Rees said, because people need room to learn and grow. I stand behind no freedom-lover on this tiny globe in my admiration for South Africa's new constitution. After decades as a police state, the nation created a new document that includes for the first time a bill of rights. Published in 11 languages, it admirably strives for real democracy and exact inclusiveness. I also believe in growth and learning.
Nobody has much of an answer.
At least, Rees is polite. Some of her colleagues and government officials write off these questions as little more than blithe harassment from the media jackals of World No. 1. Although South Africa is in terrible trouble, they acknowledge, it's no worse off than other nations in the region. Mbeki's house is burning down, and he's debating the chemical properties of water. And he isn't backing down an inch.