This country lost a great person today as Colin Powell died at the age of 84.
My first introduction to Colin Powell was in January 1991, the day after the “shock and awe” phase of Desert Storm started. I watched him very calmly and passionately explain the bombing strategy of “shock and awe” that had started the day before in Iraq. My first impression was that Colin Powell was a person I could trust. I could trust that he was telling me the truth. I could trust that he believed in what he is doing and the strategy the U.S. developed. Most of all I felt he loved his country and would do the right thing. For the next months I watched the daily news briefing and continued to be impressed. I never felt he was trying to sell me something. The success of Dessert Storm and all the national exposure mad Powell a household name.
In 2001, with the election of George W. Bush, I was really pleased when Powell was named Secretary of State. He seemed like the perfect choice. Unfortunately, Powell was on the outside looking in during the George W. Bush administration, as VP Cheney and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld had the president’s ear on most foreign policy issues. This led to Powell stepping down at the end of Bush’s first term in 2004.
There were many people hoping Powell would pursue the Republican nomination for the presidency in 2008, but campaigning was not something he wanted to do. To many politicians’ surprise, Powell, a Republican, endorsed Barrack O’bama for president in 2008 over the Republican nominee John McCain. Again, I was impressed by his honesty and willingness to do what he thought was right, even if it went against the grain of his party.
As I reflect on Powell following his death at age 84, I cannot help but feel that this country was blessed to have a person with such intelligence and integrity advising presidents over the last 40 years. Powell was a person that transcends political parties. He was respected by most Americans, regardless of political affiliation.
I leave you with this quote Colin Powell. “But just as they did in Philadelphia when they were writing the constitution, sooner or later, you’ve got to compromise. You’ve got to start making the compromises that arrive at a consensus and move the country forward.” Keep this in mind in our current political environment.
He will be missed, but his legacy will live on for many years.
Stay safe. Wash your hands regularly. Schedule your vaccine and booster. Wear your mask. Social distance.
Orchid of the Day: Colin Powell.
Onion of the Day: In honor of Colin Powell there will be no onions.
Quote of the Day: “Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.” Colin Powell.