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Colin Powell Slams ‘Idiot Presentations’ by Some Republicans, Urges GOP Leaders to ‘Speak Out’
ABC News ^

Posted on 01/21/2013 8:46:01 AM PST by Sub-Driver

Colin Powell Slams ‘Idiot Presentations’ by Some Republicans, Urges GOP Leaders to ‘Speak Out’

In an interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos during ABC’s special inauguration day coverage this morning, former Secretary of State Colin Powell lashed out at people in the Republican Party who spent the last four years spreading “birther nonsense” and other “things that demonize the president,” calling on GOP leaders to denounce such talk — publicly.

“Republicans have to stop buying into things that demonize the president. I mean, why aren’t Republican leaders shouting out about all this birther nonsense and all these other things? They should speak out. This is the kind of intolerance that I’ve been talking about where these idiot presentations continue to be made and you don’t see the senior leadership of the party say, ‘No, that’s wrong.’ In fact, sometimes by not speaking out, they’re encouraging it. And the base keeps buying the stuff.

“And it’s killing the base of the party. I mean, 26 percent favorability rating for the party right now. It ought to be telling them something. So, instead of attacking me or whoever speaks like I do, look in the mirror and realize, ‘How are we going to win the next election?”

(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...


TOPICS: News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: colinpowell; lowerbowel; powellsux; traitorpowell
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To: Lancey Howard

The GOP big tent is so big, it can’t win elections anymore, but not big enough to be filled with a majority of voters. Colin Powell supporters probably don’t vote GOP anymore.


21 posted on 01/21/2013 9:04:05 AM PST by Windy City Conservative
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To: Sub-Driver

This is all a part of Obama’s divide and conquer the Republicans by 2014 strategy.

He knows he can’t get Democrat voters out in a midterm so he’s trying to suppress Repubican turn out by starting an intraparty war.

Hopefully everyone will ignore him and not take the bait.


22 posted on 01/21/2013 9:06:22 AM PST by NeoCaveman (Let it burn, let it burn, let it burn)
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To: Sub-Driver
Here is a quick test Col. Powell easily could perform to determine just where the "dark vein of intolerance" he cited earlier exists in the greatest degree.

Let him present the so-called "progressives'" and the current Administration with a transcript of the 1876 "Centennial Thanksgiving Sermon" Centennial Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence) by the Rev. Benjamin W. Arnett at the St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Urbana, Ohio. Let him ask for their reactions to this outstanding Black Ohio State Legislator, historian, scholar and Black Minister.

Then, let him report on the reactions.

So-called "progressive" "intolerance of ideas" has produced generations who have never heard the wonderful and essential ideas of liberty underlying the nation's founding documents!

Perhaps Powell might visit the Library of Congress's Historical Collections" -

"African-American Pamphlets from the Daniel A. P. Murray Collection," 1820-1920; American Memory, Library of Congress

Washington, DC,

CENTENNIAL Thanksgiving Sermon, DELIVERED BY REV. B. W. ARNETT, B. D., AT ST. PAUL A. M. E. CHURCH, URBANA, OHIO 1876

There, in that "Sermon," celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Col. Powell would find the following warning to fellow citizens, issued by the Ohio Legislator, Scholar, Historian, and Methodist Minister Arnett, following his tracing of the history of nations and of America's foundation in the principles of liberty:

In that Sermon's conclusion, Rev. Arnett warned of just the series of "changes" and events then being planned by well-educated and determined "liberals" of that day. Those "liberals" then morphed into self-described "progressives," and now we can track the "changes" they have wrought. Hear Rev. Arnett in that last section of his lengthy Sermon headed:

"The Danger to our Country.

