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Nelson Mandela ~ Prophet, Politician, Peacemaker

Nelson Mandela has died. His rich and dramatic life, from prisoner to president, seems as though it could have been lived by many people, seems impossible that one man lived, survived and transformed a nation as well as transformed hearts. One remarkable man did; an object lesson for each of us.

He spent 10,052 days in an 8 x 8 prison cell. He emerged with a forgiving heart, saying that if one hates his captors after prison, they still have him imprisoned.

The world remembers his legacy. May we live his life's lessons into our future as our best memorial to him.

(S-R archive photo: In this May 10, 1994 file photo, Nelson Mandela takes the oath of office in Pretoria, South Africa, to become the country's first black president. )

Kelso: Rosa Parks, Mandela … Hart?

Rosa Parks was arrested in 1955 because she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. She was convicted of disorderly conduct and a violation of a local ordinance. A criminal. Nelson Mandela campaigned against apartheid. He was tried, convicted, and given a life sentence for his beliefs in democracy, freedom and equality. A criminal. Phil Hart researched federal tax law. He wrote a book on taxes. His book’s facts and opinions have never been refuted/Starr Kelso, Coeur d’Alene Press op-ed article. More here.

Question: Do you consider Rep. Phil Hart to be kindred spirits with Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks, as Hart’s lawyer Starr Kelso does?