Bill Keller has written a couple pieces about his knowledge and experience in South Africa, however, this one is unique in its discussion of the struggles facing South Africa's development since Nelsen Mandela. Keller's tone is one of quiet woe as he explains the great hope and trust the people of Africa had put in Mandela, and while he did so much for the country, they are still in the days of early liberation. Keller's lead shows this, giving the example of Mandela having to explain to local reporters that he was not the "Messiah." However, Keller's piece (and his stated opinion in other pieces) is not critical of Mandela but overall shows admiration. However, given this, the body explains that Mandela did not truly accomplish his dream of true government in South Africa.
"For what he left in his wake was not really a government yet," Keller writes, "or even a genuine political party, but a liberation movement, with the mentality, customs and culture of constant struggle."
Keller has been to South Africa multiple times to observe and research its culture and politics and gives intensive background information not just on Mandela but also on the evolution of South African politics.
Keller's final words are those of concern for South Africa. He ends the piece, perhaps hopefully, questioning South Africa's future.
"The urgent question now," Keller asks, "is whether the movement that is Mandela’s bequest to his country can mature into a more credible government before the public runs out of its famous patience and starts looking for a new messiah."
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Gail Collins - The Woes of Roe
Gail Collins' piece, The Woes of Roe, gives a great look at the problems facing the pro-choice movement in a decades old debate - abortion. She talks with annoyance the yo-yo effect that comes with liberal and conservative fluctuations in the government concerning the issue. Facilities are forced to adapt to changing conservative and liberal laws with each new election, sometimes losing experienced staff, funds or even facilities only to be expected to reopen when a liberal front washes through.
She leads very factually by observing the forty year anniversary of the governing precedent on the issue, the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade. She then discusses the shift of support in recent years to a more pro-life classification in young people and in the second paragraph questions this poll resule stating that "if you ask Americans whether they agree with the Roe decision, nearly two-thirds say yes."
Collins presents a fair amount of research in the column, giving a brief history of political fluctuation concerning the issue and some statistical data about opinion polls and perhaps flawed outcomes.
Her final statements best explain her frustrated tone but also conclude her prediction for the future of the issue.
"Every time the anti-abortion movement pushes too far," Collins concludes, "it reminds people that its cause, no matter how filled with moral fervor, is basically about imposing one particular theology on the rest of the country. Over the long run, the nervous, ambivalent, uncomfortable public won’t let that happen"
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