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General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: GrimCO on May 04, 2003, 11:45:33 AM

Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GrimCO on May 04, 2003, 11:45:33 AM
This will probably start a pissing contest as usual, but I just thought I'd see who else out there might like to see Colin Powell run for President...

He's articulate, extremely intelligent, one hell of a negotiator, and has a quality about him that immediately earns the respect of others. He's firm, but not abrasive, and didn't get to where he is by riding his daddy's coat tails and wallet. He was educated in the public school system in the Bronx and wasn't privy to private schools and Ivy League Universities. His parents were immigrants, and with a longstanding military career, he isn't a draft dodger. He's a family man, and as far as I can tell, he's actually honest. Not to mention he'd have the opportunity to set one hell of a precedent by being America's first black President.

Anyone else out there like to see him make a run at President?
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: 10Bears on May 04, 2003, 11:51:20 AM
Too bad he lost all his creditability offering up forged evidence to the UNSC.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GRUNHERZ on May 04, 2003, 12:01:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by 10Bears
Too bad he lost all his creditability offering up forged evidence to the UNSC.


Yes he did,  to all 10 american voters (not americans mind you, or citizens of america but of the world, right... :rolleyes: ) who give a flying f**k about the UNSC...
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: john9001 on May 04, 2003, 12:10:26 PM
the liberals greatest fear is for the republicans to elect a black president, liberals are already calling him a "uncle tom".

yes, i would vote for powell.

2008, powell VS hillary
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: NUKE on May 04, 2003, 12:11:55 PM
I would like to see Powell run from, er for office....

Actually I would like to see Powell run for President after Bush's second term.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GrimCO on May 04, 2003, 12:19:02 PM
Yeah, the liberals would rather offer up someone like Jesse Jackson...  He's Presidential material alright... LOL
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: NUKE on May 04, 2003, 12:20:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GrimCO
Yeah, the liberals would rather offer up someone like Jesse Jackson...  He's Presidential material alright... LOL


Don't forget Al Sharpton.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: rc51 on May 04, 2003, 03:32:54 PM
As long as there are hate groups in america the GREAT Collin Powell will never run for pres.
It's sad but true but too many good ole boy types will never allow a black pres.
But i agree Grimco he is the best man for the job right now.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: funkedup on May 04, 2003, 03:44:39 PM
I'd vote for him in a second.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: davidpt40 on May 04, 2003, 03:53:45 PM
KKK would assasinate any black president.  I would vote for Powell, but I truely get a sick feeling to my stomach thinking about Sharpton or Jackson being President.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: NUKE on May 04, 2003, 04:07:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by davidpt40
KKK would assasinate any black president.  I would vote for Powell, but I truely get a sick feeling to my stomach thinking about Sharpton or Jackson being President.


I get a happy feeling knowing those two yo yo's have exatly zero chance to become president.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: funkedup on May 04, 2003, 04:13:29 PM
When's the last time KKK assassinated anyone?  They are just a bunch of lazy trailer park refugees.  Harmless rutabagas.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Thrawn on May 04, 2003, 04:41:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GRUNHERZ
Yes he did,  to all 10 american voters (not americans mind you, or citizens of america but of the world, right... :rolleyes: ) who give a flying f**k about the UNSC...


Actually, up about a week or two before the ware actually started a large majority of Americans wanted to have UNSC approval before the US invaded Iraq.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: rpm on May 04, 2003, 05:08:14 PM
Powell was given the opportunity to run before the last election and flatly refused. Belive his wife was against it. Gotta be some dirt hiding there.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: crowMAW on May 04, 2003, 05:15:17 PM
I would beat Funked to the ballot box with my vote for Powell.

Too bad his wife won't let run and the Moral Minority won't support him.

BTW rpm371, yes there is a reason...his wife dosn't want to be 1st Lady.  She suffers from bipolar manic depression, which is very treatable by drugs, but she is still afraid of her potential behavior and how that might effect the campaign.  Plus, I'm sure there is some past behavior stemming from her disease that she would prefer to keep out of the papers.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Defiance on May 04, 2003, 05:16:26 PM
Hiya's,
Saw a great docu few weeks back about him
Real fascinating stuff

"Gotta be some dirt hiding there"
After seeing the docu and reading between the lines i don't think that is anywhere near the truth
He did refuse to run for any kind of office as such, It seems he preffered army kind of life than that of washington (kinda like knowing your enemy, Whereas in politics enemies come smiling and slapping you on the back) ;) That's the impression the docu gave anyways

He had a kinda tough younger life and never gave in to pressure and taunts etc

He has my adoration for achieving what he has in a still it seems colour prejudace spl? world

Colours mean nothing to me i am glad to say it's what's underneath the colour etc that makes a man/gal

No-one can change their birth but they sure can mold their image for the better if they want
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Imp on May 04, 2003, 05:24:24 PM
I like Powell, he's a great diplomat.

