We mourn the passing of one of the greatest and most courageous men of the past century, but the ideals that Nelson Mandela espoused and the work that he started must be continued by those of us who remain.
Lest we forget, Nelson Mandela was persecuted and opposed, not only by the Apartheid government in South Africa, but by the global power elite, generally, especially those who call themselves conservative. You may want to read this excellent article from the Think Progress website:
Six Things Nelson Mandela Believed That Most People Won’t Talk About
Here are some highlights:
1. Mandela blasted the Iraq War and American imperialism.
2. Mandela called freedom from poverty a “fundamental human right.”
3. Mandela criticized the “War on Terror” and the labeling of individuals as terrorists without due process.
4. Mandela called out racism in America.
5. Mandela embraced some of America’s biggest political enemies.
6. Mandela was a die-hard supporter of labor unions.
The article also catalogs some of the prominent America politicians and journalists who over the years denounced Mandela.
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Beyond Money 
thank you nelson mandela.
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Nelson Mandela was larger than life in all his endeavors who understood that he was human. Vulnerable to the weaknesses of his station and able to recognize that weakness. Courgeous enough to not just recognize it but to organize his life via that recognition. So many of his fellow African leaders either don’t recognize those weaknesses in themselves or choose to ignore that weakness and end up incorporating imperialism and imperialistic behaviors in thier ruling style and thus take advantage of their position for personal gain. Then there are the “western” leaders, who are worse and think they are not vulnerable to these weaknesses of character prevalent in African leaders. Yet he was able to recognize that the weaknesses are a result of the imperfection of being human and develop the patience required to accept his own weakness and that of others as he worked to bring his fellow South Africans to reconciliation. His lack of hubris and arrogance is an example to people like Dick Cheney and others who could benefit from that simplicity.
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Great observation. Thanks for your comment.
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Worth reading..
http://www.naomiklein.org/articles/2011/02/democracy-born-chains
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