Trouble in Paradise?

I was watching the meeting in the Oval Office with the U.S. President and the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa. Impressively, Ramaphosa expressed his way of working out problems by referencing Nelson Mandela's approach. And you could tell he was being genuine.

The incredible patience and integrity shown by Ramaphosa, including his amazing self-restraint was very impressive. Admittedly, I don't know much accept what I observed, but his country could certainly be proud of how he conducted himself. He certainly was not an embarrassment to them at all.

The members that he brought with him were likewise impressive. They admitted the violence problem they have in South Africa, while correcting the (apparently) false information that has been in the news lately about white farmers being killed and their land confiscated.

One of the members said that the farmers (many of whom are black), actually get compensated for their land, beyond its value.

I think what is important here is that we have to be careful when, arrogantly, we act like we know more about a man's country than he does.

The members that came with Ramaphosa didn't deny they had problems, but they clarified the errors that our current administration has been putting forth as fact.

My point is, to see someone like Ramaphosa carry himself with such dignity (he didn't insult our country at all, like his was) gives us hope that cooler heads can prevail and good business can be done, if everyone at the table listens respectfully.

Unfortunately, in the Oval Office, the South African President was intentionally ambushed in that sacred space. Television monitors had been brought in and a video was played that was intended to embarrass him and prove that he is wrong about what is going on in his country.

Any American watching that should have been embarrassed by our administration's behavior. Honestly, bullying, name-calling and insulting a man who has come here for open conversation is disgusting.

One news reporter who was there to represent our press pool, was slandered for asking a perfectly reasonable question, a question we were all wanting to be asked. He was called a jerk, while our major news stations were all, collectively, being called horrible. He was told to "get out!" I can't say it enough, without our free press, we are going to be in big trouble.

But I digress.

The next time you need to face someone with whom you need to work something out, I hope you will bring patience and integrity to your discussion, the Nelson Mandela way.

Solving complicated issues is never easy, but what you bring to the table can make a big difference in resolving important matters. And even if you are the ONLY one at the table bringing genuine respect and a desire for peace, do what you can.

Janet Cassidy
Email me at: jmctm2@gmail.com

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