Colin Powell: Planning for an Exit

Time ^ | 9/1/02 | MASSIMO CALABRESI

[SBeck]

Think WWII had something to do with those stars? (It did). Prior to the war a great many of the rising luminaries were stuck in a rut not of their own making.

[vbmoneyspender]

I take it that, notwithstanding the link, you still contend that Eisenhower graduated at the bottom of his class? As far as WWII having something to do with the success of the Class of 1915, why didn't the same hold true for the Class of 1914 or 1916?

[beckett]

Another report of questionable accuracy designed mainly to strike fear in the hearts of the American people about the supposedly reckless warmongers running the country.

The only interesting question is: Did Powell deliberately plant it? And, if so, does that mean he is actively working against his boss now?

[A2J]

Powell is the most overrated military officer in modern times. Take a close look at his military record - not the four-star stuff. This man is no Grant.

The word I believe you're looking for is "token."

[Geezerette]

He got Bush "here" and "set him up"? What an arrogant jerk!! Who does he think he is?? Good riddance to his "moderating voice", too bad he's not out like today!

No, I don't like Colon Polyp at all!! Thanks for letting me vent!!

g

[SBeck]

How would you possibly know "not one shred of evidence" was found?

BTW - Didn't it seem suspicious to you that a great disproportionate number of students were of ME backgroud?

Clearly, facts bother you. Here's one, before any foreign nationals start either academic or flight courses at the school they must submit themselves to a background investigation. Here's another, before any foreign nationals start any of the type rating courses for airplanes above 12,500 pounds (Beech 1900D or 737 simulator) they must go through an even more thorough investigation. This applies to all foreign nationals not just ME students.

Here's a final fact, the terrorists were trained at FBOs not academic institutions like ERAU. Yes, I biffed the Eisenhower reference, but at least I take it like a man and admit it rather than try to obfuscate the issue. Get a grip.

[Carry_Okie]

Hillary would never work for a black guy.

She is as racist as any member of the KKK.

[SBeck]

Besides the luminaries, Patton, Eisenhower, Bradley, McArthur (who graduated in 03). Can you name the other 1, 2 and 3 stars from the surrounding classes (without doing a Google search)?

[Vast Buffalo Wing Conspiracy]

I love how all you war-hawk reactionary neo-cons (or tools of neo-cons) were all in love with Colin Powell when it was PC to do so for domestic political reasons, but as soon as Powell stuck to his principles on foreign policy, suddenly the neo-cons and their tools turned on him and, volt face, reversed everything they ever said about him.

I agree with Colin Powell on just about nothing else (he is, after all, a beneficiary of affirmative action, a policy which he supports - that includes special deals for "minority business owners" of radio and TV stations - hint hint). But at least on foreign policy he has been someone within the Bush administration who has been willing to stand up to the war hawkish neo-cons and demand that they openly state their war aims, and explain how they are going to achieve these. The neo-cons don't want to explain anything; they want a blank check for war, the amount for which they will write in later, at their convenience.

[A2J]

Also, Taco-Bell, I don't see any reference to military service on your profile. What's the problem?

So, wearing a military uniform makes you better than those who don't or haven't?

Did you know that most of the serial killers in North America have proudly served in the military, too?

[SBeck]

Thank you, good post.

[vbmoneyspender]

Matthew Ridgeway?

[pttttt]

Michael Powell is currently head of the FCC.

See http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/transition/indagncy.htm#powell for one bio.

Fast rise for a young man. Note that he's actually a Clinton appointee. Preceded his dad back into the government by several years.

[SBeck]

It doesn't make me better, it makes me less of a hypocrite. As far as your reference to serial killers that's just plain stupid and every veteran here who has ever served a watch is now disgusted with you.

[SBeck]

You mean four star General Matthew Ridgeway who replaced McArthur during the Korean War?

[F16Fighter]

"Colin Powell is a blind naivette. He has no moral clarity. He cannot call evil what it is, and he cannot call an enemy an enemy."

I think your post says it all about Colin Powell...

He is much better suited to have been a high school principle, but only at an outer suburban school -- "inner-city" kids would have eaten him up alive.

[vbmoneyspender]

That's the guy - do I pass the test for keepers of odd knowledge?

[TLBSHOW]

add steve chapman to the list of fools?

For months, we've been wondering why the administration has been so reluctant to make the case for invading Iraq. Now we have the answer: Because there isn't one.

http://www.washtimes.com/commentary/20020831-79011854.htm

[HairOfTheDog]

I agree with you on the character and class that Powell has. I also briefly met him once, and he is an impressive man. Every time I have seen him, he has been calm, quiet, and extremely competent. I have not seen him rattled, ever. He is as cool a customer as you will ever meet. He has exactly the right temperament for Secretary of State, and I think he has done a fine job.

I see his role as the good cop in the "good-cop/bad-cop" game. And he is acting on the orders of the president. I am happy to see others sticking up for him because he does not get a fair shake at FR, for whatever reason, and I also respect him very much.

[oc-flyfish]

Oh please let it be true...