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Subscribe to RSSFormer Secretary of State Colin Powell said on NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday that President Barack Obama’s nominee to be defense secretary, former Sen. Chuck Hagel, was “superbly qualified” and would be a strong advocate for Americans in uniform.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell visits Meet the Press to discuss the nomination of Chuck Hagel to become defense secretary, the administration's policies in Afghanistan and the evolution of the Republican Party.
“This is a guy who would be very careful about putting their lives at risk because he put his life at risk,” Powell told NBC’s David Gregory.
Hagel, who was seriously wounded while serving as an Army infantryman in Vietnam, was a Republican senator from Nebraska from 1997 to 2009.
Related: Israel avoids public spat with Obama over Chuck Hagel defense nomination
“He knows what war is and he will fight a war if it’s necessary, but he’s a guy who will do it with great deliberation and care,” Powell said.
Like Hagel, Powell served in Vietnam. He later was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff before serving as secretary of state under George W. Bush. He endorsed Obama’s candidacy in 2008 and in last year’s campaign.
Even before Obama announced the Hagel nomination last week, it came under fire. The Washington Post editorial page opposed him for not supporting economic sanctions against Iran.
Powell said Hagel does not rule out the use of military force against Iran. “I think what Chuck Hagel has said is that nothing is ever off the table. But he is one who believes in the prospects for negotiation.”
Some supporters of Israel have chided Hagel for saying “the Jewish lobby intimidates a lot of people up here (on Capitol Hill).”
Powell said, “Chuck should have said ‘Israeli lobby,’ not ‘Jewish lobby.’ Perhaps he needs to write on a blackboard a hundred times, ‘It is the Israeli lobby.’”
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell and Sen. John McCain make strong statements, Sunday, regarding the nomination of Chuck Hagel as U.S. secretary of defense. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.
Powell said Hagel is “a very, very strong supporter of the state of Israel” but “that doesn’t mean you have to agree with every single position that the Israeli government takes.”
If Hagel is confirmed by the Senate, part of his job will be to scale back the $630 billion Pentagon budget. As for Hagel’s comment that the military is “bloated,” Powell said if there are unnecessary parts of the military, then “I hope he does find bloat – and gets rid of it.”
As a senator, Hagel voted for the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, but later was harshly critical of Bush’s conduct of the operation. In 2007 Hagel said “before this (Iraq intervention) is over, you might see calls for his impeachment."
Hagel also opposed Bush’s Iraq surge strategy in 2007, calling it "the most dangerous foreign-policy blunder in this country since Vietnam.”
But Powell on Sunday firmly defended Bush’s 2003 decision to order the invasion of Iraq and his own role as secretary of state in advocating for that invasion.
Bush in 2003 “had more than sufficient basis to believe that there were weapons of mass destruction that were a danger to the world… and so he undertook a military action. I think that was the correct thing to do,” Powell said.
But he added, “We did not execute the operation well,” since the fall of Baghdad in 2003 “was just the beginning” of a prolonged peacekeeping operation.
Despite his support for Obama, Powell said, “I’m still a Republican,” but he delivered a prolonged criticism of the Republican Party, rebuking the hawks in the party. “They’ve lost two elections. The American people have made it clear that they are not particularly interested in finding new conflicts to get into.”
“I think what the Republican Party needs to do now is to take a very hard look at itself” and at the attitude of some Republicans toward ethnic minorities, he said, accusing unnamed Republicans of “intolerance” and “(looking) down at minorities.”
Powell criticized – although did not identify by name -- former New Hampshire governor John Sununu, who served as chief of staff for President George H. W Bush and as an aide to 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney, for calling Obama “lazy” after his first debate performance and 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin for using the phrase “shuck and jive” in criticizing Obama’s explanation of the administration’s response to attack on the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi.
Since Obama nominated Hagel last week to succeed Leon Panetta as defense secretary, the administration has been trying to bolster support for the nomination in the face of criticism from Senate Republicans such as Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, both members of the Armed Services Committee which will conduct Hagel’s confirmation hearing later this month.
In comments on another Sunday morning program, another Republican on the Armed Services Committee, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that “I honor Chuck Hagel’s service” and “he’s a friend,” but questioned “whether he really believes that the surge was the worst blunder since the Vietnam War. That clearly is not correct – in fact, it’s bizarre.”
He also criticized Hagel for not supporting a move to label the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. McCain said he wasn’t announcing how he’d vote on the nomination but wanted to hear Hagel’s responses to questions during his confirmation hearing.
Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., also a member of the Armed Services Committee, said on Fox News Sunday "it perplexes me why the president nominated Sen. Hagel."
She said some statements from the Iranian government “that were favorable to his nomination. In fact, they said they were hopeful that with his nomination, they hoped that we would change our policies. What I want to make sure is that Iran is actually not hopeful, but they're fearful” of the secretary of defense because “that will cause them to stop marching toward acquiring a nuclear weapon."
Taking a noncommittal stance on Hagel’s nomination is a leading Senate Democrat, Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, who on Meet the Press on Dec. 23 passed up the chance to support him.
Last week, Schumer told WHEC, the NBC affiliate in Rochester, N.Y., that “before I make any determination, it is only fair to sit down and talk with him and ask him some very serious questions about his views on Iran, on the Middle East, on the military in general.”
But in the end it’s highly unlikely that Schumer, a member of the Senate Democratic leadership, would embarrass Obama by opposing Hagel.
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Glad to see Powell supports Hagel's nomination. Hagel will provide strong support for our men and women in uniform. He will be very judicious in sending our troops into harms way. And he will help shape the defense department to 21st century realities.
Hagel will be the first veteran to be DOD chief. Another FIRST of the Obama Presidency.
.
FORWARD....
Why is it that anyone that Obama nominates the GOP treats as the equivalent of Darth Vader?.........
Must this opposition and obstruction continue?..........
The first "enlisted veteran." There have been prior Secretaries of Defense, who served as officers (among them Donald Rumsfeld).
but...........Rummy never served in combat roles, never risked his own life...but did rish others' lives.
Rumsfeld served 3 years in the Navy as a lieutenant. Most of his time was spent in the reserve.
Go Big Red! The GOP can shuck it.
My opinion of Powell has dropped another couple of points!
...yet another misspeak from pigotry, perhaps he should research a little more before inserting paw into snout!
I think Powell was referring to Hagel as the first "War" veteran.
The GOP is just bitter that they are not the cool kids. Rejected twice and left to twist in the wind as Obama and the Dems run roughshod all over their pathetic excuse for an agenda.
No first in the Obama presidency will out do his racking up more debt then every previous president combined. Leaving his second term with the nation more then 20 trillion in debt will be the Obama legacy, and historians will treat him harshly for failing to show any fiscal responsibility. No amount of blame or excuses can change the fact that on his watch, all he did was sit on the sidelines when it came to making tough decisions, and instead decided to simply finance the government and stick future generations with the bill.
Remember a past Sec of Defence that not only didn't serve but got FIVE deferments from Vietnam. Dick "shoot Lawyers in the Face" Cheney!
Regardless of his party, as a Military man, I've always had a sincere respect for General Powell, his answers just now to Gregory's challenge of him being a republican, and he explaining the TRUE problems within the Republican Party, was absolutely outstanding.
Great job General!!!!
Hooah!!!!
It does not appear that anyone is particularly happy with the Hagel nomination other than Obama and few talking heads. I have lost a lot of respect for Powell. He was not a particularly good Secretary of State and has been acting too much like a politician in hedging most of the things he says. He was a good chairman of the joint chiefs, but has not impressed me with anything he has done since then. As for Hagel, it does not appear that either the Democrats or the Republicans are particularly pleased with his nomination and that should be telling people something. His weak attitude towards Iran is extremely troubling. I think that he is the perfect fit for Obama who is content to continue to talk and talk, doing nothing about Iran until it is too late and we are seeing nuclear detonations at Iranian test sites. I see Hagel as the same. He is the type that will push to try and bribe Iran into stopping their nuclear program by offering to lift sanctions rather than ramping up the pressure on them. We need a SecDef who will be a counterbalance to Obama's wishy-washy, keep talking indefinitely approach rather than one that will support it. Hagel is not that person. I understand being thoughtful and deliberate before employing military force, but that should not translate into a reluctance to use that force even when it is definitely called for. I see Hagel as being too much for endless and fruitless attempts at diplomacy and too much against use of the military to be a good SecDef for this administration.
Admittedly Chuck Hagel has many qualifications that would be ideal for this job. However from the Republican perspective he also has one glaring disqualification that cannot be overcome: He has been nominated by President Obama. It is clear that Hagel's appointment would not further the stated Republican goal of "Hope he fails". Thus it follows that if the President does not want a nomination fight, he should nominate someone that would be consistent with this "Hope he fails" policy of the right. Several possible candidates fit this bill. I have no doubt that the Republicans would readily support the nomination of Michelle Bachman, Glen Beck, or maybe even Pat Robertson for this position.
Ah...ages are showing up here...the Secretary of Defense position was added to the Cabinet following WW II. Many of the early Secretaries (although not the first) had military backgrounds, some in combat in either WW I and/or WW II (Marshall, Gates, Johnson, Laird, Richardson (D-Day participant and Purple Heart), Weinberger, Carlucci, Aspin). A couple of them entered the services as enlisted, but received commissions later).
Hagel would be the first enlisted man (who entered and left in that status) to serve as Secretary of Defense.
Powell is a turn coat Republican
Seriously...who cares about Powell's endorsements?
Obama should get the team he chooses to serve in his cabinet. Congress is way out of line with the current nomination trends - but then again, what aren't they out of line with.
EXACTLY, bravo!!!!! Well said!
A turn coat? Wrong, General Powell just gave you an insight into what is wrong with your party, and you didn't like it. Everything he stated at the end is exactly what it is.
I was a member of the Republican party for 25 years. General Powell and Senator Hagel remind me of the people that filled that party back in that day.
Rick yours is a particularly myopic post. DO you remember Mr. Bush putting the IRaq adventure on the Credit Card? DO you think that might have had an impact on the economy or the debt? Youy may not But I do.
The Republicans are not opposing Hagel becuase Obama wants him, they are doing it to please their Zionist patrons, including Israel. If those clowns worked as hard for American interests, instead of Israel's, America would be a better position.
For starters, we would not have started the war with Iraq, which was based on false intelligence, spread by the Zionist controlled media, AIPAC and the Mossad. All 3 of those entities played a large role in convincing our politicians, left and right, that Iraq was some kind of threat, despite the fact that Iraq had no air power, navy, long or intermediate range missiles and no nukes.
Now the neocon base of the Republican Party, wants America to attack Syria and Iran, neither of which poses any sort of threat, for the same reasons Iraq did not pose a threat. Hagel realizes the true facts, which makes him unsuitable for the neocons.
Screw Israel and her war mongering leaders. Let us take America back from the Zionists, who bribe our politicians. Vote them out.
Not only did Bush put his two "wars" on the credit card, but he kept the cost out of his budgets to make them look smaller. The idea that President Obama has "racked up" more debt than all previous presidents combined is not supported by the facts.
From Mitt Romney to George Bush to Dick Cheney; every single one of them a draft dodging gutless coward, the republikan party is full of chicken hawks. War to them is not a matter of necessity but a matter of profit. The party is chock full of greedy wussies. Of course all the right wing cowards hate Powell and Hagel, they present such a stark contrast to the rest of these pathetic arm chair warriors.
Romney? Not a single member of his family has ever, or will ever serve in the American military. Mitch "The Bitch" McConnell? Enlisted in the Reserves, never served a day of active service, granted an early discharge because of a "vision disorder". Bush, Dan Quayle, Steve "Billionaire Daddy" Forbes, all hid out in the National Guard to avoid Vietnam. And every single one of them supported the war in Vietnam. Shameless cowards every one. The republikan party is full of them. Chicken hawks!
"There is no lower form of human being than a man who would advocate for a war he has not the courage to fight in"... Robert V. Rying
Oh, yeah, Ron. Bush did it. Where would your boy be if he couldn't blame Bush?
Ever think that we would be much better if your boy had spent a little time trying to be a leader rather than a divider?? Black/White, White/Hispanic, Rich/Poor, Union/non-union, wallstreet/non-wallstreet, worker/non-worker.
Look back in your history and try to find me a president that used this divisive preacher rhetoric. He refuses to truly try to negotiate;rather, he says 'I want, I want', never giving or mediating.
Just like you libs, who now get what you voted for and deserve, the rest of us get what you deserved. He sucks at his job and won by blaming every single entity possible for his shortcomings. The GOP knows all this, and truly know that he is a give-away artist, no leadership, with a complete inability to negotiate.
Powell is just jockeying for a spot on the 2016 ballot.
I think that Colin's statement that, "the republican Party now has a dark vein of intolerance " says it all!
It had it when I left the party after Ronald Reagan and the shift to the extremism of the far right! The same party that told me, "Reagan was a Liberal!" Out of touch with America, out of touch with Americans and out of touch with reality that is todays' republican't party! Shame!
Roadkill,
I sure hope it is on the Democratic ticket and not on the dying republican party. I mean dead republican party! He's probably got my vote!
The headline should read...."Powell abandons ideology for racial loyalty"
For many Republicans who ascribe to the Lemming philosophy, Colin Powell is an aberration. He speaks his mind and is not afraid to hold opinions that are not strictly in line with the neocon crowd. They deride him and call him a rino or a traitor. These people are exactly the kind of zombie minds used by totalitarian regimes to support their brand of oppression. The Republican party relies on people who don't think, can't hold an opinion that isn't planted, and can't recognize reality when it kicks them in the ass. Colin Powell is a Republican I can admire. I enjoy listening to his opinions. He is a breath of fresh air in the fetid stench of reactionary hot air blowing off the bloated bodies of the Republican party.
Powell decided to vote race and ever since has been an Obamas cheerleader even if it puts our country at risk, pathiec.
hjack, you've called the President "your boy" twice, you gutless racist scumbag. Everything in your rant is the exact opposite of the truth, typical braindead drooling Limbaugh sucking trailer park Republicon.
This is the kind of guy the GOP needs. Republicans have been crazy ever since they began deifying Reagan; every single policy that they have supported is extremist, from invading Iraq with faulty data on WMDs to cutting taxes for the rich and proposing MORE tax cuts while we have a fiscal problem to writing off every LGBT American as second-class citizens. They need an Ike-Reagan moderate to bring the party back to the center (the postwar center, not the modern "no tax hikes for anyone but the rich" center), or else they and the rest of America can kiss the two-party system goodbye.
First of all, Obama offered numerous grand bargains that would have stabilized the U.S. debt (according to GDP); it was the GOP who walked away because they couldn't stand the thought of raising taxes on the rich and, well, compromise. Secondly, we wouldn't be in this @!$%#ing mess if your boy Bush hadn't passed his ridiculous tax cuts and went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan. And thirdly, at least Obama was willing to touch entitlements; you right-wing bastards couldn't perish the thought of raising revenues at all because the rich are "job creators" and if you don't bribe them with more tax cuts they will stage a capital strike and go Ayn Rand on the rest of us "moochers and looters." You're lucky you weren't dealing with me up in the White House; I'd right off the fiscal cliff and STAY off the fiscal cliff.
