(photo from http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/krkhan.htm)
by Frank James
In endorsing Sen. Barack Obama for the presidency yesterday, Gen. Colin Powell, as he always does, laid out a well-reasoned argument for his choice.
Unlike so much of the laughably illogical arguments made by partisans on both sides, Powell's case for Obama showed the kind of careful military thinking that comes easily to a man who rose to become the nation's top military officer.
He weighed the pros and cons of the options before him and chose what he viewed as the best one for this moment in American history, building a case as though he were building the most defensible position, piling up the sandbags of his reasons in a way he hoped would make him the least vulnerable.
It was hard to keep the mind from flashing back to his ill-fated UN presentation on the threat Iraq presented to U.S. security due to weapons of mass destruction it turned out not to have.
Still, one will seldom find in American public life someone who lays out the choices so clearly, with so much reason and force, whether or not you agree with his conclusions. Small wonder presidents from Reagan to George W. Bush have valued his advice, although his time with the current president ended badly when he was essentially sent packing after he outlived his usefulness to the administration.
Anyway, there was a moment yesterday when Powell showed real emotion and it sounded like his voice would crack. It was when he spoke of the anti-Muslim sentiment that's been expressed during the campaign, usually directed at Obama who is frequently said to be a Muslim, even though he is a Christian. It is said by people for whom someone's Muslim faith would disqualify him or her as a true American.
Powell made his point by using the powerful example of a dead soldier.
I am also troubled by not what Senator McCain says but what members of the party say, and it is permitted to be said -- such things as, "Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim." Well, the correct answer is he is not a Muslim, he is a Christian, he's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, "What if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country?" The answer is no, that's not America. Is there something wrong with some seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president?
Yet I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion, "He's a Muslim, and he might be associated with terrorists." This is not the way we should be doing it in America. I feel strongly about this particular point because of a picture I saw in a magazine. It was a photo essay about troops who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and one picture at the tail end of this photo essay was of a mother in Arlington Cemetery, and she had her head on the headstone of her son's grave. And as the picture focused in, you could see the writing on the headstone, and it gave his awards -- Purple Heart, Bronze Star, it showed that he died in Iraq. It gave his date of birth, his date of death. He was 20 years old. And then at the very top of the headstone it didn't have a Christian cross, it didn't have a Star of David, it had a crescent and a star of the Islamic faith, and his name was Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, and he was an American, he was born in New Jersey. He was 14 years old at the time of 9/11, and he waited until he could go serve his country, and he gave his life.
It was a remarkable moment. One of the nation's best-known Republicans was trying to shame those in his own party who have used religious bigotry in this campaign.
What a rare thing to see on the public stage. More proof that Powell, whether you love him or hate him, remains an extraordinary figure in American life.
Comments
One of the problems that I have with this argument is the way that the Democrats and the media have framed this issue.
In today's Chicago Tribune the issue is framed in it's correct fashion in Charles Krauthammer's column. It is a brilliant op-ed piece but will be ignored by the main-stream-media because it shows that Obama uses the issue to his benefit
Posted by: Pat H | October 20, 2008 10:05 AM
And the right-wing hacks are already saying that Powell is a "RINO" (Republican in name only). Who's left who's a "true Republican then? Ann Coulter?
Posted by: My Aunt Fanny | October 20, 2008 10:11 AM
Bravo, Mr. Powell. Beautiful.
Pat H., Mr. Krauthammer is the LAST person I read for political information.
Posted by: Heron | October 20, 2008 10:25 AM
Powell-- lot can be said about this man. But in the end he disgraced himself and his country. He is now trying to find a way back in. Hes a lost soul! Who in their wright mind would hire him for a dogcatcher less a adviser to anything. He surely belongs with the like of Obama.
Posted by: cal | October 20, 2008 10:37 AM
The current administration's shabby treatment of Colin Powell was truly pathetic.
Posted by: Kenneth Janowski | October 20, 2008 10:43 AM
I had real hopes for Colin Powell, but then he proved to be a catastrophic failure as Sec of State. Couldn't keep us out of war, couldn't get allies to help us in the war, and proved himself completely capable of spinning out and out lies. He seemed like a good man, but turned out to be just another politician.
Posted by: david | October 20, 2008 10:44 AM
To Pat H,
Mr. Krauthammer's column is printed on a regular basis in my local paper, The Buffalo News. They regularly include conservative columnists with liberal coulmnists. I feel they are part of the mainstream media. They are certainly not underground media or another other sub-set of media. Please note the following definitions: Media is the storage and transmission tools used to store and deliver information or data. Liberal is defined as characterized by broad-mindedness. Elitie is can be definied as the best or most skilled members of a group. I don't want to speak for you, but that sounds good to me.
