Dear Editor,
It was indeed noticeable that before he delivered his eloquent eulogy at Nelson Mandela's memorial, President Obama shook hands with his political 'opponent', Raul Castro, Cuba's president.
This was certainly a noble gesture for the American president to stretch forth his hand as a seeming symbol of reconciliation with Cuba. This was a civil act in keeping with the ideal of reconciliation that Mandela advocated.
The naysayers may say that President Obama's handshake was a sign of approval for Cuba's oppressive political policy. But it must be remembered that, in his eulogy, Obama castigated Cuba and other undemocratic and repressive states when he said: "There are too many leaders who claim solidarity with Madiba's struggle for freedom, but do not tolerate dissent from their own people."
Let's hope, however, that Mandela's ideal of forgiveness and reconciliation will become a reality among world leaders.
Rupert Johnson
Toronto, Canada
r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca
Obama's handshake
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It was indeed noticeable that before he delivered his eloquent eulogy at Nelson Mandela's memorial, President Obama shook hands with his political 'opponent', Raul Castro, Cuba's president.
This was certainly a noble gesture for the American president to stretch forth his hand as a seeming symbol of reconciliation with Cuba. This was a civil act in keeping with the ideal of reconciliation that Mandela advocated.
The naysayers may say that President Obama's handshake was a sign of approval for Cuba's oppressive political policy. But it must be remembered that, in his eulogy, Obama castigated Cuba and other undemocratic and repressive states when he said: "There are too many leaders who claim solidarity with Madiba's struggle for freedom, but do not tolerate dissent from their own people."
Let's hope, however, that Mandela's ideal of forgiveness and reconciliation will become a reality among world leaders.
Rupert Johnson
Toronto, Canada
r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca
Obama's handshake
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