If anyone as a chance to bring peace to the Middle East in the next few years, its him. If he succeeds, it will be one of the biggest diplomatic succes since peace between Egypt and Israel.

He as a few hurdles to jump though: The arabs are suspicious of America, in part because the US pays Israel's defense budget.
They might think the US is trying to help there Jewish friends.

He also as to break a vicious circle of violence.
That could prove to be impossible.

Lets hope he pull a Carter out of his hat ;)
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: funkedup on May 04, 2003, 05:29:26 PM
I can understand his concern for his wife, but I think he needs to put the needs of the USA and the world ahead of her.  Just my $2.00E-02
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Steve on May 04, 2003, 05:33:47 PM
Bill Clinton was the first black president
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: midnight Target on May 04, 2003, 05:38:38 PM
He would have this liberal vote, and NOT because he's black. I have seen Powell speak in public and I was hooked immediately. He is a good man.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: BUG_EAF322 on May 04, 2003, 05:41:07 PM
Powell would look muchos better than that lepricorn.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: lord dolf vader on May 04, 2003, 05:42:38 PM
i had completly forgoten him bu****ing the un.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: rc51 on May 04, 2003, 06:03:21 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lord dolf vader
i had completly forgoten him bu****ing the un.


Oh my there's a news flash!!
someone lies at UN.
Unlike slick willie clinton who lies to congress and the whole country!!!
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Animal on May 04, 2003, 06:16:35 PM
I would move to a state just so I could vote for him and not even think twice about it.
If Colin Powell wins a presidential election, my respect for the USA would rise 1,000%

He is the only politician I respect and it has little to do with color, that is just icing on the cake, the guy went thru a lot growing up as a black officer in America, all thru it he never lost his love for his country. A stronger man than I am.

I think it was Pongo who said in another thread on this subject "If you dont want him for president, please send him to us [Canada]"

No other American politician is respected internationally as much as Mr. Powell.'

I'd follow that man into the fiery pits of hell.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: ra on May 04, 2003, 06:43:13 PM
Powell is lame.  Get real.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: vorticon on May 04, 2003, 06:47:31 PM
MICHEAL JACKSON FOR PRESIDENT!!!
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Dowding on May 04, 2003, 07:41:28 PM
I'd say Powell is the most internationally respected politician in this administration. He looks like more of a president than Bush does.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Steve on May 04, 2003, 08:07:14 PM
Animal, we don't give a shiit about your respect.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Dowding on May 04, 2003, 08:10:53 PM
Did you see that? He put two 'i's in **** so you'd notice! Isn't he clever!

You did notice didn't you? He went to a lot of effort.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Animal on May 04, 2003, 08:31:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Steve
Animal, we don't give a shiit about your respect.


I assume you speak for yourself, since you are way to stupid to be considered the average american.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Mini D on May 04, 2003, 08:48:48 PM
Well animal, I want your respect.. No... I demand it... just like I demand respect from any of my other dirty little potatos.  You will be mine ricky.  Some day... you will be mine.

As far as Powell goes... I'd vote for him in a heartbeat.  He's the most diplomatic person I've seen in the white house for 15 years.  I do think he's too smart to run, however.

MiniD
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Thrawn on May 04, 2003, 09:10:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Steve
Animal, we don't give a shiit about your respect.



I like to be in America, Okay by me in America.

Everything free in America, For a small fee in America.

I like the city of San Juan, I know a boat you can get on.

Hundreds of flowers in full bloom, Hundreds of people in each room!

Automoblie in America, Chromium steel in America.

Wire spoke wheel in America, Very big deal in America.

I'll drive a buick thru San Juan, If there's a road you can drive on.

I'll give my cousins a free ride, How you fit all of them inside?

Immigrant goes to America, Many hellos in America.