Posted by: Mark C | October 20, 2008 10:49 AM
Once again, Colin Powell has proved to us the person that he really is.
His decision to support Barack Obama could not have been an easy one, yet he chose to do what is best for the country.
Bigotry in any form is UN American. Hiding racial prejudice behind the American flag or the Bible is the sign of ignorance and cowardice.
Posted by: npeebles | October 20, 2008 10:50 AM
I hope Obama doesn't add Powell to his administration in an official capacity. After all, he's said he doesn't want "yes men," and Powell was one when he worked for Bush.
Posted by: Heron | October 20, 2008 10:51 AM
A black general endorsed a black candidate. Not surprised!!! Wait a minute...was Colin Powell the one who showed all the satalitte pictures about WMD in Iraq at the UN to go into this war?? Did he fail to solve as a diplomat and we're in this war because of his failure?
Some people don't have principals at all, they just want to stick to the side who they think is wining, so that they will get advisors post.
I admired him so much after reading his "My American Journey" but now, I see him as another opportunist.
Posted by: luinda | October 20, 2008 10:52 AM
Sure Powell is a RINO, all moderate republicans (read reality-based) are now RINO's. It's their own fault that the GOP has been taken over by the far right.
Lie down with dogs, wake up with fleas.
Posted by: Glix | October 20, 2008 10:54 AM
Don't think Colon Powel will gain anthing getting involed with Comrade Obama-
Though Powel had better intelligence until now-
Posted by: LOAM | October 20, 2008 10:55 AM
It is deeply troubling to see there is still religious bigotry and racism in this country. As a Republican I am ashamed of Senator McCain's campaign, I am repulsed by Sarah Palin's talks ; and, I am profoundly disturbed by the divisiveness that McCain is pursuing. I am going to vote for Obama with hopes that we do not have McCain and Palin in the White House to further divide an already hurting country. Remember what happened in Germany during a similar economic meltdown in the 1930s. The path that McCain/Palin campaign is pursuing is dangerous and it should be stopped immediately.
Posted by: artemisia | October 20, 2008 10:56 AM
Pat, I'd love to know what exactly you mean in your post- "in the end he disgraced himself and his country." Are you referring to his UN speech about non-existent WMD's? A good point, but then why the negative reference to Sen. Obama, who was right when Powell was wrong? I'd really like to know.
Posted by: Marcus Darnley | October 20, 2008 10:58 AM
Would those of who speak against Powell today do the same had he endorsed McCain? I don't think you would have.
The fact is that Powell, despite his colossal mistake in 2003, still commands a huge amount of respect in this country. Like it or not, his endorsement of Obama speaks loudly in Obama's favor.
Those who now slam him are most likely people who have not supported Obama from the beginning. They are also acutely aware of how this endorsement could hurt McCain.
An August Fox/Opinion Dymanics poll showed that a) Powell is still highly regarded, and b) by almost a two to one margin, those polled said his endorsement of Obama would likely influence them to vote for Obama.
Don't be surprised if Powell's endorsement brings other high-level endorsements.
Posted by: Michael | October 20, 2008 11:04 AM
Posted by: luinda | October 20, 2008 10:52 AM
So you're saying that any white General who supports McCain supports him strictly because he is white?
Posted by: Liz | October 20, 2008 11:26 AM
Krauthammer's column is beneath a man of his intellect. It repeats canards that have been disproven again and again- that Acorn is a partisan and/or race-based organization (it is not), that it has committed voter fraud (if fraud has been committed by lazy employees, Acorn has been the victim, not the perpetrator); that the Republican financed, bipartisan education committee Obama served on with the publisher of the Tribune (and Prof. Ayers) was somehow subversive; that he has links and shares common ground with the Reverends Sharpton and Jackson (false); that Rep. Lewis accused McCain of being a segregationist (the accusation was that McCain is committing and encouraging rhetoric inflammatory at his rallies- an accurate description). Mr. Krauthammer should be ashamed, and ignored.
Posted by: rriley | October 20, 2008 11:28 AM
Pardon me, my earlier post should have been addressed to "Cal," not to "Pat." Still would love to know why Powell's failure at the UN has any connection to Obama. As I recall, he was working for George W. Bush (sometimes, understandably, confused with John S. McCain) at the time. Anyone able to explain?
Posted by: marcus darnley | October 20, 2008 11:33 AM
I am an independent with leanings to both sides. I have always been a great admirer of Mr. Powell's, even when he was serving the Bush administration. He has always been one whose opinion I have greatly valued. He rose through the ranks to become the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and later to be Secretary of State. He makes no excuses for his actions in the run up to the Iraq war. And still stands by his decision base
I am aghast at some of the comments on this topic. Is there no common decency anymore? Have you people no shred of dignity to engage in public discourse without public disgrace?
