The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Powell the Cretin

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Gen. Colin Powell was on Face the Nation today, trashing the Republican Party again, as if he has some particular moral authority. I beg to differ. Colin Powell has almost as little moral authority as did the bystanders in the Kitty Genovese rape case. While his own administration, and especially a very good man named Lewis "Scooter" Libby, was being raped by Patrick Fitzgerald's out-of-control investigation into the Valerie Plame leak, Powell and his top aide Richard Armitage stood by silently even though both knew that Armitage had been (without malice aforethought) the actual source of the leak. To let Libby (and Karl Rove and others) twist in the wind for so long when Powell and Armitage knew what had really happened was the stance of either two cowards or, more likely, two vindictive political infighters who cared more about seeing their adversaries (in internal administration disputes) be kneecapped than they cared about seeing justice done and the truth be made public.

And for Powell, who never put himself up for any public election and who never has dealt with fiscal policy, to blather on to the effect that the American people actually want higher taxes and bigger government is for him to show his utter obliviousness about public opinion and about wise management of the public fisc.

I had long been a fan of Colin Powell even while disagreeing with him on social issues. And I have publicly credited him even after the Plame case for something few others have recognized him for, namely his superb diplomacy that brought Pakistan in (originally) as a real ally during the major part of the war in Afghanistan even while not losing at all the U.S.'s growing alliance with India (Pakistan's frequent enemy). So I am willing to acknowledge his contibutions to this nation. But his actions during the Plame imbroglio were those of a cretin. And he has offered nothing positive since then, only criticisms of the sort given by a man settling personal scores. For those reasons, he should stop pushing his mug into public settings. Instead, he should find a nice shady rock, with plenty of crawl space, to use as shelter.

View all comments (75) | Leave a comment

Oldefarte| 5.24.09 @ 2:19PM

I wholeheartedly agree. As I've previously said, Powell obtained his present fame [and fortune] due to the kindness of Reagan, and the Bushes. How does he repay them---by endorsing Barack Obama. WHY----we all know the answer to that question!!!!!!!!!!!!

gunsmoke| 5.24.09 @ 2:43PM

Very well considered and very well stated. Colin Powell has NEVER been a CONSERVATIVE and only registered as a Republican for the opportunity to put Mr. Secretary in front of his name. He has never been anything more than an affirmative action General and an affirmative action Cabinet member. Another night terror for those dreaming of a post racial America!

Ralph Woods| 5.24.09 @ 3:21PM

I agree that Colin Powell should not be speaking for the Republican Party. He needs to move on over to the Democrats and get at the end of the line with Arlen Spector and start working his way up the ladder in that party.

Angel| 5.24.09 @ 3:39PM

The enemy within. Ungrateful Powell savages the party that gave him everything. A typical liberal only out for himself--just like Specter.

Ran| 5.24.09 @ 3:40PM

"He has never been anything more than an affirmative action General and an affirmative action Cabinet member. Another night terror for those dreaming of a post racial America!" What bull-shit.

Powell was and is a liberal. Nothing to do with "affirmative" anything. His advancement had been about diluting conservative influence in the GOP. That he holds some conservative views is a miracle.

Admr. Beans N. Franks| 5.24.09 @ 3:44PM

I have absolutely nothing positive to say about General Powell. During his later years as a civilian, he has applied the seamier side of his military education--the political side--to his craft. In essence, he is most willing to blame other people for his shortcomings (think UN presentation) while gathering the likes of Armitage and Wilkinson as his hatchet men, his personal ambassadors, and rear-end kissers.

Where was Colin when the Plame matter came to a head? If anything, Colin is an accomplice for Armitage who actually should be the one serving prison time? Where was Colin after he made a grandstanding gesture that he wasn't going to automatically "take the CIA's word for it on WMDs" only to blame the CIA for tricking him? Where was Colin on his very public announcement in support for Obama now to say he is a moral authority on everything Republican?

ruth| 5.24.09 @ 4:18PM

Powell's treachery doesn't really surprise me. I remember looking at Mrs. Powell during ceremonies in the nineties honoring her husband and I was always struck by the sour expression on her face. It was obvious that she was not a happy camper. Frankly, I believe that the General and Mrs. Powell thought they were slumming it in the Republican party: We were just a means to an end. His despicable behavior confirms my belief.

KansasGirl| 5.24.09 @ 4:28PM

Powell doesn't want to miss those cocktail parties in the beltway. Total charlatan.

Mary| 5.24.09 @ 4:34PM

Read this.

If Reagan could do this, why can’t others? It’s folly to think the spoken and written word are not important. It isn’t a matter of finding a glib, decent looking candidate (see present predicament).

