Nelson Mandela

As most everyone knows by now, one of the giant figures of the 20th century, Nelson Mandela passed away yesterday.  He was a towering figure in the fight for legal equality and justice in his homeland and a great inspiration to others.  He was not perfect, and has been criticized, rightly or wrongly for leaning Left too far and for advocating violence.  However, for me, a figure does not have to be perfect to be honored.   He had tremendous patience, perseverance, organizational skills and charisma.  Fortunately, these were used primarily for ends anyone who values liberty and justice can appreciate.  Perhaps even more impressive were his efforts to bring white South Africans into the mix rather than taking a reverse apartheid approach.  I have added him to my Hall of Fame.