Whether you agree with Secretary Powell or not is one thing, but to lodge insults and exhibit blatant racist comments is beyond pale. I pray for your souls and hope that you will find some sort of salvation.
Posted by: Todd M | October 20, 2008 11:37 AM
It is a shame that some Americans are not living up to the ideals this nation champions, including " justice for all " !! Those unfortunate Americans bring shame to our great nation and diminish its greatness !! Bigotry knows no Party, no ethnicity and no justification for it's existence, other than fear and hate, two vices that America can do without out and should make a concerted effort to eradicate !! An Arab-American gave his life for his and our country, America !! Let us honor all American citizens who sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice, regardless of ethnic heritage. To CRP. K.R.S. Khan, thank you for your sacrifice and may God watch over your family. America will always be grateful !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | October 20, 2008 11:52 AM
Who in their wright mind would hire him for a dogcatcher less a adviser to anything. He surely belongs with the like of Obama.
Posted by: cal | October 20, 2008 10:37 AM
Too bad your post holds not one "Gramm" of truth. A "patriot" like you who would lie about a proven General shows how unamerican the republican party is.
Posted by: bill "Hussein" r. | October 20, 2008 12:31 PM
When Colin Powell left the military and chose a political party, he chose the Republican Party - which at that time has an extreme wing that some might call bigoted. Bush 41 had an extremely nasty campaign - (remember Willie Horton? - which supposedly was the brainchild of Bush 43)
Colin Powell tells us his distress concerning how Muslims have been undernined in this campaign. Has Obama ever said "what if I am a Muslim? America is about freedom of religion, isn't it?." Weren't congressman Lewis's comments disgraceful and hasn't this been a game he has played in the primary. Aren't ageism and racism tools used by many of Obama's supporters. Many people have said that Obama is ready - but I've looked carefully at Obama's work histroy - short term, temporary part time jobs all - which he barely bothered to perform.
Colin Powell lost credibility as Secretary of State in the Bush administration. For many of the reasons he cited, he should have joined the democratic party rather than the republican.
Colin Powell is trying to justify his choice as something other than race, but the bigotry of both party's extremes is nothing new. Now that it looks like Obama's going to win, Powell is jumping on the bandwagon and maybe even is going to have a role in an Obama's administration.
He should be ashamed.
Posted by: Mary OK | October 20, 2008 1:33 PM
An endorsement from Colin Powell might not be worth what you think it is worth once you look at which current senator he says has a sterling reputation:
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/powell-lauds-stevenss-integrity-2008-10-10.html
Posted by: Terry | October 20, 2008 6:23 PM
Frank, you yourself point out that it was a "remarkable moment; a rare thing to see on the public stage." A person shaming his own party--and how! Maybe, what is so remarkable and rare about this argument is the LACK of many such arguments and moments from the very person Powell is now endorsing--Obama. The only thing "laughable" here is Powell's endorsement of a man (and his campaign) that has acted no better than the Republicans Powell speaks of. You know it's true--from the two Muslim girls who were prevent from sitting behind Obama on national TV to the Swamp piece written earlier this year "Obama's No Muslim but Why No Defense of Islam"---. It's excused because if Obama was to repeatedly do what Powell here has done it would be political suicide. So maybe some Republicans are outright in their bigotry, but some Democrats turn a blind eye when something bigger is at stake--and that too is a pox on their own house.
I think Powell is highly over-rated. I don't care for Powell's endorsement of Obama--in terms of it's impact this late in the game. I however think---it is probably the best endorsement-----yet. Bravo.
Posted by: well | October 20, 2008 9:24 PM
Mary OK,
So you are telling everyone that you have the insight and wisdom to know what party Powell should have joined and what are and are not appropriate responses to overt race baiting and what Obama should have said and done and didn't do, etc., etc., etc.
I am sure you feel justified in writing what you did, just as I feel justified in writing what I am now. But in my case, I wouldn't presume to know those answers and I don't think you should either.
Posted by: Kathy | October 20, 2008 10:08 PM
Powell is voting for Obama because he's black.
Period.
No experience, no military knowledge and risky.
Why else would he?
Posted by: al from nj | October 21, 2008 5:59 AM
Maybe Powell is backing Obama because the GOP threw him under the bus by giving him false intel to send up to the UN. Maybe Powell recognized that McSame is even more Hawkish than Cheney. It's easier for the uneducated to point to yes/no and black/white though. 1/2 of you morons can't even point to Iraq and Afghanistan on a map.
Posted by: karl | October 21, 2008 9:37 AM