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President Obama visits the Robben Island prison cell where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment
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…. with a tour guide at the Robben Island lime quarry where a rock memorial was started by Nelson Mandela
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President Barack Obama and his family listen to Robben Island prison guide Ahmed Kathrada, who was an inmate with Nelson Mandela
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Robben Island tour guide (former prisoner) said prison is a state of mind. They always knew they would prevail.
— Valerie Jarrett (@vj44) June 30, 2013
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#Obama signs guest book message at #Robben Island pic.twitter.com/9AUZR6gE02
— Margaret Talev (@margarettalev) June 30, 2013
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More later
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President Obama’s dinner toast in Pretoria, including his recitation from the poem Invictus which has special meaning for Nelson Mandela:
“Much has been said about Madiba today. More will be said in the years to come. This evening, I’d simply like to close with the words that he turned to so often himself, in that cell; the poem he read to the others, in their darkest moments, to give them strength.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
And so I propose a toast: To a man who has always been a master of his fate who taught us that we could be the master of ours, to a proud nation, and South Africa’s unconquerable soul.”
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The President tours the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation Youth Centre with Archbishop Desmond Tutu:
The Obama Diary 
GM, TOD!
Congrats df on #1 🙂
w00t DF! 😀
Breathtaking!!
Young Malia and Sasha are getting such a magnificent education and sense and feel of their family history on these trips with their parents and First Grandmother Robinson.
Yes, they are. This is monumental.
WOW new post already
Happy Sunday TODers.
Good Day, Sunshine.
Pictures telling majestic stories.
Very powerful images, Chips. And as vitaminlover said above, the girls are getting an excellent and personal history lesson. 🙂
Look at Sasha intently listening. These are very powerful images, indeed. Thank you Chips.
Powerful pictures.
I agree with all of you, it is amazing for this family to be there. It reminds us all that on a scale of 1-10, that Washington Post journalists is a -10.
Nakamura and his kind is not worthy to shine Nelson Mandela’s shoes.
I would never be able to have that kind of courage.
Put me in the whimp corner.
We’ll keep each other company!
Suddenly the MSM will provide full coverage when bushes are there.
Yep. And at this moment, let’s tweet the “journalists” to shame them.
You have Nailed it Claire. The Corporate Media would be interested when a disgrace GW Bush, who left this nation bankrupt is on the scene. Then the discussion would be how GW Bush helped “Africa” and how Pres Obama hasn’t measured up and then, they would talk about the GW Bush’s Surge in the Polls…..his favorable ratings.
You nailed it, too.
I consider anything positive in world opinion coming out of this to be yet another masterful stroke by President Obama and the First Lady. They will use her appearance – and, possibly, his and W’s joint appearance, if that’s allowed to happen – to show how the current leader of our country can put aside any of the political discourse toward the betterment of Africa and its people. And their hearts are in it. The African people need our continuation of the moral investment of all of the so-called “richer” countries of the world, and they need it now.
And my evil twin laughs because it will throw President Obama’s “Africa trip” right back into the bitter faces of the RWNJs.
And my evil twin’s really evil grandmother wonders if the world court can arrest George W. Bush for war crimes, while he’s on African soil. But I’ll tell her to be what they call “good.”
are you kidding me? they are finally saying something now that Laura Bush is going to be involved? /smdh But seriously, why am I not surprised?
For the last few days MTP as been promoting an interview with Assange. He did not appear, and I heard no explanation.
Hmm.. interesting. Please tweet this if you are able to.
I am sorry I don’t tweet.
Prolly, Ecuadorians got sick of his sanctimonious shit and nixed it.
That very well could have been the reason. Gregory should have given an explanation.
From lyin’ dancin’ dave???
I think the fiasco yesterday with the Observor/Guardian report also might have been a factor.
I just realized he’s supposed to appear on “This Week” and not MTP. So he should be there on the show right now.
Interestingly, I looked at MTP’s Twitter TL, and they apparently deleted all tweets they sent that promoted this interview. LMAO! Deleting tweets, removing stories from front pages, LMAO!
You can be sure the decision to ditch the interview comes from up high at NBC. They didn’t want Assange to condemn the Observer.
He’s appearing on “This Week” (ABC) not MTP.
Just saw that. Thanks.
I read the ABC transcript – and what a waste of time – that interview. Just more lies and evasion of certain questions from Assange and this Daily Kos emoprog Jesselyn Radack; Mostly softball questions from Stephanopoulous with not enough follow-up and countering of lies. I’m linking the ABC “rush” transcript here and the interview is on pages 2-6.
http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/week-transcript-wikileaks-julian-assange/story?id=19521380&page=2#.UdBHZ_lzCIQ
Thanks, it was most certainly a waste of time. George had no one defending the administration.
I wonder if his canceled appearance had anything to do with DG’s so called “tough” questioning of GG with regard to his culpability with Snowden?
I think it’s related to more recent events. Up to at least Friday, he was still scheduled to be on the show. I think it’s a combination of the Ecuadorian gov’t (who got into a dispute with Assange), and the newspaper shuffle yesterday.
