The previous week I inducted five members into my personal Political Hall of Fame. Those individuals are Jimmy Carter, Otto von Bismarck, Margaret Thatcher, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. Individuals who I deeply admire and respect as a student of politics and history. But now it is time to induct the second inaugural class of the Political Hall of Fame.
1. Nelson Mandela- Civil and Human Rights Activist, President of South Africa, and Nobel Peace Prize winner
From History.com
There was a war in my mind of whether to have him put in the first inaugural class or not. Ultimately I decided to have this great man headline the second inaugural class. A man who is a third generation non-violence activist after Gandhi and Dr. King. He first was a violent activist who was on the CIA’s most wanted at first, but learned from Dr. King and thought his message of nonviolence was effective. He was eventually imprisoned in a South African prison for 27 years. At the end of the day, Mandela brought down the oppressive apartheid of South Africa. As I visited South Africa, his impact was both far and wide. He is both an national and international treasure, and he is dearly missed in our world.2. Eleanor Roosevelt- First Lady, first delegate to the United Nations, 1st chair of UNHCR
From cns.com
Eleanor Roosevelt is undoubtedly the greatest female public figure in the history of the United States. If she were born during the Baby Boomer generation, she would be President of the United States. But in her day with her husband in a wheel chair, she was his eyes and ears to what was really going on. She was someone who was a major influence on policy decision, she even advocated for the first African-American woman, Marian Anderson, to sing at the Lincoln Memorial. She believed in human rights for all people. At the end of the day, Mrs. Roosevelt was a giant of woman who helped the United Nations form its identity. Her politics are so needed in this day and age.3. Mao Zedong, Premier of China, Founder of the Communist Party of China
From biography.com
Just like Margaret Thatcher, I do not necessarily agree with Mao Zedong's politics. Mao was a man whose impact was felt in all his interactions. Many of his policies did not work, which speaks for the political wrongness of communism. But he is a venerable figure. In terms of cultural impact there is no person who has shaped modern China more. Deng Xiaoping was almost picked here, however Mao is the founder of the China that we know today. He is also author of one of the most famous books in the world, “Mao's Little Red Book”. “The people, and the people alone, are the motive force in the making of history.”
4.Malala Yousafazi- Nobel Peace Prize winner, activist for female education
From the huffingtonpost.com
This was an easy pick because she has been a fighter. Malala has faced death fighting for the rights of young girls all across the world. She is the youngest winner to earn a Nobel Prize at age 17. As a 21 year old it is such a joy to see someone who is around my age fighting for the right to education of women all across the world. Malala is someone who I know will seek equal rights for all people. I look forward to her speaking out on the issues and looking for peace in all situations. While she is the youngest member of the Political Hall of Fame, in Malala's short life she has already done more than most people do in their entire lives.5.Barack Obama- President of the United States, Nobel Peace Prize
From theguardian.com
President Barack Obama is one of my favorite politicians of the past fifty years. When I was in the 7th grade, I was so proud to see an African-American successfully win the office of President of the United States. I watched all his debates, listened to as many speeches as I could. Now, eight years later he has lived up to my expectations and then some. While I haven’t agreed with all his policies, he has dignified the position with grace, dignity, and class. Obama stands up for what he believes in. While some of his decisions I have found questionable, he is not one to back down because of challenges by others. But most of all he cares about coming together and solving issues. He seeks political civility, in an environment that seeks to be divisive at almost every turn which is what I admire most. Obama's vision for America, one where we inspire good all across the world.
