I can’t find a reference online so I can show you; every search turns up the objectionable one.

And of course this act of contrition was for himself. I imagine he will sleep much better at night now.

http://www.slate.com/id/2095756/

I was as impressed with it as I was shocked by Congress slime MN-06 (Bachus sp?).

Also this race is NOT over (given voter fraud and the potential for crazy negative attacks to have enough impact in certain states. They have also laid the groundwork for “doubt” to help try to steal the election. One thing is for sure, Obama is going to handily win the popular vote. If he loses we may see a 53-48 vote split and a loss (potentially a difference of 5 million or more). That being said I think Obama cakewalks in the end but the polls are already tightening in some categories day to day (daily polls). Powell helps. If Obama keeps his weekly poll numbers up into late this week then its cakewalk time.

In general Obama should give inspirational speeches with just a little contrast to McCain and responding to attacks (the way he has been) and in press conferences or up close with individuals he should help people know what he would do on specific policies by giving details (as he did with Joe the Plumber).

However, to reach into red state territory he needs to connect with those people on their own terms. Many respond to authority figures and endorsements can mean a lot to them. Many know Bush hasn’t done well, but they don’t need to be browbeaten over it. Some people might be nervous about voting for Obama and need to know their peers and others they respect support him. They need support for their choice to vote for Obama probably more than policy information.

Powell helped cover-up the My Lai massacre for his Army bosses.
He lent an air of ‘gravitas’ to an inept Texas Governor, the son of his career patron, and helped America into this historic disaster.

Colin Powell’s loyalty is beyond reproach.
Unfortunately America is not the foremost in Mr. Powell’s loyalty,

Do I find Mr. Powell’s endorsement possibly beneficial? It MAY be, it MAY NOT be. But my allegiance is to the truth and to honesty, not to person or party or ideology. This is not something I can say about Mr. Powell.

I want a nation of laws, not men, not religion. Especially not when those men and their religion lie us into war.

Forgive him personally, spiritually.. that’s wonderful… if he ever admits what he’s done and asks for forgiveness sincerely. But that should not trump justice, war crimes charges, etc.

At best, Powell is a miserable failure at his job(s).. he certainly should not be respected for his service in any way, nor should his views be respected, except perhaps by friends around the living room who all sigh together an say ”we tried.” Maybe you should read Ian’s excellent post from yesterday, because this is all about protecting the inner circles, imo. It’s what they do at all cost.

Why is it Obama denounced Christians like Rev. Wright who are ardently against needless war and racism at every moment, yet today many are cheering Obama’s coddling of Powell, a man who couldn’t begin to admit to all the needless oceans of blood left in his miserable wake or years of fighting against equality in the military for all?

Today wasn’t a religious showing, that’s a different show altogether.. it was pure politics. It wasn’t about redemption except in the most blatant attempt at covering his arse in the near future… along with many many of his fellow war criminals who are perhaps just a little bit worried at the moment. Big media wanted this almost as much as the neo cons they have been helping for years now. The very last thing they want is future scrutiny.

You can’t have peace if you continuously allow these neo cons (in any party or religion) to continue on with credibility, hero status and no accountability. If the last forty years of our history doesn’t demonstrate that to you fully…. I wonder, what will it take?

If we cheer for him now, we are encouraging Obama’s administration to forgive and forget a whole lot of war criminals just like Powell.

I may be a bit out of step here at this blog, but there seems to be among many a total lack of faith in forgiveness and redemption. Of course, that may be because faith seems at times in short supply among some of my left wing compatriots. Jane’s ‘damn Colin Powell through faint praise’ writing in this thread starter is emblematic of this. Love ya, Jane, but I detect some bitterness and even projection in what you write here.

Barack Obama is a practicing Christian of the main stream and moderate type, and so is Joe Biden, so it would seem wise, should they win the election, to at least attempt to see the world, however fleetingly, through the eyes of folks who aspire to the image of Christ forgiving his torturers from the cross on which they nailed Him. It might help the atheists and agnostics among us see the Obama perspective when he reaches out and attempts govern this unruly nation.

Can’t some attempt to mime this, however weak in comparison, be applied to people who change their minds – presumably after thoughtful analysis and a change of heart -such as Gen. Powell? After all, Powell would be a fine Secretary of Defense, having commanded soldiers under fire, and could begin to wash away the damage inflicted on military morale by Bush II and Rumsfeld.

Get used to increased inclusiveness in an Obama Administration, and increased emphasis on forms of non-religious redemption: it’s part of the faith the man lives.

Happy Sunday! And peace!