R.I.P. Nelson Mandela

[MG Mal]

Passed into peace today aged 95.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j94fteQR-TY

[Manalishi]

One of the 10 most important persons to world evolution I think.

[Very Tall Brad]

He made other leaders like Blair look so inadequate. He's possibly the greatest man of the 20th century in terms of politics and humanitarianism.

[Richard Moss]

At the risk of sounding churlish, let's not forget that the ANC were not the WI and that as a terrorist organisation (for that is what they were, even if their cause may have been just) they were directly and indirectly responsible for many thousands of deaths in their time - most of the victims being fellow black africans. Their leadership have blood on their hands in much the same way as IRA/Sinn Fein and any other political group that uses violence to get their way. I'm not judging, just reminding people to keep a sense of perspective. Mandela was one of the strongest advocates of "violent" protest as opposed to passive resistance (the ANC used the word "violent", it's not my choice of words).

[MG Mal]

I agree that they are not "Saint's" and Mandela never claimed to be.
He was even quoted as saying "I am not a saint as many believe me to be, Unless........ A saint is a sinner who keeps trying."

I don't think he will merely be remembered for his post incarceration efforts and achievements, but for becoming the man we know today and his efforts and achievements since his release.

Anyone who try's to white wash the events that led to his imprisonment, is not doing justice to the victims on both sides or the man himself, as without it, he would not have become the man we know now.

[Richard Moss]

Absolutely right and sometimes for the greater good we have to accept that we have to negotiate with terrorists/freedom fighters (delete as applicable).