Nelson Mandela has passed away.

[Billy]

This day Nelson Mandela, A great man, a seeker for freedom. has passed away.

Eternal rest grant unto him. May his light shine for all eternity.

24037

Thank you Nelson. Always you will be a beacon for all the people of the world.

A Tribute
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Peace.

[LivioRazlo]

Didn't Nelson Mandela advocate violence and terrorism through the ANC and Umkhonto we Sizwe to free South Africa from the white man?

[ViralSpiral]

Didn't Nelson Mandela advocate violence and terrorism through the ANC and Umkhonto we Sizwe to free South Africa from the white man?

http://i.behappy.me/4475/default.jpg

[Camilo]

He was a real hero who lived by example. May he R.I.P.

[Muzz]

Didn't Nelson Mandela advocate violence and terrorism through the ANC and Umkhonto we Sizwe to free South Africa from the white man?

LivioRazlo
This thread is obviously an outlet for members to express appreciation for this great man. It's not very respectful to barge in on a funeral wake and start questioning the integrity of the recently deceased. Can I suggest that if you want to explore any alleged negative aspects of this mans life that you do it elsewhere rather than derailing this thread.
Thanks

[Tesseract]

A wonderful and great man, accomplished so much through strength of spirit, moral conviction and independence of will. Didn't sell out to anyone, including his captors who tried to palm him off with compromising offers, and he didn't sell out to the two-faced West after he achieved his main goals. Like Tito, he defeated foreign attempts of subversion and corruption of his leadership and country by maintaining an uncompromised integrity, objective moral independence, and unlocking the potential of his own people. Truly thankful that this example exists for humanity.

[ulli]

http://sites.davidson.edu/educationscholars/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Nelson-Mandela-education-quote.png

[jagman]

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?64210-Member-Predictions-for-2014-and-Beyond-Intuition-Common-Sense-and-Research-Trends-Predictions-ONLY&p=741992&viewfull=1#post741992

[sian]

He leaves a beautiful legacy for his countrymen and the world.

ooHsKZJqpT0

Bless you Mr Mandela. Peace and Freedom always be your guide.

[Rocky_Shorz]

what a huge ripple in the force, very few have ever done so much for the needy, stood in the face of diversity, not backing down against all odds...

R.I.P old friend, see you on the other side...

[Carmody]

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A little song about Africa.

Something from Peter Gabriel that touched on one of the centerpoints of Nelson's life experience:

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[risveglio]

Didn't Nelson Mandela advocate violence and terrorism through the ANC and Umkhonto we Sizwe to free South Africa from the white man?

LivioRazlo
This thread is obviously an outlet for members to express appreciation for this great man. It's not very respectful to barge in on a funeral wake and start questioning the integrity of the recently deceased. Can I suggest that if you want to explore any alleged negative aspects of this mans life that you do it elsewhere rather than derailing this thread.
Thanks

But it is fitting that Mandela is defended with a Lincoln quote. I love humans. I'm out.

[lelmaleh]

One of the only true leaders we've had during these times. He's an inspiration, though sad to see him go he deserves a good rest and on to whatever is next.

[DNA]

Didn't Nelson Mandela advocate violence and terrorism through the ANC and Umkhonto we Sizwe to free South Africa from the white man?

So your point is?
And if it's true, what's wrong with that?
If you wanna make an omelette you have to break a few eggs.

[Kryztian]

For so many years, I heard blowhard historians talk about the inevitable end of apartheid, which would bring about massive bloodshed and violence. Thank you Nelson Mandela, along with millions of South Africans, for proving them wrong. A better, more peaceful, more just and equitable world is attainable, thanks to people like Mandela who don't accept the lies of most other politicians and talking heads, that we need a world with 2nd class citizens, continual war, degradation and poverty amidst a world of abundance. May we all continue to wage peace and justice here on planet Earth in the tradition of Nelson Mandela.

[Azt]

I am wondering if an event like this is not a convergence of time lines. I read somewhere that in another timeline Mandela was passed away long before today. So, now that our "today" matches with that timeline, I wonder if we have just mixed timelines (into one).

[ViralSpiral]

I love humans. I'm out.


I was born in 1961 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The year it became a republic, after withdrawing from the British Commonwealth. I know what it's like to see "whites only" signs, or see black Africans step off a sidewalk when a white man walked past, or not seeing any black faces after 6 o'clock at night on the streets. No integrated schools. Being banned from the Olympics. Fingers pointed at for simply being a South African, as if I wore a sign saying: thumbs up for apartheid. 

