Otokonoko,

Thank you for engaging with my comments on the OP and for being relevant to both.

It is thankful that some change happened during his lengthy years in prison. Were it up to me, and as my comment implies, I would have had him released on parole much earlier based on his apparent good behaviour.

First, society has a need for protection and justice. That is being forgotten by the posters who would prefer to regard Mandela as a Ernesto "Che" Guevara style hero. Or maybe a Gerry Adams (IRA). They forget that ordinary people, vulnerable innocents, are killed by such men, and indirectly by those who support them. Worshipping such offenders and putting them on pedestals as 'heroes' could encourage more of the same, or loners. A prospect I suppose could appeal to some of the activists here, but not if it ever affected them personally.

We should be feeling relief that Mandela did not promote more bloodshed. However, it is far more likely that there was no religious sort of conversion, no change in psychology. It takes a particular sort of personality to actually kill innocents, or plan to do so, other than to simply imagine it but know you will never carry out your thoughts. Did that go away? Unlikely, but the intelligence (and certainty of further punishment) perceived there was no option but to take another, perhaps less attractive (to him) route.

Authorities and peace-seeking leaders also have no option but to applaud and there are very sound reasons why. For all, give thanks that a more peaceful path resulted, although there are more like the original Mandela who would shed blood still. We must give them no easy excuse.

From my post above: "They forget that ordinary people, vulnerable innocents, are killed by such men, and indirectly by those who support them".

Not alleging that either actually killed, but others could, interpreting their apparent lead to do so.

Raw Mustard I couldn't get your youtube like to work, but I think I found it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV9kyocogKo

Are you the bloke in the audience in the black army gear and pressie specks?

Sadly, there are so many opportunities to invoke Godwin's Law.

What's up, Paul, Upset one of your pal's showed you the truth?

Your inference I somehow associate with Hitler's views assumes I agreed with apartheid?

You couldn't be more wrong! There's only 3 degrees of difference between Hitler, your lot and Mandela. Anyone with 1/8 of a brain can see it, but lefties were never known for their smarts were they?

South Africa is a oppressive shithole and your hero created that for his own benefit. Same as it ever was, same as it'll always be while fools like you hoist these thugs up on a pedestal! I wonder where your values lie, Paul? Same as your mate Bandt, perhaps?

http://www.vexnews.com/2010/08/entryism-adam-bandts-plan-for-marxists-to-seize-control-of-the-bourgeois-greens-party-revealed/

The way you people hold this guy up like a god; you'd be quite Ok if some Aboriginal started necklacing anyone he thought was responsible for the oppression of the original, Aboriginal people. He'd be a hero to you lot?

As long as it wasn't you or your family being burnt to death eh?

Exactly OTB, they're endorsing his vile actions and forgetting what he created, a death sentence for anyone in disagreement or anyone white! That's his legacy, how freekin vile!