Kornfed,
I think the headline should read! "Powell abandons the Zombie republicans to use his brain rather than be a robot! yes man for Bonehead Boehner and the republicans who can't and don't use their brains!'
The way I see it the real Terrorist in the world is Israel and supported by the GOP Koch 1% Tea movement !!!
Powell will be reviled for these remarks as a RINO, as a defector from his party, as "not a Conservative."
To my mind this last complaint is the only one that's close to true, and only as an indication of how far the GOPTP has strayed from their traditional home in the center right. Today's Conservatism is comprised entirely of the sorts of ideas and types of people who were reviled by the original modern Conservatives including Barry Goldwater and William F Buckley. Today's Conservatives are radical regressives, working to turn our middle class into serfs and our wealthy elites into aristocrats, recreating the failed society of Old Europe. In no way, shape, or form does their vision "take back America" or "respect the vision of the Founding Fathers" as the radical Right claims.
Which is why the politics of personal destruction being waged against Powell are so sad. He represents the center right viewpoint that once was the meat and potatoes of the Republican Party. His destruction represents the destruction of the GOP. It's only a matter of time, and after that a matter of how long Republicans will wander in the cold before they can put together a party of rationality, one that deserves to be taken seriously.
"Ideas are more powerful than guns. We would not let our enemies have guns, why should we let them have ideas." - Joseph Stalin
Powell...POWELL.... the Exact Same Powell that lied US into Iraq and Perpetuated the "Myth" of 911? Why is he even still allowed to Speak in Public?
Folks the ONLY way the 911 Hi-Jackers even got into this Country was with the Wall Street Owned and Corporate Controlled Federal Governments Permission....Expired VISA's? Hahaha please give US a break!
Yet now because of 911 (they say) the Corrupt Corporate Politicians have passed Unconstitutional Laws allowing for these Endless Not Wars, Torture, Indefinite Detention of Americans in America, Warrant-less Searches, Seizures, Spying and Wire Tapping Killer Drone Usage approved in America and Presidential Kill Lists of Americans Citizens and even their Children and Endless Wall Street Bankster Bailouts at Our Expense. Did I forget anything else?
Judge them by what they have done and not just by what they have said or claimed it is obvious that even this latest "Disarmament Campaign" against the America People is merely another extension of the exact same Corporate Corrupted Government Policies that allowed 911 in the first place.
Do your Own Research (try Startpage) and any NORMAL Person would have to agree....But if you listen to the Oligarchs and their Talking Heads it is ALL About Our Safety because them bad "Al Qaeda" terrorists that they admit we created and are once again "using" in Libya Syria and God only knows where else are going to "GET US" if we do not submit Our Rights for Their Opinions!
American while you are writing your Congress Person demand the Impeachment of Joseph Biden and Diane Feinstein for their intentional failure to Uphold their Oath of Office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies both foreign and domestic there by proving they are domestic enemies by their own statements!
"What country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance. Let them take arms." – Thomas Jefferson
The Republican party has a very serious problem they didn't have years ago and that is the "Internet", it exposes them for what they are, 2014 & 2016 they will lose it all !!!
hey, JBAbbott
yeah...the Hagel the first 'War Vet' to take DOD
Thanks for the correction
catch44.... Sure sure as if there was any difference between a Democrat or a Republican! Once again shown by Obama's picking a Life Long Republican as his Secretary of Defense.
Both the Democrats and the Republicans are bought and paid for by the exact same Wall Street Oligarchs that have seized control of Our Country by Corruption of Our Political Parties Judicial Systems and Government Agencies!
In 2013 any HONEST or REAL American knows that statement to be true and the rest of this nonsense is merely Corporate Smoke & Mirrors to cover up for their Political Minions!
"In a time of universal deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act." ~ George Orwell
Powell just got tired of being called an OREO and House Negro by the venomous left, the whole time he served in the Bush WhiteHouse, and by endorsing P.0bama he put a stop to it.....They did the same thing to Condi Rice but I guess she has bigger balls than Powell....she's stands firm on her Conservative Beliefs.
Those of you harping about where Repubs have served or not, pray tell, where did Clinton and Obama serve. I am tired of it on both sides. If you all want to move FORWARD, then do it. We have problems to solve.
Wars on credit card? How much does the govt. spend on military during peace time? The military is just like a car. The majority of the money involved is in owning it, not driving it.
We are only involved in one war now and the spending on military is up over last year and the year before when there were 2 wars.
We have over 200 military installations in Germany alone. That is the reason the German economy is better then most. We pay for it.
Hagel is also very much like obama, the blunderer, in that he too hates Israel!
Mike in Delray
Unfortunately for the country her conservative beliefs included lying to Congress and starting wars for offensive rather than defensive reasons. As National Security Advisor she chose to advise against taking action on President Clinton's warning about Osama bin Laden.
YES! A military man supporting another military man. You all saw and are still paying for the disasters those chickenhawk republicons got us into with their lies. Hagel will think of our soldiers as people, not numbers on a spreadsheet.
I could vote for that MAN, while the last chickenhawk I voted for was Ronnie Raygun.
I wish Powell would take a hint from the late great gen. McArthur and just fade away. There has never been in our history a less deserving (promoted) military officer. I've read the hyped reviews of his bravery in Vietnam with no regard of the countless other officers who were just as brave or more so, yet they didn't get promoted up the chain to general. How many other 3 & 4 star generals can you name past or present who got where they are with a bachelor of science degree and an MBA. How many generals and admirals can anyone name who did not attend a military college or got an education from a military sponsered cirruclum at a prestigious scool.
Take a look at Gen. Hal Moore's record, who also served in Vietnam. Military college, National War College, and many other courses that Powell probably never heard of. All of Moore's promotions came from qualifications, not political as many feel Powell's were. I wish he'd go away, but the media won't let him.
clwyd-2621393
Kornfed,
Powell personified everything you libs hated about Bush. He personally made the case and presented it to the UN that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Lies libs claimed that got the US war machine rolling. Now he is a hero to you pathetic fools bacause he said right on brotha...and held up the black gloved fists with Barack.
As a 22-year Regular Army officer vet, I've saw a lot of general officers in action. Some are a "soldier's soldier", such as Norman Schwartzkopf who excel as leaders. Others, are ineffective hacks who climb the ladder for pureely political reasons....such as daddy was a general, or maybe affirmative action. Despite his seemingly impressive record, Powell never excelled in a troop command position (or any other position, come to think of it). He fits right into the second category, so I consider his endorsment to be inconsequential!
From 1996 to 1998, I opened unofficial channels between Sudan and the Clinton administration. I met with officials in both countries, including Clinton, U.S. National Security Advisor Samuel R. "Sandy" Berger and Sudan's president and intelligence chief. President Omar Hassan Ahmed Bashir, who wanted terrorism sanctions against Sudan lifted, offered the arrest and extradition of Bin Laden and detailed intelligence data about the global networks constructed by Egypt's Islamic Jihad, Iran's Hezbollah and the Palestinian Hamas.
Among those in the networks were the two hijackers who piloted commercial airliners into the World Trade Center.
The silence of the Clinton administration in responding to these offers was deafening.
As an American Muslim and a political supporter of Clinton, I feel now, as I argued with Clinton and Berger then, that their counter-terrorism policies fueled the rise of Bin Laden from an ordinary man to a Hydra-like monster.
http://www.infowars.com/saved%20pages/Prior_Knowledge/Clinton_let_bin_laden.htm
OMG the liberals are out in force this morning ranting and raving about who knows what especially big mouths like Eric and pigfaced. Hagel is a yes man for Osama obama. The libs are drooling at the feet of Obama, waiting of each word of the great pretender, Lord of the wannabes, Master of none. I respect Powell's service, but he is not welcome in the GOP nor is he welcome at the DAV or the American Legion. He voted for Obama becuase he is black and won the I got something for everyone that is incapable of providing for tehmselves award. Mitt was right. Go pound some sand....
Kornfed, you are a horrible bigoted human, if your human. Powell as well as the democrats in congress acted on false information supplied by George W. Bush. His statements about the republican party and the candidates that they have put up against Obama are exactly the truth. You are the liar, not Powell. You are the racist, not Powell, and you are the pathetic one here.
Kelly Ayotte, "What I want to make sure is that Iran is actually not hopeful, but they're fearful of the secretary of defense."
That's my girl. Fit's the GOP like a glove. Govern to instill fear instead of hope. Foreign policy to instill fear in place of hope. Keep that powerful greedy war machine humming right along. No matter that hundreds of thousands of innocents must die. No Matter that the U.S. treasury is already drained due to such policies in the past.
Kelly Ayotte for Vice-President in 2016. She is busily singing the most beautiful song possible to Republican leadership ears.
Johntho
If being right makes me horrible,,,then it is what it is.
John DesMoines,
And Powell will be praised for being above the conservative, no compromise, and no negotiation right wing extremist mentality that now obviously controls the party of NO and Do Nothing! Oh, Yes! They do protect the rich and powerful!
Kornfed is not human. The only thing that I know that is Kornfed is a P-&
clwyd-2621393
A predictable response when the light of day has been shed upon your naked hypocrisy.
Michigan Northener. Nice try! What? You are some disgruntled individual or a paid for political hack looking to "ding" the reputation of the Clintons prior to the 2016 Election? If i were you i would crawl back in your hole or stay on the subject of the article......
Kornfed,
That is right! Powell was lied to just like the rest of us and he has stated that today on Meet the Press. He also said that, "There is a dark vale of ignorance that is now part of the republican party! He was wrong about one thing! There has always been this vale of ignorance int he republican party. Just read your posts Kornfed!
Your not right kornfed, bigots are never right.
Clawyd, kornfed has exhibited over and over that he cannot read with understanding. If he hears it on the radio he will bring it here.
clwyd-2621393
Kornfed,
Just to be sure, I want to make sure that you were not in an accident, or dropped on your head as a youngster before we continue this conversation....It wouldnt be fair.
No Kornfed,
I'm still teaching my college history classes that I've taught for 34 years and received awards for! I know you won't believe it, but I'm a Democrat now and I don't lie like bush did with Iraq!
Kornfed,
Why is it every time I read one of your posts Powell's words of, "A dark vein of ignorance is now evident in the republican party!"
Johntho,
I do not use the radio often,but as a fact check sometimes. My local and state newspapers work just fine and I check on -line. However, I will gladly admit I do not go to FOX unless I need some humor as their "Fair and Balanced" propaganda is just laughable! My students bring in many newsworthy stories and articles that shed light on this "dark vein" that Powell is talking about! O'Reilly has spent the last fifteen days attacking everything that Obama has said rather than the facts. "'Fox's version of Fair and Balanced I guess???? LOL!
Gobble this up professor....
Can you imagine having an opportunity to address the
United Nations Security Council about a matter of great global importance, with
all the world's media watching, and using it to… well, to make @!$%# up – to lie
with a straight face, and with a CIA director propped up behind you, I mean to
spew one world-class, for-the-record-books stream of bull, to utter nary a
breath without a couple of whoppers in it, and to look like you really mean it
all?
What gall. What an insult to the entire world that
would be.
Colin Powell doesn't have to imagine such a thing. He has to
live with it. He did it on Feb. 5, 2003. It's on videotape.
I tried to
ask him about it in the summer of 2004. He was speaking to the Unity Journalists
of Color convention in Washington, D.C. The event had been advertised as
including questions from the floor, but for some reason that plan was revised.
Speakers from the floor were permitted to ask
questions of four safe and vetted journalists of color before Powell showed up,
and then those four individuals could choose to ask him something related –
which of course they did not, in any instance, do.
President George W.
Bush and Sen. John Kerry, then the Democratic nominee for president, spoke as
well. The panel of journalists who asked Bush questions when he showed up had
not been properly vetted.
Roland Martin of the Chicago Defender had slipped
onto it somehow (which won't happen again!). Martin asked Bush whether he was
opposed to preferential college admissions for the kids of alumni and whether he
cared more about voting rights in Afghanistan than in Florida.
Bush looked like a deer in the headlights, only
without the intelligence. He stumbled so badly that the room openly laughed at
him.
But the panel that had been assembled to lob softballs at Powell
served its purpose well. It was moderated by Gwen Ifill. I asked Ifill (and
Powell could watch it later on C-Span if he wanted to) whether Powell had any
explanation for the way in which he had relied on the testimony of Saddam
Hussein's son-in-law.
Powell had recited the claims about weapons of mass
destruction but carefully left out the part where that same gentleman had
testified that all of Iraq's WMDs had been destroyed. Ifill thanked me, and said
nothing. Hillary Clinton was not present and nobody beat me up.
I
wonder what Powell would say if someone were to actually ask him that question,
even today, or next year, or ten years from now. Someone tells you about a bunch
of old weapons and at the same time tells you they've been destroyed, and you
choose to repeat the part about the weapons and censor the part about their
destruction. How would you explain that?
Well, it's a sin of omission, so
ultimately Powell could claim he forgot. "Oh yeah, I meant to say that, but it
slipped my mind."
But how would he explain this:
During his
presentation at the United Nations, Powell provided this translation of an
intercepted conversation between Iraqi army officers:
"They're inspecting
the ammunition you have, yes.
"Yes.
"For the possibility there are
forbidden ammo.
"For the possibility there is by chance forbidden
ammo?
"Yes.
"And we sent you a message yesterday to clean out all
of the areas, the scrap areas, the abandoned areas. Make sure there is nothing
there."
The incriminating phrases "clean all of the areas" and "make sure
there is nothing there" do not appear in the official State Department
translation of the exchange:
"Lt. Colonel: They are inspecting the
ammunition you have.
"Colonel: Yes.
"Lt. Col: For the possibility
there are forbidden ammo.
"Colonel: Yes?
"Lt. Colonel: For the
possibility there is by chance, forbidden ammo.
"Colonel:
Yes.
"Lt. Colonel: And we sent you a message to inspect the scrap areas
and the abandoned areas.
"Colonel: Yes."
Powell was writing
fictional dialogue. He put those extra lines in there and pretended somebody had
said them. Here's what Bob Woodward said about this in his book, Plan of
Attack.
"[Powell] had decided to add his personal interpretation of
the intercepts to rehearsed script, taking them substantially further and
casting them in the most negative light. Concerning the intercept about
inspecting for the possibility of 'forbidden ammo,' Powell took the
interpretation further: 'Clean out all of the areas. . . . Make sure there is
nothing there.' None of this was in the intercept."
For most of his
presentation, Powell wasn't inventing dialogue, but he was presenting as facts
numerous claims that his own staff had warned him were weak and
indefensible.
Powell told the UN and the world: "We know that Saddam’s
son, Qusay, ordered the removal of all prohibited weapons from Saddam's numerous
palace complexes." The Jan. 31, 2003, evaluation of Powell's draft remarks
prepared for him by the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research
("INR") flagged this claim as "WEAK."