It’s a matter of really thinking through your principles. Respectfully decline the free advice of retired generals who are wrong. They may be able to lay claim to our gratitude, but not allegiance to their ideas. Reagan preceded General Powell, he didn‘t follow him. When Powell came into his own in his military career, the Democrats wanted nothing to do with a man like him. His only way to the top was by means of Republican ladder. That isn’t something to hold against him, but it should be remembered when Powell seeks to tell people what makes a Republican legitimate and worthy of the name. His ideas are pre-Reagan, and will get pre-Reagan results.

National Security is not an area Republicans have to re-tread. And defense of what has been accomplished, to date, can be left in the capable hands of former VP Cheney. Whoever becomes President, he (or she) will still have his chance to review our predicament and do what he thinks is necessary to keep us safe. The truth is that’s probably not going to be much different than what GW decided upon. So, in that sense much of the work has already been completed for anyone who wants to become President.

I think whoever takes a page from Reagan has to move in a direction Republicans don’t seem all that adept at, and that’s domestic policy. In other words, the fight for liberty that inspired Reagan on the international front will have to become the fight for liberty on the domestic front. That’s a tall order: in a recent survey (didn’t bookmark) on American attitudes towards status and wealth a decent sized percentage of people said that they would prefer to make less money if they knew their neighbor was making even less than they were. The questions posed used actual numbers. As best as I can recall: Would you rather make $75K a year if your neighbor made $100K or $50K if your neighbor made $40K?

This is much different, I think than what de Tocqueville chronicled in DIA regarding how ineradicable man’s desire for well-being and comfort is. We’ve never really had a peasant class like my own in the U.S. In my class, envy is palpable. In the East the peasants used to curse each other‘s Christ.

Cheney, at his age, is doing all of the heavy lifting. Can you believe that? And any Republicans who think he's a problem can't really understand politics.

It seems like Chairman Steele is beginning to find his voice, and I do wish him well. I may not be a registered Republican, but I’ve voted for my share of Republican candidates, and really don’t want to see the party whither away.

If anyone asked my opinion on what I thought Republicans should do, I would just say stop fiddling while we burn.

dagny taggart| 5.24.09 @ 4:39PM

On principle, Powell is a zero. He stands for a constituency of one: himself.
If Republicans want a "big tent" they just need to stick to the constitution and promoting the free market. On social issues, liberals and conservatives can peaceably coexist by virtue of that brilliant concept of federalism as defined by the 9th & 10 th amendments. We really don't have to have 50 Vermonts or 50 South Dakotas.
Furthermore, here's just a bit of advice to Republicans asked whether they want to be more like Rush or more like Powell; don't fall into the trap of conflating the mainstream media image with policy and principles. Of course, to Jane or Joe public, Powell is considered cool and Rush is considered crass. Skirt the superficial premise of the question and go straight to the substance- who really espouses conservative principles.
Maybe Lynn Chaney should answer Powell.

B. Johnson| 5.24.09 @ 4:53PM

Usurper-in-Chief Obama, a Constitution "expert," evidently knows little about the Constitution that he has sworn to protect and defend (at least three times), particularly where state sovereignty is concerned. Given Powell's misguided support for the Usurper, I must surmise that Powell likewise knows little about the Constitution that he has likewise sworn to protect and defend.

Dagny Taggart| 5.24.09 @ 5:12PM

It's disgusting the Powell actually said we should "share the wealth" just like Jack Kemp advocated on his recent "Fake the Nation" interview.

Whaaaat?????

This is truly reprehensible collectivist drivel. The only proven way to "share the wealth" is to "grow the pie" by unleashing the power of capitalism. That's what Jack Kemp stood for.

Powell you are an ORWELLIAN nightmare.

Michael Steele get some spine and send Generalissimo Powell his formal dishonorable discharge from the Republican Party before he says that Reagan believed in redistributing the wealth.

beboper| 5.24.09 @ 5:37PM

Racially, Powell is obviously a mix of white and black. But having any black lineal heritage confers a person with racial ID moral authority that is wielded like a club against a majority America conditioned and riven with white guilt. And he has not spared the rod.

This is why a mediocre, unprincipled, unscrupulous and disloyal quasi-personality like Powell can give his benefactors the back of his hand while condescending to lecture them on their shortcomings.

Beneath a rock isn't low enough for this insect.

Becky| 5.24.09 @ 5:43PM

The best way to destroy any organization is to do so from the inside. Ask the Greenpeace founder. Maybe conservatives really would be better off starting another party and quit beating a dead horse.

J. Kelley| 5.24.09 @ 6:41PM

If Powel claims to be a Republican, then find a canidate with his views, and back him. But do not tell other Republicans to shut up. McCain seemed to be a good fit for his views, yet he indorsed Obama. Seems to be more of a Democrat to me, they always want anyone who does not agree to shut up. Notice I did not tell Powel to shut up and go away.