Let's speak a little about this man: who took up arms. He was not alone, rather a symbol for a struggle against oppression. After 27 years of contemplation in a tiny cell without a bed or toilet, he came to the realization that you cannot win with guns, rather with love.

I stood in a queue for hours and hours that day in 1994, with the whole of South Africa, to show my support for Mandela's dream for an integrated rainbow nation. There were no demonstrations, no violence. Only a people who wanted change. He rebuilt the nation and showed us that we all can make a difference. 

I don't mourn his death. Instead I celebrate his life and ponder how lucky I am.  I will honour him by trying to always remember his journey and his ability to transcend. I will try to keep my vision of the future in my sights and not allow pettiness, judgement or politics to distract me. As DNA said, so he broke a few eggs...... As did Lincoln. And I'm guessing you too.

So, as I said in another thread..... Hamba kahle Mandiba. Go well, father.

And go well risveglio.....

[araucaria]

I love humans. I'm out.
Which type of non-human entity wrote these words?
They rather put a whole new meaning on your avatar quote, don't they?


The majority of freed slaves had a positive view of the institution of slavery, and many unabashedly wished to return to slavery.

Mandela stood for the exact opposite of that. He's the very last person you want to be slating.

A little consistency would be helpful :)

[brenie]

Hi Folks, I have just seen David cameron on BBC news in his most pius state saying what a great man has just passed away. As I recall the 'anti-apartied' days of demo's, and pledged support for the struggle in s/africa.
I also recall at that time the 'young Conservatives' showing their true self, prancing round in T-shirt reading 'hang Mandella' now I wonder where Cameron was then ?
If there are any photo's of any of our present gov: i'm sure someone will show them.

Rest in peace Nelson, you did a great job, and did it for everyone.

[Mike Gorman]

I cannot conceive of being locked up for 27 years, it is testimony enough that this man endured this, and was able to move on from it
and function to overcome the terrible regime that had stamped its hegemony on an entire people. Nelson Mandella was no doubt relieved
to have finally let go of this life, what a life, lived more keenly and purposefully than many of us get the opportunity to do-he was old and passed
according to natural time. I salute him.

[mrmalco]

Bless Him for Eternity

[risveglio]

I love humans. I'm out.
Which type of non-human entity wrote these words?
They rather put a whole new meaning on your avatar quote, don't they?


The majority of freed slaves had a positive view of the institution of slavery, and many unabashedly wished to return to slavery.

Mandela stood for the exact opposite of that. He's the very last person you want to be slating.

A little consistency would be helpful :)

My love of humans continues because you are all so quick to judge. All I said was it was fitting that Mandela is being defended by a Lincoln quote, once again, read whatever you want to read into my comment and judge me, please continue to judge me.

All a bunch of high and mighty hypocrites. Violence is wrong, except when my guy does it. Racism is wrong, except when my guy does it. Oppression is wrong, except when my guy does it. This place is becoming no different than Fox or MSNBC.

:banplease:

[Lifebringer]

Thank you President Mandella for awakening the world to a more cohesive unity of unconditional love for all in the continent and around the world. As Martin you are a mover for justice and fair play and I know you are welcomed in the kingdom of peace where we will all one day meet. Thank you for your courage to speak out, where others are accepting and slow to acknowledge that we are all brothers and sisters in the human race and injustice to one in the family, is injustice to all.

God bless you Nelson Mandella. Mandiba of African democracy!

[Lifebringer]

Yep, just like the revolutionary's with the tea party, only it was about apartheid. Most revolutions start when the people are being trampled. But look at South Africa now all the better because they came together, apologized for the violence put upon one another and they are the better for it. Truly forgiveness is the way after repentance.
Then God sees the pure heart's content and works his way for the betterment of all.

Good morning all.

[araucaria]

I love humans. I'm out.
Which type of non-human entity wrote these words?
They rather put a whole new meaning on your avatar quote, don't they?


The majority of freed slaves had a positive view of the institution of slavery, and many unabashedly wished to return to slavery.Mandela stood for the exact opposite of that. He's the very last person you want to be slating.

A little consistency would be helpful :)

My love of humans continues because you are all so quick to judge. All I said was it was fitting that Mandela is being defended by a Lincoln quote, once again, read whatever you want to read into my comment and judge me, please continue to judge me.