Regarding alleged Iraqi concealment
of key files, Powell said: "key files from military and scientific
establishments have been placed in cars that are being driven around the
countryside by Iraqi intelligence agents to avoid detection."
The Jan. 31, 2003, INR evaluation flagged this claim
as "WEAK" and added "Plausibility open to question." A Feb. 3, 2003, INR
evaluation of a subsequent draft of Powell's remarks noted:
"Page 4, last
bullet, re key files being driven around in cars to avoid inspectors. This claim
is highly questionable and promises to be targeted by critics and possibly UN
inspection officials as well."
That didn't stop Colin from stating it as fact and
apparently hoping that, even if UN inspectors thought he was a brazen liar, U.S.
media outlets wouldn't tell anyone.
On the issue of biological weapons
and dispersal equipment, Powell said: "we know from sources that a missile
brigade outside Baghdad was disbursing rocket launchers and warheads containing
biological warfare agents to various locations, distributing them to various
locations in western Iraq."
The Jan. 31, 2003, INR evaluation flagged
this claim as "WEAK":
"WEAK. Missiles with biological warheads reportedly
dispersed. This would be somewhat true in terms of short-range missiles with
conventional warheads, but is questionable in terms of longer-range missiles or
biological warheads."
This claim was again flagged in the Feb. 3, 2003,
evaluation of a subsequent draft of Powell's presentation: "Page 5. first para,
claim re missile brigade dispersing rocket launchers and BW warheads. This claim
too is highly questionable and might be subjected to criticism by UN inspection
officials."
That didn't stop Colin. In fact, he brought out visual aids
to help with his lying
Powell showed a slide of a satellite photograph of
an Iraqi munitions bunker, and lied:
"The two arrows indicate the
presence of sure signs that the bunkers are storing chemical munitions . . .
[t]he truck you [...] see is a signature item. It's a decontamination vehicle in
case something goes wrong."
The Jan. 31, 2003, INR evaluation flagged this claim
as "WEAK" and added: "We support much of this discussion, but we note that
decontamination vehicles – cited several times in the text – are water trucks
that can have legitimate uses... Iraq has given UNMOVIC what may be a plausible
account for this activity – that this was an exercise involving the movement of
conventional explosives; presence of a fire safety truck (water truck, which
could also be used as a decontamination vehicle) is common in such an
event."
Powell's own staff had told him the thing was a water truck, but
he told the UN it was "a signature item…a decontamination vehicle." The UN was
going to need a decontamination vehicle itself by the time Powell finished
spewing his lies and disgracing his country.
He just kept piling it on:
"UAVs outfitted with spray tanks constitute an ideal method for launching a
terrorist attack using biological weapons," he said.
The Jan. 31, 2003,
INR evaluation flagged this statement as "WEAK" and added: "the claim that
experts agree UAVs fitted with spray tanks are ‘an ideal method for launching a
terrorist attack using biological weapons’ is WEAK."
In other words,
experts did NOT agree with that claim.
Powell kept going, announcing "in
mid-December weapons experts at one facility were replaced by Iraqi intelligence
agents who were to deceive inspectors about the work that was being done
there."
The Jan. 31, 2003, INR evaluation flagged this claim as "WEAK"
and "not credible" and "open to criticism, particularly by the UN
inspectorates."
His staff was warning him that what he planned to say
would not be believed by his audience, which would include the people with
actual knowledge of the matter.
To Powell that was no
matter.
Powell, no doubt figuring he was in deep already, so what did he
have to lose, went on to tell the UN: "On orders from Saddam Hussein, Iraqi
officials issued a false death certificate for one scientist, and he was sent
into hiding."
The Jan. 31, 2003, INR evaluation flagged this claim as
"WEAK" and called it "Not implausible, but UN inspectors might question it.
(Note: Draft states it as fact.)"
And Powell stated it as fact. Notice
that his staff was not able to say there was any evidence for the claim, but
rather that it was "not implausible." That was the best they could come up with.
In other words: "They might buy this one, Sir, but don't count on
it."
Powell, however, wasn't satisfied lying about one scientist. He had
to have a dozen. He told the United Nations: "A dozen [WMD] experts have been
placed under house arrest, not in their own houses, but as a group at one of
Saddam Hussein's guest houses."
The Jan. 31, 2003, INR evaluation flagged
this claim as "WEAK" and "Highly questionable." This one didn't even merit a
"Not implausible."
Powell also said: "In the middle of January, experts
at one facility that was related to weapons of mass destruction, those experts
had been ordered to stay home from work to avoid the inspectors. Workers from
other Iraqi military facilities not engaged in elicit weapons projects were to
replace the workers who’d been sent home."
Powell's staff called this
"WEAK," with "Plausibility open to question."
All of this stuff sounded
plausible enough to viewers of Fox, CNN, and MSNBC. And that, we can see now,
was what interested Colin. But it must have sounded highly implausible to the UN
inspectors. Here was a guy who had not been with them on any of their
inspections coming in to tell them what had happened.
We know from Scott
Ritter, who led many UNSCOM inspections in Iraq, that U.S. inspectors had used
the access that the inspection process afforded them to spy for, and to set up
means of data collection for, the CIA. So there was some plausibility to the
idea that an American could come back to the UN and inform the UN what had
really happened on its inspections.
Yet, repeatedly, Powell's staff
warned him that the specific claims he wanted to make were not going to even
sound plausible. They will be recorded by history more simply as blatant
lies.
The examples of Powell's lying listed above are taken from an
extensive report released by Congressman John Conyers: "The Constitution in
Crisis; The Downing Street Minutes and Deception, Manipulation, Torture,
Retribution, and Coverups in the Iraq War."
David Swanson is the author of War Is A
Lie at http://warisalie.org
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clwyd-2621393
No Kornfed,
I believe you are a Democrat...but it is hard to believe that you would have the capacity to deal with young inquiring minds. Are you never challenged in your class, or do you respond in the same child like manor as you do to my posts?
Mr. Powell...... I'd begin to restore some degree of respect for you if you'd just be honest. Tell us you voted for Obama because of his skin color. Everyone knows that is the truth.......
Please, please do a Charlie Christ and change your party affiliation to Democrat and get it over with you shill.
That is all.......
It would seem that Colin Powell, a very respected moderate republican has had enough of the crazy exteme right wing politics that gop has been peddling. He pretty much nailed what the majority of rational thinking Americans think of the republicans/teabags and it is not good. Here is a link to the interview on "Meet The Press" this morning. #VpFlash
Ralph:
"Who are the Zionist Backed Media"?---
Give me an answer to exactly who those people are.
good point Mike!
http://www.chuckhagel.com
HAGEL ON IRAN
Throughout his career, Chuck Hagel has sought to protect Iran from U.S. sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
In August 2006, Hagel was only of 12 senators who refused to sign a letter asking the EU to declare Hezbollah a terrorist organization.
In March 2009, in an interview on Al Jazeera, Hagel agreed that the U.S. is “the world’s bully.”
Excerpts from Hagel’s 2008 book, America: Our Next Chapter.
“Iran will not be deterred from developing nuclear arms only because the United States and the EU say they must—especially if they feel threatened and if the United States, Great Britain, France, and Israel, among others, all retain their nuclear weapons.”
HAGEL ON SYRIA
Throughout his career, Chuck Hagel has sought to soften U.S. pressure on Syria, one of the leading sponsors of terrorism in the world and Iran’s only Arab ally, in the belief that engagement and diplomatic niceties would convince Syria to change its ways.
In November 2003, Hagel failed to vote on the Syria Accountability Act. “Another indicator came on November 11, 2003, when the Senate, by a vote of 89 to 4, passed the Syria Accountability Act authorizing sanctions on Syria for its support of terrorism and its occupation of Lebanon. Mr. Hagel – along with Mr. Kerry – didn’t vote.”
In June 2008, Hagel sought to reduce the diplomatic and political isolation Syria earned through its sponsorship of terrorism and assassination, saying “We should take the initiative to re-engage Syria by returning the U.S. Ambassador to Damascus.”
In October 2009, Hagel claimed – as he has for years – that the Syrian regime wished to abandon Iran and terrorism and move toward the U.S. and Israel. “I believe there is a real possibility of a shift in Syria’s strategic thinking and policies. For its own self interests, not because they want to do a favor for the U.S. or Israel. If we can convince Damascus to pause and re-consider its positions and support regarding Iran, Hezballah, Hamas and radical Palestinian groups, we will have made progress for the entire Middle East, Israel, and the U.S. Syria wants to talk – at the highest levels – and everything is on the table.”
HAGEL ON TERRORISM
Chuck Hagel seeks to reduce the pressure on, and isolation of, terrorist groups and state sponsors of terrorism.
In October 2000, Hagel was one of only four Senators who refused to sign a letter expressing support for Israel during the Palestinian intifada.
In November 2001, Hagel was one of 11 Senators who refused to sign a letter requesting President Bush not meet with Yasser Arafat until Arafat’s Fatah terrorists ceased attacks on Israel.
In April 2002, Hagel largely absolved Palestinians of responsibility for their campaign of terrorism against Israel.
In June 2002, on CNN, Hagel refused to call Yasser Arafat a terrorist and said the revelations about his direct role in orchestrating terrorist attacks against Israel were causing the Bush administration “to make Arafat the issue,” to which Hagel objected, and insisted that Arafat had a constructive role to play in the peace process.
“SEN. CHUCK HAGEL (R), NEBRASKA: I think what has happened here — and I don’t know if this is an unintended consequence or not, but the fact is, the administration has now made Yasser Arafat the issue. Even though they say he shouldn’t be the issue or is not the issue, they have made him the issue. The issue should be not Yasser Arafat. Whether you think he’s a terrorist or not, that’s rhetorical sword play. He is part of this process.”
Yeah, GREAT choice Barry.......
I have to agree with former Secretary Powell that Hagel messed up with his "Jewish lobby" comment. It is in fact the "Israeli lobby" that has far too much influence in Washington and needs to be made to back off! Our foreign policy is so tied up in that region that we need to seriously consider stepping back, reevaluate our position in the region, and letting the Israelis handle more of the problems they themselves create. I am not advocating abandoning them as allies, I am just advocating less involvement. We have enough of our own issues here at home to deal with.
Rick, you should lay off the forwarded emails and learn to do some research: http://www.factcheck.org/2012/02/dueling-debt-deceptions/
It's okay, it'll hurt the first few times you do some checking and find out the lies that are passed around, but when the pain is over and you find those unused critical thinking skills getting a work out you'll feel SO much better.
I see that Al Jazeera has reported that Iran's Ahmadinejad has endorsed obama's pick of Hagel for Sec of Defense! This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, coincidentally he also endorsed obama over Romney! Israel should be worried!
*rolls eyes*.. ok going to explain something for those without any idea of how the government functions.
Bush, Cheney nor any other memebr of the Executive Ranch put any war on a "credit card".. The President does not have the ability to make those choices... the Congress (Both Houses) did it, period... get over it!
2nd... Anyone that has an issue with Bush or Cheney MUST also look to Powell, who was the very source of information. In other words, if Bush lied, Powell gave him the lie to tell... that would have been his job.
Next, anyone that fails to understnad the gravity of the "praise" coming from Iran over this nominee, should not have the gall to voice any opinion, since you obviously missed the most critical and relative information on the person. The fact that the very people that have funded the very same terroist groups that have openly said they will wipe us off the planet, are happy as clams.. THINK ABOUT IT!
Lastly, just because a reporter states something, does not make it correct, in fact, 75% of reporting is done without fact checking and they know it. The comment is incorrectly worded, and no doubt anyone with knowledge of history has already flooded the e-mails of the Reporter and/or Editor...
But if you express those lie, then you have become the liar. The countries main problems have to do with truth and trust. From the top down, both sides of the argument, and not holding them accountable is only going to make it that much worst.
But just curious, how bad do they need to lie to you, before you get a clue?
I guess many righties in denial have to tell themselves Powell supports our president only because they're black, half black actually (is Obama black with white stripes or white with black stripes?). That way they don't have to deal with the uncomfortable truth that Powell, along with a majority of voting Americans in the last two presidential elections, found Obama to be the superior candidate aligned with the party offering a better, modern platform, program and future for the country. They seem immune to the fact that Obama received lots of white, Asian and Hispanic votes too.
ljstauth
*Face Palm*...Let me explain something to you. Bush used 4 accounting gimmicks to hide the deficit.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/20/us/politics/20budget.html?_r=0
When it came to war costs:
The Bush plan was to charge the war and then have Iraqi oil pay for reconstruction.
http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030218-4.html
ljstauth - This sounds like rightie revisionist history. What is your source for the claim that "Powell gave him the lie to tell". Every account I've read regarding Powell's UN testimony was that the admin lied to him and sent him out there to tell their lie for them.
If Powell would have ran for President I would have given him my vote, but now after backing Obama, then backing this man for Sec of defense after his votes have been for nothing but appeasing Iran, his votes against our only ally in the area Israel, I am beginning the think that Powell's years are behind him and time has passed him by. How he in good consciousness support a president who has put us more in debt then the last nine presidents combined, who because of his ineptness has not only gotten our ambassadors killed but has shown our enemies that nothing will be done, and then has overseen the worst unemployment figures in our history (all the while never accepting responsibility but instead always passing it on towards anyone but himself); not only have I lost respect for Powell, I would be willing to put as much time in as needed to prevent him from ever running and winning on a national stage any political office.
KORNFED.....you speak the truth...and the Sheepeeole go wild!!!///OhoooBahMaaaaa!!!!
When Powell was part of the Bush administration... the left called him an "Uncle Tom"......
He has become a lapdog for Obama..............
Tbenton:
General Colin Powell "Swings like a Chandelier".
I had great respect for him under the Bush Administrations, Nixon, and Carter Admins; Joint Chief of Staff under GHB/Sec. of State under George W-----"Desert Storm War", Iraq War. Many who work for the President's Administration are not necessarily a member of a particular political party that is in office. .
who cares what this bonehead thinks...he is still envisioning centrifuges moving through the desert
Exactly right. Once upon a time Republicans were loyal Americans who approached lawmaking from a fiscally conservative point of view. While they fiercely debated with Democrats, sometimes winning sometimes loosing, they never sacrificed the welfare of the Nation for the sake of their ideology...until the 1980s. In the 1990s it became clear the Republican Party was turning radical. With the ascendancy of the Neoconservatives it became obvious there were Republican who were not only willing to trash liberals and question their patriotism, but that were quite willing to throw other conservative under the bus for the crime of working with Democrats. The recent purges in the Congress within the Republican Party have now shown the Republican Party as more of a circular firing squad just waiting for one of their own to blink. It was strange enough observing their hatred for Democrats...it's really bazaar seeing their hatred for each other.
Who gives a sh*t what Powell thinks? He just another irrelevant *&^%$#@ whose views carry ZERO weight.
