Posted on 07/19/2003 4:12:16 PM PDT by nwrep
Clintons, Oprah Lead Star Studded Tribute to Senile, Communist Mandela
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former U.S. president Bill Clinton (news - web sites) led a host of glittering stars and world luminaries in celebrating the 85th birthday of former South African leader Nelson Mandela on Saturday.
|
|
Irish rock star Bono and U.S. talk show host Oprah Winfrey were among international guests celebrating the anti-apartheid hero, who turned 85 on Friday, at a banquet for 1,600 people.
Mandela's South African invitations spanned the range of his many years of political activity, stretching from fellow struggle hero and Nobel peace laureate Tutu to apartheid South Africa's last president, F.W. de Klerk.
"We thank God for you Madiba, for teaching us to forgive," said Tutu of the man who led South Africa down the road to democracy, peace and reconciliation, seemingly against all odds.
"We thank you Madiba for making our country a beacon of hope for the rest of the world," he added, using the clan name "Madiba" by which Mandela is fondly known in his home country.
Bringing an Irish theme to the event, rock star Bono joined Irish band the Corrs on stage and Clinton quoted verses by Irish Nobel literature laureate Seamus Heaney in praise of Mandela.
"You have made hope and history thrive. You have made beautiful music in all our lives. I hope our birthday present to you will be a lifetime of service, to make Africa all it can be, and to make the world the village your life deserves," he said.
The banquet was Mandela's biggest party since his 80th birthday celebrations, when he married his third wife, former Mozambican first lady Graca Machel.
Sweeping into the highly guarded event in a plush northern suburb of Johannesburg, guests poured adulation on Africa's revered elder statesman. "I have deep, deep love for him," said Winfrey. "Madiba is an inspiration for all of our hearts."
Clinton arrived fresh from delivering the first in a series of annual lectures inaugurated in Mandela's honor, at which he had called for more debt relief for Africa.
The former U.S. President and his family received a warm welcome in contrast to the relatively cold shoulder presented to George W. Bush by the South African public when the current U.S. president made a short state visit earlier this month.
H looks uneasy, and uncomfortable, in this picture, while Rapin' Bill seems to be having a good ol' time.
Ya don't suppose that H hasn't yet learned how to appear as diversified as her husband obviously has?
|
When Alex kills a woman during a rape, Alex is sent to prison. A risible and repulsive result; While Alex is conditioned in prison with aversion therapy, In the end, We will have set apart clinton as the hero Mia T, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE |
Because of the harm that man did to our country, I, for one will never get over it.
Perverts, freaks, phonies and has-beens, too.
I hate the press. When I read a shot like this, I don't know whether to throw up or laugh.
Johannesburg - It took 2 000 people to put together 1 600 people for Nelson Mandela's birthday party in Sandton on Saturday night, and it ended the way it had to - with the former president and some of his world-class guests doing the "Madiba jive" as South Africa's Yvonne Chaka Chaka and U2's Bono let rip with a huge happy birthday song and dance.
Even the Dutch queen, Beatrix, looked as if she was about to let loose herself. However, those who did not restrain themselves as much were President Thabo Mbeki, former US president Bill Clinton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Deputy President Jacob Zuma, US TV star Oprah Winfrey, PJ Powers and Virgin Atlantic boss Richard Branson.
The spontaneous jiving in the VIP section of the banqueting hall followed a spectacular finale of song and dance for which marked the end of formal proceedings at South Africa's biggest birthday party in years. The guests' food was influenced by Madiba's culinary preferences - Malay curry lentil soup followed by Cajun spiced chicken, malva pudding and the consummate panacea for those with a sweet tooth koeksisters - an Afrikaans traditional pastry oozing with sugar.
In typical Madiba fashion, more humble souls who help keep the Mandela train on track were also being invited to share this special evening. [Window dressing] Among them were those who assisted the Mandela family on a daily basis - the dry cleaner and the regular pharmacist. Mandela's doctors and hospital receptionists were also seated as was the current domestic staff from gardeners to cooks to farm workers.
The venue was swarming with eagle-eyed, dark-suited men with not so discreet ear phones in the United States style. [Those are the ones we paid for, fellow taxpayers!]
In paying tribute to Mandela, Tutu said: "Thank you for teaching us to forgive. We thank you for your compassion. Thank you for being a beacon of hope.
"Graca, thank you for making him glow like a teenager after his first kiss," Tutu said. [Whatever, Desmond] Clinton, in his tribute to Mandela said: "He is not shy about asking you about whatever it is he wants you to do. You have taught us the freedom of forgiveness ... shown us the power of humility."
And quoting from Irish poet Seamus Heaney, Clinton said: "You have made hope and history rhyme."
Professor Jakes Gerwel, the head of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and former top government official when Mandela was president, said: "Please stop making engagements and taking on tasks behind our backs."
An 82-piece orchestra and a host of dancers ensured that everyone had the time of their lives. source.
She's some blonde living up in Long Island.
(Only kidding)
So the trade-off was a quicker end of apartheid only to be governed by a group undeniably vicious and non-discriminating in murdering anyone they deemed am adversary to their cause..
During the 1980's,what was most interesting, though not widely reported for some reason, was that the Zulu nation, and Mangosuthu Buthelezi recognized the perils ahead for South Africa should the ANC be allowed to take power. They seen that progress was being made under Botha, and later, de Klerk.
Buthelezi also realized that with the ascension of the ANC, South Africa's economy would plummet, further aggravating and impeding any real hope for all South Africans to coexist on a level field.
oh... my... LORD!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
