Colin Powell should take his own advice
published: Saturday | March 1, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir: SECRETARY OF State Colin Powell used to be a dove in the Bush Cabinet, perhaps the only one with real love for democracy, morality, and humanity. But all seems to have changed after his ill-fated mission to the Middle East to bring about peace a few months ago. How in the world, I wonder, did Sharon and Bush succeed in converting Powell, the dove into Powell the hawk! Maybe he honestly believes that he can do more good for America and humanity by being a 'house slave' by being a free, principled 'plantation slave', if I may use the beautiful Harry Belafonte image.
A few months ago I enjoyed reading Mr. Powell's autobiography, My American Journey.
I felt so good after reading it that I made copies of Colin Powell's rules found in the book and circulated them among my friends.
Rules No. 7 and 11 read:
You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
Have a vision. Be demanding.
Inspiring words indeed. Now it looks as if the house slave in Mr. Powell seems to have replaced the statesman in him. If so, it's a real pity!
