How Mandela helped Clinton survive scandal

[kskiska]

Nelson Mandela counselled Bill Clinton through the Monica Lewinsky scandal, helping him to survive the ordeal that nearly saw him removed from office, the former US president reveals today.

…The key exchange came during a presidential visit to South Africa in March 1998 - at the height of the "Zippergate" controversy - which included a tour of Mr Mandela's one-time prison cell on Robben Island.

" told me he forgave his oppressors because if he didn't they would have destroyed him," Mr Clinton said. "He said: 'You know, they already took everything. They took the best years of my life; I didn't get to see my children grow up. They destroyed my marriage. They abused me physically and mentally. They could take everything except my mind and heart. Those things I would have to give away and I decided not to give them away.' And then he said 'Neither should you'.

" said when he was finally set free he felt all that anger welling up again and he said: 'They've already had me for 27 years ... I had to let it go'."
Speaking of his own attempts to forgive the former independent counsel Kenneth Starr and the rest of his legal tormentors, Mr Clinton adds: "You do this not for other people but for yourself. If you don't let go it continues to eat at you."

more…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1243707,00.html

[NMDemDist2]

1. wow a man who thinks, forgives, contemplates his life and his

place in the world and works to make it and himself better

what a concept!

[kaos]

2. The big dog..

Woof.Woof

[struggle4progress]

3. Mandela is really great! eom