Nelson Mandela is a terrorist and a communist who succeeded in destroying the only viable country on the African continent. He was caught with enough explosives to blow up a small city. He should have been left to rot in jail. P.S. His lovely wife is also a communit, who was convicted of murder.

ALTHOUGH NOBODY COULD DOUBT HIS INTENTIONS,HIS TERM OF OFFICE SHOWED A GREATER INTEREST IN ESTABLISHING A REPUTATION FOR HIMSELF AS AN INTERNATIONAL STATESMAN, RATHER THAN A GENUINE CONCERN FOR HIS OWN PEOPLE.

Insperational!!

Mandela is a symbol for human rights for all people. He struggled with and ended the evil reign of apartheid in South Africa effectively. South Africa could be a more modern nation, but I give Mandela the high rating for his vision of a unified nation where race does not determine the rights of people.

He may get sympathy points for being a political prisoner (just like John McCain, another man I wouldn't vote for) and real points for the peaceful transition of power in South Africa, but his former communist ties lead me to suspect that he's not going to help this sad continent toward economic freedom and prosperity. I don't envy the difficult job he has, but I think people likely over-estimate his skills, just b/c he was the subject of trendy political rock songs in the 1980s.

Mandela has read the signs of the times: reconciliation and forgiving as the ways to peace. Even though it seemingly was't possible to fully put it into practice in his political life, he leaves a great legacy. I regard him as one of the great personalities of the 20th century and a inspiration for us in approaching the 21st.

Certainly a sure sign that anyone can grow up to be president. Although an era began with Nelson Mandela, the shine has soon come of the golden boy - massive unemployment - crime wave and a democratic system in turmoil - thank god he's gone. A good figure head, but a crap politician.

communist, part of the party that murdered white people, and attempted ethnic cleansing of the Zulu people

Such a class act!

Liberation of South Africa, limited-vioelent freedom fighter like Iceland and India gained theire Independence

liberty, equality, reconciliation where anyone else would have just wanted revenge.

Mandela has spent a lifetime openly promoting socialist causes. Both he and his wife have engaged in criminal activities that were clearly aimed at self-promotion and not some noble revolutionary cause. The man certainly helped to bring about the end of apartheid but I believe that it would soon have ended without his involvement. It is sad to see the world duped into near-worship of this man.

With all the problems South Africa still has, it's amazing that they were able to transition from apartheid to democracy has gone so smoothly. Much of that is due, I think, to the vision and moral leadership of Mandela. A true giant of the 20th century.

He proved that peace could be achieved.