Nelson Mandela R.I.P my letter to the editor in the New York Post

The soul of a nation  and much of the world is in deep mourning over the loss of a champion of humanity,freedom and the human spirit.
Mandela was one of few men of vision,who saw his dreams-some would say pipe dreams-come to fruition,a rare accomplishment.
In a way,it is strange that Mandela's great accomplishment was getting rid of apartheid,because former South African President F.W de Klerk's role has been underplayed in this regard,which is understandable.Mandela's greatest contribution to humanity was when he took power.
First, it was by election,and second,he didn't declare war on the white men,which he could have easily done.Instead,he supported the belief that it was essential for the survival of South Africa that the white population continue to play a role in the life of the country.
He could have been another Robert Mugabe,but Mandela was too much of man and too much of a patriot for that.He sought not to destroy a nation,but rather start anew with a nation based on the concept of liberty and justice for all.

Gary Schwartz
Fort Lee,NJ