Political Quotes

“I rise today in celebration of a truly historic event. For today is the day of Nelson Mandela's inauguration as the new President of South Africa. Elected through free and open elections in which, for the first time, all South Africans were able to vote, he is South Africa's first black President. South Africa has, at long last, leapt across the chasm from apartheid to majority rule. It is a tribute to Nelson Mandela's leadership, dedication, and strength that over 30 million South Africans have achieved their dream of exercising the fundamental right to vote, without regard to race. What an inspiring sight, watching millions of Africans standing patiently and peacefully in long lines stretched across the open African landscape waiting to vote. And they persevered, despite the violence and destruction which some groups used to try to disrupt the election. We should also honor the remarkable role of F.W. de Klerk, formerly the President and now the new Deputy President of South Africa. Because of his courage and vision, South Africa was able to avoid all-out civil war over apartheid. Peaceful change occurred in South Africa because former President de Klerk was willing to negotiate himself out of power. And, we should pay tribute to the world community for its disapproval of apartheid, expressed most effectively through economic sanctions, which helped force the abandonment of racial discrimination.”