RIP sir

[andyman]

RIP Nelson Mandela

 

[bpitch]

An extraordinary man with an extraordinary life.

RIP

 

[Stephen B]

[size=11pt]

What a loss to the world, such inspiration.

- - - - - - - -

Also extraordinary that I heard this sad news, first on the FOG.
The Age newspaper has only just now announced this on their web page.

 

[Sparktrician]

I so admire those (like Mandela) that live their message; that walk their talk peacefully, with honor and integrity. 

 

[BMH]

Well said

 

[Theshipstore]

Agreed

 

[dicktill]

Agreed, he was a great man, along the lines of Gandi.

Special condolences to Allen Kensley of Festool USA who is from South Africa (and any other FOGger's out there from there).

 

[davee]

A great man - responded to harshness with grace.

 

[rnt80]

Agreed.  An amazing example for us all.

 

[kfitzsimons]

I was in South Africa in 1996, shook Mandela's hand and heard him speak to a group of university students. He was telling them that they were the future leaders of SA. Very moving speech. It brought several of our group from Ohio State to tears. Such a leader.

 

[Kev]

Actually amazing longevity, particularly considering 27 years in jail.

He's a man that saw his dreams realised ... that happens to very few.

 

[JoggleStick]

Well we all know very small hinges, swing very big doors...

Yet, there are so few individuals through history that can directly track the remarkable changes in mans history, so succinctly and so clearly as the astonishing changes in South Africa which have literally hinged around the life of this one ordinary, yet extraordinary man.

As to seeing his dreams realised... Every time I heard the man speak, I only heard the fervent desire to continue along the path of equality and freedom...for all in his 'rainbow' coloured country...  That work is never completed or realised....

May he now, RIP...

 

[waynelang2001]

This still hasnt sunk in for me yet, it just feels like the glue that held all us south africans together is just gone and im not sure how to feel right now. Also today heard that one of south africa's greatest boxers, " Baby Jack " Matlala also past away today. This is really a rough week for south africa.

 

[peter halle]

One side of my family is South African, the other side is German.  After World War 2 when my parents met and ultimately my oldest brother was born my parents had to make a decision.  Stay in SA with its policies and practices (which they didn't agree with), go back to war torn Europe, or go elsewhere.  That is why 4 of my family were born in NA.

The unifying force of Mandela and determination to achieve change brought forth results that I doubt will ever be equalled in another country.  May the lessons learned from his life be used to motivate others.

RIP

Peter