ANYTHING that potentially jeopardizes the soviergnty of Israel needs our strict attention. They are our ONLY ally in the area and in that they need our support. If we throw that away by allowing Hagel to be nominated by Moslem Barry, we are throwing our own freedom away on this side of the globe.
your comment makes no sense we don't need Israel...they need us and they go around doing things regardless of how they affect the U.S. even if it means breaking treaties...carrying out illegal operations...etc.....I'm not saying abandon them but, they should not put us into some of the positions they put us in....many of our allies are on the border of declaring them a terrorist state...and many are cutting their funding to Israel..ex. Australia, the UK....Israel needs to realize that being an ally is a two way street....for example Israel has spied on the U.S. and most of its allies....I believe they have the nuclear bomb because they stole the classified intel....I'm just saying they could be better partners....they take and act without regard to their allies, and inject themselves into our politics
Obama is black. Powell is black. Powell was Republican until a black man ran for president. Now he is Democrat. He will do anything do back his black friend. ANYTHING. Do you think this is racist?
Just_D_Facts @ 1.68: Sorry I didn't get to read your post till now. Well stated. Wish I could have given you your 5th vote for a star!
Only if you can PROVE that Powell's support of President Obama is strictly due to race and not due to the many other, legitimate reasons he's stated.
Otherwise it's YOU being racist for insisting that "it's a black thing" despite evidence to the contrary.
Interesting to hear legions of those that have no social, technical, physical, intellectual or literate skills to call Mr. Powell a 'shill', among other less complimentary names. His intelligence, his pragmatism, his courage and his patriotism are proven. How about yours?
Why not cut to the chase? A black man in the White House, for eight years. Legally and duly elected by US citizens. The response from the peanut gallery is threats of a patently farsical revolution, and an endless stream of almost inconceivable inanity. No one has stepped up and acknowledged their real objection to the Obama administration and those of us that voted him into office.
I wonder how I would have fared against a reality show star that can see Russia from her porch, and a venture capitalist with an elevator in his garage?
CoCo
Actually, Powell is still a Republican and he explained his reasons for supporting Barack Obama very eloquently. I'm sure you do not accept the explanation, but you are far more biased than General Powell, aren't you?
I'mnotlost: How many other 3 & 4 star generals can you name past or present who got where they are with a bachelor of science degree and an MBA. How many generals and admirals can anyone name who did not attend a military college or got an education from a military sponsered cirruclum at a prestigious scool.
Sorry to burst your bubble but not every successful general officer comes from one of the academies. General Powell is a graduate of the ROTC program. He served two combat tours in Vietnam. He graduated from the City College of New york and has an MBA from George Washington University. He was trained at both the Command and General Staff College and the National War College. He achieved what he did by being better than his peers and by working hard.
You need to stop this racist nonsense, the views held against has nothing to do with his race and everything to do with his agenda and political stance. By throwing in race you run the risk of throwing away the sacrifice of lives and liberty over something as insignificant and fleeting as political points.
The fact that, for you, the only possible explanation for Powell backing Obama is because they have the same color of skin is more telling than anything.
I was an ardent supporter of John McCain since his run for the Republican Primary in 2000. I wrote him in on my ballot in 2004. I supported his early campaign in 2008. Yet, ultimately, I voted for Obama. From 2000 to 2008 the Republican party changed, unfortunately McCain embraced too much of that change in order to secure the nomination.
And since skin color seems to matter so much to you, I'm white.
Kornfed,
I challenge them and they challenge me! Something that the republican party never did when it went extreme and I left. If you could only hear the words of today's youth and their anger at the right and the extremism of the republican party!! I'm not the only one who left the party years ago, they are leaving in droves right now because of people like Romney, Akins, Cocker, Newt, Perry, Trump, O'Reilly and others. Those are just a few of the names that have come up recently in my classes!m And then the ridicule for FOX and its propaganda! Not news, but Propaganda!
Lulu, Clinton and Obama DID NOT start any ground wars that put tens of thousands of Americans in harm's way and costed trillions, as recent republican neocons have done. The Repub neocons (Bush, Cheny, Rumsfield and others) who started the unnecessary and costly war in Iraq under false pretenses have no combat service or any service, and yet boldly were pushing for a "100-year," 100-trillion-dollar(?) war, and they also doubled military spending to, in some cases, profit their former companies (Cheney-Halliburton).
Kornfed,
We used to have debates on Fridays on issues of interest and it could get very involved and heated. This semester I can't get anybody , the first two weeks to take a republican stance on anything. The two issues have been "Women's Rights" and "Republican Surpression of Voters rights- under the guise of Voter Fraud!"
Ljst,
Bush, Cheney, Rumsfield started the Iraq war under false pretenses to the public, but for the reasons they had previously planned for it and discussed it in their now defunct think tank, "The Project for the New American Century." The republican-controlled congress (both house and senate) voted yes for that totally unnecessary and very COSTLY war, while at the same time voting to decrease taxes, especially for the wealthiest who could afford most to pay for the repub wars. The repub congress also voted to double the military spending budget. All of these republican-controlled actions increased the federal deficit and debt by trillions during Obama's first term.
Herron wrote:
Hmm, if intending to paint Cheney a villain, noting that he "shoots lawyers in the face" actually works against your point. I mean, isn't that something we would ALL like to do?
How about we just say "shoots friends in the face" (and not include "lawyers" to confuse our reactions).
;-)
BLUELAKE...
SCREAM IT from the top of every hill & the bottom of every valley across the country !
NEVER let the Right forget that THEir CHOSEN LEADER
ran this country into the ground & dug a hole to hid the evidence .
Look at the lies for the last 2 years...it was going to be ALL about JOBS..
heard anything but whining & crickets ?
The party of chaos has whipsawed their base to the point of confusion & fracture
there is NOT ONE LEADER in the GOP
CRAM it down their throats until they choke or die .
The GOP is this countries impediment and it is REHAB TIME !
clwyd...thankfully, our youth is not quite as stupid, religiously motivated, and racist as the over-50 white guy crowd that now runs the republican party. They have no idea about attrition, as they are going to need to attract new blood for their party as these mis-informed old guys die off. In 5 years, they could lose 10% of their base through attrition, and then they will never win anything. I just hope I survive long enough to see that happen. Those nuts need to change their stance (which won't happen) or just die off.
Hagel is A RINO. anyone ever wonder why Obama's picks here of late are all men? After all 60% of Obumblingone's campaign was how evil Republicans are towards women's rights.
If memory serves me correctly I think (not Certain) Clinton and GWB had more women appointee's than Odumbdumb.
It is amsing that Obama-haters always act like a Republican who agrees with the President is not a true Republican. I would posit this: That these writers are the ones who are no longer true Republicans on the lines of Buckley, Reagan, Ford, Eisenhower, Dole, etc...men who knew how to lead with respect for differing views.
These people who imply that Powell is positioning solely based on race have not read Powell's pasts comments on issues, nor those of true Reublicans in the 19060's, 70's, 80's, and 90's. During the late Bush years ('06 and on), hatred, vitriol, uncompromising party politics became the sole approach endorsed by the neo-cons and religious right that began to take control.
The current GOP is really not the GOP any more. The extremists have frightened all into mouthing what special interests demand, and anyone who thinks for themself is disrespected. The GOP currently does not tolerate varying viewpoints - they tolerate only absolute parroting zealots. They will lose more seats in 2014 and 2016 if they keep on this way..... No matter how conservative folks are, they do not endorse wild-eyed fanaticism.....
Powell is an honorable man. It is a BIG mistake for the right to throw moderates in the dust bin. The right will be pure -and small, and the moderates will turn to the other party, resulting in a center-left coalition that will have power until that changes.
clwyd-2621393--- You are supposed to form young minds yet it appears you sell the same beeswax as any liberal has for the past thirty years. I say it is the same as it was then, liberals keep quoting on how they changed their spots and I say they are the same bunch of filth who spit on Hagel when he came back from Vietnam. Now they talk of how he was a hero, like I said you have not changed your spots, just your tactics. Typical liberal.
Irvmani...thank goodness he is helping form young minds to ignore the stupidity and downright evil that is pervading the republican party. Until you people realize that 'We the people' means ALL the people, including the 47% that you want to ignore so much, you will continue to be defeated time and time again until your party exists no more.
Irvmani,
You got it wrong. Young minds are changing their spots because they find nothing that they agree with the republican party as it exists being so extreme. ( The republican party id dying-it just doesn't know it yet! It may already be dead!) It keeps popping up in class and I think it will be popping up more and more as the nuts on the right try to make their extreme opinions into law. Akins sure ruined any chance for intelligent right wing views with his legitimate rape statements!!
Now gun stores and clubs are saying that there is a need for the assault weapons as many people have need of it for their sport. Sorry the 2nd Amendment says nothing about sport. It says for a militia!
Irvmani,
I think Stevefoo is referring to the "Dark vein that the republican party has" and that Colin Powell was referring to today on "Meet the Press!" Dark to me means evil!
I do not believe the republican party will back anyone they do not select..Nor will they back anyone who does not bow down to them. The republican party was one time a party of all the people..tpday..it is solely the party of the wealthy....which sadly to say is just about all of congress....
I hold out much hope for the future because playing the "Devil Advocate" I took a very unpopular stand on the environment and told my students, "What if your opinion influenced the grade I gave them for arguing with me?' They said, "It would be worth it." There is much hope for the future as these are the next generation and will be the voters today and tomorrow. That is why the republican party is dying, but just doesn't know it. Add to that the Hispanics, Women, Orientals middle class and other groups that the republican party no longer represents and you have your answer! Rest in Peace!
For those of you who haven't read my previous posts, I mention I voted for Nixon, Goldwater and Reagan in the past, but when the republican party in my area told me that Ron Reagan was too moderate and actually liberal for the membership of the local I left as soon as I could get membership in the Democratic Party. I found out years later from a fellow former republican that most of that local became John Birtchers! (Sp? I blocked it out of my mind!) Sick then and still a sick party for the rich and right wing nuts!
garcher-1253370 #10104~~Your thinking is typical republican lying thought. Grow up and stop with the juvenile name-calling.
GOP, not much left of you is there...
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!
Colin Powell, just another political opportunist desperately trying to stay relevant. Bouncing around from one politic to another, like Charlie Crist, makes this once proud general insignificant.
Hagel is simply a bad choice. He insults 2 significant demographics, Jews and gays. Accusing Jews of dual loyalty and trying to exclude gays from government is not someone you want to be parading in front of a confused and irrational world, especially the Middle East.
Hagel is, and will be, toxic to anyone running in 2014. You don’t have to be pro-Israel to oppose his nomination. His policies will put America more at risk, especially his softness on the terrorists in Iran. His nomination will minimize and disqualify any rhetoric regarding sanctions or other get-tough attempts directed at the mullahs.
This obviously exposes Barrack Husseins disdain for Israel. Regardless of policy there are many key Senators who will have to decide between their pro-Israel positions or backing Barrack Hussein. Just ask the New York Senators how they will feel about that choice in 22 months.
The worst possible message we can send Israel and other allies in the Middle East is Chuck Hagel.
It’s a shame a once honorable man, like Colin Powell, has been reduced to insignificance and now grovels at the feet of a dysfunctional administration spiraling out of control. This is no more than a man who once gushed with a proud legacy who has been backing the wrong horse and is flailing wildly to maintain a posture of relevance.
It’s sad to see a man who once oozed American exceptionalism to now be willing to endorse Big Bird.
Its starting to look like the Republican party is finish, the tea people did a good job destroying them !
the republicans have become the old rich white guy club and their wannabe middle class and poor envy lackeys.its really sad.i was a republican right out of high school and voted for reagan.i believed in smaller government,more freedom and trickle down.freedom declined,government has gotten ridiculously big and nothing trickled down.sorry republicans but if you want to be relevant in 10 years youre going to have to take a long hard look in the mirror.the advice your getting from talk radio;your just not conservative enough;is b.s. and will be your death.want to win elections?heres the formula,cut defence spending,raise tariffs,close military bases,raise taxes again yourself on the rich.not alot just alittle.itll show you care about someone other then the rich.actually make government smaller.follow limbaugh into the history books or be a force in the future.ps nominate the governor of new jersey next time.he can beat hillery
The fact that he can't criticize his party without being called names really highlights what is wrong with the GOP today. It is as dogmatic as a religion, tolerating no doubt, criticism or alternate viewpoints. Of course, considering that the GOP is dominated by the religious right, I guess that's not a surprise.
I'm not much of a supporter of Obama because he has continued too many of Bush's mistakes but Chuck Hagel might be a good choice for the Pentagon. He isn't a hawk who is going to get us involved in another war w/ Iran and he has the backbone to openly critize Israel and tell AIPAC to go pound sand, in the Negev. America's foreign policy should be set in DC for the benefit of the American people and not the profits of MIC, the petroleum industry or Jereselum.
History has shown that Eisenhower was right and if the GOP would ever nominate another candidate with his values I might vote for them but until then I will vote against the GOP because I refuse to support their neo-conservative policies and their social conservative agenda.
...and the sheeple vomit up what their Shepard deems worthy sustenance...
ignorance is bliss! baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa baaa baaaaaaaa baaaaaaaaaaa baa baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaa baaaaaaaa
I bet ignorance is bliss for you kornfed. Your post say so.
Kormnfed, aren't you overdue to see your parole officer? It's a shame the prisons are so overcrowded that a pedo. like you gets out early.
TO: Rick-3416939 who wrote:
Republicans clearly don't have a clue of anything that's been going on for the past 5 years, and they don't seem to be catching up either.
It doesn't seem to be worth it to continue to explain the same things over and over again, when nothing seems to stick in the Republican brain except old pre-election talking points, and Rush Limbaugh mumbo jumbo.
It looks a lot like Republicans are beginning to live further and further in the past, and are already running at least 5 years behind, some of them even more than 5 years behind.
Because he is a republican! And you know this is true... the only people Republicans hate worse than Democrats is their fellow Republicans!
Eengineer,
Spot on! The word Hate would be a new name for the tea party controlled republican party!
I have to admit that I love it how liberals scream that Bush put the wars on credit, but then in a fit of amnesia seem to forget that Obama is doing the exact same thing. Why do you think we are so far in debt every year? And how do you think Obama is paying for our action in Afghanistan, and also for our action in Libya, both we and Afghanistan is still being fought on plastic the same way it has been since Bush.
Also for you that claim that the only reason Obama has a debt of over 6 trillion so far is because all the cost for the Wars during Bush was pushed onto his debts. This is nothing but a bold face lie, all you need to do is google the Congressional Budget Office and look at the figures and you will see that there has never been any debts from Bush added to Obama's budget (look up the account on Fact Check.com) also you might remember that Obama has actually added 1 trillion more then he is given credit because he went to congress and Bush and asked that 1 trillion be waiting for him when he got into office. Talk about a colossal waste, look at where the majority of this money went to (less then half actually helped any American out).
But do not expect to find this on any news, all of them are so corrupt that I do not even bother with them anymore. You have ABC, CBS and NBC (along with MSMBC), you may as well call them a extension of the white house because I have never seen them call out Obama on anything. Then of course you have Fox, they are just the opposite. Although CNN is better, they have shown that they are slightly better, but you better research their reports as well.
