Nathan Mandela
Provisional Member
President of South Africa
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
Posts: 56
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Post by Nathan Mandela on Apr 14, 2005 18:15:26 GMT -5
"Oh yes, I understand," he said, nodding. "Oh, forgive me, I am being most inhospitable. Would you like something to eat? Perhaps some water, or juice?"
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Post by Lan Zheng-Lafleur on Apr 14, 2005 18:21:42 GMT -5
"Some juice would be nice."
"I have submited a series of reports to your office about our most recent African initiatives and projects which you can look over at your leisure."
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Nathan Mandela
Provisional Member
President of South Africa
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
Posts: 56
|
Post by Nathan Mandela on Apr 14, 2005 18:24:13 GMT -5
"Thank you, I'll look over them as soon as I can," he said. He turned to one of his butlers and said something to him in Afrikaan. The butler nodded and left. He returned with a tray and some juice.
"Now, there are some things I'd like to bring up with you," he said, his tone becoming slightly more serious.
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Post by Lan Zheng-Lafleur on Apr 14, 2005 18:26:24 GMT -5
"By all means, go ahead. That's what I'm here for."
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Nathan Mandela
Provisional Member
President of South Africa
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
Posts: 56
|
Post by Nathan Mandela on Apr 14, 2005 18:32:24 GMT -5
Mandela sat up straighter and began speaking, "Recently, American companies have been pestering me to lower minimum wage and have been almost demanding to purchase the diamond mines in South Africa. It's not just here either, but all throughout Africa. Corporations have been playing a much more active role in the running of African nations. Look at Siere Leone. Corporate mercenaries have toppled the government and taken over all their industries--in my mind, it is unacceptable for anyone to simply sit by and watch this happen. I was hoping the UN might be able to do something," he said in as calm a manner as he could.
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Post by Lan Zheng-Lafleur on Apr 14, 2005 18:34:23 GMT -5
"Because of the U.S. role on the security council, any firm action against them by the UN is impossible. There are reforms underway to change this and even out this imbalance of power within the UN."
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Nathan Mandela
Provisional Member
President of South Africa
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
Posts: 56
|
Post by Nathan Mandela on Apr 14, 2005 18:41:44 GMT -5
"Is it not possible to give them some form of Sanction? Or at the very least Sanction the former country of Siere Leone?"
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Post by Lan Zheng-Lafleur on Apr 14, 2005 18:43:42 GMT -5
"All sanctions must pass through the security council, and one veto vote from a permanent member, would vote down the sanctions. Since the United States would not vote to sanction itself, it is at this time, impossible for the UN as a whole to sanction the U.S., though individual countries may do this by their own volition."
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Nathan Mandela
Provisional Member
President of South Africa
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
Posts: 56
|
Post by Nathan Mandela on Apr 14, 2005 18:49:18 GMT -5
Mandela shakes his head sadly. "It's sad that the United States can police the world and not have to face any consequences," he said with a sigh. "I'm sorry if I seem opinionated, but I see firsthand what happens when the Capitalists exploit the working classes. I try to help the impoverished, but it is difficult..."
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Post by Lan Zheng-Lafleur on Apr 14, 2005 18:54:41 GMT -5
"You don't have to tell me how difficult it is. The present international system has too many flaws and not enough power to tackle the many problems of the world. National interests get in the way of the international interests and threats shared by all."
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Nathan Mandela
Provisional Member
President of South Africa
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
Posts: 56
|
Post by Nathan Mandela on Apr 14, 2005 18:57:22 GMT -5
Mandela is surprised. Most people he meets with, aside from Kasai of course, seem to simply not care or come up with some poor and sketchy excuse as to why corporate control over a country is helping the people.
"I'm glad that you can see the flaws in the system. Most people seem to cling to it like a security blanket, holding up the banner of 'freedom', despite the fact that they opress several millions of Chinese and Africans for personal gain."
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Post by Lan Zheng-Lafleur on Apr 14, 2005 19:05:46 GMT -5
Since I am not at liberty to say anything too radical against the current system, I nod my head. I am aware that corporate interest is a threat to constructive global cooperation, but I can not alienate the more "free market" members of the UN.
"It was good talking to you. It is very likely that the summit will be held here. We will continue to give aid to and monitor human rights issues in Africa. Otherwise, I think that is all I have to say for now."
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Nathan Mandela
Provisional Member
President of South Africa
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
Posts: 56
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Post by Nathan Mandela on Apr 14, 2005 19:09:37 GMT -5
"Very well then, it was good talking to you as well," he said, standing up. "Come, let me walk you to your car."
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Post by Lan Zheng-Lafleur on Apr 14, 2005 19:11:34 GMT -5
"Certainly, I will not be leaving South Africa until the morning, so it is possible we could meet again this evening if you think of anything else you would like to discuss." I say as we walk out to my car.
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Nathan Mandela
Provisional Member
President of South Africa
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
Posts: 56
|
Post by Nathan Mandela on Apr 14, 2005 19:12:47 GMT -5
"I can think of nothing right now, but if I come up with something I will be sure to let you know," he said with that same warm smile he always has. "Give the UN my regards."
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