print“Moody models, desperate divas and priapic ex-Presidents rubbed shoulders with politicians and pop stars. … They came, ostensibly, to pay homage to Nelson Mandela. Instead, the luvvies (as usual) seemed more in love with themselves.”
The British press, in this case the Daily Mail, has, at least, both the inclination and the ability to mock this repulsive event into meaning: give it the context it deserves. Here in the US there’d be only adulation, sans the edge you get in this piece.
British writers still have bite.
Indeed, Nelson has reached a ripe old age, which is more than many of his “subjects” can hope for.
Here are the latest, likely finessed, murder statistics from the South African Police Service:
From 2006 to 2007, 19,202 South African lives were lost (population 43,786,115). By comparison, the United States had 16,574 murders (population 303,824,646).
Update: “Medal of Honor for a Terrorist.”
Ilana, may I ask, what are your feelings on Mandela? I’ve heard all sorts of things about this guy. From terrorist to freedom fighter.
But would like to know your views on him, being that you were “there”. If that is ok to ask.
[See link update.–IM]
Thanks Ilana. All I have to say to that is, Fair Enough. And, agreed.
Hi there
I am a SA citizen.
If only the world knew who and what Nelson Mandela really is…[Please tell us; we’re listening… & writing.–IM]
Then again, if they really knew ( and there is some who really know), would they care ?
ONLY GOD Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth can help us.
Blessings
SA-Citizen
SA Citizen, I’d be interested in hearing about your economic problems and how you’re dealing/working around the government?
After the Zim affair has been dragging on for years, Mandela finally says something (so vague, it’s actually pointless). Please note, however, that nowhere has he condemned the killing of white farmers or Mugabe’s attitudes towards the West and white Zimbabweans. I had to laugh when I saw a book on Google co-authered by Mandela and Fidel Castro “How far we slaves have come!” – pity it never featured on Oprah’s book club!
The South African police is notorious for not informing the public about violent crimes and murders. Both Standard Bank and Nedbank estimate the number of murders in South Africa at around 43 000 per years. The majority of murders on whites are preceded by hours of violent torture, whilst nothing is stolen.
The South African Police Service’s Forensic Services prepared a report in 1998, maintaining that the ANC was involved in the murder of farmers. The public release of the report was however, vetoed, by Nelson Mandela, and never saw the light of day.
[Please provide citations/links to Nedbank/Standard study.–IM]