But then why research when you can be sheep!
American Girl,
What exactly is being missed? That Obama has put us more in debt then the last 9 presidents combined? Or could it be that he has never taken responsibility for anything but instead has found scapegoats or thrown every one that is near him under the bus? Or that he has sent budget after budget that was so terrible he could not even get one democratic vote on it? Could this be what I am missing? Or could it be that he has taken money out that our children will have to repay and gave it to China, Spain, and many other countries to help foreign union workers out? Could this be what we are missing?
Maybe we are missing the fact that he through away the life of a ambassidor and then covered it up for political expediency? Or that instead of uniting this country he is pushing for a further division, this way people will be too busy fighting to look at what a amatuer he truly is. Could you tell me how many economic meetings he has had with his advisors? I can, zero! But he sure had the time to invite every news channel to watch our brave boys take out our biggest enemy and then sit back and act like he did it himself.
I can not help that you do not care about our children, and for security you would rather throw away all their futures for security right now. And the sad thing is it is a very fleeting security, look how good the same exact programs have worked out for Greece and the rest of Europe, but for some reason Obama thinks this is the way we should go. Who knows, maybe no one can stop us from without, so he is going to destroy this country from within with a mountain of debt. But do not dare ask him this, under his presidential mandate you have no first amendment rights when he is present, he can have you arrested. Do not let him think you might be a enemy of the state, with his presidential decree, he has signed into law that he can not only arrest you but detain you without due process. I could go on, but your short sightedness is what is killing this country because you would rather vote a person like him in then have to face the hard choices that are needed to keep this country solvent.
Eengineer,
The reason the GOP have a problem with him is he has shown again and again that he is for cutting off ties with Israel our Allie and giving the Iranians free reign. His anti-Semite views have been openly known to all, this is why they have a problem with him. A person can be from either party but the party can not force them to change their views. Why do you think that you had a member of the democratic party for years who was once a KKK grand wizard (Byrd). But then you ought to know about this, the worst violations of American civil liberties have always come under Democratic presidents. Ask American Japanese how well they were treated during WW2 from a democratic president (they were rounded up and thrown into camps), or ask Wilson's rivals what happened to them, he had any newspaper reporter that reported anything calling him out or questioning the government thrown into jail. Name one time this has ever happened under a Republican president in the last 125 years, it has not. Who do you think tried to stop women's right to vote (Democrats), or equal rights, or giving the African American people the right to vote, it was all done by Democrats. I would suggest you google it and you will see that every time the Democrats have been given unbridled power they threw out the constitution. And then you wonder why I am weary of a president who has shredded our constitution.
Does anyone care what Gen Powell says?... He can't seem to decide what party he is in...
It's called compromise, and I would rather have someone who doesn't follow the party line 100% of the time. Hence, part of my name....someone who can see both sides of the issues and vote, speak, and discuss the issues without political rancor is refreshing. Why does he have to be one party or the other. Seems to me there are a couple of senators who are deemed "independent". I think your bias is showing.
wink..wink...Powell is a Democrat .... he doesn't know it
neo-cons have been a serious menace to us, for sure.
Gen. Powell, I solute you for your great services to this nation.
Covco50: "Does anyone care what Gen Powell says?... He can't seem to decide what party he is in...."
Um, because party affiliation is more important than logic or reason? Partisan ideology is the enemy of clear thinking. I can tell when someone is making sense, even if he/she isn't on "my team."
Follow the herd much, Covco50?
It's a free country, you can ignore Colin Powell if you want to, but most people like what he has to say.
Covco, your comment is the very essence of why our country is so screwed up. Over time, and in disregard of our first president's recommendation, the US has allowed two parties to take control of our political process. Now, as they fight each other for control, they have polarized our nation into two groups that merely adopt the party line and take shots at each other. In the meantime the politicians that cause us to live in fear of each other secure their funding from special interest groups that pump $3 billion a year into their pockets. Then, if one of the politicians breaks free of the special interests bonds, the trained seals come out and bark their displeasure. How does it feel to be part of the problem?
Why hold a party line when that party line is destructive to the nation?
Powell cares more about this country than he cares about politics.
Of course people care, he has a mind of his own.
...however obama cares more about his socialist agenda than: creating jobs, the deficit, reducing spending, America, love of flag, patriotism, family values, etc. He is quite truly the worst president in our history!
I don't think party affiliation is General Powell's main concern. However, he is a RINO. It's just a matter of time before he makes the official switch to the Democratic Party.
Bill, you seem like a loyal follower of the Republican Party Line. Just a thought, but how about if you fire up a search engine and do some research? You might come to the conclusion that following either party's line is like being first mate on the Good Ship Lollipop. It looks sweet when you first see it, but once you hop on deck you notice it is just a prop, and would sink like a rock if you actually tried to sail it. Does it feel like we are sinking?
Powell only cares about himself. He is a Democrat pretending to be a Republican so he can try and make the conservatives look bad. Only the stupid (Liberals) believe anything he says. Powell is just like Obama, an undereducated person that has succeeded only because of affirmative action implications.
Yes, I care what he says, and if you paid attention, he does know what party he is in, he's man enough to state the problems republicans have in the party, that along makes him stand out more than anyone else you'll have in the Republican Party.
It's great when a man can generally question his own party, specifically state what the problems are, and who the problems are, instead of sugar-coating it the way you'd like it to be.
General Powell just gave some of you republicans an ass whipping, in the sense of, "this is what's wrong; now fix it," I doubt you'll have the guts to fix it.
He specifically stated he voted for 7 republican Presidents before President Obama, ok, he proved his republican loyalty there, me on the other hand, I'm registered Independent, first Presidential vote was for Nixon, he promised to get us out of Vietnam, I even voted for Reagan, and Bush-41, that's what you call independence, voting your conscious, not a party!!
Joe, hop up on stage with the rest of the barking seals.
Biil T, you are so messed up by that Australian and his FOX news network. Even if the US paid off all it's debt, the unemployment rate would barley drop. We are in an extended decrease of GDP not because of debt, but because of over capacity. We have too much capacity to create and not enough customers to supply. I know they don't talk much about this on FOX, they blame debt as the enemy. But at todays low interest rates, it is the perfect time to finance public works and infrastucture projects because the cost to fifnance them is so little and eventually when this over capacity is drawn down, we can continue to live in a modern society. We are an aging population like Japan, people live longer because of better health care. So they contribute less as they age for longer periods of time and hence, don't consume as much. It's all very complicated, but you keep thinking that if we pay off all our debt and then magically things will change overnight. It makes good TV
Amazing, simply amazing. Why should we listen to this man? Because he is a charlatan. First, he tries to avoid responsibility for WMD by carefully stating that it was the best information from 16 intelligence agencies. In other words, it is difficult for the DOD to sort this out, so we should not be held accountable. Well who should be held accountable? No one (is his veiled answer). Second, he brings up the race card. In other words, he want to be treated as an equal, but any criticism of the President is racist. Third he talks of Republicans as "they" and not "us." yet maintains he is still a Republican. What a sorry politician he is. Fourth, when questioned by a Jew, Dick Gregory, about Hagel's quasi-anti-Semetic comments about the powerful pro-Jewish lobby and BN's avoiding dialogue, Collin Powell again gives a mushy, evasive, comment - "well you have to ask Chuck Hagel." A wolf in sheep's clothing.
So much wrong with what you said beginning with the family values issue. It really irks some people that this President is a real father, and a black one at that. You know, the black male stereotype....
Odd that the same people that claim Obama has a socialist agenda often are the same one claiming this Nation was founded on the bible - it was not. BUT if it was Jesus and the first Christians WERE SOCIALISTS!
Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
One of the biggest problems with our Jobs is directly related to the Bush Tax cuts. Those cuts cost us jobs, and stifled the economy. The compromise isn't going to do much to help the situation, those making over $250,000 need to go back to paying more taxes just like they did when jobs were being created.
Reducing spending is a priority but it is where that is a problem. The Military is bloated but more important is these politicians that force the military to buy what they don't want or need like the M-1 Abrams tanks. Instead they want to lay off people that work on government jobs.
I would say Obama is very patriotic and loves the flag. You are a very confused robot.
Let me guess you think he is a Muslim too?
What a frustration. I would hope that going into the hearing process that those asking the questions will frame them from a neutral point of view.
I would hope that Schumer would consider the whole confirmation process the opportunity he is looking for to ask those very serious questions. Absolutely, Iran, the ME and Hagel's pov on the military in general would all be valid inquires in the hearings. That is what the process is for to determine if a nominated individual is fit and prepared to serve.
All the skeletons and accolades should come out. It shouldn't be a Democrat or Republican thing it should be about the ability of a nominee to lead and to accept responsibility for a particular job.
As for Powell addressing the issue...he is certainly allowed his own opinion and his Military record stands on it's own merit along with his steadfast service to America in many capacities. As someone said above, it isn't about agreeing 100% of the time with your own affiliation. It should be very difficult for any person, general citizen or politician to agree 100% of the time.
So let the hearings begin to see if Hagel is truly the best candidate for the job.
It's those chicken hawks like Dick Cheney that really detest a soldier like Hagel, because he rightly disagreed with them. We were attacked on 9-11-01 by nineteen hijackers. Fifteen were from one country alone, Saudi Arabia. The rest from Pakistan and small gulf states. NOT ONE FROM IRAQ. Iraq under Saddam was one of the most secular countries in the middle east. Islamic hardliners did not do well under Saddam. Plus, taking out Saddam only strengthened Iran's hand. One of the only things Shia Iran feared was the Sunni dictator Saddam. Taking out Saddam, a Sunni dictator in a majority Shia country, Iraq, strengthened the Shia's in the middle east. Now the Shia's rule Iraq and are hooking up with their Shia Iranian brothers to form a greater Shia theocracy in the middle east. Stupid Bush mental midget neocon policy that will wreck our security for the next 50 years. And I thought tough guys come from Wyoming where Cheney comes from, you know rodeo riders and bull riders. What's that, Cheney did work in the rodeo. Oh, he put the make up on the clowns. More his chicken hawk speed
JW-1532016-your response to coveco50 is dead on-it's refreshing to read clear thinking that recognizes the elephant in the room. The founding fathers have to be spinning in their graves faster that Iran's centrifuges at the way this government has evolved in the past 100 years.
Correct, 15 from Saudia Arabia, 2 from Egyp, and 2 from the UAE.
Watch this film: The New American Century (2009) FULL LENGTH the last one at this linkm very informative, very interesting, especially about Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Wolfowitz.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGAOTYOKuEY&feature=player_embedded
http://www.granddelusion.com/category/full-length-movies/
Democrats like him now since he supports them. How soon they forget that he is partly responsible for the Iraq war, he is the one that gave the information about WMDs.
I have a lot of respect for General Powell. I had always wished he would run for Prez on whatever side.
Obama only cares about his family (not yours or mine), and recently he showed that by signing a law giving him (and family) lifetime secret service protection. Clinton and Bush lost/lose their protection after 10 years by the law obama changed!
The school that obama's daughters go to have no less than 11 armed guards on duty, yet he would deny a much less expensive protection for the rest of the schools in the country.
Back to the family values thing.... barry wants all young girls to get govt paid contraceptives. He favors gay marriages and abortions... perhaps his version of Family Values is different than the average American. By the way there were over a million abortions last year, over a million children killed! Much more than by guns! Ironic, isn't it?
@Covco50 - Reagan couldn't decide which party to belong to, either. He started off as a Democrat, and a union leader, i.e. head of the Screen Actors Guild. He even endorse Eisenhower as a Dem, which would've made St. Ron a DINO in his time.
Harry Reid was conservative early in his career, but quickly became liberal when he found he could make more money that way. I see his name is tied into a bribery scandal in Utah, doesn't surprise me at all! I have no doubt that the liberal media will make sure this embarrassing situation gets smothered!
EvaPeron
WRONG!
Up until 1994 the Secret Service provided protection for all Presidents, for life. In 1994, as a cost cutting measure, that was changed to 10 years.
The world has changed (9/11). It was decided to REPEAL the 1994 law, as a necessity. Now all Presidents elected after Jan. 1, 1997 (G. W. Bush, and Obama) and their wives are covered for life. The children are covered until they reach age 16.
Only the most ignorant fool would think the children of the President of the United States doesn't need more protection than the average citizen.
Gay's have families, and values, too.
I am always amazed that so many so called Family value/anti-gay people belong to churches (such as the SBC) that have no problem with blessing adultery in their very chapels.
You should be aware that according to the bible if you divorce and remarry you have committed adultery.
Mark 10:11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
Mark 10:12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
The bible is clear that marriage is for life both the husband and the wife are BOUND together until one dies.
1 Corinthians 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
1 Corinthians 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
That doesn't mean you can't divorce for adultery, just that you cannot remarry.
Then again, none of that really matters since this nation was NEVER FOUNDED ON ANY RELIGION.
Gays have families too, and they average just as many solid families and dysfunctional families as the rest of us.
I am pro-life and do not like the direction we have gone in using abortion as a form of birth control, but that is my opinion.
Just because someone doesn't agree with my opinion doesn't make them against family values, only against my personal values - Big Difference.
As a moderate Republican, I do not find Powell to be out of line, or undecided. He is taking the stance of a "moderate." Not all Republicans fit into a neat little box. Many are conservative on economic and international issues, while maintaining a more liberal approach to social issues. And other shades of gray.
And if the party is to regain the White House, it must address ALL Americans. It is not 1955. The year is 2013. And my political party must grow. And yes, be dragged kicking and screaming, if necessary, into the 21st Century.
i lost faith in powell after his bush supporting crap...
Spoken like a true lying, hypocritical, republican!
You do understand President Obama, NOR ANY OTHER President, has no choice in whether his children have armed guards or not, correct? The SS makes the determination on number of agents assigned, and the school may hire extra security after they are vented by the SS. So, you see, your WHOLE argument is based on ignorance, YOURS!
Even though JOregon straightened you up on your SS Proection lie, I think it important enough to be posted again!
And liar, notice who crafted the legislation? A republican, man, ya'll can't get together on anything. I guess you hate Trey Gowdy for that legislation, right? And remember, or try too, the President SIGNED the Law, he didn't initiate it, and this law also protects your buddy George W.
I figure the whole story should be told about your LIE, so here it is, below:
.
F&cking moshhulu, you're full of Sh1t. Voting for the Cheater in Charge is the down fall for this country. What happened to no higher taxes for the "middle class" ? My paycheck, is shorter by $35 because Obama raised my taxes...
When is he going to take any responsibility for any of his mistakes?
Eva Peron...just to address the school thing...The Obama girls go to a very exclusive school. I believe that the Obama girls are not the only children of high profile parents who attend that school. It would make sense for the school to have a proactive security force to address any criminal intent against their student body.
Think if it this way as it equates to public school. If children do not feel safe then that will affect their ability to learn. Same goes for public school kids. If a child comes from a home where they are being abused or where the do not have a safe haven then there is a high probability that they will not learn. Same goes for the children in the private school you mentioned. If these young women do not feel safe 1) their parents will not send them there and 2) they would loose their academic standing.
