Mandela bites the hand that feeds him

THE EDITOR: This letter is in response to an article in one of our local newspapers; with the caption “Mandela criticises Bush plans to attack Iraq”. As I see it, the caption, “Mandela bites the hands that feeds him,” would have been far more appropriate.

However, such a caption is not for the faint of heart or purveyors of the status quo. There is a saying, “a thankful, grateful person enjoys a favour twice: When it is received and when it is remembered.” This quotation is embellished with another, which states: “We are created with two ears and one mouth, as a result we are expected to listen more than we speak.”
Mandela viewed by most as patron saint, is just an “ordinary mortal.” His criticism of the US orchestrated attack against Iraq bare his human-frailties and love for centre stage. The following are his remarks: “Why is the US behaving so arrogantly? All that Bush wants is Iraq oil.” He further stated: “Is it because the secretary-general of the UN, is now a black man? They never did that when secretary-general were ‘white.’ “ His closing remarks was when his foot got in his mouth. He said: “If there is a country that has committed unspeakable atrocities in the world, it is the United States of America. They don’t care for human beings.”

Not so fast Nelson Mandela: the US was the leader in the fight for your release from prison; when no other country, not even countries in Africa took up your cause. You were a forgotten man, languishing in prison, until the US brought your plight to the forefront; with the imposition of sanctions on governments and businesses not only in the US but also in every part of the world, showing complicity with the rebel, apartheid government. The Israeli government received a stern warning from the US government when it was alleged that Israel was clandestinely selling arms to South Africa. The US threat to Israel was, that it desists from selling arms forthwith, to the South African Government if it is already doing so; or risk losing US financial aid. The US was wholly responsible for the positive outcome of South Africa’s first democratic general election, marking the inclusion of Black South Africans for the first time in the democratic process of the country. This was brought about by strong US financial backing and rigid sanction.

In the US Afro-Americans are marginalised and discriminated against as we speak but they have been part and parcel of the US democratic process for well over 60 years or more. Despite institutional racism and discrimination African Americans have continuously dominated basketball, athletics and entertainment and have recently taken over, with some measure of success golf and lawn tennis. Notable inroads have also been made in major US corporations, in exalted positions as CEOS, AVPS and Presidents. This is not in defence of the US but just an attempt to show the other side — if only to add some balance to Mandela’s slanted remarks. It seems apparent that the acquisition of advanced age and national acclaim affords one a licence to make all types of questionable, ill-founded remarks, which most people fear to question (Heresy). It is incumbent of us to take umbrage to any remark we find objectionable, regardless of the source as long as it is in bad taste. I would be remiss if I fail to address Mandela’s past and present.

After his release from prison Mandela when asked by the press how he felt about being incarcerated for over 25 years, for a victimless crime by the South African government remarked: “I hold no animosity against the government for my imprisonment.” A few years later, Mandela levelled acrimonious criticisms against the US; the country that was single-handedly responsible for dismantling the apartheid South African government. It is to the US credit that 60 percent of the American public does not support US miliary action against Iraq. It is with great humility, that I support those who had the courage to speak out against Mother Theresa, in the not too distant past and Mahatma Gandhi just recently. I share their sentiments that everyone’s life should be able to withstand any form of scrutiny. All of us will fail if put to the test. It is uncharacteristic of Nelson Mandela to play the race card. Someone of his stature and renown can do without this about face. It is his prerogative to change ships in midstream, as it is our prerogative to question his impropriety — no offence intended, we must disagree to agree. No disrespect for the great one. I empathise with him in his predicament but remain apathetic to his sentiments.

ULRIC GUY
Point Fortin