In a comment on a post on the death of Nelson Mandela, our Managing Editor asked for some follow-up on an article linked-to by the comment.
The article in question, “Dick Cheney Didn’t Regret His Vote Against Freeing Nelson Mandela, Maintained He Was A ‘Terrorist’,” dealt with the U.S. Congress’ efforts in 1986 to pass the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act, legislation that eventually passed despite “strong and largely Republican opposition,” including a veto by President Ronald Reagan who maintained that the African National Congress was a “terrorist organization.”
Part of that opposition was the then-Republican congressman from Wyoming, Dick Cheney.
I decided to wait before writing the follow-up, to see if Mr. Cheney, who vilified Mandela while he was still alive, would perhaps mellow and say one or two good words about Mandela in death.
Leaders from around the world, including those who may not have agreed with Mandela’s social or political views came forward to eulogize Mandela.
Former President George H. W. Bush said “As President, I watched in wonder as Nelson Mandela had the remarkable capacity to forgive his jailers following 26 years of wrongful imprisonment — setting a powerful example of redemption and grace for us all…He was a man of tremendous moral courage, who changed the course of history in his country.”
Dick Cheney said:
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But back in 2000, maintaining that he had made the right decision on his Apartheid vote, Cheney said on ABC, “The ANC was then viewed as a terrorist organization…I don’t have any problems at all with the vote I cast 20 years ago.”
The Republican National Committee released a statement on Mandela’s death that said in part:
“The world will always remember the legacy of the man who dedicated his life to freedom and equality.
“An oppressive government, 27 years in prison, and a divided nation – none destroyed his determination to see a more just world. His legacy is defined by doing what others declared impossible, most notably fighting the evil of apartheid and beginning the healing of a nation.”
Dick Cheney said:
But, in all fairness, also back in 2000, Cheney called Mandela a “great man” who has “mellowed.”
On the occasion of Mandela’s death, former president George W. Bush described Mandela as “one of the great forces for freedom and equality of our time.”
Cheney said:
Bill Clinton offered his condolences on Twitter, writing that he would “always miss his friend Madiba,” and Jimmy Carter said Mandela “was a man of tremendous moral courage, who changed the course of history in his country… His passion for freedom and justice created new hope for generations of oppressed people worldwide.”
Seemingly every world leader released statements honoring Mandela, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, who said he was “a world-renowned statesman” who the people of China will remember for his contributions to “the cause of human progress.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Mandela “was always associated with the fight against the oppression of his people and with overcoming the apartheid regime.”
Queen Elizabeth II said Mandela “worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today,” and Pope Francis spoke of “the steadfast commitment shown by Nelson Mandela in promoting the human dignity of all the nation’s citizens and in forging a new South Africa.”
British Prime Minister David Cameron said “a great light has gone out in the world,” and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Mandela’s death “is as much India’s loss as South Africa’s.” Officials in France projected lights of red, green, yellow, and blue—the colors of the South African flag—onto the Eiffel Tower.
And Dick Cheney said:
Well, perhaps Mr. Cheney will continue to mellow and will have something (good) to say about the South African leader in due course.
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.