Dear Luvers, I am only forwarding this email. Please ignore the reference to the political party in it. Irrespective of your political conviction or inclination, this may be an opportunity for anyone to express their condoleance for the passing of Nelson Mandela. So you may wish to take the opportunity offered here. (there is a link to a condoleance page below). As far as I am concerned Nelson Mandela is my Hero, and I have no doubt he would have been a friend of Linux, and many Luvers would be saddened today. Daniel. --------------------------- Today, members of the Australian Labor Party join with our friends in the African National Congress, and the people of South Africa, in mourning the loss of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. The African National Congress, in their statement this morning, said of Mandela: “The large African Boabab, who loved Africa as much as he loved South Africa, has fallen. Its trunk and seeds will nourish the earth for decades to come." Mandela was known throughout South Africa as “Tata Madiba”, an expression drawn from his tribal name and also meaning “father”. This was how he was known to a generation of South Africans who lived through the peaceful transition from partheid to multi-racial democracy. His leadership of the anti-apartheid movement, and stewardship of the new South Africa, were an inspiration right around the world, including here in Australia. That’s why we’ve created this online condolence book. You can sign your condolences and we’ll collate the contributions and send the book to the ANC as a symbol of our continued solidarity. <http://www.alp.org.au/condolence_book_for_mandela> Australian Labor played an important role in the global movement to end apartheid. Ordinary party members and unionists joined the campaigns and actions throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Prominent leaders like Gough Whitlam, Bob Hawke, Don Dunstan and Gareth Evans ensured that Labor in government took the lead in imposing sanctions on the Apartheid regime. When Mandela was released from prison he visited Australia. Tens of thousands turned out to hear him speak in Sydney when he said to the crowd that he could “feel the solidarity of Australians and others for 27 years through thick prison walls”. Australian Labor was one of only a few parties around the world to give practical assistance to Mandela and the ANC in the 1994 election. Personnel and resources were made available to the ANC by then National Secretary Gary Gray. Assistant National Secretary, Ian Henderson spent months in South Africa helping the campaign. All members and supporters of Australian Labor can today celebrate the life of a great member of our global movement and should take pride in our contribution to the development of democracy in South Africa. Mandela’s inspiration and legacy will continue to shape our commitment to democratic ideals across the world and to inspire our enduring friendship with the people of South Africa. You can share your condolences with the ANC. These contributions will be compiled and shared with our friends in South Africa. <http://www.alp.org.au/condolence_book_for_mandela> Nick Martin Assistant National Secretary Director, Labor International Australian Labor Party - 9 Sydney Ave, 5, Barton, ACT 2600, Australia To stop receiving emails: http://www.alp.org.au/unsubscribe -- dan062 <dan062@yahoo.com.au>