Mandela Laid to Rest

Today a large memorial was held for the late South African president and world icon, Nelson Mandela.

Almost a hundred dignitaries from all over the globe attended along with millions of South Africans and other neighboring Africans.  The day was gloomy with rain and grey skies which seemed to have set the mood for mourning.

The day did not go without any controversy.  First, President Obama was videotaped shaking hands with Cuban Communist leader Raul Castro.  This angered Republicans and others who felt this sent the wrong message to the world and even equated it to shaking hands with Hitler.  If that was not enough, Obama and Prime Minister Cameron posed for a 'selfie' with a cell phone which upset some people who described it as disrespectful and in poor taste.

The body of Mandela was laid to rest in his Village of Qunu.  May he rest in peace.  













Source:

http://news.yahoo.com/mandela-39-39-honorary-granddaughter-39-opens-144337012.html

http://news.yahoo.com/obama-shakes-hands-with-cuba-s-raul-castro-132509889.html

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/10/21843912-nelson-mandela-memorial-the-world-has-lost-a-beloved-friend-and-mentor?lite

http://news.yahoo.com/obama-cameron-39-selfie-39-mandela-memorial-causes-184218628.html

Nelson Mandela Dead at 95

Former South African president and champion for racial equality, peace and justice Nelson Mandela has died at the age of 95.  He was in and out of the hospital battling lung infections.

Mandela is known for his fight against apartheid in South Africa and for his promotion of social justice.  May God rest his soul.

*I will update this post as more information comes in.  

Eternal rest grant to him, and perpetual light shine upon him.  May Nelson Mandela rest in peace.  Amen

*UPDATE 12/10/13.

Nelson Mandela is being praised throughout the world as a great leader, a leader who sought justice for all.  Unfortunately, his zeal did not reach our youngest and most vulnerable members of the human race; the unborn.  Mandela signed into law the "Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Bill" in 1996 which allowed abortion.  Bishop Tobin of the diocese of lauded Mandela for his public service, but called shameful his promotion of abortion.

Nelson Mandela, born Rolihlahla Mandela in Mvezo, Transkei on July 18, 1918 to parents Nonqaphi Nosekeni and Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela would start out with humble beginnings.  His father passed away when he was only a child. Mandela would listen to the stories of his ancestors and how they fought in wars of resistance.  This imagery would stay with him for life for he too aspired to do something significant in his nation in regards to freeing his people.

He began his education at a school in Qunu and was taught by Miss Mdingane who gave him the name 'Nelson.' This was done to children at the time in order to give them Christian identity.  After completing a diploma at the Clarkebury Boarding Institute, he enrolled at the University College of Fort Hare but was expelled for being involved in student protests.  However, he did earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the University of South Africa.

He would pursue a LLB degree at the University of Witwatersrand and the University of London, but did not finish his studies.  It wasn't until he was imprisioned in 1989 that he earned an LLB from the University of South Africa.  In 1952 he practiced law with Oliver Tambo and founded the first black law firm, Mandela and Tambo.  He was eventually arrested and served 27  years for his involvement in the liberation movement against apartheid.  He was later released and on May 10, 1994 became the first black president of South Africa.  






Source:

http://news.yahoo.com/mandela-was-just-a-man--and-that-made-what-he-did-extraordinary-214037514.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-nelson-mandela-dead-20131205,0,6266118.story

http://ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=127310

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20131210-r.i.-catholic-bishop-tobin-praises-mandela-but-denounces-his-stance-on-abortion.ece

Mandela, Morales, Morsi

A lot has been happening in the world lately.  I would like to write on every thing; however, it will be time consuming.  I've decided to sums things up into one post.

Nelson Mandela

As you may have heard by now, Nelson Mandela is in the hospital and in poor condition.  Some news outlets have reported his death already, but these were not accurate.  Nelson Mandela is suffering from recurring lung infections which are typical of the elderly.

He is 94 years old so it is understandable that his body cannot fight off infections in the same way a younger person's can.  Mandela is an important figure in South Africa.  He helped bring down apartheid which was a great evil just like segregation was in the United States of America.  He is truly a man of justice and worked hard to bring unity to his nation.  It is no wonder why most of the world is hoping and praying for his recovery.  Unfortunately, his family seems to be quarreling about details regarding his burial and what not.  This kind of behavior is disrespectful to Mandela and should be stopped.  I wish Mandela the best and pray for his recovery if it is God's will.

Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/03/nelson-mandela-health-perilous_n_3541716.html





Evo Morales Detained

About a day ago, I noticed that Bolivia president Evo Morales was trending on Twitter, Yahoo and other online news websites.  At first, I thought he passed away.  However, it turns out that his plane was prevented from leaving an airport in Austria and was denied travel over European airspace.  Rumor has it that this was an order given by the CIA to European airports.  The reason why his plane was detained was because of rumors that he may have had an infamous stowaway on-board; namely, Edward Snowden.

Snowden is the guy who leaked the news about the NSA's surveillance of Americans.  He has become the most wanted man on Earth by the US government for espionage and treason.  Apparently, since he has been requesting political asylum in Latin America, it was believed that maybe Evo Morales may have had him join his flight back to Bolivia.

Morales was furious at the treatment he received and is filing a complaint to the United Nations.  I understand Morales' anger and am concerned as well.  It was disrespectful what happened to him.  He is a head of state and should not be treated in such a manner.  If the plane of a foreign president can be easily detained, then the same can happen to our own president or even the Pope.  This is dangerous indeed.  We would not want to see a scenario like the one in the movie "Airforce One" where the plane was taken over by terrorists.  Moreover, what's to stop a foreign nation from holding our president or Pope under arrest?  That is not the only concern; there is also the question: Who is the CIA to give orders to European nations?  Whatever happened to a nation's sovereignty?

Source:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/03/bolivia-un-evo-morales-plane
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/07/03/evo-morales-controversial-flight-over-europe-minute-by-heavily-disputed-minute/

Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi Fired

Egypt again is on the news due to large protests and the disapproval of President Mohamed Morsi.  Citizens of Egypt voted for him, but were upset at his attempt at forcing Islam on the people.  The people protested and called for him to step down.  He refused and the military once again stepped in.  

The military gave him an ultimatum and eventually arrested him, suspended the constitution and has Egypt under coup.  I understand the situation and do agree that Islam should not be pushed on a nation, especially one with Christians in it; however, how many times are Egyptian leaders going to be removed?  How can Egypt have stability if each leader is ousted within a year's time?  Imagine ousting Obama and then electing another president only to oust him/her too a year later.  How can the USA continue as a stable nation?  

There is also concern as to why the military is so disloyal to its leaders.  How can there be a government if the military can oust its leaders at will?  In any event, I wish the people of Egypt well and hope they can find a good solution to their problem.  Our nation might go the same route if our government continues to rob us of our rights and freedoms.

Source:

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/03/world/meast/egypt-protests

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/04/world/middleeast/egypt.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0