All a bunch of high and mighty hypocrites. Violence is wrong, except when my guy does it. Racism is wrong, except when my guy does it. Oppression is wrong, except when my guy does it. This place is becoming no different than Fox or MSNBC.

:banplease:
No one is judging you, except perhaps you yourself. You have just called for a cyber death penalty against yourself for... judging the rest of us to be hypocrites.

Our alleged hypocrisy is no more than the reflection of what I described as your inconsistency. That was not a judgement: it was an expression of puzzlement at your making apparently contradictory remarks.

That was no judgment or condemnation. On the contrary, I would ask you to stay and discuss this more clearly.

Violence is wrong you say: no one is disagreeing... except perhaps you yourself - calling people a bunch of hypocrites is a verbal equivalent of violence

[risveglio]

I love humans. I'm out.
Which type of non-human entity wrote these words?
They rather put a whole new meaning on your avatar quote, don't they?


The majority of freed slaves had a positive view of the institution of slavery, and many unabashedly wished to return to slavery.Mandela stood for the exact opposite of that. He's the very last person you want to be slating.

A little consistency would be helpful :)

My love of humans continues because you are all so quick to judge. All I said was it was fitting that Mandela is being defended by a Lincoln quote, once again, read whatever you want to read into my comment and judge me, please continue to judge me.

All a bunch of high and mighty hypocrites. Violence is wrong, except when my guy does it. Racism is wrong, except when my guy does it. Oppression is wrong, except when my guy does it. This place is becoming no different than Fox or MSNBC.

:banplease:
No one is judging you, except perhaps you yourself. You have just called for a cyber death penalty against yourself for... judging the rest of us to be hypocrites.

Our alleged hypocrisy is no more than the reflection of what I described as your inconsistency. That was not a judgement: it was an expression of puzzlement at your making apparently contradictory remarks.

That was no judgment or condemnation. On the contrary, I would ask you to stay and discuss this more clearly.

Violence is wrong you say: no one is disagreeing... except perhaps you yourself - calling people a bunch of hypocrites is a verbal equivalent of violence

The hypocrisy is the way you guys attacked me when I am not even the one that made the original damn comment. I do find it fitting than Mandela is put on a big pedestal for what he did in Africa, the same way Lincoln is put on one in the USSA. I also thought it fitting that when someone wanted to share some information about some of the not so great things the hero did, he was sent a Lincoln quote. Cute little coincidence, nothing else intended until I get attacks for not praising someone that you guys think is a hero. I have respect for what Mandela did but I will never have a hero that kills. This world is for improving your soul, not creating a utopia for yourself at the expense of others, no matter how good or bad they were to you.

But please put me on vacation, this place is not for me.

[araucaria]

But please put me on vacation, this place is not for me.
............:focus:

[Realeyes]

R.I.P. Nelson Mandela - you will not be forgotten.

http://thepythoniccow.us/mandela_small.jpg

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Video also contains Mandela quotes

Mods: I do not know how to make the above image smaller - please help.

[ThePythonicCow]

Mods: I do not know how to make the above image smaller - please help.
OK - it's smaller now :).

¤=[Post Update]=¤


But please put me on vacation, this place is not for me.
Ok - enjoy your three days off :).

[Leon]

A terrorist, he planned bombings, planted bombings, killed people and he is a world here??? hello??? how can he be a hero???
sorry people but what planet do you live on

[mosquito]

A deep sense of loss at his final parting. A deep gratitude that he lived as he did.

[Whiskey_Mystic]

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1459959_679139598785316_708014158_n.jpg

[araucaria]

A terrorist, he planned bombings, planted bombings, killed people and he is a world here??? hello??? how can he be a hero???
sorry people but what planet do you live on
Leon, it's quite simple really.

Nelson Mandela did not come from a Gandhi-type background where non-violence was the rule from the cradle. Nonetheless this is where he arrived, mostly through his own efforts, including of course 27 years in jail.

No one can be criticized for how they started out in life, we are all very different in that respect. What matters is what we are doing and where we are headed. It's a normal maturing process.

What Mandela has achieved is to have raised the starting level for millions, putting them that much closer to the right track from the first. The violence that was part of the struggle fifty years ago has to a large extent been taken out of the equation, and is an example that people will need to remember in coming years when such strife is likely to reach a whole new scale, most notably in the USA.

