Cameron: Thatcher wrong over ANC (Nelson Mandela's African National Congress)

Ananova ^ | 8-27-06

[jdm]

David Cameron has made another break with the Tories' past, admitting that Margaret Thatcher been had been wrong to brand Nelson Mandela's African National Congress "terrorists" during the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

Writing in The Observer, the Conservative leader praised the former president - whom he met on Wednesday during a visit to Johannesburg - as "one of the greatest men alive".

"The mistakes my party made in the past with respect to relations with the ANC and sanctions on South Africa make it all the more important to listen now," he wrote.

"The fact that there is so much to celebrate in the new South Africa is not in spite of Mandela and the ANC, it is because of them - and we Conservatives should say so clearly today."

In the 1980s, Mrs Thatcher caused bitter controversy - both in Britain and overseas - when she refused to back sanctions against South Africa, pursuing instead a policy of "constructive engagement".

But her policy was defended by her former party chairman, Lord Tebbit, who said Mr Cameron had failed to understand what was happening at the time.

"Because of his age, Mr Cameron is looking at these events as part of history. Others of us who lived through them and had input into the discussions at the time see things very differently," he told The Observer.

"The policy of the Thatcher government was a success. The result was an overwhelmingly peaceful transition of power in which the final initiative for the handover came not from foreigners but from native South Africans - Afrikaner South Africans, at that."

[jdm]

The fact that there is so much to celebrate in the new South Africa

Yesterday a couple articles were printed claiming that South Africa's murder/violence rate is now sky-high. That's something to celebrate?

[peyton randolph]

Yes. Just grab a few used tires and throw a necklacing party the ANC way.

[jdm]

lol

[opinionator]

One man's 'Freedom Fighter' is another man's 'Terrorist', so I guess he was one.

[taxesareforever]

Writing in The Observer, the Conservative leader praised the former president - whom he met on Wednesday during a visit to Johannesburg - as "one of the greatest men alive".

And this is what they call a "conservative" over there? Wonder what a liberal is called.

[jdm]

Ivan,

What's going on over there?!

[Zetman]

In the 1980s, Mrs Thatcher caused bitter controversy - both in Britain and overseas - when she refused to back sanctions against South Africa, pursuing instead a policy of "constructive engagement".

Today, it is the liberals who refuse to back sanctions - this time against North Korea, China, Cuba, Iran, and every other form of radical islam. Instead they prefer to pursue a policy of "constructive engagement".

Such irony!!

[ARE SOLE]

MadIvan don't come around anymore, he got tired of defending Britain to it's best ally. ...

MadIvan's last post
To: MrCruncher; Admin Moderator

"You know what, I give up. The Left in this country argues very strongly that Britain is a friend to America, but America is not much of a friend to us. This wasn't true during World War II, or the Cold War, etc. But on this particular board, it's true too often for it to be worthwhile thinking about. I have been on this board for 8 years, and seen a lot of nonsense - people have taunted Britain saying we were too "weak, too socialist" to stand with you when it counted. I thought that when we did, each and every time, that it might shut some of you up. In fact, it just gets worse.

I am tired of this nonsense. I have a rich life away from this, and I don't need to spend time slapping bigots around. Bye. Ivan" 41 posted on 06/13/2006 11:08:12 AM PDT by MadIvan (I aim to misbehave.)

He really deserved better.

[Roccus]

I had missed that post. Had pinged him to a few threads since then and had been wondering why I didn't get his usual reply.
Just a damned shame.


Regards,
Roccus

[sgtbono2002]

Nelson Mandela . " Greatest man alive" That doesnt say much for men.

Just another terrorist.

[Unam Sanctam]

I don't like the sound of this Cameron bloke.

[thomaswest]

Your view of Mandela is a very small minority view. He has been revered and honored by conservatives for his courage and decency.

[stocksthatgoup]

And soon 20% of white farm land will be expropriated

[sgtbono2002]

Yeah a murdering sack of crap ,I dont knwo any conservatives that revere him.

I think maybe its your view thats in the minority.