Nobody knows in America, Puerto Rico's in America.

When I will go back to San Juan, When you will shut up and get gone.

I'll give them new washing machine, what have they got there to keep clean?

I like the shores of America, Comfort is yours in America.

Knobs on the doors in America, Wall to wall floors in America.

I'll bring a T.V. to San Juan, If there's a current to turn on.

Everyone there will give big cheer, Everyone there will have moved here.

I like to be in America, Okay by me in America.

Everything free in America, For a small fee in America.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Airhead on May 04, 2003, 09:24:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Thrawn
I like to be in America, Okay by me in America.

Everything free in America, For a small fee in America.

I like the city of San Juan, I know a boat you can get on.

Hundreds of flowers in full bloom, Hundreds of people in each room!

Automoblie in America, Chromium steel in America.

Wire spoke wheel in America, Very big deal in America.

I'll drive a buick thru San Juan, If there's a road you can drive on.

I'll give my cousins a free ride, How you fit all of them inside?

Immigrant goes to America, Many hellos in America.

Nobody knows in America, Puerto Rico's in America.

When I will go back to San Juan, When you will shut up and get gone.

I'll give them new washing machine, what have they got there to keep clean?

I like the shores of America, Comfort is yours in America.

Knobs on the doors in America, Wall to wall floors in America.

I'll bring a T.V. to San Juan, If there's a current to turn on.

Everyone there will give big cheer, Everyone there will have moved here.

I like to be in America, Okay by me in America.

Everything free in America, For a small fee in America.


I see Canada has decriminalized marijuana in spite of GWB's warning. :rolleyes:
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Martlet on May 04, 2003, 10:00:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Thrawn
Actually, up about a week or two before the ware actually started a large majority of Americans wanted to have UNSC approval before the US invaded Iraq.


Many Americans would have preferred to have the UNSC's approval.  Most  American's also realize that we aren't going allow the UNSC dictate what we feel is in our best interest.  Many Americans would give more credence to the UNSC if it didn't have permanent members that had no business being there.  France, for example.

I'd vote for Powell, after Bush's second term.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: bigsky on May 05, 2003, 12:14:19 AM
personaly i wouldnt vote for him. when i was in the army i heard about him 3rd hand, which is i knew sombody who know somebody who worked with him and that somebody was the sgt. major of the army at the time. and the story i got was he was the biggest salamander in the army at the time. but thats just what i heard. i dont pay much attention to him or his public image. besides i dont think hes crooked enough for elected office.
bigsky
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Animal on May 05, 2003, 12:19:59 AM
Quote
Originally posted by bigsky
personaly i wouldnt vote for him. when i was in the army i heard about him 3rd hand, which is i knew sombody who know somebody who worked with him and that somebody was the sgt. major of the army at the time. and the story i got was he was the biggest salamander in the army at the time. but thats just what i heard. i dont pay much attention to him or his public image. besides i dont think hes crooked enough for elected office.
bigsky


You mean there are nice people in the army? ;)

gossip is always reliable, especially when its NCOs talking about COs.

When voters elect someone based on how nice he is, they get Bill Clinton.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Saintaw on May 05, 2003, 01:48:09 AM
He would get my foreign vote as well. I like him !
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Hortlund on May 05, 2003, 01:58:19 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Animal
If Colin Powell wins a presidential election, my respect for the USA would rise 1,000%


One percent huh?
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: bigsky on May 05, 2003, 02:08:12 AM
yes there was.i dont know about know, i havent been there in a while.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: SaburoS on May 05, 2003, 03:21:02 AM
I would vote for Powell as well.
LOL amazing that some "conservatives" and "liberals" on this BBS agree on something ;)
Is he perfect? No, no one is. After he is freed from the present administration, it would be interesting to see his outlook on the issues.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Animal on May 05, 2003, 09:03:18 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Hortlund
Quote
Originally posted by Animal
If Colin Powell wins a presidential election, my respect for the USA would rise 1,000%

One percent huh?



LOL!!!

Who was that kid in the MA who couldnt add? And the one here who said america deserved 7/11? You are about to join their ranks.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Frogm4n on May 05, 2003, 09:05:42 AM
i would vote for powell. He seems fairly moderate, and thats what we need for a president. someone that dosnt lean either way.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Saurdaukar on May 05, 2003, 09:12:09 AM
I would also vote for Powell, if for no other reason than because it would change the party system drasticly - a black man running on the Republican ticket indeed... he MUST be an UNCLE TOM!