I think it is sad that you would begurdge the young women at this school a safe environment to learn. Could we do a better job protecting children in public school? That is up to individual districts and States to decide. We need to take the FED our of public schools so that the initial authorities can work to the best of their abilities with the population of child in mind.
The President didn't raise your taxes dummy, Congress did. Congress failed to reauthorize the "Payroll Tax" holiday, which means that your Social Security withholding tax went back up by 2%.
But since you are uninformed, as many on this board are, you don't know the difference between "Tax Rates" and the "Payroll Tax".
So speaking of taking responsibility, let's see you come back to this thread and accept YOUR MISTAKE for not knowing the real reason why your paycheck "is shorter by $35...".
Doubt that will happen though, because people like yourself lack the integrity to do what they accuse others of!
Another blind mouse of FOX news, Bush, and Cheney!!! Hey buddy, those two were the beginning of the downfall of this country. Putting two illegal wars on America's credit card!
LOL....$35. short? Well, cut back on the Milwaukee's Best!!
President Obama takes responsibility for his mistakes, did your buddy Bush? No...
"Bush Pardons HIMSELF of all war crimes. The bill gives himself and his staff retroactive immunity for possible war crimes that date back to 9/11/01...go figure."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlvujt8a3xE&feature=related
TO: Covco50 who wrote:
Seems like Republicans have the bad habit of ignorning intelligent people as well as ignorning the voice of reason, even when it comes from one of their own. So, I guess batschit crazy is the Republican way now.
We would absolutely love and welcome General Colin Powell in the Democratic Party, especially since Powell has a fully functional brain so he doesn't fit in well with rambling mindless Republicans.
TO: Mitko Pitko who wrote:
You don't have a clue why you paid the $35?
Did you have a clue before, when the President gave working people a "tax holiday"?
Did you forget that the "tax holiday" ended January 1st.
I don't feel that President Obama has made any "mistakes", George "Curveball" Bush on the other hand, together with his Republican Administration have yet to accept "responsibility" or to "admit their mistakes" after taking a prosperous nation and turning it into the 2nd Great Depression.
Chuck Hagel would be dynamite. He's been there, done that, and has the shirt.
....and the coffee mug.
and a couple of friends at the VFW...
You know, to be honest, I don't criticize anyone who avoided the Vietnam War. That was a @!$%#hole with extra poopoo platter on the side. That was one ugly son of a bitch, and anyone who got out of it, however they did it, doesn't deserve to be dumped on.
Unless they supported the war. If they supported and served, I'd say they were a moron, but at least they stuck by their principles. I wouldn't really want them running the government, but I wouldn't call them a coward. If they supported the war and didn't go? @!$%# 'em. Instant disqualification for anything that might end up as controlling a war, to me.
If you fought in Vietnam, I'd like to say I'm sorry. It was a pointless war, and a false flag, and we never should have been there in the first place. If you supported the war, and didn't have the balls to put your butt in the line of fire, go @!$%# yourself with the largest implement of destruction you can find.
Does this surprise me? No. I've heard Powell speak and I walked away with even more admiration for the man. The GOP needs to listen to its voices of reason and rationality.
For once.
Agreed. Interesting comment on Iraq. He still claims the invasion was a positive course of action, but "poorly executed." I assume he means the Paul Bremer civilian "regime" in Baghdad, after the initial fighting and Bremer's failure to use the disbanded Iraqi Army as a stablizing force against the insurgency.
Did he mention any of this in his book?
If the Republicans were smart enough to listen to General Powell, he could help turn the party around, but they are only looking for minorities to serve as party figureheads -- not minorities with brains, talent, leadership, and real ideas.
But, wait a minute, wasn't Colin Powell one of those smart dudes...even with his "D" average in college?
I could not agree with anyone more!
Mike
You are a complete moron....
GDAUM..so funny how the progressives offer such a divisive voice. In my opinion Powell is a very effective leader and has earned a great deal of respect through his service to America.
As for poor execution in Iraq...there were many weaknesses in the execution. One was the bounty that America placed on the heads of people who were part of al queda. Many Iraqi's abused this system to profit off of personal vendettas. This program proved to create more misdirection than useful intel. I'm sure it wasn't the first and won't be the last.
oohhhhh praysalot, i'm deeply wounded...which part of my statement can't you comprehend? btw, to whom or what do you pray?
Actually Powell admits he was a 'C' student in college (Google confirms that fact in several articles).
Just like George W. Bush.
praysalot committed a newsvine CoH violation with this statement, I guess liberal slanderers go unnoticed by the moderators, just like the trash that come out of the feisty redwig from Roselle, lol!
mike,
what does it matter who anyone prays to? you think your any better than anyone else because of what fairy tale you believe in?
head line should read. Yes, even when Obama picks a republican, the other republicans complain. Film at eleven. If this dose not prove that NOTHING makes republicans happy, then what else do you need. If Obama picked Cheney for a cabinet position, republicans would suddenly find fault with him. When republicans show you what they are, believe them, lol
General Powell needs to stay retired! He had his day, he followed orders, he can't make up his mind on anything and couldn't as a General either. Good Night General Powell, you served well, nobody really cares anymore.
Maybe you should twitter your message to him. If you think he would care what you have to say on the matter. I take it you turned down David Gregorys invite to appear with him?
Your a clown sir, obviously never served a day in your life.
There is no doubt that if the Republican Party had figured out how get Powell to run for President, they and he would have won by a wide margin! To say nobody cares about Colin Powell makes you look like a fool!
Just because you don't care does not mean nobody cares.
Powell's opinion doesn't matter to many Americans, Amused! He's what I call a N. California Republican, liberal as Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, he should have changed his party to Democrat after Bush's term!
actually plenty of people care especially the ones that voted for President Obama(the winning side)....you may not want others to care but that is different from nobody caring....just like you might have wanted all of the election polls to be wrong except for the conservative, campaign polls that had romney ahead....but in reality the electorate is made up of people that agree with colin powell
I love the way the RIGHTIES whine about abortion...
and throw all their offspring under the Bus
unless they eat them first...
The funny thing is that the BUS they are throwing each other under
is getting SHORTER everyday.....
JOIN the GOP TODAY !!
so we have someone to throw under the Bus tomorrow .
you guys really know how to appeal to Americans...dead Americans maybe .
Left is Fuzzy -
Northern California Republican? Like Ronald Reagan? Pete Mcloskey? Reagan was governor for years before President. California has many politicians who support issues on both sides of the aisles -
Perhaps that is too nuanced for you....
You sure cannot put them into any one category - especialy the Republicans. I used to vote GOP in California. Now the national party offesr nothing for people with independent minds and who are not party parrots.... The GOP will shrink further if they persist with the mindless, intolerant, ignorant leanings...
With remarks like what the teabaggers post here, no wonder Colin Powell thinks the GOP have become bloody fools.
Hagel got it right the first time--the jewish lobby intimidates all politicians. The Israelis lobby is the jewish lobby.
There is nothing wrtong with a jewish lobby or Israeli lobby, thats how things work. Hagel shouldn't be attacked for stating the truth.
AIPAC is the "Israeli" lobbying group in Washington. There is one "official position," of the Israeli government, to support or not to support.
Political opinions among members of the Jewish faith are, however, as diverse as they are among Christians, Muslims, et al.
So, IMO, Powell was correct.
those who were distinguishing Israel from US Jewry were pretending to be politically correct.
US "Jewry"? My God, people like you still exist huh? Take 'wise' out of your handle. Please.
To carl43m, Yes he should.That was an outrageous statement. If he had said the 'black' lobby intimidates a lot of people or the African American lobby intimidates a lot of people, he would have been crucified. There have been a sickening amount of anti-SEMETIC statements on this post not just anti-Israel-BIG difference..and pretty disgusting to read....and interestingly hypocritical given that O's defenders are SO quick to call anyone who merely dislikes or disagrees with Teflon O'Bama a racist..If he is 'intimidated' by a country who has been a strong, long and loyal ally, if he cannot get along with Israel or people of the jewish faith or ANY other-he DOESN'T belong there...
you can critisize any gov. in the world without repercussions, Accept isreal. If you complain about bush or Obama, nobody calls you anti-American. But never never say anything about the isreali gov. you will be black listed. (if you are in politics). The right wing Gov in Isreal is a horrible band of murderers.
Barry trots out Powell to support the Hagel nomination, but Powell lost his cred a long time ago. Hagel, like Powell, is just another syncophant and partisan shill for the Liberal agenda. He'll weaken America's military readiness, stand down against rising Russia and China and our conflicting interests in those regions, and then throw Israel under the bus for dessert. Tell Vlad that i'll have more flexibility after the election. Here's the yoga master himself, Chuck Hagel, his military record not withstanding.
I think you've been watching too much Dumb Fux news.
Your a fool.
Lol. That's not what your momma said last night.
Spoken like a man who never put on the uniform of the United States. I may not agree with everything Gen. Powell says or does, but he actually served his country in many capacities and there is no question that he is thoughtful and has the best interests of our country at heart. As for Sen. Hagel, there is no question that he actually served his country, was wounded in action, and is a thoughtful man who has the best interests of his country in mind.
I'd guess the so-called problem with Sen. Hagel is that he doesn't toe the line with the ideologues in the GOP/TP, which, in my mind, enhances his qualification for the job.
I wore the uniform for 22 years, and I didn't/don't like Colin Powell. Bob, I think his moma said you were a little, little, little boy
How many of the Congressmen/women who oppose Hagel or even dislike Powell ever served in combat?..........Just wondering if they are arm chair generals as well as our "representatives"
I served when Powell was on active duty, he was considered a political general not a real one.
You are right. He spend over 13 years in the puzzle palace for political reasons. He also lied about WMD's in Iraq. He is a hasbeen.
@GTR5...actually not one thing you said is true GTR5....You are quite simply an old bitter liar
mike: As long as we're being cheezy..........tin foil hats do not constitute a 'uniform'.
you sound like someone who should know about tin foil hats, sdn...btw, my record of service is well documented
Can you name one single person attached to the democratic party that is not called names? that is not belittled? insulted? didn't think so.
Jack C - Let me guess, you never served a DAY in the military. BTW - marathon sessions playing 'Call of Duty" in your parents basement doesn't really count.
So all the liberal yapping poodles out there, after the disasterous Hagel confirmation hearing, you're still sure Hagel is the right guy? Based on the hearings, he's clearly unprepared and unqualified as any clear thinking person understood right from the start. This is the guy Powell supported without reservation. But liberals are not clear thinkers; their thinking is clouded by ideology and, well i don't know what. The kool-aid? Liberalism, it's a mental illness. And when did serving in the military become a pre-requisite for loving this country and expressing an opinion? You libs crap all over the military until it becomes otherwise useful to spout some insincere support to further your ideology.
Patroosi used to be a good and honorable general. Then overnight a few months before his retirement, he started getting political and supporting Obama all over the public media. Then he retired and got appointed director of the CIA out of nowhere. Then Obama burned him like everybody else he uses. Powell used to be such a fair and thinking person who didn't really fall to either side of the fence. But, since the election he has been all over the place standing up for crappy Obama failed policy. Gotta think everyone must have a price for their integrity.
Check your glasses. Powell is as steady and true as they come. It's the wishy washy politicians, who look at their chances of reelection to determine which side of the fence to be on. Powell is fair and is a thinking person and always has been. His integrity has never been in question.
FOOL !!! Powell was never the Director of the CIA.
But you just keep posting and making yourself the TPRepub class clown.
Powell's about as dumb as they come; he was an amiable politician his whole career. The real genious behind the Gulf War just died recently...Gen Schwarzkopf
Sarahsleepin, go back and look at Powells career and personal statements when he would issue one over the past 25 years, then look at his statements since early November. He is purely bent on helping Obama cover and justify his failed nonsense these days. And belryeyed.... learn to read... you look so stupid with that comment.
Powell may be a little ticked that he was used by the neocons in the Bush Administration to justify an unjustifiable war in Iraq. The neocons that pushed for the war were mainly Zionist supporters of Israel. Their main goal was to have regime change in Iraq so the new leader could approve a new 42" oil pipeline from Iraq to the Port of Haifa in Israel. That is the real reason our men and women in uniform have been killed and wounded.
The Republicans and their neocon base sacrificed American soldiers and treasure so that Jews in Israel could enjoy a higher standard of life.
"The pipeline would be a dream," Yosef Paritzky, Israel's minister
of infrastructures, said as reported by Salon.com. "We'd have an
additional source of supply, and could even export some of the crude through
Haifa. But we'd need a treaty with Iraq . . . to build the pipeline."
Once Chalabi assumed a position of influence in the new Iraqi government,
Israel would get its treaty, the neoconservatives were assured.
http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/19725/iraq-to-haifa-oil-pipeline-could-spur-economic-rebirth/
Colin Powell now knows he was suckered by the neocons.
Ah, the liberal social websites have you all out in force today don't they? I got the spam email talking points for today to hit the comment pages with following his fleece the press appearance yesterday also.
Funny thing about those sites... anybody can sign up and get the notices...
Here is another great link on the oil pipeline to Israel. There is also good information on 9/11, which was used to justify the 2 wars for Israel..
http://www.nogw.com/warforisrael.html
Sure, Gofigureit. The "right" never does that.
How could any rational person follow either party these days? It's insane.
The emails I seem to get from the Republicans always seem to just be informational and boring and thank you things. The emails from Liberal sites and the DNC are always trying to stir up angry emotions in people and get them to do something most often connected with a list of things to say to people and what to do to make others uncomfortable. I thought I typed that? Maybe you didn't read. Oh well. If no one believes it.. just go sign up as I said.
Go -
I agree. I've gotten emails from moveon and the like as well as from conservative sources. The liberal sites assume that the public is too stupid to think for themselves.
Could that be true? Could it be because liberals do not know how to form an informed opinion as they do not know how to use their brain to think logically?
Tammy-311614
As long as FOX is owned & CONTROLLED by FOREIGNERS
and as long as LIMBAUGH lives
you have no legs to stand on !
REMINDER... it is THE RED STATES people
who haven't finished High School, have more single parents & the lowest wages...
and who SUCK more money from Washington than THEY PAY IN !!
Tammy I agree-the libs see everyone (including themselves in many cases) as either incapable, victims, or helpless who cannot take care of themselves without 'their' help...(translation:government)..if you don't have enough, first hate those who have more, then 'demand' you too get more...creating a society of envious who come to believe that what comes to them is not their responsibility any longer but the responsibility of the wealthy, successful and the government and which inevitably leads to becoming personally disempowered to build productive and prosperous lives for themselves...those attitudes are spiritually flawed because they eventually destroy mans' confidence in his own abilities.. this country seems to be churning out these dehumanizing ideas and mindset at a dizzying pace these days..with ugly results..
mary, i live in the heart of liberal land in the north east. your image of "poor liberals" is funny to me and anyone who lives in this area. This area pays more taxes than any in the south or west. your view of America is tainted. may I suggest that sometime in your live you take a trip and see whats really here. or at least use Google earth and get a clue. If we built a wall across America dividing republicans and democrats, you would find yourself on the poor side of town. Your masters would have you all working 7 days a week 12 hours a day. and i would laughing my gluteus maxi mus off.
