Opinion

Kindness in the world of politics? 7 uplifting examples from 2013

In 1993, the long-imprisoned Nelson Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize with the man who had released him, then-South African President F.W. de Klerk. As The Times wrote: "A year later, Mandela, the son of a tribal chief, succeeded De Klerk after a historic, peaceful election, the images of which were seared into the memory of a global audience: millions of blacks cast the first votes of their lifetimes." And then, even in death, he brought together unlikely bedfellows. At Mandela's memorial Dec. 10, President Obama shook hands with Raul Castro, president of the long-estranged communist Cuba and brother of Fidel. The administration assigned no meaning to the gesture. Still, as The Times said: "A handshake with the leader of a nation that's been a foe for half a century is never just a handshake." Above: Obama shakes hands with Castro during the official memorial service for Mandela. MORE YEAR IN REVIEW: 10 groundbreaking women we lost in 2013 Wilderness news of 2013: The good, the bad and the hopeful 10 tips for a better life from The Times' Op-Ed pages in 2013

In 1993, the long-imprisoned Nelson Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize with the man who had released him, then-South African President F.W. de Klerk. As The Times wrote: “A year later, Mandela, the son of a tribal chief, succeeded De Klerk after a historic, peaceful election, the images of which were seared into the memory of a global audience: millions of blacks cast the first votes of their lifetimes.”

And then, even in death, he brought together unlikely bedfellows.

At Mandela’s memorial Dec. 10, President Obama shook hands with Raul Castro, president of the long-estranged communist Cuba and brother of Fidel. The administration assigned no meaning to the gesture. Still, as The Times said: “A handshake with the leader of a nation that’s been a foe for half a century is never just a handshake.”

Above: Obama shakes hands with Castro during the official memorial service for Mandela.

MORE YEAR IN REVIEW:
10 groundbreaking women we lost in 2013
Wilderness news of 2013: The good, the bad and the hopeful
10 tips for a better life from The Times’ Op-Ed pages in 2013   (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)

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Is there such a thing as political kindness?

Well, certainly Nelson Mandela, whom we are memorializing this week, demonstrated that the notion of political kindness -- actions designed to heal instead of divide -- exists. Mandela famously forgave his oppressors, then worked with them to build a new South Africa. In a larger-than-life story that was mostly true, wrote one interviewer, he led the fight against a racist regime, “went to jail for a quarter-century; emerged from that dark place a stronger, wiser man; and, with quiet strength, led his nation toward peace, democracy and prosperity.”

Although Mandela’s example trumps most, there were other well-publicized incidents this year -- large and small, in America and abroad -- involving political kindness. -- Sara Lessley

Winning with kindness

Certainly political, sometimes New-Jersey-in-your-face blunt but occasionally, yes, kind.

During a fall debate with Democratic state Sen. Barbara Buono, the usually boisterous Republican Gov. Chris Christie killed his opponent with kindness.

At one point, the moderator asked the opponents to say something one liked about the other. Buono quipped: “Well, he’s good on late-night TV, he’s just not so good in New Jersey.”

Unfazed, Christie responded: “She’s obviously a good and caring mother and someone who cares deeply about public service in this state because she’s dedicated a lot of her life to it.

“And while we have policy disagreements, I would never denigrate her service. And I think we need more people who care enough about our communities to be able to stand up and do the job that she’s done over the last 20 years.”

The debate deflated, the hall exhaled. Wrote one political commentator about the knockout punch: “This was pretty skillful.... I’ve been covering politicians for years ... but even I think he might be at least partially sincere.”

Christie cruised to reelection as governor of New Jersey this fall.

Above: Christie, left, and Buono at a different debate in New Jersey.

MORE YEAR IN REVIEW:
10 groundbreaking women we lost in 2013
Wilderness news of 2013: The good, the bad and the hopeful
10 tips for a better life from The Times’ Op-Ed pages in 2013   (Mel Evans / Associated Press)

Releasing detained activists -- with love

In what it called an act of “loving kindness,” the nation of Burma said in November it was releasing 69 political prisoners. The amnesty was part of a promise by the military-backed civilian government to release all prisoners of conscience by the end of the year.

The official statement said the action would allow the former prisoners to “contribute in nation-building after realizing the loving kindness and goodwill of the state.”

According to the BBC, the country also known as Myanmar has freed scores of political prisoners since it began steps toward reform a few years ago. The move coincided with visits by high-profile guests, including officials from the European Union, ex-President Bill Clinton and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Amnesty International, however, warned: “Today’s release is of course welcome, but the fact remains that there are many imprisoned for peaceful activism still behind bars in Myanmar.”

Still, steps in the right direction, no?

Above: A political prisoner walks out of a prison after his release in Kalay.

MORE YEAR IN REVIEW:
10 groundbreaking women we lost in 2013
Wilderness news of 2013: The good, the bad and the hopeful
10 tips for a better life from The Times’ Op-Ed pages in 2013   (AFP/Getty Images)

Cleaning up -- because of our lawmakers' mess

Chris Cox, a colorful South Carolina native, took it upon himself to clean parts of the Washington Mall during the 16-day government shutdown in the fall.

“These are our memorials. Do they think that we’re just going to let them go to hell?” asked Cox, after he was spotted mowing the grass outside the Lincoln Memorial. “The building behind me serves as a moral compass, not only for our country but for the world.”

With many park maintenance services idled, Cox stepped in: “Over my dead body are we going to find trash pouring out of these trash cans. At the end of the day, we are the stewards of these buildings.”

Others, inspired by his message, came to a cleanup rally to help. Said Cox of all the attention: “It’s humbling and it’s flattering.”

Whatever his motivation, it feels like political kindness.

Above: A U.S. Park Police officer stands guard in front of the closed Lincoln Memorial on Oct. 1.

MORE YEAR IN REVIEW:
10 groundbreaking women we lost in 2013
Wilderness news of 2013: The good, the bad and the hopeful
10 tips for a better life from The Times’ Op-Ed pages in 2013   (Mark Wilson / Getty Images)

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