Conservative One| 5.24.09 @ 6:50PM

You're better than I, J. Kelley--I am telling Powell to shut up and go away, and take his sourpuss wife with him.

redrockraven| 5.24.09 @ 8:29PM

The best thing that the Republican Party could do to regain credibility with the general public would be to put Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh into a burlap bag and throw them into the nearest river.

No, better yet, waterboard them, and see what they say. After all, waterboarding is not torture.

Daisy| 5.24.09 @ 8:57PM

Democrats already like Powell (especially now!), and I don't think most of us would've begrudged him admitting he was a Democrat--so what motivates him to keep attacking Conservatives? I'm confused.

Smitty| 5.24.09 @ 9:01PM

How about we just waterboard you, redrock? Maybe you would say something worthwhile for the first time in your life. Moron.

Tony| 5.24.09 @ 9:22PM

I now know why we'll never win an election, at least for the next 2 decades.
Why be so intolerant.

sunklhammer| 5.24.09 @ 9:23PM

Two of the biggest people who give the Republican party any credibility by standing up for those Reagan-conservative principles ARE Cheney and Rush.

If the dems wanted to have any claim on "credibility", they would have vetted the kenyan, and pronounced him ineligible to hold any elected office in America.

It's pukes like redrockraven (which is a scavenger and carrion-eating bird) who continually post crap that keeps the reputation of low-minded, mealy-mouthed dems where it is.

BTW, rrr...if waterboarding is torture, why do we subject so many of our troops in training to the technique? That's it...scratch your empty head, stutter and stammer as you try to find the words to answer with.

Admr. Frank N. Beans| 5.24.09 @ 9:40PM

Daisy is right. The democrats and media (but I repeat myself) have an affinity Powell, Crist, Arnold, Ridge (and weak-kneed supposed republicans) because they would like to make the GOP in their image.

Richard Baker| 5.24.09 @ 10:10PM

Powell was a political General. His 4-stars didn't come from his outstanding leadership as a troop commander/combat leader but from his ability to play the political game to move ahead. Read his book and notice who his mentors and rabbis were. His unscrupulous activities since retirement give cynicism a bad name. He has the DC flu BAD.

The Masked Defender| 5.24.09 @ 10:22PM

The rape case reference is spastically inapt and a bit disgraceful.

Libby's perjury, if he did lie to prosecutors, has nothing to do with Armitage or Powell. Fitzgerald did exactly right. Had Libby remained silent or told the truth, the whole thing would have ended. I gather there is the chance Libby did not commit perjury and somehow the 3 journalists did; which is quite possible.

TMD

Daphne O.| 5.24.09 @ 10:30PM

Tony, you're joking, right? Who's intolerant? Colin Powell is the one launching repeated attacks against the Republicans--are we not even supposed to defend ourselves? Either you're a RINO in love with assuming the position or you're just a typical libtroll. Regardless, you're useless.

paultex| 5.24.09 @ 10:33PM

Amen Quinn!

frank w| 5.24.09 @ 11:12PM

I lost the last vestige of respect I had for Mr Powell when I learned of his unforgivable behavior during the Valerie Plame incident. His cowardly silence when he could have brought out the truth and ended the investigation showed what a little man he really is.

dagny taggart| 5.24.09 @ 11:29PM

Powell is one of two things:

1. A useful idiot used by the DNC
OR
2. A willing accomplice of the DNC engaged in subterfuge.

I think the latter.

In either case, the objective is the destruction of the Republican Party and the permanent one party state.

Rove, Limbaugh and other conservatives must call out Powell's bluff at every turn. They must constantly demand to know HIS specific policy positions especially on domestic issues. They must continue to ask him when will he support a Republican running for office. And will he be willing to support a conservative Republican as conservatives have supported moderates like McCain. Will he criticize Obama on anything? Will he sit down with a hard hitting conservative and answer these questions?

Purge Powell. A party means nothing if it stands for nothing!!!

Conservative One| 5.24.09 @ 11:43PM

Right on, dagny. Can you imagine what the democrats would do to Powell if he pulled this garbage on them? Purge Powell!!

Angel| 5.24.09 @ 11:55PM

Geeez, Masked Defender-- Armitage WAS the source of the Plame leak; Powell knew it, didn't say a thing and watched as Libby unfairly took the hit. The rape reference is totally apt!!

Murphy| 5.25.09 @ 3:18AM

Hillyer is calling General Powell a "cretin"?

Powell is a war hero. He's credited by my old unit in the Army with putting the military back together virtually single handed after the disaster of Viet Nam.

General Powell has more guts, more intelligence, and more integrity than you'll ever have, Hillyer. You should have a little respect.

