Clintons, Oprah Lead Star Studded Tribute to Senile, Communist Mandela (Photos)

Reuters ^ | July 19, 2003 | nwrep

[nwrep]

Clintons, Oprah Lead Star Studded Tribute to Senile, Communist Mandela

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former U.S. president Bill Clinton (news - web sites) led a host of glittering stars and world luminaries in celebrating the 85th birthday of former South African leader Nelson Mandela on Saturday.

Reuters Photo

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Irish rock star Bono and U.S. talk show host Oprah Winfrey were among international guests celebrating the anti-apartheid hero, who turned 85 on Friday, at a banquet for 1,600 people.

Mandela's South African invitations spanned the range of his many years of political activity, stretching from fellow struggle hero and Nobel peace laureate Tutu to apartheid South Africa's last president, F.W. de Klerk.

"We thank God for you Madiba, for teaching us to forgive," said Tutu of the man who led South Africa down the road to democracy, peace and reconciliation, seemingly against all odds.

"We thank you Madiba for making our country a beacon of hope for the rest of the world," he added, using the clan name "Madiba" by which Mandela is fondly known in his home country.

Bringing an Irish theme to the event, rock star Bono joined Irish band the Corrs on stage and Clinton quoted verses by Irish Nobel literature laureate Seamus Heaney in praise of Mandela.

"You have made hope and history thrive. You have made beautiful music in all our lives. I hope our birthday present to you will be a lifetime of service, to make Africa all it can be, and to make the world the village your life deserves," he said.

The banquet was Mandela's biggest party since his 80th birthday celebrations, when he married his third wife, former Mozambican first lady Graca Machel.

Sweeping into the highly guarded event in a plush northern suburb of Johannesburg, guests poured adulation on Africa's revered elder statesman. "I have deep, deep love for him," said Winfrey. "Madiba is an inspiration for all of our hearts."

Clinton arrived fresh from delivering the first in a series of annual lectures inaugurated in Mandela's honor, at which he had called for more debt relief for Africa.

The former U.S. President and his family received a warm welcome in contrast to the relatively cold shoulder presented to George W. Bush by the South African public when the current U.S. president made a short state visit earlier this month.

[Commander8]

Let's not forget the legacy of Mandela, who single-handedly turned a wealthy, Christian nation into an AIDS infested, crime-ridden Hell on Earth.

[Moonman62]

That's the first time I've seen Bubba and the Beast together since they got away with the White House silverware.

[rs79bm]

And to think there are some of this forum who still don't believe Oprah is a full-fledged liberal. I think this story will put that to rest. Oprah is about as left-wing as they come. And yet, people still tune into her show?

[BonnieJ]

Why exactly do they hate Pres. Bush there, and love Clinton so much?

[rs79bm]

Look at this creep. Just what is he doing with that finger?

[Helms]

CLINTON IS A ONE WORLD RACE PIMP{I have high contempt for Ross Perot who helped put Clinton in office- and don't tell me that he was not responsible).

[BonnieJ]

Mandela looks thrilled to be sitting next to Hillary...LOL!

[rs79bm]

Why exactly do they hate Pres. Bush there, and love Clinton so much?

No reason at all. In fact, Bush has done more to help Africa that Pres. Clinton did. And then, Mandela had the gall to say that Pres. Bush's help was "too late".

[Pegita]

I think it has to do with good versus evil ... good is despised because it shows how vile evil is ...

[nwrep]

ping

[Pegita]

Post #6 ... Mandella is secretly sending out his support for Dubya ... check out the initial around Mandella's neck ...

[Tacis]

Do you think Willie was doing Oprah?

Who actually, you know, paid to have Willie and his posse go all the way to South Africa. In the old days, we'd pay 50 to 100 million dollars to take Chelsea on a school vacation trip. But, who picks up the tab for this trip?

[I_Love_My_Husband]

Why should we help Africa at all? I'd rather get more money back.

[El Conservador]

Let's not forget the legacy of Mandela, who single-handedly turned a wealthy, Christian nation into an AIDS infested, crime-ridden Hell on Earth.

Let's not forget the legacy of Mandela, who single-handedly turned a repressive, racist nation into an apparently functional democracy in God-forsaken Africa.

Mandela can be quite unpalatable to Conservative tastes, but, please, give him the benefit of the doubt, and let history judge him for his actions. Or would you prefer South Africa kept under the boot of apartheid???

My $0.02

Mom, have you seen my flame-proof suit???

[nwrep]

Why should we help Africa at all? I'd rather get more money back.

Obviously, you must be a racist.

(/sarcasm)

[Miss Marple]

The banquet was Mandela's biggest party since his 80th birthday celebrations, when he married his third wife, former Mozambican first lady Graca Machel.

Now I have another for Clinton picking up that multimillion-dollar check from the Irish government for aid to Mozambique.

[He Rides A White Horse]

The former U.S. President and his family received a warm welcome in contrast to the relatively cold shoulder presented to George W. Bush by the South African public when the current U.S. president made a short state visit earlier this month.

As if any American should care.

[balrog666]

Holy cow! I wonder what they paid to get the Clinton mob there? Hummm, and I wonder who did the paying?

Where has that finger been?

[nwrep]