Senator reflects on Nelson Mandela legacy
I was sitting at my kitchen table in Maun, Botswana when I learned of Nelson Mandela's prison release in February 1990. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Since his death, I have been reminded of my experiences with South Africa's system of racial discrimination — apartheid. In 1988 I left Great Falls to begin a job as a public works director in Botswana. Our Peace Corps group flew into Johannesburg and had our passports stamped. We were mandated to apply for South African visas in case we needed hospitalization during our Peace Corps tour. I did not know then what an unwelcome guest I would be in Southern Africa for having a South African passport and visa stamp.
South Africa's system of apartheid was vehemently denounced throughout Botswana and Southern Africa. It was a well-known secret that once safely inside Botswana one must lose his original passport and apply for another one administered from the U.S. Embassy. See, one could not travel safely to other African countries with a stamp from the pariah nation of South Africa.
I remember standing at the border of Tanzania with my Peace Corps friend arguing with border agents about how I lost my original passport and why my Botswana administered one had no entry stamp. Two hours later, we were allowed to enter Tanzania.
I recall the 1988 Amnesty International concert in Zimbabwe headlined by Bruce Springsteen. Afterward, I hitched a ride back to Botswana from two white South Africans. I remember sitting in the back seat getting agitated about unsettling conversation up front. “Why does Springsteen always complain about South Africa's political system? Can't he just shut up and play music?”
No.
Our founding fathers rest better tonight because Martin Luther King did not just speak words in 1963. “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
No, MLK spoke for the ages.
The free world sleeps better tonight because John Kennedy did not use his trip to Germany for a photo opportunity. “All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words 'Ich bin ein Berliner!’”
No, JFK demonstrated leadership.
Humankind rejoices today because Nelson Mandela walked out of prison a forgiving man. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
Thank you Martin and John and Nelson for teaching us that the ancient vision of peace on earth, good will toward men is attainable.
— Mitch Tropila represents Senate District 12 in Cascade County