Political infighting just isn't worth this squalid, toxic rhetoric. Listening to idiots trash a man like Powell is just horribly depressing.

Christopher Holland| 5.25.09 @ 6:49AM

Powell is a gutless bastard and always has been. He conducted the first investigation into the My Lai massacre and did not find anything. There were obvious indications of a war crime - no casualties among the unit involved, a lot of dead civilians, including women and children and very few weapons found. Powell found nothing and managed to side step that cesspool without a stain on his character. He has always been the same - the guy who wants to get along and not have any trouble. He never had any guts and any convictions, other than being on the winning side. Republicans should have kicked his butt into the street a long time ago. Let the Democrats have him - they deserve a gutless loser like Powell.

Mary| 5.25.09 @ 8:15AM

Another take on the subject of Mr. Hillyer's post.

O/T but this should be shared .

I've always liked the word nihilism. I'm not sure why. It's probably just because it seems so wonderfully onomatopoeic to me.

I think, as originally used, it was intended to imply a disavowal or rejection of the legitimacy and power of holding something sacred and inviolable.

This Cathedral Of Suffering, and the defense of it that these good people are advancing, is something to be proud of and imitated across the Country.

Even Rush, though it was a long time ago, said that a capitalism unmoored from morality would not stand. Powell doesn't even begin to know who Rush really is.

It's really too bad that public opinion holds that the Democrats own the conservation/preservation issue.

Alice Moore| 5.25.09 @ 9:31AM

It's my impression that Powell is more of the very model of the modern Major General. I think he was a Republican only because the GOP gave his ticket punches at crucial times.

Many people see him and have seen him as all but a Democrat for a long time . In 1996 when asked to run for President as a Republican, he cited having to appeal to the conservative base as a problem.

Now it is 2009, Powell has his bankroll and a past prestigious appointment as Sec'y of State. He has always been closer to being a Democrat than Republican. He should make it a formal declaration.

Oldefarte| 5.25.09 @ 10:21AM

Murphy, you're a complete and idiotic FOOL[He's credited by my old unit in the Army with putting the military back together virtually single handed after the disaster of Viet Nam]. Powell DID NOT put anything back together. If anything, Nixon, Reagan, and the Bushes rebuilt the military after Vietnam, despite the detrimental effects of Carter's and Clinton's policies [downsizing our military in order to redirect federal money to social programs----just as Obama is doing presently]. The only thing Powell did was kiss the backsides of presidents [while serving as presidential laisons] and use his average intelligence [and African-Americaness] to advance his military career. As to his political expertise, name me one Republican candidate who has ever had Powell out campaigning for him[I can name you one Democrat, and his name is Obama and he's African-American also]? Due to his arrogance over being shoved aside by Bush and Rice while heading State, he's now got a hard-on for the Republican Party. Additionally, your statement concerning him being a "war hero" is ludicrous and absurd--------what has he ever done in the military other than wear the uniform [or does that qualify in your partisan mind?] Most Republicans don't give a rat's ars what Powell does or doesn't do-----he's finished as a Republican, so he might as well go join his BROS over in the other party!!!!!

Murphy| 5.25.09 @ 11:26AM

Fart -

Your barely disguised wink and nod racism is pathetic and contemptible. Powell is one of the most beloved military leaders for people who actually served their country in uniform (many of whom are black, for your information).

At the 101st, he was revered like no other general I can think of. Reagan was just another cheesey, smarmy politician, as was Bush. (Then again, to soldiers -- at least in the infantry - all politicians are nothing but smarmy politicians.)

In short, I think you don't know what the hell you're talking about.

Murphy| 5.25.09 @ 1:11PM

What, I wonder, was Reagan thinking when he made Powell chairman of the joint chiefs?

What about W? Why make Powell Secretary of State?

And Nixon? That fellowship?

Republican presidents -- by Hillyer's logic -- are credulous apes and -- I can only assume -- suckers for white guilt.

Basil Plumley| 5.25.09 @ 1:27PM

Hey Murphy, you are a liar.

My guess is if you really were a soldier you were probably a "winter soldier" or one of these Jesse MacBeth types telling every one their eyewitness accounts of atrocities commited by US troops while never actually being in the military.

Heck, I just read about some guy in CO who claimed to be at the Pentagon at 9/11 and served in Iraq who is against the war. Only problem, he is an escapee fron a mental institution. Are you THAT guy?
(I understand he has a girlfriend who blogs from Iraq.)

What gets me about Powell is not what he says (which is full of crap) but what he doesn't say. Where is there any mention/complaint by Powell of the defense program cuts by this administration?
Cutting the F-22 and a few other defense programs could bite us in the butt in the future. Yet, Powell remains silent. That may not bother you but it sure as Hell bothers me.

