100 People Who Are REALLY Screwing Up America -- #6: Colin Powell

[Chichiri]

Watching one of the innumerable government press conferences following September 11, 2001, I saw General Colin Powell face a gaggle of reporters and say "I don't know" or "I won't say" at least a half dozen times when asked for speculation or unobtained information. A moderate friend of mine who saw the same press conference later remarked, "That's why I love Colin Powell. If he doesn't know something, or can't tell us, he says so straight up. He doesn't try to bullshit you." I had to agree.

There was, indeed, a time when I had every respect in the world for Powell. What's more, I liked the guy. Still do, in spite of myself. That's what makes this entry difficult for me.

As late as the end of 2002, Powell was perhaps the closest thing there could possibly be to a pacifist in Bush*'s cabinet. He opposed the war in Iraq, standing against Cheney, Rumsfeld, Ashcroft, et al. He was the spokesman for those who wanted Bush* to give UN inspectors ample time to search for WMDs in Iraq. He did any number of thing to avoid, or at least delay, the onslaught of a unilateral pre-emptive strike against the Hussein regime.

However, he turned from moderation to vociferously pro-war, almost literally overnight. The less cynical might argue that he suddenly "saw the light," like Paul on the road to Damascus, but I don't see it as a coincidence that, in the weeks and months following, the African-American community experienced a number of small but meaningful improvements in their lives.

In his now-infamous presentation to the United Nations, Powell stated, "My colleagues, every statement I make today is backed up by sources, solid sources. These are not assertions. What we are giving you are facts and conclusions based on solid intelligence." Today it is common knowledge, outside of Fox "News", that this statement was a falsehood -- and even at the time Powell uttered those words, it was strongly suspected. His presentation was chock-filled with distortions, exaggerations, and outright lies. (For a detailed dissection of each of the 44 claims Powell made in his presentation, check out this analysis by Dr. Glen Rangwala of Cambridge University.)

The case for war did not exist then, just as it does not exist now. But because it was Colin Powell, a man who was nearly the personification of honor and integrity, America believed him. As a result, the Bush* administration found it that much easier to carry out their little war, and nearly two thousand brave Americans have paid the ultimate price for it -- a number which grows almost daily.

Powell should spend the rest of his life ashamed, truly ashamed in his heart, for his pivotal role in one of the biggest America-screwings in history. But Powell probably doesn't need me to tell him that -- if he is truly the man of honor and character that I thought him to be, he already feels it. Why else would he have announced, shortly after the invasion of Iraq, his intention to leave the Bush* administration?

[JAbuchan08]

1. THanks again for your great blog

I've missed the last couple updates, how often do you usually post?

[Chichiri]

3. The list is updated . . .

Once a day, excluding Sundays.

[Generic Other]

2. What a wonderful blog!

Maybe when you finish the list, you'll let us vote for biggest jerk?

Nice job!

[Chichiri]

5. I know of no mechiasm that allows for voting among 100 possibilities.

It's a nice idea, though.

[Tim4319]

4. I felt the same way about Colin Powell.

In the beginning, I had the utmost respect for the man; republican, Democrat, green party, or what ever his political affiliation is. I believe, at one time he was one of the most respected men in the world. It also saddened me to see him sit in the front of the U.N. and spit venom.

Not to discount what he did, it was completely wrong, and if the "long arm of the law" should see fit to gather Powell up in the dragnet, I believe it would be well deserved. But, for some reason, I believe the chimp's administration was twisting his arm in away to get on their side. Looking at is facial expressions, and readying his body language when they were first trying to make a case for war with Iraq tells me he did not want to go along with it. Hearing about the times he bumped heads with Cheney and Rumsfeld, was another clue for me. Finally, his resigning his post was first mentioned shortly after going into Iraq after 9/11 made me think too.

I an not trying to cast any kind of shadow of doubt on your wonderful blog. I agree with you 100%, I just wanted to add my two cents, and tell you how I was feeling.

Thank you for reading

[kansasblue]

6. Replace "screwing up" with "screwed up".

[Chichiri]

7. Kick for the evening crowd