A Surprise Endorsement?
Say what you will about Colin Powell, but he has been at some level of influence in American politics, particularly within the military, for quite some time now. Powell is a registered Republican; a black man in the Republican party is still a shocker in this day and age, though they remain in the minority. Given that he is career military, it does not come as a shock to me that he is a Republican. My cynicism compels the assertion that "in the minority" is exactly where most in the party would prefer blacks who jump the traditional political line. Many wondered whether or not he would ever run for president. Being three or four degrees of social separation from the man, the means of which I will not disclose, I am aware that it was a possibility considered and declined, out of fear of the threat that a black president would likely face.
He was certainly a disappointment in his work with the Bush administration in many a citizens' eyes, and it's further possible that his decision to leave before Bushco left office may have tarnished him a bit in the eyes of his conservative colleagues. Colin Powell has recently added another item to the list of attributes for which his party would deride him: Obama endorser.
Yes, folks, say what you will, but this turn of events inspires within me a new level of respect for a man I'd never heard of until Operation: Desert Storm.
"But I firmly believe that at this point in America's history, we need a president that will not just continue, even with a new face and with the changes and with some maverick aspects, who will not just continue basically the policies that we have been following in recent years," Powell said.
One can only speculate, but I wonder how much he regrets his part in the outgoing administration? Certainly his resignation is telling, as it occurred at a time when, despite the level of criticism against GWB and his cabinet, the Bush administration continued to enjoy a level of power that we had not seen since FDR in regards to the complete level of control and manipulation of the press and government agencies. One thing that is apparent is his recognition that the past eight years have not worked, neither from a military and foreign policy perspective, nor in terms of the economy, civil rights or any issue on the domestic agenda.
His endorsement is not a game changer, to co-opt that oft-used and, quite frankly irritating, term. To those that wonder why he waited so long to make this statement or peg him as a johnny-come-lately, I would submit an additional observation. The Republican Party has proved masterful at exploiting fear and ignorance, and has continued to win the battle over control of use of language in this greater war for the soul of this country. The current administration is particularly vengeful toward those that stand up to them publicly, whether they are part of the administration or simply calling its decisions into question. It cannot be easy to make such a break with the party line, no matter how high up you are. In fact, the more intimately placed one is within an organization, the farther you have to fall in the gauntlet toward the bottom.
So kudos to Powell for making this a public statement, rather than keeping his silence en route to the polls. It does not change the current conditions of the presidential race, but it fulfills a more important ideal: our country is founded upon dissent, and dissent will remain an important aspect of the political process in this country, a fundamental tool in the fight to maintain balance. Dissent is necessary to check against against the power of corporate governance, the privilege of the wealthy few and the need within the world social conservatism to remake the world.
He was certainly a disappointment in his work with the Bush administration in many a citizens' eyes, and it's further possible that his decision to leave before Bushco left office may have tarnished him a bit in the eyes of his conservative colleagues. Colin Powell has recently added another item to the list of attributes for which his party would deride him: Obama endorser.
Yes, folks, say what you will, but this turn of events inspires within me a new level of respect for a man I'd never heard of until Operation: Desert Storm.
"But I firmly believe that at this point in America's history, we need a president that will not just continue, even with a new face and with the changes and with some maverick aspects, who will not just continue basically the policies that we have been following in recent years," Powell said.
One can only speculate, but I wonder how much he regrets his part in the outgoing administration? Certainly his resignation is telling, as it occurred at a time when, despite the level of criticism against GWB and his cabinet, the Bush administration continued to enjoy a level of power that we had not seen since FDR in regards to the complete level of control and manipulation of the press and government agencies. One thing that is apparent is his recognition that the past eight years have not worked, neither from a military and foreign policy perspective, nor in terms of the economy, civil rights or any issue on the domestic agenda.
His endorsement is not a game changer, to co-opt that oft-used and, quite frankly irritating, term. To those that wonder why he waited so long to make this statement or peg him as a johnny-come-lately, I would submit an additional observation. The Republican Party has proved masterful at exploiting fear and ignorance, and has continued to win the battle over control of use of language in this greater war for the soul of this country. The current administration is particularly vengeful toward those that stand up to them publicly, whether they are part of the administration or simply calling its decisions into question. It cannot be easy to make such a break with the party line, no matter how high up you are. In fact, the more intimately placed one is within an organization, the farther you have to fall in the gauntlet toward the bottom.
So kudos to Powell for making this a public statement, rather than keeping his silence en route to the polls. It does not change the current conditions of the presidential race, but it fulfills a more important ideal: our country is founded upon dissent, and dissent will remain an important aspect of the political process in this country, a fundamental tool in the fight to maintain balance. Dissent is necessary to check against against the power of corporate governance, the privilege of the wealthy few and the need within the world social conservatism to remake the world.