Nelson Mandela dies aged 95

[GommeInc]

I'm not sure why people are arguing he is an absolute saint. Not even the BBC could take that view (entirely). They aired his dark history the other night. He had his good bits and his bad bits. To the end he was good which was a redeeming feature, but it doesn't erase the fact he did order innocent people to be killed, albeit on his behest.

[The Don]

I'm not sure why people are arguing he is an absolute saint.

I really don't think you've been reading my comments correctly if you think that's what I'm saying.

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Either way, what Hitchens wrote isn't the main point - the main point that you cannot refute (because it is true) is that even Amnesty International refused to associate with this man as he clearly crossed the line from a peaceful fighter against a regime to a violent one

Yes, this is all correct so far

who sought to blow up innocent people to achieve his aims.

And you've lost me, if by innocent you mean those working for the SA Government/Military at the time, then me and you clearly have different ideas of what innocent is.

You know as well as I do that just because you are locked in a prison that does not mean you lose contact with the outside world - look at the mafia. But even so, here's yet more evidence that apparently Mandela admits in his book 'Long Walk to Freedom' that he signed the Church Street bombings off - https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=cr&...alk+to+freedom

Ah yes, the bombing which went off earlier than planned and was aimed to target the SAAF (Not random civilians) in retaliation for the murder of 42 ANC supporters and civilians. Whilst tragic, I think you're missing the fact that this wasn't aimed at innocent civilians which is the entire and only point i'm arguing. I also can't find where Mandela apparently confessed to signing them off?

Obviously Mandela wasn't 100% good, the world isn't black and white and it would be silly to argue otherwise. I personally think he contributed more good than bad and was indeed a very important figure in the ending of apartheid, regardless of the shady things the people he was linked with in the past may have done.

[GommeInc]

I really don't think you've been reading my comments correctly if you think that's what I'm saying.

That wasn't directed at anyone in here in particular. It seems the BBC, ITV and even C4 in their main news feeds seem to be suggesting he was without sin and public opinion is following suit. It's quite misleading, really. That said, the coverage of Thatcher was pretty positive. Maybe they have dignity and respect for the dead, and won't just slander him?

[Ardemax]

That wasn't directed at anyone in here in particular. It seems the BBC, ITV and even C4 in their main news feeds seem to be suggesting he was without sin and public opinion is following suit. It's quite misleading, really. That said, the coverage of Thatcher was pretty positive. Maybe they have dignity and respect for the dead, and won't just slander him?

Hardly. Didn't they show a documentary of his "darker" side? I'm on about the BBC now.

[peteyt]

Hardly. Didn't they show a documentary of his "darker" side? I'm on about the BBC now.

Any idea what the name was would love to see it?

Thanks

[Ardemax]

Any idea what the name was would love to see it?

Thanks

I have no idea sorry I think it might have been in a two-parter and I think the last one may have been called 'From Prison to President' or something like that.

[-Moniquee.]

He did so much for South Africa. Fought for what he believed in. What a great inspiration. RIP Nelson

[GommeInc]

Hardly. Didn't they show a documentary of his "darker" side? I'm on about the BBC now.

Apparently they did. I didn't see it but mentioned it earlier (I think?) to Undertaker, or was meant to and forgot.