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In a weird way I think Powell's diplomatic efforts were a good thing. By being a "bust" they exposed the UN for the worthless, useless, organization they are. If we hadn't tried Powell's diplomatic route the UN would have never had to take an official stand. They might be saying now "we would have helped if only you had tried harder." This way they are on the record.

I agree that Rumsfeld is really smart, but I also think that Powell is too. I just think he sees the world through glasses that are too rose colored. He is the consummate diplomate and an excellent SOS. He has a dignified strength and an elegance that even the RATS find difficult to criticize. He is an asset to this administration, as long as he isn't calling the final shots. I think he lends credibility with his thoughtful ways. Don't discount his importance.

You make a good, solid case for not discounting his importance, and I don't really think I did that.

But just before the first gulf war I remember reading an article (which I think Cal Thomas wrote, but I'm not completely sure about that) alleging that Powell had a habit of leaking things to the press in an attempt to get things to go his way, and from that point on I haven't quite trusted him.

But beyond all that, seeing the world through rose colored glasses is in fact an intellectual defect, an that is the reason I prefer Rumsfeld by leagues.