And in conclusion... all the liberals out today did exactly as in my original comment... out with old and used off the point of the comment hate terminology given to them from their information sources. Thank you for supporting my original points through your own limited actions.
I agree with GDAUM regardless of his party. I think the GOP needs to listen to his voice because the one they are paying attention to isn't helping their party. So, if the GOP wants to continue to loose credit turn your back on Powell. He wants to be part of the Republican party he just hasn't found anybody with brains to follow.
Good point. He represents the remaining moderate minority of the Party. I supported President Obama in the last election, but was sad to see Romney turn to the neo-conservatives in foreign policy. The current Party is composed mainly of domestic social conservatives, foreign policy neo-conservatives and Reaganomics economists. Not much room for "moderates."
With all that they just don't have anyone with the smarts to move and connect with the American people!
When the LEADERS of the GOP tell the base that
COMPROMISE IS FAILURE & MODERATION is SURRENDER
it's no damned wonder the party is fractured & unable to come to reason ?
When the old mean republicans die off, the rest of the world will be able to live.
A senator that wants other nations to be 'fearful' rather than 'hopeful'? Wonder what her neighboring states think of such a mentality?
Hope causes improvement, fear causes hate. Where has this senator been all her life?
Right now she has her nose firmly planted in McCain's and Graham's nether regions trying to build name recognition in the party. She should choose some other area to gain recognition and tie herself to some other verterans of the party.
Gofigureit, the fact you couldn't even spell "Petraeus" limits your credibility. It's funny how the most extreme Obama haters seem to have trouble spelling. Actually, it speaks volumes.
I think it was a feeble attempt to combine Patraeus and Pelosi
That doesn't even come close to working though. Those two are on opposite ends of the political spectrum. Petraeus should have retired years ago.
Oh dear. A Republican with sterling credentials from a GOP perspective supports another Republican with sterling credentials for the office of Sec of Defense. But under a Dem POTUS! And other Republicans who aren't qualified to have opinions on the matter vociferously attack the nomination due to their own knee-jerk emotional prejudices. Yep, that's the GOP for you. Or what's left of it.
Kelly Ayotte of NH, for example, wants to go around waving a big stick. Wants Iran to be "not hopeful, but fearful.” Big words, little lady, big words. I nominate YOU for the front lines.
Kelly Ayotte = fear = FOX
Kelly Ayotte is a foolish climber in a doomed political party, trying to align herself with outspoken Senators McCain and Graham. At least McCain and Graham have some military experience to stand on. She, however, does not.
He was never a Republican unless he thought it would help him up the ladder. When he was in the Bush administration the liberals where calling him an Uncle Tom, the congressional black caucus called him un american, but now the left puts him on a pedestal, priceless how the liberal trash think.
Powell has always been very conservative but also a careful thinker. He is way to the left of you neocons though and was only used as a figurehead. We roasted him for allowing himself to be used like that. Now he is speaking his mind instead of your party over country lies and we do appreciate that.
OT: Hagel is very conservative, but he has been there done that. I trust his judgement on how to spend American soldiers. He is tempered steel compared to the soft plastic of the republicons.
Bottom line is this: most of america has awakened to what republicans are all about. Now we wait for you to do the same, if that be possible.
I haven't noticed the Rep. party demonstating much success in their "winning team selection" efforts.... ask John McCain... I forgot the name of that woman he selected. Those two guys who ran against Obama this go around didn't fair so well either
Jeez, how quickly some forget. Her name was Sally Poland!
john -
Evidently, you forgot as well. Her name is Sarah Palin.
Failin Palin, half-term Governor. Not only did she lose the Presidential campaign for McCain, she couldn't even finish the second half of one term of Governor. The investigations into her abuse of power were going to come to fruition and the only way she could dodge them was to quit and start a reality TV show.
Now that's "leadership".
Inadequate Mind is more like it...Palin stepped down because obstructionist trash kept making baseless claims that tied up resources necessary to run the state's government. She became bigger than the job, so she did the honorable thing and stepped down. Wouldn't expect you to understand, danger.
The only thing about Palin that was bigger than her job was her head.
This is a true challenge for any Defense Secretary! I hope Obama does continue making the military smaller by getting out of the Bush Cheney unfunded WARS. McCain and Graham would have the Country in one every year to payoff the Defense Contractors who put them in office. Have you noticed how hard it is for McCain to articulate an idea. What's up?
Even Colin Powell thinks Hagel is a good idea for the cabinet post. That creep Lindsey Graham has been assigned the task from McConnell to oppose his nomination because it is Obama's choice. Even Barney Frank opposes it, another idiot. This whole mess of opposing Obama just to cause obstructionism is stupid,stupid ,stupid. When the hell will the disfunctional Republicans agree to anything President Obama wants to get done. How can this country ever move on? Boeheners jerks are really screwing this country up.
Out problem is that about 45% of the public votes these clowns into office. No help on the horizon! It's the Republicans chiding each other that will help!
Thank you, 60's veteran, for your service to our country. I can only imagine how frustrating it is that you risked your life for a country that the GOP is hell bent on tearing down. We will stand strong and not let that happen.
pardon me while i puke...it's the 60's crowd that's destroying our country now; they did their dead-level best back then--talk about obstructionism--and they're doing it now
Mike------BULLS---T
The Duke would BBBth slap you for using his image. I served in the 80s like so many others but I bet your living on the government dole aren't you.
The Duke didn't serve, either. John Ford, who did, with a lot of his actor buddies, cjided him for that. Wayne was an actor. Remember that.
Let's see, where to start on this one...I was alive during the 60's, so I won't have to rely on someone else's reestablishment of history. There was the complete breakdown of society for starters; then, there were the riots, the protests, the sit-ins--basically anything to stop or impede progress of the country; and, oh yah, there were the traitors like Fonda and John Kerry--those who turned on their fellow Americans during wartime...those same ones who are now in leadership roles and who carry their same American-bashing slant 50 years later.
I was there too. I was one of those in the streets protesting that unjustified war. Just doing my patriotic duty.
When I got drafted I served in Vietnam. Again, just doing my patriotic duty.
Don't call us traitors because we support America first, politicians last. I don't like fonda either but happily voted for Kerry. Kerry should be DoD.
I was there too.
We protested the unfair treatment of Blacks. Yep that caused a complete breakdown of society - fortunately.
We protested the unfair treatment of women - another good breakdown.
We protested a wrong and immoral war. I guess domino's don't knock over too many other domino's in a jungle. I had to prepare to be drafted, won that lottery.
My son, on the other hand, is an E-7 US Army. Afghanistan 2 trips, Iraq 1. I am proud of him and support our troops. I do not support idiot politicians that get us into immoral and unnecessary wars like Iraq. Afghanistan was necessary to get a terrorist. Obama got him, now we need to get out.
If you are bothered that Kerry, a highly decorated war vet, would comeback and be opposed to the Vietnam war you need to do some research on that immoral and corrupt war. The guy we supported was more evil than the people we were fighting. That war NEEDLESSLY cost America 58,000 lives and over 75,000 are severely disabled. On top of that there was a huge unknown toll of PTSD victims, many are among us as the homeless and many were lost to drugs.
You can knock Kerry on that if you want, but I like people that are not afraid to stand up for what is right and moral.
Maybe it was unjustified in your mind, and in the minds of others. But, the very real threat of communism spreading globally was worth the effort of containment....Were you in a position to know that threat, or did you just listen to Leary tell you to turn on, tune in, and drop out during a drug benge? The irritating thing about those of that era was they hid behind their "patriotic duty" and weakened America's resolve--and standing--to prosecute conflicts to victory...a sad and stark contrast to the Greatest Generation who selflessly gave of themselves to give us the greatest country on earth.
Kerry shouldn't be allowed to live in this country, much less represent it.
That was propaganda used to drum up support for the war. Many of us saw right through it - History has shown we were the ones with the clear vision. Maybe you were drinking too much moonshine.
We entered that war to support the French who wanted to hold on to their colony. Remember 1776? We were the ones that wanted freedom. It was about Money.
Too many friends came home in a body bag, or with body parts missing. One friend (Green Beret) woke up in his girlfriends room certain the Viet Cong had surrounded him, he kicked holes in her wall. I lost another friend to drugs and mental illness, he has multiple personalities. Another is an alcoholic, as was his father, a Colonel.
Our Patriotic Duty is to do what is right, not hold a corrupt party line,
@Mike-840265 Mike is an racist unthinking idiot...the civil rights movement was considered a breakdown in society according to him...he is such pathetic trash
mike: You couldn't find Viet Nam on a map with a searchlight - let alone spell it. You've convincingly illustrated through your posts your hate and paranoia, and a total lack of even the most minute indication of positive qualities.
You won't destroy this nation - this nation considers you a fart in a hurricane.
Mike-840265...
Jane Fonda a "LEADER"...the hag hasn't made anything in 40 years not even a cake...
the ONLY reason she is EVER mentioned is from the mouth of an idiot like you,
YOU support an ILLEGAL WAR that was started by IKE, whom you threw under the bus 10 years ago .
Ooohhh, I luv these attacks from such informed and intelligent patriots....Andrae, you ignorant little turd; your claim of anything racists marks you for about a 20 year old who still lives with his parents--grow up little man, and then come talk to me about racism....SDN, we've already established that tin foil hats are your area of expertise; put yours back on--I've got decorations from this grateful nation; what do you have, besides fantasy? MF, take some rudementary reading skills...if you don't think Fonda was a leader of the anti war protests, you need SDN's tin foil hat; you're willingness to tout the "illegal war" mantra marks you for about a 30 year old with no memory of something called the War Powers Act. Why don't you try singing another tune...maybe watch something other than msnbc....
Oh, I forgot JO...history has shown that we were in an extreme arms race--remember the cold war? Thankfully, Reagan instilled pride in our country again and we won. It seems sad, though, because your generation finally came into power; now, we're headin' downhill fast. A true patriot would know it is encumbent on all of us to protect our country, not divide it.
Mike
There was no arms race at the time. The USSR just pretended to be able to keep up, they didn't have the money and no matter how you wish to spin it no domino's fell over.
Any "arms race" today is just more BS so arms manufacturers can get more money. Think in terms of the M-1 Abrams tank that congress is forcing the military to buy when they do not want or need them.
The only real arms race we have going is our Police forces trying to keep up with the criminals and loners that were bullied.
The only reason we "won" the cold war is because the USSR was losing money hand over fist.
Reagan sold arms to the enemy (Iran) and smuggled Cocaine into the US on CIA planes, you might want to study up on the Iran-Contra affair. If he made you proud you are one sick puppy.
Iraq was another pointless war, but at least we can say Saddam was evil for gassing the Kurds. Not the same for Vietnam, we supported the evil guy and the dirty commies were for the people. In Vietnam the USA was the evil one and I have no pride in that.
We were not protecting our country in Vietnam, we were greedy and wanted to take over their country.
No arms race? So, why did we have bomb drills in schools? We did we invest in bomb shelters? Why did we spend enormous amounts of time, energy, and money gaining military superiority? Why were we afraid that Russia would shoot down our Apollo spacecraft? There was an arms race; the USSR, however could not keep up because we had a vibrant economy and could produce like no other country in the world. And it's not that Russia had less bombs; it's that we had far greater technology. No one knew that, though, until Reagan led us to victory. Hind sight from the rocking chair is not always 20-20; some like to rewrite history.
I guess we wanted to take over VietNam because of it's immense wealth??? It WAS about containment.
Some wars are necessary; it's REALLY hypocritical--especially for members of Congress--to vote to go to war and later call it unnecessary...and again, it's really easy to sit back in the rocking chair and throw stones.
BTW, I am PROUD to have served under Reagan, just as I am PROUD to have Bush sign my retirement papers.
Like I said:
Many feel they ran a shell game, with fewer Nuclear weapons than we thought, but moving them around to appear as more. Keeping up was using around 25% of their GNP on the military.
Our intelligence either stunk, or some people were making a ton of money on the arms race.
When Gorbachev came into power they had no economy and no cold cash to keep up. They had no choice, except to change their ways. Ronny was just President at the time and had zero impact on the change.
There was never a real threat because the commie hordes never would have attacked.
Our politicians pushed fear on the American people to spend spend spend, and some folk came out very wealthy because of it.
The reason why France found itself in a war is because of the oppressive taxes they laid on the Vietnamese people. Sound familiar? Instead of supporting the oppressed we supported the oppressor.
I agree and have said the war in Afghanistan was necessary because of 9/11. I even wasn't so upset on the Iraq war because of the gassing of the Kurds. There was NOTHING legitimate, moral, or necessary about the war in Vietnam.
Reagan and Poppa Bush were traitors and should have been tried for selling arms to the enemy.
Do YOU think it was OK to sell arms to Iran while they held Americans hostage?
Do YOU think it was OK to smuggle Cocaine into the USA on CIA planes?
I really want to know your honest opinion on those 2 questions, somehow I don't think I'll get it.
Only cowards play the race card like JOregon.
You better believe it, I'm against the arms RACE.
JO, you're really dishonest if you try to make the case AFTER the cold war was won by Reagan that it didn't have an immediate impact on our worldview at the time. "Ronny didn't have an impact?" You're story retelling needs a little correction. Carter dessimated our military; Reagan built it up to the point that it broke the USSR and crippled their communist satelites. Reagan's focus was to finally break, not just contain, communism after 30 years of proliferation; he succeeded. Part of the containment was his unwavering support of the Contras. Congress put him in the position of pulling financial support and abondoning the Contras while they were at war. Now, that may be OK in your book...but, to me, you don't start something like this and then leave them on the battlefield to die...Now THAT'S totally reprehensable...ya know, kinda like the Bay of Pigs...OR Obama watching 4 Americans die on TV over a 7 hour battle while he sat impotent and unable to act.
lol you need to check out how many military cuts Reagan made and then hide in the corner. The only thing that beat the soviet union was the Soviet union. you forget that when Yeltson refused to back down, and the people took to the streets, that the soviet military refused to shoot it's own people. Unlike the Nyc. police department. or the Ohio national guard. And lets not forget the people of Poland with Nick welenska who hit the Russian economy in the nuts with a strike. Nick risked his life, what did Reagan risk? Oh yeah, and when the Russian gov. tried to starve the unions out, George Soros sent money to feed the unions. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it. That must really hurt lol.
well gp, i guess you've got it all figured out...readin' all about it in the liberal media and all...fact is, gp, I was there on duty during those times. I saw first hand how Reagan rebuilt pride in the Armed Forces and pride in America. You can rewrite history all you want to--and may even find someone who'll believe you--but those of us who were there know the true story. "Gorbachev, Tear down that wall" Remember that? I do!
That isn't what I am saying. I am saying it was a propaganda build up by the politicians to "sell" the arms build up - People got rich.
