[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 118 (Thursday, July 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING NELSON MANDELA ON HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2008

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1090 
honoring Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela as he celebrates 90 years of life.
  Mr. Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in Transkei, South Africa, 
where he was given the name Rolihlahla, meaning ``troublemaker,'' which 
would later seem so fitting. Throughout his early adulthood, he 
developed his own ideas about the oppression he had experienced which 
led him to join the African National Congress. His work with the ANC 
led him to be tried for treason. He was acquitted of the charges, but 
his strong opposition to South African apartheid continued.
  His fight against racial segregation came to a sudden halt when he 
was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly plotting 
to overthrow the South African government.
  However, 27 years in prison could not diminish the spirit of a great 
leader. Once released from prison, Mr. Mandela wasted no time in 
becoming involved with the ANC once again. It was no surprise that this 
revolutionary man would become the next President of the ANC in 1990, 
continuing to devote himself to a multi-racial democracy for his 
country.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Mandela embodies the dignity, strength, and 
leadership that all of us should strive for. Our country was founded on 
the values of freedom and liberty for all, personified undoubtedly by 
Mr. Mandela. He grasped these ideals and fought to make them a reality 
for South Africa through commitment unsurpassed by others. The 
dedication Mr. Mandela displayed, despite the many challenges he 
encountered, is deserving of our highest respect.
  Mr. Mandela has undisputedly contributed to tremendous change with 
his efforts to peacefully resolve conflicts throughout the world. It is 
with great pleasure that I commend Mr. Mandela for his lifetime 
commitment to promoting the vision of freedom and equality for the 
people of South Africa.

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