What will the Dem's do without minority support?  You can only get so far capitalizing on the mistakes of others.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GrimCO on May 05, 2003, 09:29:21 AM
I read somewhere that one of the reasons he wouldn't run for President was because his wife was afraid he'd be assassinated. Don't think for one second that because the KKK has basically become a non-entity these days that there aren't people out there who would loathe a black President so much that they would try to kill him. Personally, I think his wife is right, and someone would take a crack at killing him.

As far as faulting him for not running for President because of the wishes of his family, I disagree. In an ironic way, I think that's one of the qualities that would make him a great President.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: ra on May 05, 2003, 09:32:12 AM
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Frogm4n on May 05, 2003, 09:37:53 AM
he would be one of the most gunned after guy in politics in history who's name didnt end in nedy.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Animal on May 05, 2003, 09:40:29 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Frogm4n
he would be one of the most gunned after guy in politics in history who's name didnt end in nedy.


change that to dy
dont forget about Teddy!

Yeah, if he's president he'll have to borrow the Pope Mobile. Some wackos would go after him, maybe even a few from this BBS.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Frogm4n on May 05, 2003, 09:45:24 AM
dude pueto rico isnt part of the US. get off my boards
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GrimCO on May 05, 2003, 09:45:39 AM
The "Pope Mobile"...  LMAO   Too funny
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: batdog on May 05, 2003, 09:50:49 AM
I'd have to hear his views on alot of issues first. SoS is one thing...President is another.

I dont think he'd run though....
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Mini D on May 05, 2003, 10:02:38 AM
The talk about the kkk and assassination is somewhat amusing.  If Collin Powell were elected, I believe the KKK would be the least of his worries.  The ACLU and virtually any predominantly black-aid organization would be first on the list.

Its easy to point to the KKK and think "obvious hate mongors", but I don't think most people on this bbs have any idea what kind of hate is associated with the phrase "Uncle Tom".

MiniD
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: midnight Target on May 05, 2003, 10:12:18 AM
Heck ya I do....

My son's think Chris Rock is a sellout :)
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Mini D on May 05, 2003, 10:16:15 AM
Quote
Originally posted by midnight Target
Heck ya I do....

My son's think Chris Rock is a sellout :)
LOL! There's a few that get it.  But most...

MiniD
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GRUNHERZ on May 05, 2003, 10:20:30 AM
Quote
Originally posted by midnight Target
Heck ya I do....

My son's think Chris Rock is a sellout :)



So whats not a black sellout? Do you have to be uneducatec and unsucessful?

:rolleyes:

That kind of thinking is incredibly unproductive and harmfull.....
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: midnight Target on May 05, 2003, 10:23:53 AM
Quote
Originally posted by GRUNHERZ
So whats not a black sellout? Do you have to be uneducatec and unsucessful?

:rolleyes:

That kind of thinking is incredibly unproductive and harmfull.....


Emminem is not a black sellout :p
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Mini D on May 05, 2003, 10:25:35 AM
Vanilla Ice wasn't either.

I've heard Ice-T reffered to as a black sell out before.  Still cracks me up. :D

MiniD
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GRUNHERZ on May 05, 2003, 10:35:23 AM
But seriously MT this "sellout" crap black people talk about really concerns me. I came from small fishing village in croatia, only 300 or so people all very much set in their ways, and even though they are all very decent and nice they are mostly flat out ignorant and dismissive of eduactional opportunities and very resentful of those who try to make something out of thesmselves and they basically tag them as "sellouts" and such. Hell you gotta hear the crap my father went through when he was teaching himself calculus as a teenager..  So when I hear this word "sellout" coming from blacks all I am instantly reminded of that sall fishiong villange and those ignorant and fearful people trying to keep things the same and hold people back at thier own limited level and mindset.

I dont think thats a very healthy mindset and I have seen it at work with one of the smartest people I ever knew - a black guy I was friends with back in highschool - he just couldnt focus on school and sucess with the type of people around him where he lived..

It just pisses me off...
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GrimCO on May 05, 2003, 10:45:18 AM
Mini,

I agree the KKK would be the least of his worries. That's what I meant when I said they're basically a non-entity these days.