BTW, I doubt very strongly that Powell had much to do with your unit since he was stationed at the Pentagon or White House during your presumed time in the military.

If I were you Murphy-Tommy Pain-Jeremiah, why don't you do any research before you make up a military record. Powell served at Ft Carson in CO, which never housed the 101st, before going to DC.
Aren't you the least bit sorry that you have to lie to advance your stupidity?

Oldefarte| 5.25.09 @ 1:37PM

Murphy: Your problem is that you are incapable of "thinking"! Imbicilic liberals such as yourself constantly use attack buzzwords such as racism, disenfranchisement, gentrification,etc, when your lack of mental ability prevents your fully describing your leftist arguments [stupidity]. The truth is that many of your described blacks who served in the military do so out of economic/financial necessity [since their incapable of securing a private sector job because of intellectual/educational inabilities]. Your "revered" Powell was one who was promoted [yes, affirmative action assisted him since he SPEAKES ENGLISH fairly well] in the military due to his average intelligence and his race, not because he was the second coming of Eisenhower or Mac Arthur, fool. Why don't you reflect on the fact that Powell advised Bush I against following Sadaam's army back into Iraq after same had invaded Kuwait, much to the disagreement of our army's commanding officer, Schwartzkolf; and that years later, this country/Bush II was forced to go back into Iraq and clean up Powell's mistake, getting rid of Hussein [in between these two events, Sadaam brutally chemically destroyed thousands of of his own/Iraq's citizens]. Maybe you should request that your "revered" Powell apologize to Iraq and its citizens [and to grieving families of our soldiers that have died in the Iraq War because his erroneous First Gulf War advice/orders}????? Murphy, everytime you open your mouth, you put your foot [and other anotomy parts] into it!!!!!

Murphy| 5.25.09 @ 3:11PM

Plumley --

Gen. Powell was attached to the 101st in the early 70s and is remembered in that unit as having repaired much of the damage done to it by years of combat in Vietnam.

The rest of your post doesn't merit much response, nor does Fart's.

ruth| 5.25.09 @ 4:30PM

I don't know about Colin Powell's post Vietnam contributions to the Army, but John McCain was responsible for putting the Navy back together after Vietnam when he was appointed Navy liaison to the US Senate. McCain played a major behind the scenes role in gaining funding for a new supercarrier against the wishes (of course) of Jimmuh Carter. McCain had a great deal of influence at that time and was quite an asset to the Navy. When I think of 'cheesey, smarmy politicians'--I don't think of Reagan; but Carter, Clinton and Obama certainly come to mind. Those three are the walking, talking personification of cheesey, smarmy politicians.

Ran| 5.25.09 @ 4:32PM

"Even Rush, though it was a long time ago, said that a capitalism unmoored from morality would not stand." Mary, good thought. Deserves expansion.

For those who live in on the Upper West Side... Capitalism / Freedom / Democracy (Tocquevillian) / Liberty - whatever it's called, has as it's highest virtue individual responsibility and personal self-restraint. [Our pet fool Jerry/Murph hasn't a clue what that means. He thinks "self-restraint" has something to do with auto-asphyxial masturbation.] The whole point of Liberty is that individuals must govern first themselves and seek no governance of others.

Rush follows the Classical Liberal and presumes moral self-restraint. He's right: Any system unmoored from self restraint would fail. Thing is, statists would replace G-d - the source of morality and justice - for man-made, fluid systems.

Basil old chap...Oh, Murph served all right. Alongside flakes like Jesse Macbeth and Mica Wright and "Bob."

Gen. Powell was attached to the 101st in the early 70s and is remembered in that unit as having repaired much of the damage done to it by years of combat in Vietnam... Isn't it amazing what mediocrity could accomplish with other people's money, other people's talent and CIC Reagan's support?

Mary| 5.25.09 @ 4:38PM

Basil-

The real problem w/Powell is partly what Mr. Hillyer cites, and partly (the greater part, IMO) his incoherence, and complete blindness regarding the Republican party. I mean by that the electorally successful Republican (Reagan's) party.

Powell has gutted everything it stands for. You'd have to completely re-write the Platform. Completely.

I don't know if you saw him on DeFace The Nation? Rush! He is a harmless, loveable fuzzball who just happens to give it to the liberals, good and hard. He returns the volley of their scorn; they can't stand it and he is loved.

I'm not up to speed on the Plame/Powell thing, but I trust Mr. Hillyer's judgment because I've seen him dissect other issues, involving honor, and he seems a fair guy.

Powell and Frum and Brooks and the rest of the hecklers represent a cul-de-sac where conservatism, or maybe more accurately, classical liberalism, will go to be buried.

