[mcd]

Just a few comments (this whole thread is contrary to YCNews policies).

> Nelson Mandela . . . yeah . . . ditto. Oh, did I mention 27 years in a notorious prison for 'enemies of the state'.

Nelson Mandela was convicted of trying to overthrow the state by armed means and sabotage. It was not due to non-violent protests and even if the cause was right, armed insurrection is never right. And if he succeeded in overthrowing the state it would have been a mess at that time.

Mandela was the head of Umkhonto we Sizwe (the armed wing of the ANC). While he does not bear personal responsibility (since he was in prison) Umkhonto we Sizwe did quite a few despicable things during the struggle.

Also, Robben Island (where Mandela spent the majority of his time) isn’t that notorious. Many prisoners of the struggle era were kept there and many of them obtained degrees while in prison (from UNISA). I would much rather be incarcerated in Robben Island than today’s Pollsmoor prison.

Whatever the argument, he still deserved a prize (as did FW de Klerk) for the negotiated settlement that brought about the first multi-racial elections.

[viggity]

Armed insurrection is never warranted? So the Polish resistance during WWII wasn't "right", was George Washington wrong for rebelling against Britain?

"The tree of liberty must be watered from time to time with the blood of tyrants and patriots." - Thomas Jefferson

[mcd]

I personally feel that killing is almost never warranted. Gandhi did not kill anyone and Desmond Tutu never advocated for violence.

The problem with violence is that everyone feels that their cause justifies it.

[viggity]

You didn't answer my questions. Specifically, was the violent resistance justified in WWII?

It is easy for someone to be a pacifist when they don't worry about violence on a daily basis because the most powerful military in the world protects them.

"If the choice is between cowardice and violence, I advice violence" - Gandhi