I still think there's a large probability that someone would take enough exception to a black President that they would try to take him out. I also agree with your viewpoint that there would be some blacks standing in line to take him out also.

And believe me, I understand the term "Uncle Tom". I was a cop for 7 years in a predominantly black city, and the black officers took far more abuse than I did by some of the citizens. Apparently, they were considered traitors by some of the shallow minded.

And yes, I still like donuts  :)
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Naso on May 05, 2003, 10:51:06 AM
Quote
Originally posted by GrimCO
And yes, I still like donuts  :)


LOL, are you fat, too?

;)
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GrimCO on May 05, 2003, 11:02:26 AM
Nope,

Still fit and trim...  But if you're looking for a date, I don't play for that team.  Sorry :(
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Naso on May 05, 2003, 11:08:01 AM
Quote
Originally posted by GrimCO
Nope,

Still fit and trim...  But if you're looking for a date, I don't play for that team.  Sorry :(


LOL, bastidge, me neither :)

Just an imagine in my mind:

The fat policeman with the donuts in one hand and the hot coffee in the other, when the other cop receive the call, kick in the first gear, and push the gas....

Coffee everywhere!!

:D
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GrimCO on May 05, 2003, 11:53:26 AM
LOL Naso

I'll tell you a story...   I once pulled over a drunk driver who was weaving all over the road. When I walked up to his car and he rolled down the window, the smell of alcohol hit me in the face like a brick wall. I told him "you smell like alcohol, how much have you been drinking?". His reply was: "Yeah? Well you smell like coffee and donuts!". I had to walk away from his car so he wouldn't see me laughing. That guy had balls the size of New York... LOL
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Naso on May 05, 2003, 11:58:19 AM
ROTFL GrimmCO :)

Did you arrested him?

I mean, after finished laughing. :)
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GrimCO on May 05, 2003, 12:12:18 PM
As a matter of fact I did...  After he sobered up and saw the video, he couldn't believe he said that. He was actually a pretty nice guy. I told him later that I was laughing when he said that, and it wasn't the reason he was arrested. His suspended driver's license for a previous DUI conviction is really what landed him in jail. I suppose he'll never learn... LOL
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Airhead on May 05, 2003, 01:42:01 PM
Hey GrimCO, I didn't know you were a cop. Uh...I was just kidding about smoking pot before man....really.....:eek:
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GrimCO on May 05, 2003, 01:55:45 PM
Airhead,

I was expecting more jokes about cops keeping the good stuff for themselves...LOL

I'm not a cop anymore, but I still don't touch the stuff. Just not my style I guess...  But have at it buddy! Most of the time I caught someone with small quantities, I'd just make them step on it unless they were acting like a real love muffin. Large quantities was another matter entirely.

However, I had bigger fish to fry than someone with a joint in their pocket. Never saw too many potheads robbing stores to pay for their marijuana. That was pretty much the crackhead's territory.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: john9001 on May 05, 2003, 01:57:59 PM
i was never a cop, but i did date the police chief's daughter, does that count?
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GrimCO on May 05, 2003, 02:00:29 PM
I thought everyone dated police cheif's daughters.... hehe
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: GrimCO on May 05, 2003, 02:01:13 PM
chief's even...  hunt and peck typer here  :(
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: midnight Target on May 05, 2003, 02:52:59 PM
I dated the police chefs daughter,
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: AKS\/\/ulfe on May 05, 2003, 03:05:29 PM
I'm here for the 5O'clock free crack giveaway!
-SW
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Montezuma on May 05, 2003, 04:03:57 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001

yes, i would vote for powell.


Really?


Colin Powell: The Right Man for the Times
By Robert Scheer
Published September 19, 1995 in the Los Angeles Times
 
Colin Powell for President? Perhaps. Not since Gen. Dwight David Eisenhower turned politician have we had someone with such impeccable conservative credentials make so much sense. He's the radical right's worst nightmare. Yes, Virginia, it is possible to be a fiscal conservative and still be pro-gun control, pro-choice, for separation of church and state and positive about affirmative action.
 
