Herman Cain on Nelson Mandela and "I am the captain of my soul"

Herman Cain on Nelson Mandela and  "I am the captain of my soul"

Herman Cain commented on Nelson Mandela on his talk show Friday December. He said that Nelson Mandela emerged from prison after 27 years that he expresses no bitterness. I urge you to read the article on CainTV.com.

In his commentary Herman Cain that he said the Nelson Mandela “drew this self-inspiration in prison”. Many of the comments pointed out the problems that they had with holding up Nelson Mandela as a great leader. I have no opinion on this matter since I have not studied it enough to know what is true and what is not.  As far as Nelson Mandela being a communist, I will make this observation: there is a natural tendency for victims of injustice to make reprisals against their oppressors, once the victims attain power.  This tendency is often manifested with a desire to redistribute wealth, especially from those who became wealthy by victimizing others. The degree to which that urge is controlled or impossible to carry out (as with the American Revolution) will determine how free the citizens of the new revolutionary government will be.

In his “The rejection of bitterness” comments I think that Mr. Cain’s point was that the poem by William Earnest Henley helped sustain Nelson Mandela during his long imprisonment.  I would add that it is my opinion that we remember this poem during our current struggle for liberty in America. I also believe that Mr. Cain was trying to convey the message that we each individually determine our fate and the content of our souls. Maybe it was this realization that helped to cause an epiphany in Nelson Mandela, maybe he just realized that violence did not work and bitterness is self destructive. Whatever the reason he did not use the presidency to punish his enemies and enhance his own power. Something, I wish we in America could say about our president.

Herman Cain said “I believe that Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had something in common. They both were willing to sacrifice their lives for a higher calling, and that was freedom. “I think he pointed this out because as we take our country back our own government will become increasingly repressive. During that struggle, we must remain unconquered and resolute while keeping our souls.  Finally, as Herman Cain said “It was about not giving up in the face of adversity”.

Here is the Poem “Invictus” (Latin for unconquered) by William Earnest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,

      Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

      I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

      Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

      How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

      I am the captain of my soul.