>From Jed: >> On February 5, 2003, Colin Powell made one of the most >> colossal technical mistakes in modern history. He delivered >> a speech making various claims about WMD intelligence in >> Iraq. He later called this "the lowest point in my life." > > I got that wrong. It wasn't Powell who said that; it was his > aide, who helped him write the speech. > > I believe Powell feels the same way.
I recall Powell giving a presentation to the UN where he played a recording of intercepted cell phone call between two Iraqi soldier/officials. The superior was urgently telling the subordinate to quickly clean up the area before the (UN?) inspectors arrived. I don't remember where the location was, only that the location was manufacturing something of importance there - chemicals? My recollection of that recorded conversation was a little weird. Apparently, the superior knew the phone call was in danger of being recorded, which it was. He wanted the call to be brief. The superior told the subordinate to clean up the area - QUICKLY... leave no chemical traces, no evidence. Meanwhile, the subordinate's responses struck me as if he was a little bit shell shocked. He didn't seem used to having been given so much autonomy. The subordinate did not strike me as being prepared to assume a managerial role in the cleanup operation. At the time as Colin gave such presentations the idea of WMDs in Iraq seemed reasonably convincing to me. I guess I gave our intelligence the benefit of the doubt. Big mistake on my part. Actually it wasn't the intelligence so much but Bush and Bush's administration that was at fault. I will never forgive Bush nor Bush's administration for the travesty for which they have never owned up to. They continue to rationalize the invasion of Iraq as having been a necessary action, regardless of the fact that no WMDs were found. Actually, I'll never forgive myself for having giving them the benefit of the doubt. Shame on me. In the meantime, Powell admitted his mistake. Owning up to having made such a colossal mistake in his career speaks a lot for his character. He has hel several key government positions in his long career: four star general, Secretary of State, National Security Adviser. Despite his credentials Powell has consistently shown no interest in seeking the highest office in the land. I suspect that is one of the reasons why I think he might make a decent president. I'd love to have the birther movement chew on Powel as president. Since he was born in New York birther bigotry would have manufacture another excuse as to why they don't want a black man in the oval office. Regards Steven Vincent Johnson www.OrionWorks.com www.zazzle.com/orionworks