VP Cheney and his daughter have shown what standing up for your principles and defending yourself can do. Cheney is not that popular, but people listen to him because he's knowledgeable and trustworthy. And his loyalty to Rush is much appreciated. Cheney exemplifies what Rush said his mother taught him: "never turn your back on someone who has helped you."

Lastly, Cheney is sharp. “I didn’t know Colin Powell was still a Republican,” he said, without a hint of rancor, but instead evocative of time spent together, dreaded and dreadful decisions shared and taken, smallness enlivened and loyalty abandoned. VP Cheney didn’t wish anyone out of the party. He didn’t instruct anyone not to listen to Powell.

I don’t know about you Basil, but I swallowed the bitter pill of voting for McCain. And I didn’t have to because I live in a State where the Governor was talking about nationalizing the utilities just before Clinton took office. Needless to say, it wasn’t going to go in McCain’s column.

Whatever our problems, the likelihood that Powell, Frum, Brooks and the Maverick’s daughter will get us to the promised land is none.

I don't know if you're familiar with the 18th C artist James Gillray. If not, here's a pretty good place to start.

Murphy| 5.25.09 @ 4:41PM

Ran --

You are an idiot.

Mary| 5.25.09 @ 4:46PM

Ran, not that you're going to, but pay no heed to Jeremiah.

Basil Plumley| 5.25.09 @ 4:58PM

Murphy et al.

You said-At the 101st, he was revered like no other general I can think of. Reagan was just another cheesey, smarmy politician, as was Bush. (Then again, to soldiers -- at least in the infantry - all politicians are nothing but smarmy politicians.)

There are many problems with that statement-
1) Powell was not a General when he led a Brigade of the 101st in the mid-1970's. He was at best a Lt Col. Powell did not become a General until 1979, after he left the Brigade.

2) in the early 1970's Powell was no where near KY and the 101st.

2) He was then sent to Ft Carson where he has problems with his superior. His superior cited Powell for poor leadership.

3) Since you allegedly were in the 101st during Reagan's tenure, I doubt many folk were still around when Powell was commanding his Brigade.

Like I said earlier, if you are going to persist in your pathological lies, do some research; especially if you are going to lie prostrate at the altar of Colin Powell.

Murphy et al., I doubt you will give us any further "information" about your illustrious military career. I, for one, will take it as a form of "don't ask, don't tell".

Mary| 5.25.09 @ 4:58PM

Our pet fool Jerry/Murph hasn't a clue what that means. He thinks "self-restraint" has something to do with auto-asphyxial masturbation.]

Keep it up, Ran. He's likely to snap again, like a brittle twig, and then high tail it out of here yelling some new obscenity or other, and then seconds later reappearing.

Pathetic.

I was going to acutally write what I think his next exit phrase will be, but I remembered that I'm a lady.

About 10 years ago, I let an expletive fly in front of my Mother. I'd done that only one other time. Both times she gave me a little smack on the mouth. And the last time, I was in my early 40s. I just grabbed her, gave her a hug and kiss. She looked at me and said: "Brat!"

Mothers: they brought you in; they'll take you out. :)

Murphy| 5.25.09 @ 5:05PM

Plumley --

Powell was a Brig. Gen. at the 101st. I'm not exactly certain of the years -- sometimes between 73 and 78, I should think.

I served in the 90s, and even two decades later Powell was repeatedly cited by name by commissioned and non-commissioned officers as having been a great leader at the 101st.

I'm not interested in whether you believe I served, or where you think I served, or really what you think about anything. You are a rude, nasty, shallow, boring ass.

Murphy| 5.25.09 @ 5:11PM

You people would turn on a man who served his country for decades on the say-so of Rush Limbaugh, a man who has never served his country. As for five-deferment Cheney's opinion on Powell -- good God. Are you people nuts? Do you ever listen to yourselves?

One thing is for damn sure. More men ought to serve in the military. There'd be less celebratory talk about torturing people, and there sure as hell be less nasty attacks on people like John McCain and Colin Powell, neither one of whom deserve what they've gotten from the right wing fringes. McCain is one of the most deserving men to run for president I've seen in my life time. Limbaugh only dislikes him because Limbaugh knows he'll never have the integrity, guts, honor of a man like McCain.

You people might as well go eat some hot-dogs and drink beer and not give any more thought to the military or anything else today. Set off from fireworks, and in the immortal words of Christopher Sly, "let the world slide."

Basil Plumley| 5.25.09 @ 5:11PM

Murphy| 5.25.09 @ 4:41PM
Ran --

You are an idiot.

More lies from you Murphy et al? Right now (and really for quite a while), your reputation for honesty and truthfulness is shot.
Weren't you the same person crying a couple of days ago about all the names others were calling you?

If only you had 1% of Ran's decency and honesty ...... you might be able to argue your way out of a paper bag.

