Nelson Mandela Dies

[JoJo]

We all knew it would happen soon, but I'm sad to report that Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon, passed away today.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25249520

[HEADING=2]Nelson Mandela: 1918 - 2013[/HEADING]​

What are your thoughts and comments on this news?

Personally, I hope most of all that South Africa won't be destabilised now such a uniting figure has died. Mandela lead a good long life, especially considering the hardships he experienced when he was younger including his 27 year long imprisonment, so the greatest tragedy would be if all his hard work was underdone now. My thoughts are going out to South Africa tonight.

 

[Soviet Steve]

Personally, I hope most of all that South Africa won't be destabilised now such a uniting figure has died.

The icon of the South African dream has passed on. When people awake to realize the misery that his successors have brought with them there will be chaos, and hopefully change.

 

[Scarim Coral]

Inb4 hot-soup make a warmnig fill comment about lacking empathy to others just cos he/ she is famous compared to a nobody and not relating to gaming, oh wait that's only in news related thread.

OT- This is just getting worsers by the days (is this to make up for the bad guy deaths in 2011?), just no more death news for the rest of December please! Honestly I'm not too suprised by this recent news given to how his health was like in the past months.

Either way he will be remembered.

 

[CrazyGirl17]

What is it with these last few months and notable deaths? Talk about depressing... hopefully he will at least be able to rest in peace...

 

[Shamanic Rhythm]

It's fairly rare that you can say with certainty that someone's passing leaves the world a poorer place.

So long, Madiba.

 

[Basement Cat]

I shudder to think of what would have happened to South Africa without Mandela.

Slightly off topic: I can't read the news story without thinking of the book: World War Z. Am I alone in this?????

 

[Sixcess]

A genuinely great man and, perhaps more importantly, a genuinely good man. If every country that went through that kind of upheaval had a Mandela the world would be a far better place.

 

[Tanis]

From what I know of him he was actually a pretty decent guy, overall.

No major scandals like 'getting some on the side' or being a pretty large racist.

Which, lets face it, is rare for folks who get famous.
-regardless of the reason.

 

[WoW Killer]

I was watching the TV in a public place when the announcement was made. Someone said "hey, I think they're about to announce his death" (which anybody who had kept up with the news was expecting), and suddenly everybody was silent for the announcement. I was actually reminded of all those moments in Mad Men when all the cast were silently transfixed to their screens as the latest historic moment was broadcast. Maybe someday this'll be one of those famous moments that people look back and reflect on.

Anyway, great man. The apartheid era was a really nasty stain on the human image. Not only did Mandela deal with it, he dealt with it with dignity. I could not have done the same.

 

[Reiper]

From what I know of him he was actually a pretty decent guy, overall.

No major scandals like 'getting some on the side' or being a pretty large racist.

Which, lets face it, is rare for folks who get famous.
-regardless of the reason.

Well not to poop on the parade, but didn't he authorize public bombings that killed innocent people?

 

[Rawberry101]

Mandela was a hero for human rights and probably the most important African in the century. He lived a life of sacrifice and hardship but also one of ultimate triumph. I have no doubts that his legacy will outshine most others in the coming years.

 

[Simalacrum]

"Pale death beats equally at the poor man's gate and the palaces of kings" - Seneca the Younger

Evidently, and sadly, it also beats equally at the footsteps of heroes.

In a strange way, I'm almost glad he didn't die a few months ago; he was able to pass without the media constantly reporting his every condition, in peace and quiet with his family.

 

[Ken_J]

Dude was 95? Natural causes? Impressive for politician who did what he did. I don't know It might just be the American History I have to look at. American Politicians with a similar resume tend to get shot.

 

[sextus the crazy]

As someone studying the fucked up ethno-religious relationships in the Middle East, I have nothing but respect for someone like him who could transcend them. He will be missed.

 

[TekMoney]

As someone studying the fucked up ethno-religious relationships in the Middle East, I have nothing but respect for someone like him who could transcend them. He will be missed.

What are you talking about? South Africa is not a part of the Middle East.

 

[sextus the crazy]

As someone studying the fucked up ethno-religious relationships in the Middle East, I have nothing but respect for someone like him who could transcend them. He will be missed.

What are you talking about? South Africa is not a part of the Middle East.

I am quite aware. However, many of the problems in both parts of the world are similar to each other. I am simply respecting a man who put a lot of work into fixing these problems.

 

[TekMoney]

As someone studying the fucked up ethno-religious relationships in the Middle East, I have nothing but respect for someone like him who could transcend them. He will be missed.

What are you talking about? South Africa is not a part of the Middle East.

I am quite aware. However, many of the problems in both parts of the world are similar to each other. I am simply respecting a man who put a lot of work into fixing these problems.

Oh my bad. The way you worded it made it sound like you were commending his work in the middle east.

 

[Krantos]

This is nothing less than the passing of an Icon. Long after all of us here have passed into dust and are forgotten, Mandela will be remembered.

One of the greatest men that ever lived, I raise my glass.