NO one can even believe it was allowed to go on this long. But the United States retained Nelson Mandela and members of the African National Congress on its terrorists list for more than three decades.

Even after the former president of South Africa was released from prison and went on to create a peaceful government, serving as an example of how to meet the enemy in peace, the United States government kept Mandela on the list.

Even after he won the Nobel Prize for Peace, Mandela and his ANC were required to secure permission in the form of a visa waiver in order to enter the United States. This indignity continued even through the administration of President Bill Clinton, despite his famous tour of Africa.

U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California), understanding the continued injustice, had introduced legislation in Congress to remove Mandela and the ANC from the list. . President Bush signed that bill, H.R. 5690, into law today (July 1, 2008).

 “On July 18, President Mandela will turn 90 years old,” Congresswoman Lee said in a written statement released on the signing of the bill.  “And so as a fitting tribute to his legacy and to the many others who fought against apartheid, I am so pleased that the African National Congress and President Mandela can finally be removed from the terrorist watch list.”

Lee said she worked tirelessly with fellow Californian Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and sponsor of the bill and the Congressional Black Caucus.

"To President Mandela, please accept the removal of your name from the terrorist as a birthday present from your loyal friends and supporters here in the U.S.  We thank you for your tireless efforts and dedication to peace,” added Lee.

TBR seconds those sentiments.