"Slovenia's Gandhi": For Real, or Raspberry-worthy?

I came across an article in my Google news via the London Times about Slovenia's president--or soon to be former president, Janez Drnovsek.

I don't honestly know much about Slovenian history, but I do know a radical change of heart when I see one. Back when Drnovsek was Prime Minister of Slovenia, he was described as rather a dull, glum man who didn't like visionaries, and he was also referred to as someone who didn't take care of his people too well.

Yet, following a cancer diagnosis, Drnovsek has suddenly morphed into this peace-loving, animal-and-human-rights champion who made it a point to go into Darfur to help stop the suffering. And, in short, has gone from pallid president to love-is-all-you-need New-Age-style leader...not too unlike Mohandas Gandhi, who went from lawyer to mystical, non-violent visionary who fasted in the name of bringing to an end the occupation of India by the British Empire.

I read the comments following the Times' online article, and there were some detractors with some rather unforgiving attitudes. But there were also people who highly praised Drnovsek for his change in mind and spirit.

Here's the sticker, though: Was Drnovsek's "conversion experience" due to the prospect of death, with a potential fear of what might happen in the afterlife if he didn't change his outlook and attitudes on this plane, or was the change genuine--even if Death was staring the Slovenian in the face? I mean, the guy went all out--becoming vegan and living without a television--and totally ignoring state functions. Plus, when he was interviewed by the London Times, he seemed to be calm, at peace with himself, evidencing this by saying he wasn't worried about any detractors.

That's not the mark of someone who's not genuine about their transformation. That's the mark of someone who, even in their own "eleventh hour" has made the proverbial 180-degree turn and truly started to live life in a higher frame of consciousness.

In light of the coming holiday season, one might think that Death was potentially all three Dickensian Ghosts of Christmas for Drnovsek, because of such a sudden turnaround.

I just wish I could say the same for the American president.

BB,
Rev. Kat ^.^