The Last Ditch by Tom Paine

THE LAST DITCH

Helen Suzman, RIP

Published by Tom

on

BBC NEWS | Africa | Obituary: Helen Suzman.

Helen Suzman was a voice in the wilderness for much of her political career; pleading what must often have seemed a hopeless case. She did not achieve high office. She had none of the trappings of success that so many lesser politicians strive for, but I am sure she cared nothing for that.

She never gave up. I am not sure today's South Africa is quite what she was hoping for, but her life should still stand as an inspiration. One intelligent, determined human being can stand for justice, truth and freedom even when most around her have lost touch with their humanity. One person can be a beacon in the darkness. Challenged by a political opponent for asking questions which embarrassed South Africa, she retorted;

"It is not my questions that embarrass South Africa, it is your answers"

Her life proves, once again, that we are not just flotsam on the inevitable tides of history, as some would have us believe. One person can make a difference. Mrs Suzman certainly did.
Helen Suzman
I offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends.

5 responses to “Helen Suzman, RIP”

  1. Kinderling Avatar
    Kinderling

    Helen Suzman’s Progessive Party: “…the right of all, regardless of race and creed, to take part in government “in accordance with their degree of civilisation”.”
    One Libertarian’s narrow path to Heaven is another’s floodgate to Hell.
    “…in accordance with their degree of civilisation” Ha, measure that!
    When you gave women the vote… (You did tintsy-bit notice the English language was once not gender-specific like all inferior languages still remain, where British men were Men and Europeans merely males? Now we speak gender specific too and our men are cowered to believe the next reflected orb in the camera lens is a spirit).
    Lets all then say out loud for 2009 “…the right of all, regardless of religion, race, creed and sexual proclivity, to take part in government “in accordance with their degree of civilisation”.”
    Bah humbug

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  2. ubermouth Avatar
    ubermouth

    That’s a very well written post, which I would like to quote. I hope that you don’t mind???
    I truly admire this type of person who will soldier on in the face of adversity,without regard for themselves. Who springs to mind as a shining example of steely strength and love for humanity, is Rosie Parks.Especially given her outwardly ‘lowly’ status,the seriousness of the times during which she took her stance-when no doubt her very life could very well have been in jeopardy-and what was achieved.

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  3. Tom Paine Avatar
    Tom Paine

    Thank you. Of course you may quote it.

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  4. jameshigham Avatar
    jameshigham

    One person may make a difference, for good and for evil.

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  5. ubermouth Avatar
    ubermouth

    Thank you. I had not forgotten, but wanted permission first.

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Tom is a retired international lawyer. He was a partner in a City of London law firm and spent almost twenty years abroad serving clients from all over the world.

Returning to London on retirement in 2011, he was dismayed to discover how much liberty had been lost in the UK while he was away.

He’s a classical liberal (libertarian, if you must) who, like his illustrious namesake, considers that

“…government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one.”

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