Mary| 5.25.09 @ 5:28PM

Mr. de Palma, Mr. de Palma; are you ready for my closeup?

The snap is coming soon; this is a re-run and here are the Cliff Notes:

Jeremiah: You guys are sooooo stupid, so disloyal, so fascistic (don't you know that means tribal, you pack consanguinous losers!), so racist (You hate n______, don't you? You really hate N______; you bunch of Nazis. I can say it, no one else can, they don't have my moral authority.

I can gain entry to a thread shouting: you little cunt (or something similar). I contain multitudes!

Audience: He's gonna go off, any second now. Last time, I participated. This time I'm watching.

Mary| 5.25.09 @ 5:32PM

That should read pack of consanguinous losers.

Don't you just hate mistakes?

Basil Plumley| 5.25.09 @ 5:34PM

If Powell was a Brig Gen with the 101st, he didn't last long. His command was a brigade and I doubt he was very influential in changing the esprit de corp in the 101st as a whole. He did so as a Lt Col/Colonel.

Of course, if you had bothered to check, Powell was attached to the 101st for 1976-77.
If you had bothered to re-read your posts, you would also realize that your cheap shot at Reagan was made from whole cloth. He wasn't your CIC and was out of politics by the time you presumably joined the military. To even call him a cheesy, swarmy politician while he suffered from Alzheimer's is pretty class(y)(less) of you.

Prusumably, you were in grade school for most of Reagan's presidency. I guess not much has changed.
I may be a lot of things Murphy et al., but at least I am not a liar like you.

I'll hoist a beer or two (maybe 3) to commemorate the great men and women who sacrificed their lives and honor to keep us all safe.

When I am relieving myself later on, I will be thinking of you Murphy et al.

Mary| 5.25.09 @ 5:47PM

Mr. Hillyer,

I'm sorry for dropping the C-bomb on your thread. You don't need my permission, obviously, but please feel free to delete the comment if you see fit.

I'm just so tired of people like Jeremiah running rough-shod over decent people whom he would never treat in person in the fatuous and cheap way he does online.

That's one of the problems with the internet, though I love it, is that it brings the worst out in people, including myself.

Again, I apologize.

Mary| 5.25.09 @ 5:53PM

Last post, I promise.

The part that's okay should rightfully read:

Mr. de Palma, Mr. de Palma, are you ready for my close-up? These Streets of yours are so very, very Mean.

ruth| 5.25.09 @ 6:01PM

Murph/Jeremiah/Tom Paine, put up or shut up, troll. I am tired of you throwing ugly verbal bombs at us and then skittering away to avoid confrontation. On the AmSpec Blog entry--dated 5/22 @ 1:26 PM Nancy Pelosi Should Step Down, you stated on 5/23 @ 2:17 AM, "The true traitors to the country are those who betrayed its highest values in a time of crisis--the trembling poltroons who endorsed foul and contemptible treatment of incarcerated people. The next story to come out--believe it--is going to be what happened to children while in the custody of American soldiers and CIA agents. When that breaks, and Republicans know this, there will be no soft-peddling these issues." 12:36 PM "Years from now we are going to be living with the awful consequences of these policies as the agents and soldiers who carried them out return to our society scarred and traumatized by having committed these atrocities." 8:10 PM "There are several accusations that an agent and American soldiers participated in the rape and sexual humiliation of children--boys and girls. I've provided a link with photos documenting sexual exploitation of girls by soldiers." As I asked you before, Jeremiah the Patriot, prove your ugly accusations; it's the least you can do. Your vague attempts weren't enough.

Murphy| 5.25.09 @ 6:02PM

Plumley,
I never said I served under Reagan. I only said that soldiers thought of him as another politician, pretty much the same as the rest. In the Army, at least when I was in, soldiers didn't go in much for politics. Maybe it's different now.

Mary --

Easy, girl. You sound like you're going around the bend.

Basil Plumley| 5.25.09 @ 6:30PM

@ Murphy et al.

Obviously, you never read Article 88 of the UCMJ. You can get punished for your stupidity. It's called insubordination. It still applies today.

Murphy| 5.25.09 @ 7:10PM

Plumley --

Write me up, sir. I can take it.

Murphy| 5.25.09 @ 7:22PM

Hillyer calls Powell a "cretin," which I find interesting as well as obnoxious.

We get the epithet "cretin" from a time when the people of Crete were believed to be an inferior race. They were said to be barbarous savages, without culture, stupid, sensuous, weak -- etc.

It kind of sounds like how people Mr Hillyer has fought to keep out of his party talk about black people.

I can understand Hillyer being angry at Powell. If Gen. Clarke had endorsed Sarah Palin for president I'd be angry at him.

