"The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism" (Article, convention)

doppelgänger · #1 09-15-2006, 08:52 AM

According to former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colin Powell.

Dear Senator McCain:

I just returned to town and learned about the debate taking place in Congress to redefine Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention. I do not support such a step and believe it would be inconsistent with the McCain amendment on torture which I supported last year.

I have read the powerful and eloquent letter sent to you by one (of) my distinguished predecessors as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Jack Vessey. I fully endorse in tone and tint his powerful argument. The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism. To redefine Common Article 3 would add to those doubts. Furthermore, it would put our own troops at risk.

I am as familiar with "The Armed Forces Officer" as is Jack Vessey. It was written after all the horrors World War II and General George C. Marshall, then Secretary of Defense, used it to tell the world and to remind our soldiers of our moral obligations with respect to those in our custody.

Sincerely,

Colin L. Powell

Sunstone · #2 09-15-2006, 09:04 AM

This reminds me of why Powell is one of my favorite politicians.

I was reading recently that the task facing Washington at the moment is to recover from Bush's policies. It might take a decade or more to do so. But to recognize that the Bush Administration has come very close to destroying the moral authority of the US is a first step to turning back some of the folly of that administration.

Djamila · #3 09-15-2006, 10:35 AM

I really like Colin Powell also. And oddly, I'm not bothered by Condoleeza Rice. Maybe it's her absolutely awe-inspiring intelligence and education compared to her peers in the Bush administration, but she really doesn't give me bad vibes.

doppelgänger · #4 09-15-2006, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Djamila

I really like Colin Powell also. And oddly, I'm not bothered by Condoleeza Rice. Maybe it's her absolutely awe-inspiring intelligence and education compared to her peers in the Bush administration, but she really doesn't give me bad vibes.

I agree that she is definitely very intelligent. I find her easy willingness to be intellectually dishonest out of loyalty to Bush to be very disheartening though.

ayani · #5 09-15-2006, 10:39 AM

i love Powell. good lord, if he was president, had been president from teh start... think how much less horrible things could be!

i admire the man. he has compassion, common sense, and a moral compass. not sure any of the above fit with the rest of the current administration. i suppose that's why he left.

Djamila · #6 09-15-2006, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doppelgänger

I agree that she is definitely very intelligent. I find her easy willingness to be intellectually dishonest out of loyalty to Bush to be very disheartening though.

Yes, that bothers me sometimes as well - but I mean... if you simply scratch off all your enemies and refuse to acknowledge or work with them, you'll never achieve anything in this world. So you have to willing to keep a hand extended to those who ultimately might accept it.

Buttercup · #7 09-15-2006, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YmirGF

I agree 100%

Wouldn't they make an incredible team?

President Powell; Vice President Rice.

Heck, even the reverse would make me happy. But... I doubt we will see such a ticket in our lifetime.

I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't like Colin. Condo....probably more dissension with her. But, I have heard Colin in several interviews express that he is not interested in the presidency. Why is it that the men we feel we could trust aren't interested in the position? I've noticed that in the past. Does that say something about the job I wonder?

doppelgänger · #8 09-15-2006, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buttercup

I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't like Colin. Condo....probably more dissension with her. But, I have heard Colin in several interviews express that he is not interested in the presidency. Why is it that the men we feel we could trust aren't interested in the position? I've noticed that in the past. Does that say something about the job I wonder?

Anyone with enough wisdom to be qualified to rule a nation knows better than to rule a nation.