I would remind you however, that Mandela was imprisoned for sabotage, which is violence to infrastructure, not to people. Stopping the violence to people that is racial domination was on the contrary something he was willing to die for.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2013/dec/05/nelson-mandela-1964-speech-audio

[ktlight]

Yep, just like the revolutionary's with the tea party, only it was about apartheid. Most revolutions start when the people are being trampled. But look at South Africa now all the better because they came together, apologized for the violence put upon one another and they are the better for it. Truly forgiveness is the way after repentance.
Then God sees the pure heart's content and works his way for the betterment of all.

Good morning all.

Morning to you. Yup, much more than has happened in the USA.

[ViralSpiral]

A beautiful tribute



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http://img.deseretnews.com/images/top/main/26652/26652.jpg

[transiten]

Didn't Nelson Mandela advocate violence and terrorism through the ANC and Umkhonto we Sizwe to free South Africa from the white man?

Yes, but only when every peaceful strategy was tried out and only aiming at material targets that would hurt the economy, no human killing. Also he changed perspective altogether after 27 years in prison. Gandhi also was fascinated in weaponry and war as a young man, but he changed, became a vegan and a pacifist. Are you supposed to be judged by what you did in adolescence or at a young age for the rest of your life? "He who is without sin cast the first stone". One theory states Jesus unintentionally killed a playmate...maybe he was making up for that for the rest of his life?

[Camilo]

May his bright light shine for ever!

[Ixopoborn]

The day of Mandela's passing is a sad day for the world and even more so Africa as a whole.

While he was alive, his sense of balance prevailed and he remained highly influential even in his weakness, too ill to participate in discussion. Africa as a whole operates on tribal lines, not anything like western culture which means that Mandela remained the moral compass of the country after his presidency ended just as much as when he was in office. It really is not possible to get anywhere close to an understanding of African culture and politics if you live in the West.

South Africa's economy and infrastructure have been in sure and steady decline ever since Mandela and the ANC gained control - not because of Mandela, despite him.

Crime rates, ineffectiveness of Police in detecting crime and inefficiency of the civil service are things which have been reported in the West but these reports are just the tip of a very very large iceberg of corruption.

Before Mandela's death, corruption was very bad but held in check somewhat by a tribal kind of respect which westerners find difficult to understand. Now, post Mandela's death, the 1000's of corrupt politicians gloves are likely to come off and corruption will accelerate to new dark depths akin to Zimbabwe.

The sad thing is that quality of life in Africa for the majority of black South Africans is now significantly worse than under the apartheid system. Strange but true. Now that Mandela has died, the slide into impoverishment is set to accelerate.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[T Smith]

Didn't Nelson Mandela advocate violence and terrorism through the ANC and Umkhonto we Sizwe to free South Africa from the white man?

LivioRazlo
This thread is obviously an outlet for members to express appreciation for this great man. It's not very respectful to barge in on a funeral wake and start questioning the integrity of the recently deceased. Can I suggest that if you want to explore any alleged negative aspects of this mans life that you do it elsewhere rather than derailing this thread.
Thanks

Nelson Mandela was a great man. Extolling and expressing appreciation for his life is appropriate.

If this thread is a wake, and not an exploration of the complex dimensions of Mandela's life (which in my estimation make him human, and not a saint), I will reserve any questions and comments I have to achieve a more accurate resolution of who Nelson Mandela was as a great historical figure for another thread. I do find it curious, however, that none of our South African members have left any comments, and most of the extolling in this thread comes from people who understand the historical dynamic of Mandela's life from the perspective of the Western World.

And while I agree it is disrespectful and not appropriate to barge in on a wake (and to be fair, it was not clearly laid out as such by the OP), if we are not careful we might find ourselves falling for dogma and subscribing to very childish understandings of historical figures and the human condition in general if we are too quick to judge and too quick to cast derisions upon those who question the truth and who seek a greater understanding. In the name of corralling ourselves with appropriate speech at appropriate times, per indoctrinated understanding, the vacuum left in the wake of self censorship due to a tyranny of political correctness always leads to ignorance and the wrong end of the dynamic of heresy. As we want to understand things and people as two dimensionally as we can, as either good or bad, we humans are quite easy to manipulate and tend to fall prey to dogma, propaganda, and a false paradigm of the world around us.

I for one what to understand, pay tribute, and extol the life of Nelson Mandela for who he was. I do believe he was a great man, but perhaps not in the way he is being generally portrayed in this thread.