By Claus Stäcker
Barack Obama praised
Nelson Mandela as the "moral compass" of his political career long
ago. Obama spoke about that at length while addressing fans at Johannesburg's
cricket stadium during his current trip to Africa.
For a five-figure sum enthusiasts could buy a seat at his dinner table to hear
more. It remains to be seen just where Mandela's needle will point Obama.
Mandela was no saint.
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*Mandela |
Still, next to him every well-known personality shrank to size. Mandela exhibited
equal respect for musicians and presidents, queens and prison guards. By the
time he was released from prison, after 27 years behind bars, he had become a
global brand, an idol the world over, a projection overladen with expectations.
Suddenly, he stood there upon the world stage and he seized the opportunity.
Unlike others, he had a vision and a moral compass, as Obama so rightly
recognized.