He has had the courage to oppose "demonizing" people on welfare, warn that welfare cuts hurt children and challenge the hypocrisy of ignoring the true "welfare kings," the lawyers and lobbyists who rip off the government in grand style. As he told the Wall Street Journal this week, "Why do all of these corporations pour a ton of money into . . . the next election? The answer is they are buying affirmative action, they are buying preference, they are buying quotas -- all the things we think are terrible when the same terms are applied to minorities and those of our citizens we think are less advantaged." I hope this isn't the kiss of death, but I think the man's a progressive.
 
I would have expected no less from someone who was raised in the Bronx by immigrant garment worker parents. That was my world, and while I have no clear memory of Powell, we were in the same class at the City College of New York. There's got to be a bit of the bleeding heart in anyone who got his big break in life thanks to CCNY. As Powell recalls: "I received a free college education because New York taxed its citizens to make this investment in the sons and daughters of immigrants and the working class." Total tuition at this most excellent college was $10 a year, reflecting a commitment to quality education for the poor that is no longer honored in any state.
 
At CCNY, Powell was devoted to the ROTC while I was leafletting the campus against militarism, but I find little in his book with which to disagree. Even on Vietnam, which so bitterly divided our generation: "We had been sent to pursue a policy that had become bankrupt. Our political leaders had led us into a war for the one-size-fits-all rationale of anti-communism, which was only a partial fit in Vietnam, wh22ere the war had its own historical roots in nationalism, anti-colonialism and civil strife beyond the East-West conflict." Sound familiar? That was the basic argument of the anti-war movement.
 
Powell is clear that the military preoccupation of the Cold War world is now irrelevant and that "the new order will be defined by trade . . . rather than by armies glaring at each other across borders." Would he be the first President with the courage to reduce the military budget to peacetime levels?
 
Powell is an economic conservative. He is strongly committed to ending the deficit and believes that job creation by the private sector is "the best answer to most of our social ills." But he cautions:
 
"Because I express these beliefs, some people have rushed to hang a Republican label around my neck. I am not, however, knee-jerk, anti-government. I was born a New Deal, Depression-era kid. Franklin Roosevelt was a hero in my boyhood home. Government helped my parents by providing cheap public subway systems so that they could get to work, and public schools for their children, and protection under the law to make sure their labor was not exploited. . . . Social Security allowed my par22ents to live a dignified retirement. Medicare gave them access to quality care during long, painful terminal illnesses."
 
True, he is "put off" by "patronizing liberals who claim to know what is best for society but devote little thought to who will eventually pay the bills." On the other hand, he acknowledges that, "The hard-won civil rights legislation of the 1960s, which I benefited from, was fought for by presently derided liberals, courageous leaders."
 
While Republican candidates pander to the Christian Coalition, it is reassuring that Powell is "troubled by the political passion of those on the extreme right who seem to claim divine wisdom on political as well as spiritual matters. I am disturbed by the class and racial undertones beneath the surface of their rhetoric."
 
What he is is a reasonable man. And at a time when the center has collapsed, this is no small contribution. I hope he runs as an independent. In the best of all worlds, a Powell candidacy would force Clinton to define progressive politics beyond being merely pro-choice and for gun control, since Powell agrees with him on both. It would expose the Republican candidate, be it Robert Dole or Phil Gramm, as a captive of the right wing. And, it is hoped, Ross Perot would finally fade away.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: funkedup on May 05, 2003, 04:21:15 PM
Yep it's too bad he's a socialist.  But at least he's a reasonable socialist.  :)
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Sandman on May 05, 2003, 11:07:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by funkedup
When's the last time KKK assassinated anyone?  They are just a bunch of lazy trailer park refugees.  Harmless rutabagas.



Much like the "harmless rutabagas" that blew up the federal building in Oklahoma... I think.
Title: Colin Powell for President
Post by: Mini D on May 05, 2003, 11:16:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Sandman_SBM
Much like the "harmless rutabagas" that blew up the federal building in Oklahoma... I think.
Ummmmm... why do you associate these guys with the KKK?  Maybe they're also the guys that threw paint on Vietnam Vets returning from the war and now are assaulting anti-war protesters.  Yes... if only everyone fit into one neet category.

Read the above summary on Powell and you'll get a feel for how many people would be gunning for him:  Defense contractors, Democrats, Republicans, Civil Liberties Unions, and just about anyone else that thinks ralleys or corperate dollars solve problems.

I'd say the KKK is the least of his worries.  Too bad too.  He's someone I would gladly vote for.  That person has not been around for some time.

MiniD