Inspired by Mandela's 'stubborn sense of fairness' - CNN.com

nspired by Mandela's 'stubborn sense of fairness'

By John Stremlau, Special to CNN

February 11, 2010 1:07 p.m. EST

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• John Stremlau: 20 years ago today, Nelson Mandela was released from Cape Town jail
• Stremlau: After 27 years, Mandela emerged "without bitterness, his humanity intact"
• Mandela maintains commitment to democracy, freedom and rule of law, he writes
• Mandela is inspiration in troubled nation that desperately needs it, Stremlau says

Editor's note: John Stremlau is vice president of peace programs at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The center, founded by former President Jimmy Carter, is committed to advancing human rights and alleviating unnecessary human suffering. Stremlau has lived and taught in South Africa.

Atlanta, Georgia (CNN) -- Freedom lovers everywhere over a certain age recall the thrilling news 20 years ago today that Nelson Mandela had been released from a Cape Town, South Africa, jail.