Greatness

Former South African President Nelson Mandela passed away last week at 95.    This iconic figure personified hope in a society once legally defined by racial divisions under the brutally repressive system of apartheid, reconciliation under his presidency and a peaceful transition of power when he stepped down after one term.   All this happened on a continent where democracy and the rule of law have been more the exception than the rule.   That being said, the extreme right wingers have been very critical of the man as a "terrorist", working with radical organizations advocating the violent overthrow of the white-dominated South African regime fifty years ago.  

 

Wait a minute.   Didn't George Washington lead us in a bloody revolution against colonial rule and then preside over the founding of our country?   Didn't Abraham Lincoln oversee a bitter civil war to free the slaves and then call for malice toward none and charity for all?   Don't forget many members of the Jewish underground in Palestine who resorted to violence before establishing the democratic state of Israel.   In what way was Nelson Mandela different?    Examine the totality of his life and even when you factor in that he was not exactly always like Gandhi, he is undeniably deserving being called a great man.