremely popular. He closed his statement with: "During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

Full article at the link above.

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Mandela spoke to the dignity of all people.  We should learn from his example and his struggle, as we suffer from our own form of apartheid.

It is about how you fight the battle.

[Ltl89]

Wow, I just heard this here.  That's very sad. 

[Jamie D]

"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived.  It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." - Nelson Mandela

[Ms Grace]

It's been coming for a while but sad news all the same. South Africa already seems on shaky ground and he was such a symbol for hope to so many, I hope it can hold itself together with him gone.

[gennee]

Nelson Mandela was a true statesman, peace warrior, and a man of principle. He harbored no ill will toward those who sought to destroy him.

[Shantel]

Nelson Mandela was a true statesman, peace warrior, and a man of principle. He harbored no ill will toward those who sought to destroy him.

As an angry young Marxist member of the ANC he and that organization were considered terrorists but interestingly enough at some point during his 30 year incarceration he had an amazing epiphany and emerged a better man than his captors. Instead of being filled with hatred and revenge, he championed reconciliation and peace. He was a most charming man with a wonderful warm smile that was in itself very disarming. He is responsible for elevating the dialog and saving the country from a bloody civil war.

[Natkat]

Even when it sad news, he turned 95 which is a impressive age even for a regular person.
A person like Mandela who had problems with his lungs (which they say where due to his prision time) is consider even more lucky to have reached that age. so He still had a long life.

I think the guy is really imspirering and sad his gone,
sure people pick out there where bad details of him, but I dont think anyone who live can be 100% pure,
the same thing happents in Denmark when one of the first leader of the GLBT died.