Pretty much the ideal politician and man.
>Served in World War 2, evaded capture by Italians for 6 months and managed to escape to Allied lines
>Married with 3 children
>Had the balls to declare independence from Britain
>Rhodesia was under economic sanctions from every nation in the West and under attack from Soviet and Chinese funded guerrillas, still the richest country in Africa
>Understood that giving the blacks majority rule so soon was like giving a ten y-o "a latch key, a bank account and a shotgun".
Thread theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLwUH5XtyG8
>>136929421
He was a top class lad. My grandparents and parents had the pleasure of meeting him over the years when they did business in Rhodesia. What's odd is that /pol/ is fascinated with him and Rhodesia, which was a completely different situation to Apartheid South Africa. Rhodesia didn't have an Apartheid system or laws/policies that focused on segregating the different races. Blacks in Rhodesia were given full rights (voting included) - including free education and extremely cheap medical coverage. We didn't. Rhodesians actually often looked down on us and our Apartheid system. Smith had a vision for a Rhodesia were blacks and whites would be living together as one nation, one people. That's what makes Rhodesia's, and Ian Smith's, downfall all the more sadder. That he was actually pretty progressive and a good hearted guy that wanted the best for all his people - black and white.
F
>>136930890
It pains me to see how much he and Rhodesia are vilified in the media. The country wasn't perfect but it was a damn lot better than that shithole Zimbabwe.
Breadbasket to basket case is what happened to Rhodesia.
I've just had the pleasure of hosting some former Rhodesians, friends of my wife, it's been a real learning experience. Wtf I love Rhodesia now.