"Now that our national glory and grandeur is principally derived from the position the fathers took on the great questions of right and wrong, and the career of this nation has been unparalleled in the history of the past, now there are those who are demanding the tearing down the strength of our national fabric. They may not intend to tear it down, but just as sure as they have their way, just that sure will they undermine our superstructure and cause the greatest calamity of the age. What are the demands of this party of men? Just look at it and examine it for yourselves, and see if you are willing that they shall have their way; or will you still assist in keeping the ship of state in the hands of the same crew and run her by the old gospel chart! But ye men who think there is no danger listen to the demands of the Liberals as they choose to call themselves:

"'Organize! Liberals of America! The hour for action has arrived. The cause of freedom calls upon us to combine our strength, our zeal, our efforts. These are The Demands of Liberalism:

"'1. We demand that churches and other ecclesiastical property shall no longer be exempt from just taxation.

"'2. We demand that the employment of chaplains in Congress, in State Legislatures, in the navy and militia, and in prisons, asylums, and all other institutions supported by public money, shall be discontinued.

"'3. We demand that all public appropriations for sectarian educational and charitable institutions shall cease.

"'4. We demand that all religious services now sustained by the government shall be abolished; and especially that the use of the Bible in the public schools, whether ostensibly as a text-book or avowedly as a book of religious worship, shall be prohibited.

"'5. We demand that the appointment, by the President of the United States or by the Governors of the various States, of all religious festivals and fasts shall wholly cease.

"'6. We demand that the judicial oath in the courts and in all other departments of the government shall be abolished, and that simple affirmation under the pains and penalties of perjury shall be established in its stead.

"'7. We demand that all laws directly or indirectly enforcing the observance of Sunday as the Sabbath shall be repealed.

"'8. We demand that all laws looking to the enforcement of “Christian” morality shall be abrogated, and that all laws shall be conformed to the requirements of natural morality, equal rights, and impartial liberty.

"'9. We demand that not only in the Constitution of the United States and of the several States, but also in the practical administration of the same, no privilege or advantage shall be conceded to Christianity or any other special religion; that our entire political system shall be founded and administered on a purely secular basis; and that whatever changes shall prove necessary to this end shall be consistently, unflinchingly, and promptly made.'

"'Let us boldly and with high purpose meet the duty of the hour.'

"Now we must not think that we have nothing to do in this great work, for the men who are at the head of this movement are men of culture and intelligence, and many of them are men of influence. They are led by that thinker and scholar, F. E. Abbott, than whom I know but few men who has a smoother pen, or who is his equal on the battle-field of thought. He says in an address on the duty of his leagues:

"'My answer may be a negative one to all who see nothing positive in the idea of liberty. The conviction I refer to is this: that, regarded as a theological system, Christianity is Superstition, and, regarded as an organized institution, Christianity is Slavery. The purpose I refer to is this: that, whether regarded as theological system, Christianity shall wholly cease to exercise influence in political matters. Although the national Constitution is strictly secular and non-Christian, there are many things in the practical administration of the government which violate its spirit, and constitute a virtual recognition of Christianity as the national religion. These violations are very dangerous; they are on the increase; they more and more give Christianity a practical hold upon the government; they directly tend to strengthen the influence of Christianity over the people, and to fortify it both as a theology and a church; and they are therefore justly viewed with growing indignation by liberals. Not unreasonably are they looked upon as paving the way to a formidable effort to carry the Christian Amendment to the Constitution; and the liberals are beginning to see that they must extinguish the conflagration in its commencement. I believe all this myself, with more intense conviction every day; and therefore I appeal frankly to the people to begin now to lay the foundations of a great National Party of Freedom. It is not a moment too soon. If the liberals are wise, they will see the facts as they are, and act accordingly. Not with hostility, bitterness, defiance, or anger but rather with love to all men and high faith in the beneficence of consistently republican institutions, do I urge them most earnestly to begin the work at once.'

"He acknowledges that this is a religious nation and wants all men to assist him in eliminating the grand old granite principles from the framework of our national union. Will you do it freeman; will we sell the temple reared at the cost of so much precious blood and treasure? These men would have us turn back the hands on the clock of our national progress, and stay the shadow on the dial plate of our christian civilization; they would have us call a retreat to the soldiers in the army of Christ; the banner of the cross they would have us haul down, and reverse the engines of war against sin and crime; the songs of Zion they would turn into discord, and for the harmony and the melody of the sons of God, they would give us general confusion; they would have us chain the forces of virtue and unloose the elements of vice; they would have the nation loose its moorings from the Lord of truth and experience and commit interest, morally, socially; religiously and politically to the unsafe and unreliable human reason; they would discharge God and his crew and run the ship of State by the light of reason, which has always been but a dim taper in the world, and all the foot-prints it has left are marked with the blood of men, women and children. No nation is safe when left alone with reason.

