[TontoKowalski]

Secretary Powell is a fine man, an excellent public servant, and serves the President. I support his DIPLOMATIC position, which is only one arm of the tools we have at our disposal.

I don't know why people think that failing to provide the President with a full range of opinion and options would be a good thing. In my job, I often take a "devil's advocate" position to insure that every possible contingency and course of action is considered.

I'm sure you noticed that while all opinions are offered during the decision-making process, after the final call is made, all members of this administration support the President unconditionally. I find this comforting, not frightening.

[Kip Lange]

I'd be more afraid if there WASN'T a break in opinion here and there.

[CyberAnt]

I agree with you 100% - and although Powell is not personally a favorite of mine, I do think he was given this post for the very reason that he would present the diplomatic reasons on issues - which were needed to counter Rumsfelds hawkish reasons.

This way, the President gets both sides before HE finally decides.

And ... I also agree this method is very comforting to me. Much better than all the "yes" men surrounding x42.