South Africa (10.23.2024)

In 1905 Leon Trotsky, Russian Communist revolutionary, coined the phrase “permanent revolution”.  Trotsky believed that a Communist takeover in Russia would be only the beginning of a permanent process—at total transformation of society from top to bottom.  And he hoped that the revolution in Russia would immediately spark revolution everywhere, first and simultaneously in the industrialized countries of Europe, but eventually all over the world. 

            Communism did triumph in Russia in 1917.  The Bolshevik party, with Lenin as the head, solidified its power.  And after Lenin’s death, Trotsky fought with Joseph Stalin over who would inherit Lenin’s mantle.  In opposition to Trotsky’s slogan “permanent revolution,” Stalin advocated “socialism in one country.” Trotsky lost the succession struggle. 

            But the real difference between Trotsky and Stalin was actually only one of timing.  For Stalin did look forward to the day when Soviet Russia, strengthened as a bastion of military power, would foment Communist revolutions all over the globe and eventually dominate the world. 

            In the 20th & 21st century, Communism had been associated, in the minds of most people, with the cause of revolution. Yet, it is the American Revolution, and not the Russian Revolution, that has been the true permanent revolution of modern times.  Ours has not been just a revolution in one country, or in one time.  The American Revolution has influenced the whole world and the course of modern history. 

            We have extended the principles of that revolution in our own country, with the ending of slavery and the extension of civil rights. Civil Rights not just for one race of people but rights for all Americans.  Today, around the world, the causes for which we fought are still causes for which men and women lay down their lives.  The issues which led us to declare independence are the issues now in Iran, Afghanistan, and other countries. 

            According to a study by a British Institute, the highest level of civil and human freedom is to be found in Denmark, New Zealand, and Finland (96%); followed closely by Great Britain and Norway (95%); Canada, Holland and Sweden (94%); the USA, Japan and Switzerland (92%).  At the very bottom of the list are Iraq (27%), Saudi Arabia (29%) and Syria (34%).  The same low percentages also apply to most of the African countries and most of the Latin American and Asian nations. 

             I was honored to see the American Revolution influence when my wife and I were blessed to visit South Africa for the 1st time as the Bishop.  We were asked to go over for a mission's trip several years ago to serve some of our churches in the area, and have been going twice a year or more ever since.  The funny thing is when you are asked to do a mission's trip, they do not give you the money to do it, you must raise your own funds. 

            I was blessed to go to Africa before about 10+ years ago as a part of a Rotary Missions Trip.  I am still thankful to Rotary for that experience and support during that time.   My wife has now been over several times, but this was the first time for our oldest daughter to go. My problem now is the rest of the family is asking when can they go?  We left from Pittsburgh, PA and flew to Atlanta, GA, almost a 2-hour flight.  Then a flight from Atlanta, GA  
to Johannesburg, South Africa, a 17 to 19-hour flight, (depending on tail winds).  The last flight after a one-day layover was from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth, South Africa, another approximately 2-hour flight.  Over 20 hours in the air, not including the lay overs at each airport.  Also, not including the medical shots, you must take to visit the country which was the 1st step in getting into the country.  

            South Africa is one of the most southern countries on the African continent.  It is a country of great diversity in culture and great beauty in nature.  I am told that since the legal ending of apartheid in 1994 the country has become a favorite destination for many travelers.  One of the reasons they say apartheid was able to last so long in the 20th century was because of how far away it was from other large populations of countries.  Apartheid was a system that the government was controlled by the minority white population, that enforced segregation in housing, education, and all areas of life.  With the American Revolution influence and the wrongness of apartheid in the 1st place, the South African government under the leadership of F. W. de Klerk, (1989 -94), began to repeal segregation laws.   That help create a more democratic government which led to an election in 1994 of a government led by the Black majority leadership under the long-imprisoned freedom fighter Nelson Mandela.  Because of the unique spirit of love, humility, and forgiveness, the country has made great progress. 

 
            I was told by many residents that it is not perfect, there is still discrimination, but nothing compared to the past.  We were told that only 3% of people live over the age of 65.  This is because of the growth of the population that there are more poor people today than there were 25 years ago.  There is over 80% unemployment and over 40% must live on less than $2.00 a day.  Sadly, some of the highest AIDS population is in Africa, as well as other infectious diseases.  

            It should be noted that the average South African speaks up to 12 different languages.  We here in America barley speak just one.  They still have the big 5 animals living in the area; they don’t roam the street, but they are never far away. The Big 5 are the lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos.  We were blessed to go on a Safari, where the only shooting we did was with our cameras. 

             Just before I close, in a few days it will be our opportunity to vote for several levels of our government.  Please do not take it lightly, your vote does counts!  Do your personal research, and make your best decision.  Remember no matter if you are a Democratic, a Republican, or an Independent, at the end of the election we want all to be American, and be the United States of America!  May we never forget red, yellow, black, and white, we are all precious in God’s sight.  God Bless America!!