I believe I heard the promotion as late as yesterday.
https://twitter.com/QuinOShea/status/349322337063157763
😀
😆 Poor bats!!
Firat at 10:14!!!!I think yeah!!!!
first
😀
For a moment there, Layla, I did wonder who was firing what at whom! Just for a minute.
Rachel is on Meet the Press
She made Ralph Reed look like the fool he is.
Logic, truth, reason and the interpretation of our Constitution that is strictly, singularly based. I have not watched MTP in years and will not. But I get a rundown here and I also would go to HP later……on their Sunday Talk SoundOff blog post……they will break it down generally.
I don’t watch Rachel Maddow on her own show, and will not watch her on that David Gregory’s MTP show, who is another one I can not stand.
Charlayne Hunter Gault is now a Contributor for NBC? I thought she worked for PBS?
She is now on MHP.
So The Obama’s are meeting up with the GW Bush and wife in Tanzania? Wow….I wonder if that was cooked up during the GW Bush Museum in TX back in April or May?
GWB tried for Immigration in 2000 and again in 2007. Wouldn’t it be something to see the 2 Presidents unite on Immigration reform?? A woman can dream.
He could…..but GW Bush has little influence on the TBGOPers in the House. But I agree 1001% with you…..if GW Bush wants to help, that would be a starting point.
She was on PBS Newshour Friday.
Good West Coast morning Chipsticks & TOD family.
Congrats df on first!
Wonderful coverage this morning Chipsticks.
Nakamura is a disgrace to journalism.
“Stone walls do not a prison make/Nor iron bars a cage” from the Cavalier Poet Richard Lovelace, comes to mind when I think of Mandela and other political prisoners who have survived and triumphed.
MHP thus far has provided the ONLY lengthy coverage of the president’s trip on a National TV/Cable or print…..in USA.. PBS did, but not this long.
I am surprise that Ms. Goodman is not trashing the POTUS as usual…….oops, spoke too soon.
fNena, as soon as I saw Amy Goodman on the MHP panel I wondered how many nanoseconds it would take for her to criticize President Obama. Let’s just say that Amy did not disappoint. If any of the cable shows want to be absolutely sure that a panelist will criticize President Obama right out of the gate they can never go wrong by booking Amy Goodman.
😉 Ladyhawke……I know you don’t mean it…..but. but, but…… 😆
There is fNena as you addressed me.
Look who is talking, Nena…….the Most with Typos on TOD 😉 ❓
Oh geez, sorry Nena that was a major FINGER CHECK. I hit the enter key too fast in my zeal to hammer Amy Goodman.
😎
Let who….Nena….without a typo error, ever…..try casting that charge? Nah…..Nena is guilty as charged………
All in great fun. 😉
amk’s 5-point post-presidential plan
1. Make Obamas’ to emigrate to Ireland.
2. Make UN to create a post called “Universal Youth Empowering Ambassador” with a 10-year tenure.
3. Make UN to create another new post called “Universal Women Empowering Ambassador” with a 10-year tenure.
4. Make UN to appoint PBO and MO to these posts.
5. Sit back, relax and enjoy life with G&T.
My post-post-retirement plans are in. I’m moving to Ireland!
We can go to Magh (Muff) together!
To the pub!
Squealing Pig or the Rock Bar would be great to get a baby cham
That made me laugh!
Those who have POWER never relinquish power willingly. I am thinking of right after the Civil War? Then after 10 yrs, it went darker and the lives of African Americans were terrible.
Britain after many nations gained their independence, they still had their hooks in many of those Colonized nations……the damage are still very much felt today. Portugal, France, Spain……same thing.
Right after 1995, with Gingrich and company…..they refused to have Clinton govern unless he went their way……in just about every issue. Dems need to stop playing Nice and drive TBGOPers to total extinction.
“Loneliest job in the world.” The image of the President as he looks out of the window from the cell is so reminiscent of the image of him in the White House, early on, as he stood alone and stared out the window there. No comparison in the experiences of Nelson Mandela behind bars and the experiences of Barack Obama behind the glass in the White House, but it still calls to mind the awful burdens of the heroes who walk among us. Their dedication. Their courage. And how we must all learn how to appreciate that dedication and courage, and keep them in our thoughts.
Very well said jacqueline.
Thanks. And good morning, TODville! <<< forgot my greeting!
Excerpt from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings — Maya Angelou
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
President has the right guy in Russia.
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/29/19176611-our-unlikely-man-in-moscow-takes-on-putin-over-human-rights-spying-and-snowden?lite
“Reacting to Putin’s claim that he couldn’t extradite the American because there was no such treaty between the United States and Russia, McFaul fired off this reminder: “Over last 5 yrs US has returned 1,700 Russian citizens to Russia w/ 500+ of them being criminal deportations” – a shrewd talking point followed by more chatter about basketball.”
