Free Republic

ou can't make things like this up, but this unnamed man apparently did. From AP via My Way News (12/11/2013): Mandela ceremony interpreter called a 'fake' JOHANNESBURG (AP) - A man who provided sign language interpretation on stage for Nelson Mandela's memorial service, attended by scores of heads of state, was a "fake," the national director of the Deaf Federation of South Africa said on Tuesday. Asked about the claim by The Associated Press, South Africa's government said it was preparing a statement. Three sign language experts said the man was not signing in South African or American sign languages....

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) - A joint wave from the Air Force One, a shared dinner, and a long flight home. President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush shared quality time Tuesday as they returned from Nelson Mandela's memorial service in South Africa. Reconciliation was in the air. Bush and his wife, former first lady Laura Bush, had round-trip passage with Obama and first lady Michelle Obama for the service, an international "who's who" of current and former international political leaders.

The memorial service for Nelson Mandela is a big deal. "We're now on 91 Heads of State & Gov confirmed plus 10 former Heads of State, 86 Heads of delegations & 75 Eminent Persons," tweeted South African government spokesman Clayson Monyela on Monday. Among those leaders attending are the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, British Prime Minister David Cameron, and French President Francois Hollande -- plus, of course, President Obama and former Presidents Carter, Clinton, and George W. Bush. Dozens of lesser leaders, plus celebrities like Bono and Oprah Winfrey, will also be there. From the United States Congress, House...

I just saw a video shot of the White House and the flag is being flown at half staff. I can only assume this is due to Mandela's death. I am curious if it customary to fly the flag at half staff for death of foreign leaders.