Obama, world leaders praise "giant of history" to Mandela memorial

They gathered in the tens of thousands - presidents, prime ministers, royals , celebrities and ordinary South Africans - all united to say goodbye to a man hailed as a global symbol of reconciliation.
In what has been considered one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in recent history , representatives worldwide sweepers , actors and religious figures joined together to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela.
From President Barack Obama to that of Cuba , Raul Castro , the praise came from all parties to a memorial service for four hours at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg for the revered statesman , who died Thursday at age 95 .
" Will we ever see the likes of Nelson Mandela again," Obama said in a speech amid roaring applause.
"People of South Africa - people of all races and from all walks of life - the world thanks you for sharing with us Nelson Mandela " he said, calling it a " giant of history. "
Grey skies and rain throughout the service did little to dampen the mood.
Inside the stadium , the atmosphere was festive, with people dancing , blowing vuvuzela plastic horns and singing songs of the struggle against apartheid.
Around them , massive photographs of Mandela posters hanging inside the stadium . In the same place 23 years before Mandela had delivered his first speech after being released from prison, hailed by supporters as the hope of a new South Africa .
Also known as Soccer City , the stadium was where Mandela made ​​his last public appearance in the World Cup final in July 2010 .
On Tuesday , many people carried banners in honor of " Madiba " , traditional clan name of Mandela. Others were involved in materials with face covered or green, yellow, black , red and blue colors of the South African flag .
Some had jobs lined up for skipped and in ensuring the seats so they could pay their respects to a man who was considered a moral compass and symbol of the struggle against racial oppression in South Africa.
" There's nobody like Madiba. He was one of a kind ," said South African President Jacob Zuma.
"Everyone has had a moment when Mandela global icon has touched their lives. "

Obama, world leaders praise "giant of history" to Mandela memorial

Cruz pushes plan to prevent a vote on a bill defunding ObamaCare.

Sen. Ted Cruz urged Republican colleagues to vote for his step expected bill that allows the government open through mid-December , while cutting funding from ObamaCare.
Texas senator who supported a temporary measure through the GOP -controlled House on Friday said that the defense 's strategy was needed . To prevent it. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of using "tricks " procedure to restore funding for the law. Health care.
"If Reid pursues this plan - if he insists on using the 50 votes to fund ObamaCare by a vote of the Democrats only - and I hope that Senate Republicans will stand and fight discussion . bill to the House bill . And intact . Do not let Harry Reid, ObamaCare raise capital back in , " Cruz said in a statement.
Sen. Mike Lee , R- Utah, introduced Friday as the Senate 's approval . Movement Debate to end . The debate in the House bill , Reid will come back with . Modified to remove language from the bill defunding ObamaCare .
"If we want to prevent the [ Red ] from stripping out language defund strategy on our part would be to block the debate to end the debate, " said Lee spokesman Brian Phillips said Hill.
Cruz, one of the most vocal supporters of the "de- fund ObamaCare" I was shocked at his colleagues on his . Released a written statement Wednesday afternoon that appears to accept the bill will likely fail in the Senate.
He backtracked on Wednesday vowed to do " everything and anything possible to defund ObamaCare" including the installation of the opposition.
Cruise and Lee played a prominent role in each appearances in television commercials . Aimed at pushing lawmakers Republicans not to yield " Republicans in Congress can stop ObamaCare if they refused to fund it," Lee said in the Conservative Party Senate funds . supported . Commercial.
Current government funding is set to expire at the end of the month . Lawmakers. Must approve a bill to give Washington temporary opening .
Friday's vote in the House was almost completely along party lines , and that the GOP measure would fund the government through December 15 , the current level of funding .
Obama administration threatens advance to veto the bill if it passes the Senate as well , while the Democrats only Reps by Mike McIntyre of North Carolina and Jim Matheson of Utah support the Virginia Representative Rigell. Scott was the only one . Republicans voting against it.
"Today the Conservative Party. Constitutional In the words of their constituents . And our nation will stand with the true principles of the law to protect them from becoming popular. The most ever in the history of the country through the busy ObamaCare - whether in the privacy of our and our most sacred right as an American to do it. Be left alone , " Rep. John Culberson R- Texas , said on the House floor .
This sets the stage for The showdown last week . Next, in the Democratic -led Senate measure realistically the chances of surviving are slim to none in the Senate vote , Reid has been charged to death and called the vote Friday " waste time " .
" Republicans are simply shifted a few days as an alternative . Inevitable that they will have to face : the bill. Fund for clean government or forced to close , " Reid said in a statement following the vote ," I've said it before, but it seems that will not pass the Senate , which bears repeating . Bill to Obamacare defunds or any delay " .
The Senate is in the corner until Tuesday.
In the noon rally on Capitol Hill, House Speaker John Boehner said the House vote, said the popularity of ObamaCare.
" You have a country that has not been employed as a result of this law, " he said, " you've got other business have reduced hours for employees. Of them because of this law and to make our message to the U.S. Senate is simple: Americans want the government to shut down and They do not want ObamaCare ".

Cruz pushes plan to prevent a vote on a bill defunding ObamaCare.