"But we have no notion of giving up the contest without a struggle or a battle. We are aware that there is a great commotion in the world of thought. Religion and science are at arms length contending with all their forces for the mastery. Faith and unbelief are fighting their old battles over again, everything that can be shaken is shaking. The foundations of belief are assaulted by the army of science and men are changing their opinions. New and starting theories are promulgated to the world; old truths are putting on new garbs. Error is dressing in the latest style, wrong is secured by the unholy alliances, changes in men and things, revolution in church and state, Empires are crumbling, Kingdoms tottering; everywhere the change is seen. In the social circle, in the school house, in the pulpit and in the pews. But amid all the changes are revolutions their are some things that are unchangeable, unmovable and enduring. The forces that underline the vital power of Christianity are the same yesterday, to-day, to-morrow and forever more. They are like their God, who is omnipotent, immovable and eternal, and everywhere truth has marched it has left its moccasin tracks.

"The Conclusion of the Whole Matter.We have patiently tried to examine the record of the nations of antiquity and learn the cause of their decay and decline, their fall, why their early death; and why so many implements of destruction around and about their tombs, and everywhere, in the silent streets, mouldering ruins, tottering columns, mouldy and moist rooms, and the united voice from the sepulcher of the dead past is, "sin is a reproach to any people." We see it written on the tombs of the Kings, and engraven on the pages of time, "sin is a reproach to any people." These are the principles of governments, Right and wrong; and the people who are the advocates of Right have bound themselves together and by their united effort they have brought light out of darkness and forced strength out of weakness.

"We as a nation have a grand and glorious future before us. The sun of our nation is just arising above the horizon and is now sending his golden rays of peace from one end of the land to the other. The utmost extremities of the members of the body politic are warm and in motion by the commercial and financial activities of the land. Her face is destined to blush with beauty when peace and justice shall be enthroned. The grand march of progress shall mark her in her onward advancement in moral strength, intellectual brilliancy, and political power. Then we can say that we give to every man, woman and child the benefit of our free institutions, giving all the benefits of our common school and the freedom to worship God under their own vine and fig tree. Then will we see written, on the banner of our free, redeemed and disenthralled country, the sublime words written, not in the blood of men, but in the sun-light of truth, that "Righteousness exalteth a nation." It will fall like the morning dew on the lowly; it will descend like the showers of May on the poor; and like the sun it will shine on the good and bad, dispensing from the hand of plenty the blessings of a government founded on the principle of justice and equality.

"Standing on the threshold of the second century of the nation's life, with the experience of the past lying at our feet, we are saluted by the shout of triumph from the millions who left their homes and business and attended the Great Exposition of the skill and genius of the world, collected at Philadelphia. We were permitted to receive the greetings from the oldest to the youngest nation of the earth. Egypt and the United States clasped hands over the waste of 5,000 years, and lay their treasures at the feet of our civilization. The material, intellectual and mechanical deterioration of the one, and the unprecedented progress of the other, stand in great contrast; in all that makes the nation great,—morally, religiously and socially, the young nation is ahead.

"Following the tracks of righteousness throughout the centuries and along the way of nations, we are prepared to recommend it to all and assert without a shadow of doubt, that "Righteousness exalted a nation"; but on the other hand following the foot-prints of sin amid the ruins of Empires and remains of cities, we will say that "sin is a reproach to any people." But we call on all American citizens to love their country, and look not on the sins of the past, but arming ourselves for the conflict of the future, girding ourselves in the habiliments of Righteousness, march forth with the courage of a Numidian lion and with the confidence of a Roman Gladiator, and meet the demands of the age, and satisfy the duties of the hour. Let us be encouraged in our work, for we have found the moccasin track of Righteousness all along the shore of the stream of life, constantly advancing, holding humanity with a firm hand. We have seen it “through” all the confusion of rising and falling States, of battle, siege and slaughter, of victory and defeat; through the varying fortunes and ultimate extinctions of Monarchies, Republics and Empires; through barbaric irruption and desolation, feudal isolation, spiritual supremacy, the heroic rush and conflict of the Cross and Crescent; amid the busy hum of industry, through the marts of trade and behind the gliding keels of commerce.”

