The General Misfires
by Robert Yoho, Associate Editor
"Eye on Conservatism"
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Perhaps
somebody can explain to me the public’s endless fascination and adoration for
Secretary of State Colin Powell (pictured, right). I am proud to admit that
I do not share their opinion.
Colin Powell is little more than a liberal, overhyped media creation.
I do not for one minute question Powell’s patriotism or his love for this country. His service in Vietnam is clearly an indication of his commitment to America. Nor do I challenge the man’s character and love of family. His long marriage and the success of his children is a reflection of Powell’s devotion to his loved ones. All of those qualities are enough to earn a certain level of my respect.
However, I do question Colin Powell’s judgement... or apparent lack of it.
A number of people have mentioned his name as a possible presidential candidate in past and future elections. If and when that scenario happens, you can be sure that I will not be an avid supporter.
In Norman Schwartzkopf’s book, it was made abundantly clear that Powell did not support the Gulf War in 1991. It has often been suggested that Powell was the one responsible for President George H. W. Bush prematurely calling off the war against Saddam Hussein. Once the decision was made, the General gave his wholehearted support to the Commander-in-Chief. However, the decision to call off the war preserved the remaining Iraqi forces who now protect Hussein.
Today, in the wake of terrorists’ attacks on America, the president’s own son is still forced to confront the dire consequences of Powell’s indecision.
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Colin
Powell is a genuine member of the RINO (Republican in Name Only) club. I believe
he has a lot more in common with turncoat Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-VT, left) than
he does with President George W. Bush.
Let’s look at Colin Powell’s record. From his own book and from his public statements, we have learned a lot about the man who is our current Secretary of State. Powell supports abortion. He is in favor of affirmative action. He also favors gun control. On three of the biggest issues of our day, Powell has shown himself to be more in line with liberal Democrats than conservatives in the GOP. There is a word for people who believe that way. We call them Democrats.
Following in the footsteps of other prominent Democrats such as Bill Clinton and Al Gore, Colin Powell went on MTV and answered questions from young people who are more concerned about a president’s underwear and their latest body piercing than they are on the war on terrorism.
While appearing on the show, Powell recommended that sexually active teens should "forget about taboos, forget about conservative ideas" and use condoms. His attack on conservatism was excused by several pundits, explaining that the general’s advice was reserved for already sexually active young people.
However, another golden opportunity was missed by the media favorite. It would have been more responsible--and much more honest--for Powell to have said that sexually active teens should refrain from their risky behavior. It is tragic that a man in his position would be more interested in being perceived as hip than he would in being a responsible adult and role model.
Rising to the rank of General, becoming the first Black American to head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and being appointed Secretary of State says a lot about his work ethic. He clearly is a man of character. He accomplished these things on his own merits, not strictly because of his skin pigment.
Moreover, he didn’t accomplish these things by advocating the type of behavior featured every day on MTV. Powell should have made that clear to the young people of America.
Powell has shown once again that he is a better politician than he is a leader. His appearance on MTV just added another reason why I could not support the general for president. ***
COPYRIGHT © 2002 BY THE AMERICAN PARTISAN. All writers retain rights to their work.
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