Good morning, TOD. I have had to scroll through very quickly this morning before getting on the road. It appears my mother’s ‘going home’ time will be soon…….maybe not today, but likely this week. Only God knows the appointed hour, but all the signs are very evident. My daughter and I saw her yesterday and it’s already like she’s not ‘here’ with us. If her eyes open, it’s like she is looking through you and instead into the beyond. She isn’t eating/can’t swallow, bodily functions are slowly stopping. I will keep you all posted. I know and fell your support, prayers and love.
God bless you and your Mom Lala..keep talking to your Mom, she can hear you.
{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}} with deep hearts. I wish her peaceful journey and passage. Same thing happened to my mom 4 yrs ago……..Please my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Tnmtngirl, may the comfort of Almighty God surround you and your family today as you go and visit with your mother. Always remember as Layla said, “she can hear you.” I was told to keep talking, and singing to my mother during her days of making her journey because the medical team said that hearing is the last thing that goes. So speak your heart to her ears. Sweetness of gentle and grateful words will be wrapped in her golden baggage, while she is making her peaceful journey to a resting place.
((((((((((((((((((((( I will pray for comfort for you, tnmtngirl))))))))))))))))))))HZ
Be safe on the road. My prayers go with you.
We had to say goodbye to my mother in similar fashion almost eight years ago, so I wish you all peace in your hearts at this time. The night before mine passed away, we had the priest come to the house to bless her, and as I was walking outside with him to his car, we both saw shooting stars. I told him even the heavens were excited she was on her way. God bless and keep your mother. For those who believe in heaven, may I say that I believe all the mothers are there to jubilantly greet the newcomers. Let us know how it goes.
{{{{TnMG}}}} Travel safely yourself, I know you drive a bit of a distance.
Tn, I’m so sorry. This must be very hard for you and your family. Bless all of you in these difficult days.
A Peace-filled passage for your Mother, Home to the Light. http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=PBO
{{{{{{tnmtgirl&family}}}}}}
You, your mother, and family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
God bless you and your mom. How good that you are able to be there for her. You will always be her ‘little girl’. There is no one in our lives quite like our mothers.
Our dense media are clueless to history in the making and one already made.
Our Press Don’t see people of Color. They don’t see “Africa”. They don’t see Dems or those with Leftie views. 98% that cover this POTUS, see Only through their prism.
Although I would not put “people of color” and “those with leftie views” in the same category where the MSM is concerned.
I just came from reading ABC “This week” rush transcript, where George Stephanopoulos gave Julian Assange (and his sidekick emoprog & Daily Kos blogger, Jesselyn Radack) a platform to continue to spread lies about the NSA and US surveillance.
The MSM has decided that they will give ANYONE, Democrat, leftie, liberal, Black White, rich poor, male, female, a platform, as long as it involves an unmistakable element of Obama-bashing.
Their refusal to cover this African trip is all about their rabid hostility towards THIS President, because if it were Dubya, we know his visit would be given more than 100% coverage abounding with praise and adulation…
The MSM has decided that they will give ANYONE, Democrat, leftie, liberal, Black White, rich poor, male, female, a platform, as long as it involves an unmistakable element of Obama-bashing.
Yes…..HF2……yes, yes…….that is the Press’ goal.
good find africa – tweeted!
Bob Cesca has a great pragmatic progressive blog. He’s not always 100% sensitive to privilege, but he regularly tears Greenwald “a new one” and has done stellar reporting on the lies / half-truths and utter idiocy of the Snowden nontroversy. (And luckily, we aren’t purists who demand perfection.) A good visit for TODers who’d like to add to their proprag “list”.
I believe our President is drawing great strength and inner determination from this visit. He knows the road ahead is not easy, but nothing compared to Nelson Mandela’s. I see him “alone” but not alone. He is deeply contemplative and strong. All our prayers are with him.
I agree, and well said. He’ll never be really “alone,” not with what’s in that mind and heart.
So nicely said Carolyn,,,ty
Good Morning/Afternoon my dear Chips and TOD Family. A beautiful Sun. to all of you.
I just want to leave these with my TOD family in thinking of President Nelson Mandela and today’s journey with our beloved President, Barack Obama.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Nelson Mandela.
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Nelson Mandela
“If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.” Nelson Mandela
” I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela
“In my country, we go to prison first and then become President.” Nelson Mandela.
May Almighty God keep, comfort, and protect two beautiful and great men in our presence: President Nelson Mandela and President Barack Obama.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Sweet and Gentle Blessings to and many healing words to keep us moving forward )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))HZ
Beautiful words, HZ. Thank you for bringing them to us.
PBO is a man who thinks and feels deeply; one who learns from and is inspired by the courageous examples of others and turns all of this into actions. You are right, Carolyn.
One of my favorite pictures that depict his reflection, his desire to be in the moment and to soak up all of the experience comes from the 2012 Inauguration when after his speech everyone was filing out, he turned to look once more at the assembled crowds and what they represented.
Heads up:
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/06/30/president-obama-at-the-university-of-cape-town/