Yes it did form our fears and there was some truth, but it was sold as a bigger issue than it really was.
He didn't have an impact because they were broke, and had been going that way for quite some time.
They underestimated how much the many ethnic groups would oppose their rule. The Baltic area was a huge burden. Once the revolt began it snowballed all over. Protests lead to soldiers refusing to fire on their own countrymen. Reagan had nothing to do with this.
When the old school guys were gone (Brezhnev, Andropov, and Chernenko all died within 3 years of each other) and Gorbachev was in, they had no money and no way to get money. It wasn't Reagan that ended the USSR it was Gorbachev.
It was necessary because they had no economy. The high oil prices of the 70's kept the government alive but oil prices dropped in the 80's and they lost one of their main money makers.
Did Reagan increasing defense spending from $134 billion to $253 Billion have an impact? Sure. It sped things up, but they were already on a path to nowhere. The fall would have happened no matter what. Reagan also added to the National debt, at the time $120 billion more was a huge dollar figure.
So in your opinion it is OK to sell arms to the enemy and smuggle Cocaine into the US. WOW! Just Wow.
How twisted can it get?
Destroy this nation with drugs and betray Americans held hostage because you want to hurt Castro.
WOW.
JO, you can preach world economy all you want to, but the thing that brought the USSR down was might--America's Might! That's the only thing Russia understood or feared was military strength and political resolve to use it....Reagan gave us that.
So, you believe it's honorable to tell someone we'll fund them and support them in a war, and then just pull that support and let them die on the battlefield...NICE! Glad I'm not your buddy!
Bull @!$%#!
The different Republics inside the USSR were opposed to Communist rule and that had a much bigger impact then you apparently realize.
Communism might be great in an ideal society but man is corrupt and communism depends on no corruption, and no laziness.
They had no money because their system was flawed and they had nothing to sell. Oil was their main money maker and oil prices dropped in the 80's.
They didn't fear us, they feared their own people.
You have swallowed too much propaganda.
You follow the law of the land. That seems to be a huge problem with people like you. The destruction of America is fine in your eyes, it is the so called honor among thieves I guess.
Maybe there was another way of doing things.
The Contra's committed many human rights violations, Kissinger tried to reign them in but Reagan simply whitewashed the whole thing. Those are our friends?
The Argentine dictatorship was the main group supporting the Contra's we just supplied Arms, Training, and Money. That was probably more than enough. Of course we funneled that money through Manuel Noriega, there is an honorable guy.
The whole thing stunk and sent Crack usage in California to great heights and you think that is fine and dandy.
I really don't care if I am not your Buddy because I don't pal around with traitors and drug pushers.
so, it was just coincidental that the two events--America's resurgence under Reagan and the fall of USSR--happened at the same time? nice try, but no takers.
so, let's see...we pull arms, training and money from those we promised support to while they were at war, and it's no big deal?
I will give you that money from arms sales to Iran was diverted to Contra, but not that crack usage in CA increased to great heights because of it. Let's see..."if we didn't have a usage problem, we wouldn't have a drug problem"...isn't that what libs like to tout?
I'm not a drug pusher or user and certainly not a traitor; my military service will attest to that...now, i'm gonna cry 'cuz you won't be my friend...
What resurgence?
There is no Historical question that the USSR had been unable to fund the arms race and there is no Historical question that internal strife was tearing the country apart.
Your logic fits the same line of thought as to prostitute your own child because you promised your friend you would help him pay for his cancer treatment. That may be your way, it sure isn't mine.
An increase in drugs at a lower cost will bring young children into it - but then you'd prostitute your own child so I guess that doesn't matter to you.
You support the pushing of drugs and the selling of weapons to the enemy, that makes you one of them.
Now you're pushing buttons you really shouldn't push JO. Don't you even PRETEND to tell me what I'll sacrifice and do for my children. You want to make this personal? Come stop by and see me; tell me about my kids, you little @!$%#. You've got warped logic and, having no rational recourse, do what you retarded liberals always do, make it personal. I've given my life for my country and my children. What they hell have you done? Abandoned yours? My kids don't get into drugs because I teach them another way. Too bad you don't give your country credit for defeating Communism...I guess that makes you, well, one of them.
@stopfreeloaders
Tell me something there fella....
Why did you send me this Email:
I thought you were just making a joke about the Arms Race.
Apparently you have me confused with someone else because I haven't played any race card that I am aware of.
I did say:
Hardly a "race card", just a true statement of the times.
Like it or not it is the same line of thought.
You promised your friend you would help him pay for his cancer treatment (Contra's war effort). You lost your job (Government votes to no longer fund the Contra's). You promised to support your friend (you said: we pull arms, training and money from those we promised support to while they were at war). So you must Prostitute your child (sell arms to the enemy and smuggle drugs into the US).
Obviously I used an emotional and personal example so that you would hopefully see the immorality of your viewpoint.
I do not believe you would prostitute your child, but somehow your morals have gotten all screwed up and you need to right yourself.
Hardly. I fathered 2, call 4 my own. They all call me Dad and consider me to be the Dad. They have all grown to be very good citizens. My youngest is 23, the oldest soon to be 32.
JO, there's lines that you just don't cross...and there's no going back. I wouldn't make a statement about you or your children during a debate. You think my reasoning is immoral? In order to make a point, you say I would prostitute my child!
Were you read in to the top secret briefings? Do you know all about covert ops? Do you know what controls were in place? Or do you just listen to some nitwit from MSNBC provide expert analysis?
And the offer still stands...come say it to my face about my children.
Yes I do. Selling Arms to the enemy and smuggling hard drugs is NEVER moral.
I don't care how you want to spin it it is never moral. If it takes equating it to something personal and repulsive so be it. Sometimes people need a real shock to open their eyes.
Our society is full of people living in denial. Wives in denial they are abused. Husbands in denial their wife abuses the children. only when something really bad happens do they realize the truth.
You are in denial because you got caught up in the romance of Ronald Reagan. I always said he was the best actor to be President.
I didn't say anything about your kids - Fool. I said something about your thought process which apparently is still screwed up.
PS
You keep calling me Liberal. I am on some things, I am conservative on others. Some people need to put labels on people, I don't fit your labels.
yah, ya did J OFF; you said I'd prostitute my children; that means you said something about my children.
Reagan, a degreed economist was the most qualified man to pull us out of a recession. He was also the best man to right our country after the Carter debacle. Not only did he pull us out of a recession, he broke the back of high unemployment and rampant inflation--all things he inherited. But he stood up like a man and tackled the problems head on...not like this wimp in the oval office we have today who gets his way by dividing the country and then blaming everyone else.
Again, were you read in to top secret briefings on Iran-Contra? Do you have information about covert ops that you can share with the rest of the world? Anything you say or speculate about drug proliferation and use by our government is speculation.
you need to add one more to your list of those living in denial...a poster called JO with his head up Obama's ass.
I'm done wasting time with you.
Come see me!!!
Now you are being an idiot on purpose.
You know perfectly well what my intention and point was.... AND you got it, you just can't admit it was a good point.
Were you in on any top secret briefings on Iran-Contra?
You have your head so far up the ass of Rush Limbaugh, and et al you'll believe all sorts of propaganda.
Sorry little Buddy, you aren't worth it.
Hagel was accurate to say, "Jewish lobby", because many influential US Jews do lobby on behalf of Israel.
True! And if you dare criticize it, it would be equivalent to committing political suicide in Washington.
Powell champions Hagel as defense secretary and rips some Republicans
That's news?
Enough of Powell He is one of the most prolific boot lickers to the Bush Administration and as a senior leader was lead around by the nose. The last few years he has spent a lot of time re-creating is blunders and foul ups that has cost thousands of american service men and women and he says opps to all of this.
There are people who love him and many many less fools, like this guy, who don't. There isn't anyone out there who speaks with as much reason and clarity and it's because of people like this guy that makes a man like Powell not want to be involved. We all lose as a result.
Those of us who were actually alive and served during his reign may have a different story; he was a politician who was, as Border says, lead around by the nose.
Wish there was more emphasis on the Economy and the jobs to help growth. Neither Party seems interested in this other then getting ready to do the nasty battle at the debt limit meeting.
Who is Powell? Just another washed up General who uses which ever party is in power to booster his retired ego. Remember, Stormin' Norman won the war, while Powell wore clean uniforms and had tea with the President!
Powell does have an agenda but at least he is able to articulate an agenda. Smart and on point as opposed to the Republicans serving up the likes of Palin, Bachman, Cain, Gingrich, Cheney, Romney, need I go on. McCain just gets lost in his ability to say something that connects with the people. Just dumb choices for the American public. I don't agree with them but do wish they had someone with charisma to represent them in a discussion. This would help the American debate instead of making you pray the the republicans got someone out of the school system that has smarts and dare I say wisdom. Last one was President George H W Bush!
And just who gave Stormin' Norman his marching orders? Powell, you dumb ass. Norman didn;t do anything without Powell's blessing. Obviously you never served.
I served--a long time...and during the time in question--and can tell you Swarzkopf was the brains behind the trains while Powell was tucked away in the caboose. Powell was smart enough--or had enough political savy--to trust his career with those like Swarzkopf...I'll give him that.
@Mike-840265.....someone has to report of to the president thats why he wasn't always on the ground during the gulf war....which wasn't much of a war to begin with....not like Irag and Afghanistan today....furthermore it was powells job to be in washington idiot...cabinet meeting and all that...idiot
Andrae, you like the word idiot a lot, don't you tough guy? You've had some military experience have you? You know what the COS's job is, do you? Try this reasoning on for size, dipsh!t; the Gulf War didn't last long because Swarzkopf planned and executed it with something later described as shock and awe. Powell was merely along for the ride. Those of us who were there know who the real deal is. Now go take your bath...it's bed time.
Mike l-442623. To be honest with you, not only did I serve 25+ years in the military, but also witnessed a lot of the staff corps-level and above work done during that campaign. I do personally know who was behind the planning and sometimes had to fight to push a proper agenda against the Chief of Staff. Schwarzkopf was brilliant in his planning, tactics, use of intelligence, and statesmanship. He was also a hard driver that expected soldiers, marines, sailors and air-persons working under his command to tow the line.
Let me point out some important issues to you and your comments. First, any clown can issue marching orders and expect them to be carried out. A real leader carries out those orders with minimal problems (such as in Desert Shield/Storm). Secondly, as I have already stated the amount of service time I had, which was cut shot due to a disability, and yes it was during Desert Shield/Storm. Finally, I would like to point out that my ass is not dumb, it followed me school to earn two bachelor's and one master's degree. By the way, when you form a contraction like didn't from the words did and not most people above the third grade use an apostrophe (') not a semicolon (;).
Collin Powell is a good man even if he is a Liberal.
Colin Powell is a good man period!
Agree!
right you are!! i don't know how he could ever have called himself a republican.he's as much a commie as obumma!!!
Harry, how old are you, 12 That's all you can say. You don't even know what a commie is. You have no clue about that and little else. Now go home, your momma's calling.
HARRY
and I suppose you think Russia & China are now & always have been Communist .
You'd also be fooled by a Ford with a Chevy nameplate on it
I have it on the best authority that you had to be told you possessed an azz .
I am puzzled here, somebody pls help: doesn't the US cabinet confirmation process goes through Tel Aviv anymore?
President Obama's nomination of Mr. Hagel is his choice. Of course, the choice of such a controversial nominee shows President Obama's desire to make a fight of every issue.
Would we have tax reform if the Republicans opposed it?
No, it just proves that the gop is totally out of touch. What,Obama is supposed to nominate another John Bolton, who would advocate war at the drop of a hat? And funny how repubs have only gotten fiscal religion after Obama won. Before that they helped bush create record deficits and pork-barrel spending and never said a word. Didn't speak at all when bush raised the debt ceiling several times, either.In other words, it's only when a Democrat is in office that repubs suddenly carry about about deficits and spending. January is the gops' month: named for Januarius,the two-faced Roman god.
Remember, Ryan voted for every single spending bill in his 14 year career. That is your typical republicon and it is you republicons who are responsible for 94% of our national debt.
ReaganBushDebt.org
I am appalled at our political system and the country that produced it. That is what keeps men like Colin Powell from being interested in being our President and we all suffer. The man makes so much sense! I can't believe that under leadership like his that we would not be a more humane, more reasonable, more peaceful and a true example to the rest of the world. I am a middle of the road Democrat but would give anything to have his kind of common sense and goodwill leading us!
Well put. This type of leadership is gone. Who the hell wants to go up to Congress only to have confrontation with the Right Wing Bible South tea party! It's always NO and only their interest. Bohener talks about cutting spending and then added 200 billion to the tax bill for their private spending. My
god hypocrites
you're as much a commie as he is!!!
I'm surrogate dad to a little girl whose father was killed unnecessarily in Iraq. Our wonderful defense secretary at that time put him in harm's way without proper equipment or training. I'll take a defense secretary who is a soldier's soldier, who will only send people to war when it is absolutely necessary.
Well God Bless you and the girl. Feel sad for her and you. Problem is that the McCains of the world along with Graham don't feel your pain. Out of touch. I respect McCain and his hell in Vietnam and Graham for his tough childhood, but both lost touch with the people who have to do the fighting. So sad. Same with the Vietnam era. No need for that war! Now we trade with them!
Don't feel sad for me. I now have a wonderful daughter. And as for her, she has two dads. Her biological father sometimes comes back to visit her in her dreams.
It is so sad that people can't properly place blame for what happened in Iraq. Iraq was George W Bush's folly with the backing of Dick Cheney. Anyone who says elsewise has their head in a fog!
or as in your case up your ass!!!
yeah right!!
He'll send men and women to war when the President tell's him to, just like every previous SecDef.
Powell must have his head in a "fog" since he said there was ample reason to go to war in Iraq.
Bush & Cheneys folly? At least they didn't campaign for re-election for 8 yrs. And Obama has done what? Oh ya "HE" got Bin Laden. And let Americans die in Bengazi, didn't want to offend the Muslim Brotherhood. Well Powell is an @!$%# he was right in there with Bush & Cheney, and then jumped ship, when the going got tough. Not just resigning his position, but went democrat. Hagel may of served in the military, and I'll thank him for that. But he's not qualified to head the DOD.
Mr. Spock, Where have you been? Or better yet what news station have you been being brain washed by? Let me guess Fox News!!!
Colin Powell left his job because of the lies that Bush, Chaney and Rumsfeld fed him on the Irag war. They knew that most of the US population would listen to a guy like Powell vs anyone else in the administration. YES they used him like they used many others. Powell has more smarts / integreity than any others in that Bush administration.
So a bunch of dumb4sses like Cheney and Bush tricked and used super smart Colin Powell. Got it. Obviously if he hadn't been outsmarted, his uber-integrity would have kicked in and exposed the diabolical deception. Yet to this day he has not said such a thing happened. Surely you believe the upstanding Mr. Powell when he says he still supports the decision to go to war. Or do you think he is still being tricked by stupid people? Golly, this is perplexing.