"And in America, the battle-field of modern thought, we can trace the foot-prints of the one and the tracks of the other. So let us use all of our available forces, and especially our young men, and throw them into the conflict of the Right against the Wrong.

"Then let the grand Centennial Thanksgiving song be heard and sung in every house of God; and in every home may thanksgiving sounds be heard, for our race has been emancipated, enfranchised and are now educating, and have the gospel preached to them!

"Sons of freedom, sing the glad hymns of praise on the Western plains! Daughters of sorrow shout the joyful tidings amid the savannahs of the South-land! Proclaim it on the Atlantic's western stand and declare it on the slopes of the Pacific! Humble followers of the Son of Mary, chant the eternal truth in the temple of the Most High, that “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

"We invite every nation, kindred, tongue and people, to come to our land. Come from the bogs of Ireland; come from the dykes of Holland; come from the mountains of Switzerland; and from the sunny plains of Italy; and enjoy a government made for man! Come from the jungles of Africa or Egypt, the university of the infant world; come from Asia the cradle of humanity; come and bring your gifts from the Islands of the South Sea and spice land! Come ye men of every clime and race and see a nation founded in Righteousness, guarded by Justice, and supported by truth and equity, and defended by God!"

Let Col. Powell present this great Black patriot's Sermon to the current "progressive" Administration in order to determine where the "dark vein of intolerance" in our society may reside.

Is it not possible that those who describe themselves as "conservatives" (and who are described by "progressives" as the "radical right wing" of the Republican Party), readily would embrace Rev. Benjamin W. Arnett's "Centennial Thanksgiving Sermon" as an authentic summation of the ideas of liberty articulated in our Declaration of Independence and protected by the Constitution the Framers structured too limit coercive exercises of power in government?


23 posted on 01/21/2013 9:06:28 AM PST by loveliberty2 ( -)
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To: AU72
Wouldn’t expect him to call out his fellow democrats.

That's the way all the so called "moderates" behave. They spend all their time whining about the extremists in the comatose GOP yet never seem to have any problem with the increasingly radical left.
24 posted on 01/21/2013 9:06:28 AM PST by cripplecreek (REMEMBER THE RIVER RAISIN!)
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To: Sub-Driver
So, instead of attacking me or whoever speaks like I do, look in the mirror and realize, ‘How are we going to win the next election?”

I wonder about Powell's mental health. He is pulling the race card more than ever before. As far as how are we going to win the next election, I don't know who the "we" are. Powell endorsed Obama in 2008 and 2012.

Powell needs to address substantive policy issues rather than ad hominem attacks against him or others. Does he support Big Government and the welfare state? The answer is yes. So why does he call himself a Republican?

25 posted on 01/21/2013 9:06:43 AM PST by kabar
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To: Sub-Driver
“And it’s killing the base of the party. I mean, 26 percent favorability rating for the party right now. It ought to be telling them something.

It couldn't possibly have anything to do with RINOS like you Mr.Powell? The base is sick and tired of pussyfooting around with compromise.

26 posted on 01/21/2013 9:06:43 AM PST by johnny reb (When in the course of human events.....)
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To: Sub-Driver

How about the RNC revoking the two-time Obama voter’s Republican credentials, even if symbolic.


27 posted on 01/21/2013 9:07:25 AM PST by TexasCajun
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To: beethovenfan
"Colon Bowel" Good, but...

I also like "Colon Blow" to better describe his value to ANY discussion!