But the hatred and scorn you people direct at Powell is really unwarranted and smacks of something else altogether.

Mary| 5.25.09 @ 7:37PM

I changed my mind, boys and girls. Hope that's okay. And no going around the bend for me as I'm using my own name, following an apology, I might add.

You know, if I hadn't dropped the C-bomb, it would have been a great rant because I was using Jeremiah's own statements (including the C-Bomb).

Now on to, truly, my last post:

Money Quote:

"Now it's easy to feel some sympathy for Powell. He was clearly marginalised during the Bush administration, lost the big arguments and yet was the man who will be remembered ever more for his UN presentation in which he pressed the case for war with Iraq based on evidence that has since crumbled.

Vice President Cheney was perhaps unnecessarily cutting when he said that he assumed Powell had already left the party. Being goaded by Rush Limbaugh about having voted for Obama "solely based on race" must be very difficult to take.

But thinking that you can vote for the Democratic presidential candidate - and one assumes that Powell still supports Obama and will vote for him in 2012 - and remain a senior figure in the Republican party is trying to have your cake and eat it.

In Britain, such an act by a Member of Parliament would lead to the party Whip being withdrawn - effectively casting an MP out of the party.

There is apparently no similar formal mechanism here in the US but Cheney was not being unreasonable in assuming that by publicly and forcefully endorsing a Democratic candidate Powell was voluntarily stepping out of the GOP."

ruth| 5.25.09 @ 8:40PM

Our hatred and scorn? Obviously, you can't take it you scurvy dog, Jeremiah/Murph/Sybil. You've called our CIA agents and soldiers child rapists, torturers; that they were guilty of child sexual-exploitation and atrocities. You've implied these acts were systematic not isolated, in short, you've called our military and CIA war criminals--and you have the nerve to bleat about the political correctness of calling Powell a cretin? I seriously question your sanity, Jeremiah--you're sick. Man up to your accusations--prove them or beg our forgiveness for exposing us to your ugly slander.

Basil Plumley| 5.25.09 @ 9:34PM

Hey Murphy et al.

You would never survive an Article 131 of the UCMJ. With all the lying you do, you would be a lifer at Leavenworth. You would/should be sharing a cell with your buddy Interloper.

Basil Plumley| 5.25.09 @ 9:56PM

@ Murphey et al.

You said-We get the epithet "cretin" from a time when the people of Crete were believed to be an inferior race. They were said to be barbarous savages, without culture, stupid, sensuous, weak -- etc.

What are you ...... the Cliff Clavin of this board? Do you make this up as you go along?

A quick search of the dictionary defines the word as congenital loser; an obnoxious person; someone who can't do anything right.

The word originated in France in the 1770's and had nothing to do with Crete or people from Crete.

Here are some other words similar to cretin:
ass
idiot
imbecile
jackass
mooncalf
moron
nincompoop
ninny
nitwit
simple
simpleton
softhead

Come to think of it Murphy et al., those words adequately describe one person; you.
If you would send the dictionary folks your picture they can put it next to the word 'cretin' as a perfect definition.

Basil Plumley| 5.25.09 @ 9:58PM

Those words also adequately describe one
General Colin Luther Powell.

ruth| 5.25.09 @ 10:42PM

Murphy/Jeremiah; a real veteran, as you claim to be, would have answered me by now. I honestly don't believe you've served in our armed forces. You're too much of a skunk. You've been stood down by a woman, liberal troll--but it's not the gender of a person that matters, it's their character, their integrity; and you have neither.

ruthie| 5.25.09 @ 11:33PM

Basil, you're crazy and you always make me laugh. Thanks, it takes the sting out of the hate in Murphy/Jeremiah's cruel words. Have a great week. :)

Judith| 5.25.09 @ 11:33PM

Gosh, reading this blog and its comments has been a real education and funnier than I deserve. Colin Powell, in my humble opinion, is a black man who made good by affirmative action, good friends in high places, some hard work, and aligning himself with the powers that be. BUT, when the party called and said they really needed him he was absent. Now, be a RINO or whatever else you need to be, but don't try to lead when you are totally out of cinc with the leadership. You are making yourself into one of the biggest hypocrites in politics. "Its ok Colin, we really can do it ourselves".

ruth| 5.25.09 @ 11:38PM

Cretins were sensuous? Sensuous savages? Wow! Who knew?

Mark| 5.29.09 @ 4:34AM

I stumbled on this while looking for some recent information on Richard Armitage, who just gave a teriffic speech in Singapore. Reading it makes me all the more certain that we are in for a long reign of Democratic government in America. Your party and its lofty principales have been utterly abandoned if the above drivel is representative of thinking in the GOP. You are great at attack and attack only; you have competely lost your ability to build and inspire.