Politics. On Point.

Statement by National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice, on the Death of Nelson Mandela   "Today, we have lost one of history’s great leaders. I extend my deepest condolences to the Mandela family and to the government and people of South Africa, the Republic that President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela helped free from the cruelty and hatred of apartheid and forged anew into a rainbow nation of hope and healing. I will always cherish the honor and memory of knowing him.   Even as we mourn, we remember how privileged the world was to witness the transformation he wrought by changing minds and hearts. He was apartheid’s captive but never its prisoner, and he rid the world of one of history’s foulest evils by hewing to universal principles for which he hoped to live but was prepared to die. Let us celebrate Madiba’s life by rededicating ourselves to the values and hopes he embodied: reconciliation and justice, freedom and equality, democracy and human rights, an honest reckoni...

President Obama has declared that December 5th Nelson Mandela Day, on the heels of the death of Nelson Mandela, who passed yesterday in South Africa.  Mandela was 95.   Picture of a young, vibrant Mandela.  A former boxer, perhaps it wasn't known then that he was training for one of his toughest fights yet.  Apartheid. Outpourings of respect, remembrance and honor have been shown worldwide for the tremendous leader, statesman, and friend.   In his younger years Mandela fought against the oppressive regime of Apartheid in South Africa that deliberately segregated and denied its people basic human and civil rights.   Leading the ANC (Africa National Council)  Mandela was labeled a terrorist, a trouble maker, (as his birth name suggested) and sentenced to life in prison.      Said Mandela on why he chose to stand against Apartheid,   " I saw that it was not just my freedom that was curtailed, ...

This week, the First Lady, daughters Sasha and Malia, First Mom Mrs. Robinson, and family members and friends are in South Africa for the First Lady's mission to inspire, educate and uplift the young people of South Africa.  First Lady Michelle Obama with daughters Malia and Sasha at the home of former South African president Nelson Mandela. The president remarked earlier this year that Africa "is a fundamental part of our interconnected world.  And when it comes to the defining challenges of our times: creating jobs in our global economy, promoting democracy and development, confronting climate change, extremism, poverty and disease -- for all this, the world is looking to Africa as a vital partner". The First Lady met Tuesday with former South African president Nelson Mandela at his home.  The meeting is being called historic as it represents Mr. Mandela, 92, an iconic symbol of the country's fight against apartheid, and First Lady Michelle Obama, wif...