28 posted on 01/21/2013 9:08:19 AM PST by harpu ( "...it's better to be hated for who you are than loved for someone you're not!")
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To: Sub-Driver

I’ve had about enough of this affirmative action Perfumed Prince spouting liberal banalities.

GEN Powell, your 15 minutes of fame is about up.


29 posted on 01/21/2013 9:09:15 AM PST by sauropod (I will not comply)
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To: beethovenfan

Clown Bowel.


30 posted on 01/21/2013 9:09:23 AM PST by cripplecreek (REMEMBER THE RIVER RAISIN!)
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To: popdonnelly

bttt

Suborned in the U.S.A.
The birth-certificate controversy is about Obama’s honesty, not where he was born.
By Andrew C. McCarthy
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZmJhMzlmZWFhOTQ3YjUxMDE2YWY4ZDMzZjZlYTVmZmU=&w=MA

<>

July 30, 2009
Obama’s birth certificate and the real issues
Thomas Lifson
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2009/07/obamas_birth_certificate_and_t.html


31 posted on 01/21/2013 9:10:01 AM PST by Matchett-PI (Obama's Shuck and Jive Ends With Benghazi Lies ~ Sarah Palin)
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To: Old Sarge

My favorite was always “Chimpus Khan”.


32 posted on 01/21/2013 9:11:49 AM PST by sauropod (I will not comply)
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To: Sub-Driver
When the chain got pulled during the first Gulf War to stop Schwarzkopf from going on to Baghdad, I blamed GHWB. More of his ‘world view’ and ‘kinder gentler’ nonsense. But as time passes and more and more of the truth sneaks out, looks as if it was Powell that put forth the ‘we've done enough’ strategy.

Really sad, and undoubtedly the dumbest thing Powell will ever do. That was perhaps the best and last chance to straighten out that cess-pool called the middle east short of nuclear weapons.

33 posted on 01/21/2013 9:11:52 AM PST by I cannot think of a name
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To: Sub-Driver

Colin, you want the birthers to go away but you bring it up again. Maybe if your boy would come clean we could get this behind us. What’s The Undocumented President hiding?


34 posted on 01/21/2013 9:15:59 AM PST by McGruff (No New RINOs!)
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To: popdonnelly

Well requiring that Presidents prove they are eligible to be president as specified by the constitution is not nonsense. I don’t know what powell is talking about. There has not been much honest dialogue about obama’s eligibility.

I don’t agree with any of “sides” on this topic. One side says its obvious he is not eligible. Another side says the opposite. Stil another conservative faction thinks it’s a lose/losse proposition so why waste the ammo

I disagree with all of them. I don’t know about obama specifically and its not about obama. My concern is there is no process to check eligibility and a lousy precedent has been established. The issue has been badly politicized. This means anyone can get in if they can get the votes. I want the rule of law upheld and let the chips fall where they may.


35 posted on 01/21/2013 9:16:33 AM PST by plain talk
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To: Sub-Driver

The MSM .mainline socialist media are going to continue to parade him as a Republican “spokesman”. The way to deal with this character is have the House subpoena him to testify (since he admits to giving advice) about his advice to the Obama regime about Libya and Bengahzi. In their line of questioning (about mid point) suggest his initial (voting record) and continuning support of that regime.


36 posted on 01/21/2013 9:17:29 AM PST by mosesdapoet (Should the "mechanic" from Chicago come out of retirement ?)
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To: Sub-Driver

Colon is all about himself, just like BHO.


37 posted on 01/21/2013 9:17:34 AM PST by CORedneck
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Comment #38 Removed by Moderator

To: loveliberty2

Great post! I saved a copy of the sermon.

Thanks!


39 posted on 01/21/2013 9:18:57 AM PST by sauropod (I will not comply)
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To: Sub-Driver

Best Strategy here, is to agree w Gen. Powell and respond:

“Yes, Obama’s prime objective is to “fundamentally transform America”, and we simply object to this planned DESTRUCTION of American, and will fight it every step of the way!”


40 posted on 01/21/2013 9:19:31 AM PST by G Larry (Which of Obama's policies do you think I'd support if he were white?)
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